White Speedylock Model 1600 Review (2023 Update)

Note from the Editor: This White Speedylock Model 1600 Review was originally written in 2014, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Brother 1034D, SINGER | Heavy Duty Serger Overlock Machine, and American Home AH100.

Rumors have been floating about that White sewing machines and sergers were no longer being made for decades. For a while they were being produced by the Singer Sewing Machine Company.

However, after Singer became part of SVP – Singer/Viking/Pfaff, the White brand has seemed to disappear for good. For several years now, I have been reading about White sewing machines and sergers, but had not been able to get my hands on one made after the 1960s.

It wasn’t until a stroll through the used machine department of Factory Sew-Vac in Lake Worth, Florida, that I came across a White Speedylock Model 1600 serger that I had an opportunity to review a White machine that was made after the 1980s. According to the information I found on the web, the White Speedylock Model 1600 was made sometime between 2003 and 2007.

White Speedylock Model 1600 Overview

The White Speedylock Model 1600 looks pretty much like all the other sergers manufactured at the time with one glaring exception. There is a huge dial on the left side of the machine that controls the differential feed.

The markings on the dial clearly shows how easy it is to select the settings for stitch narrowing and widening or to handle sewing curves of any size or angle and to make fancy edges for tops, dresses and skirts.

When you open the looper door, you will see an uncomplicated, easy to follow threading path that is in my opinion, designed to help make the beginner very comfortable with the whole process of working with a serger.

I was disappointed, however, to discover that there is no on board storage for frequently used accessories like tweezers, a needle threader or extra needles… the things you need to have at your fingertips when working on any serger. The accessories, however, are all stowed in a convenient case that holds everything you will need very neatly.

What are some alternatives for the White Speedylock Model 1600?

We have reviewed several sergers similar to the White Speedylock Model 1600 and here are some that we highly recommend.

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What are the features on White Speedylock Model 1600?

• Color-coded threading system
• Free arm
• Safety switch
• Differential feed
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Adjustable stitch from 1 to 5mm
• Built-in needle cushion
• Built in carrying handle

Working on the White Speedylock Model 1600

Threading the White Speedylock Model 1600 and getting it ready to go to work was easy. Unlike many other sergers made around the same time, the easy to follow thread guide inside the looper coupled with the lay in tension system make threading simple enough for someone who has never before seen or worked on a serger to be completely at ease.

I have very little doubt that a child as young as ten years of age would be able to master this task with just a little bit of adult supervision.

The differential feed and stitch length/width adjustment dial on the side is easy to understand and even easier to manipulate. Somehow, even though I’m lefthanded, I think this control would be more efficient if it were placed on the right side instead.

The workspace is not the largest I have ever seen on a serger, but it is large enough so that working on the Speedylock 1600 is not uncomfortable or cramped. The free arm is an added benefit. Lots of sergers don’t have this feature and it is certainly appreciated when working on cuffs, collars and navigating small spaces.

The stitches are well formed and sturdy. While that is definitely important, it is not the only important thing about using a sewing machine or serger.

My problem with this serger is the amount of noise and vibration. It is easy to understand why they put large suction discs on the bottom of the Speedylock 1600. Without them, this thing would surely shake itself right off of any table you put it on.

The noise is nearly unbearable. If you were trying to watch television, talk on the phone or listen to music while working on this serger, you would have to turn the volume level up so high it would probably hurt your ears when you take your foot off the pedal.

Which fabrics work on the White Speedylock Model 1600?

Fabrics that work	Fabrics that don’t work
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only)	Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

What are the accessories that come with White Speedylock Model 1600?

The White Speedylock Model 1600 that I reviewed was used and did not have all of the accessories that were included when the machine was originally purchased.

According to the owner’s manual – which, by the way, was available to me – the original owner received the following items with the purchase of this machine:

• Snap-on presser foot
• Thread nets (4)
• Spool caps (4)
• Allen wrench
• Screwdriver
• Tweezers
• Soft cover
• Oil dispenser
• Extra needles
• Lint brush
• Waste bin
• Owner’s manual
• Instructional video tape

How to maintain the White Speedylock Model 1600?

Maintenance activities	After each use	Monthly	Once each year	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	No
Service by sewing machine repair professional	No	No	Yes	No

White Speedylock Model 1600 Summary

If it were not for the noise and vibration, I would certainly give the White Speedylock Model 1600 a higher rating. However, when a machine makes this much noise and vibrates as much as this one does, you have a clear signal that it is not made well.

Yes. The stitches were great; but remember I reviewed it in a store where it was refurbished before being put on display for sale. I have no doubt whatsoever that the people at the Factory Sew-Vac did an excellent job in bringing this serger back to its original state.

The challenge for me would be how long could I expect it to operate in this pristine state when I know it doesn’t have a lot going for it ‘under the hood’?

The White Speedylock Model 1600 that I reviewed is not the best second hand serger one might purchase. If you decide you want to purchase this one, you should be aware that you will most likely be taking it in for servicing more frequently than a machine with more sturdy construction.

Having said that – I think the Speedylock 1600 is a good machine for youngsters who have already mastered the use of a sewing machine and are ready to move on to serging to learn how to use a serger and what it is capable of doing. The threading process is more than just user friendly. In my opinion, it is one of the easiest to thread sergers I have seen.

This machine could also be a viable choice for someone who wants to have access to a serger, but does not intend to use it frequently. Given the fact that there is so much noise and the high level of vibration, I am compelled to add that I would not recommend the White Speedylock Model 1600 for steady or constant use.

If you are in the market for a serger just to use to teach a young person how to use a serger or if you are looking for a serger to use every once in a while, this might be a good choice.

However, there are lots of other low cost used sergers out there that are better built and capable of rendering many years of dependable service without exposing you to the possibility of hearing loss and vibrating so violently.

It is truly unfortunate that the White Speedylock Model 1600 is so noisy and has such a serious vibration problem. Were it not for these very troubling attributes, I would not hesitate to give it a better rating.

Not everybody wants or needs a top of the line serger. There is definitely a place for the White Speedylock Model 1600. I just don’t believe it is a machine that most people would be happy with.

If you think you can handle those two flaws, go ahead and get one for yourself… that is if you come across one. Since it was introduced about ten years ago, I have no doubt that there are still plenty more White Speedylock Model 1600s out there.

Some are probably still in use in their original homes while others, like the one I reviewed, have been traded in and are available for sale in some of the many new and used sewing machine stores across the nation while others are undoubtedly available for sale via the internet. Regardless of where you find yours, I certainly would not recommend paying more than perhaps $100 or $150.

The stitch quality is good and it is easy to thread, making the White Speedylock Model 1600 a good machine for someone to learn how to use a serger. However, like they say, you get what you pay for. In the case of the Speedylock 1600, you shouldn’t pay a whole lot because you won’t get much in terms of performance.

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