Singer Promise 1409 Review (2023 update)

Editor’s note: This review was originally written in 2012. We have refined and reviewed this post again in 2023 and added alternatives to the Singer 1409, including the Singer Promise 1412, Singer 7258, and the Singer Heavy Duty Machines, which are all good basic sewing machines.

Overview of the Singer Promise 1409

I came away with mixed feelings after reviewing the Singer Promise 1409. It is a basic sewing machine that I first thought would be good for beginners. However, I came away with a slightly different opinion about this basic sewing machine. The Singer Promise 1409 looks like any other basic sewing machine. It has two easy to manipulate dials on front of the head that are clearly marked to help the user select one of the nine on board stitches and to adjust the stitch length and width. The reverse button and threading guide are clearly marked as well, indicating that this would be a very easy machine to thread and operate.

Singer Promise 1409 Features

The Singer Promise 1409 has all of the features that one would expect from a basic sewing machine:

• 9 stitch options
  • 6 utility stitches
  • 2 decorative stitches
  • 1 four step buttonhole
• Twin needle capacity
• Free arm
• Adjustable stitch width and length
• Oversized reverse stitch button
• Manual tension adjustment
• Front loaded bobbin
• Extra high presser foot lifter
• On board thread cutter
• On board accessories case

Working on the Singer Promise 1409

Winding the bobbin of the Singer Promise 1409 was as easy and unencumbered as depicted in the owner’s manual and the on-board guide. Once the bobbin was loaded, however, it was necessary to remove the accessories case in order to gain access to the bobbin case.
In my opinion, this is a rather poor design feature since you have to take the accessories case off each time you rewind the bobbin or change thread colors. Threading the machine proved to be a little more daunting than winding the bobbin, however. I can’t be certain if it was the machine’s design or the particular machine I was working with, but the take up bar at the final thread guide did not clear the top of the machine.
I used a seam ripper to guide the tread through the loop before taking it down to the needle. There is no automatic needle threader, but that’s not a real drawback. Not all automatic needle threaders work as flawlessly as they should. Setting the dial to select stitches was a bit surprising. The dial does not engage as easily as one might think. At first, I wasn’t certain if I had a defective machine.

Then I realized that to get the proper stitch selection, it is necessary to turn the dial until it clicks into place. Without that actual ‘click’, the machine is not fully engaged and the only thing you will get is a straight stitch.
The Singer Promise 1409 is a bit noisy and slower than I prefer. The top speed is 750 stitches per minute. The noise makes it difficult to sew on this machine while listening to the radio or watching television without having to turn the volume up in order to hear what is being said.

Make sure you have the remote close by because when you take your foot off the pedal, you will need to turn it down immediately.

The stitch quality is acceptable, but even after following the tension guide in the owner’s manual the stitches were not what I would call well defined. Regardless of the tension setting, straight and utility stitches appear to look more like a thread line without any clear stitch separation. The stitches are strong and tight enough, but in my opinion, actual stitch definition leaves something to be desired.
Although the Singer Promise 1409 promotional material indicates that it has adjustable stitch width features, it is not as easy to maneuver as one would expect. The dials on front of the machine are used to not only make stitch selection, but to set the stitch length and width as well. It took a little bit of trial and error to actually achieve the desired stitch consistency.

There are only two decorative stitches, but anyone using this or any other sewing machine will need to use stitches that show on the outside of a garment. If you like for your finished products to look as if they were made by a professional, you may want to look at a different machine for topstitching, inserting non-invisible zippers, and other stitchwork that is not concealed.

Singer Promise 1412-An updated version of the 1409

Fabrics fit for Singer Promise

Fabrics you can sew

• Natural Fibers
• Fine fabrics / Silk Satin Taffeta
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics
• Canvas / Twill
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Fabrics you cannot sew

• Upholstery
• Leather
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Plastic / Rubber

Singer Promise 1409 Accessories

The standard accessories that come with the Singer Promise 1409 include:

• 4 snap on presser feet
  • Standard/all purpose
  • Buttonhole
  • Button
  • Zipper
• 4 bobbins
• Extra needles
• Quilt guide
• Darning plate
• Lint brush/seam ripper
• Oil dispenser
• Screw driver

Maintenance

Maintenance activities	After each use	Monthly	Annually	As needed
Clean race hook and feed dogs	Yes	No	No	No
Wipe head with soft dry cloth	No	No	No	Yes
Wipe head with soft damp cloth	No	No	No	Yes
Lubricate	No	No	No	Yes
Service by sewing machine repair professional	No	No	Yes	No

Alternatives to the Singer Promise series

Read our detailed comparison of the Singer Heavy Duty sewing machines here

Summary: Singer Promise 1409

Working with the Singer Promise 1409 brings to mind the old adage: “you get what you pay for’ but as this is a product that is not mass manufactured anymore, it isn’t even worth the price. I recommend better alternatives, such as the Start of the HD 4452.

I would not recommend using this sewing machine for making clothes or accessories. Because of the clumsy threading process and the fact that you cannot load the bobbin without first removing the accessory case, I don’t recommend it for use by beginners either. In all honesty, I think if you are in the market for a sewing machine that costs more than $200, you might want to do a bit more shopping around.
The Singer Promise 1409 is easy to take care of and easy to transport. The fact that it does not come with a dust cover of any type is a red flag. If you purchase this one, you will have to either purchase or make a cover to protect it from dust, even if you only use it sporadically. Even if it’s in a closet, it needs to be protected.
It is noisy. Lots and lots of sewing machines, especially machines this small and lightweight, are much quieter than this one. No doubt, some people may suggest that the metal construction is a contributing factor, but that is no excuse for something this small being so loud.

The Singer Promise 1409 is too complicated and too noisy for steady or continuous use. The stitch quality is inferior. Although the stitches are strong, they are ill defined and the process for setting stitch width is clumsy. Sewers at all skill levels run the risk of being easily frustrated with this machine because of the cumbersome threading and bobbin insertion processes.
To sum it all up, the Singer Promise 1409 is a viable option for intermittent mending jobs only.

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If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.

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Happy Stitching.

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