SINGER XL-550 Futura Computerized Sewing & Embroidery Machine Review

SINGER XL-550 Futura Computerized Sewing & Embroidery Machine

Ideal for both beginners and more experienced sewers, the Singer Futura XL-550 is a highly advanced sewing and embroidery machine that will enable you to finish your projects as quickly as possible. Since it’s a multi-function machine, this particular model is especially great for users that want to indulge in both embroidery and regular sewing projects but don’t already own a sewing machine. This is a major advantage to anyone who is on a limited budget since you won’t need to invest in two different machines. Because of its versatility, this particular piece of equipment is ideal for anyone who wants to use it to launch their home-based business.

This particular model can also be destined exclusively for embroidery and make up for its price. Indeed, since it’s a professional-grade machine, the XL-550 is packed with a variety of features designed that will add some extra flair and variety to your embroidery. It boasts of an extra-large embroidery table, which means that you can use it to embroidery bigger embroidery designs without needing to rehoop. It also comes with up to 120 embroidery designs, and the capacity to expand this number thanks to its USB compatibility.

Like every sewing machine, however, the XL-550 does have a few minor drawbacks to its name. For example, a few novice sewers found it difficult to navigate through the digitalized function but this was not a widespread complaint since most customers were able to make the most out of the included instructions booklet.

Our Review:

Embroidery Area: 5/5

The Singer XL-550 is equipped with a much wider-than-average maximum embroidery area that measures 18.5 x 11″ with multi-hoop, which means that you can accomplish this by using both the included hoops of 10 x 6″ and 4 x 4″. With the wider embroidery area, users will be able to embroidery bigger embroidery designs that wouldn’t fit in the standard 4 x 4″. It's big embroidery area is without a doubt this machine’s best feature and what justifies its price. In fact, since maximum embroidery area is the main feature determining an embroidery machine’s price, and the XL-550 comes with one of the biggest you’ll find, one can confidently say that this particular model offers an amazing value for the money.

Ease of Use: 4/5

In spite of its combined sewing and embroidery feature, this particular model is extremely easy to navigate and operate through. It comes with a backlit LCD screen that enables you to switch between the different settings and shuffle through both the sewing and embroidery designs. To make it even easier to use, the machine even includes a USB port, hence allowing you to very easily connect it to any computer, laptop or even tablet. Therefore, you can use the machine to download or purchase as many embroidery patterns as you would like from the internet. It is also possible to use the USB port to download the latest updates, hence ensuring that your apparatus remains as efficient as possible.

Because it also comes with a presser foot sensor, the X-L550 provides you with a comfortable and ergonomic sewing position which makes it far easier for you to find your way around the various features. Sewers will also appreciate the free-arm convertible option which provides you with the optimal angle for harder to reach areas like cuffs, collars, sleeves, pant hems and other smaller expenses of fabrics.

Extra Features: 5/5

Brimming with features, this multi-function machine can be used with much heavier fabrics like denim thanks to the automatic presser foot pressure. Sewers will also be glad to learn that even comes with an automatic twin needle function designed to shorten the sewing time while allowing you to benefit from decorative and far more impressive topstitching. You can even access additional features in the likes of a handy speed control lever that provides you with complete control over the machine. This way, you can quickly switch between slow and faster speeds, which drastically lowers any risk of mishap.

On its sewing mode, sewers will be able to make the most of the machine’s 215 built-in stitch designs and 6 buttonhole styles. It also comes with a free motion foot function, which means that the machine is also great for quilting projects.

On its embroidery mode, the XL-550 includes no less than 125 built-in embroidery designs and 20 alphabet fonts. With the boxed packaging, users will also receive 3 embroidery software programs that will allow them to modify their embroidery designs. Instead of fiddling about with scissors as you try to take off stray threads, you can even use the automatic thread cutter to effortlessly cut both the bobbin and top thread by simply pressing down on a button next to the screen. By the same token, you no longer need to struggle with trying to thread the machine since it is helpfully equipped with an automatic needle-threader which you can activate by pushing down on a lever.

Overall: 5/5

In spite of its higher-than-average price, this machine remains among the most sought-after sewing and embroidery equipment on the market. It is impressive maximum embroidery area makes this model one of the best embroidery machines on the market. The Futura XL-550 by SINGER is a powerful machine made for high-end embroidery and sewing. There are many tutorials for this machine that a beginner could use, but advanced users can make the most out of this machine. The possibilities are endless with the XL-550 as there are many different editing tools for fully a customizable experience. With the digitising program that is included with it, you can even make original designs to be used for embroidering making this machine a powerful appliance.