Mechanical sewing machines dominate the lower end of the price spectrum. If you want the increased features of a computerized sewing machine, you often have to adjust your budget upward. The SINGER Confidence 7363 is a budget computerized machine, and it looks great. But what do you really get for your money? Our SINGER Confidence 7363 review will tell you.
SINGER Confidence 7363: Review and Analysis
SINGER has been “America’s sewing machine company” for over 150 years. Its machines have a reputation for being reliable, reasonably priced, and easy to use. Its current lineup of home sewing machines runs the gamut from entry-level mechanical models to sophisticated, WiFi-enabled, semi-pro, craft-specific designs.
Most of SINGER’s budget machines are mechanical — that is, users adjust thread tension and stitch parameters using dials and sliders. The SINGER Confidence 7363, however, is an entry-level computerized machine.
By entry-level, we mean that it has a user-friendly design and a limited number of options. The SINGER Confidence 7363 sewing machine has 30 built-in stitches. That’s not a lot for a computerized machine. But it’s more than you typically get from a mechanical sewing machine. And the two one-step buttonhole designs are a nice touch, as well.
On the other hand, the SINGER Confidence 7363 is missing a few features that a computerized sewing machine really should have. A speed control slider and adjustable thread tension are pretty basic, yet SINGER has missed them out, here. And the maximum stitching speed of 750 stitches per minute is a bit pokey, though that might not be a deal breaker for you.
LIKES
- A diverse selection of useful stitch designs
- Two one-step buttonhole designs
- Heavy-duty metal frame
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface
- Extra-high presser-foot lift
- Modest package of useful accessories
DISLIKES
- No speed control
- No start/stop button
- Can’t adjust the thread tension
- No hard shell cover
Who is the SINGER Confidence 7363 For?
The SINGER 7363 sewing machine would make a fine first sewing machine. Its interface is self-explanatory, and it doesn’t overwhelm with options. There are also enough different types of stitches — functional, stretch, and decorative — to allow a beginner to grow in their craft.
It would also be a good machine for all-purpose home sewing, mending, and housewares.
The heavy-duty metal frame and extra-high presser-foot lift hint at the capacity for heavier work, like quilting. People starting out in quilting could go far with this machine, but will probably want more quilting-specific features as they progress in their art.
What’s in the box?
Accessories that come with the SINGER 7363, include:
- General purpose presser foot
- Zipper foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Blind hem foot
- Needles
- Bobbins
- Thread spool caps
- Additional spool pin and spool pin felts
- Seam ripper with lint brush
- Screwdriver
- Soft dust cover
Technical Specifications
Are You Considering an Entry-Level computerized Sewing Machine?
If you’re starting out in sewing, or perhaps looking to upgrade from a basic mechanical sewing machine, an entry-level computerized machine might be a good choice for you. But computerized sewing machines come with a variety of features and at a wide range of prices. It pays to know your needs.
What Are Your Sewing Goals?
Entry-level machines are tailor-made, excuse the pun, for the general-purpose sewist. This includes:
- Learners
- Everyday mending and garment making
- Housewares like curtains and placemats
- People exploring different crafts
If this sounds like you, a simple, user-friendly sewing machine like the SINGER Confidence 7363 might fit your needs nicely.
On the other hand, advanced crafters will probably find this type of machine limiting. And if you’re looking for a sewing machine with which to start your new craft business, few entry-level machines will offer the specific features you’ll need, or the durability to stand up to continuous work.
Features to Consider
One of the main advantages of a computerized sewing machine over a mechanical one is features. With a mechanical sewing machine, stitch designs and other parameters are limited to what can fit on a dial. Computerized machines can offer a much wider range of pre-programmed features, designs, and parameters that you can access with the push of a button.
Some of these include:
Stitch Selection
Computerized and computerized sewing machines have the capacity to store hundreds of pre-programmed stitch designs. SINGER’s Quantum Stylist 9980, for example, has 820 built-in stitches.
The SINGER Confidence 7363 has 30 built-in stitches, which isn’t a lot, by comparison. On the other hand, it’s quite a bit more than the 8 you get with the SINGER M2400. And really, how many stitches do any of us end up using regularly? 30 is a manageable selection that will allow the casual sewist to have quite a bit of fun.
Speed Control
Most of us control sewing speed by varying pressure on the foot pedal. A speed control function allows you to set your machine’s maximum speed. You might go slower than that using the pedal, but the machine won’t go faster. It’s like cruise control on your car, and can be useful while sewing tricky bits of your project.
This is one of the features that commonly comes with an upgrade from manual to computerized. Unfortunately, though, SINGER opted to not include it with the Confidence 7363.
Start/Stop
For a lot of sewists, the start/stop button is an extra that’s nice to have, but not completely necessary. For people who have trouble using the foot pedal, however, a start/stop button is a vital accessibility feature. It also comes in very handy when you’re making automatic one-step buttonholes.
The SINGER Confidence 7363, unfortunately, lacks this feature.
Features of the SINGER Confidence 7363 Sewing Machine
The SINGER Confidence 7363 isn’t as feature-rich as we’d prefer. But it’s not a bad machine. In fact, it has a few key things going for it.
Automatic One-Step Buttonhole
Buttonholes can be a pain in the pincushion. A lot of entry-level sewing machines have a single four-step buttonhole design. Four-step buttonholes are a lot of work. Worse, it’s difficult to make them consistent in size and shape. Using a buttonhole foot can help, but you still have to choose and adjust your stitches throughout the process.
A one-step buttonhole is exactly what it sounds like. You attach the buttonhole foot, select your buttonhole design, and go. There’s a lot less fooling around, and you get a consistent result every time. And if you use an automatic buttonhole foot, your machine will customize your buttonhole to the size of the button.
Useful Stitch Selection
The Confidence 7363’s stitch selection is modest, but the stitches you get are useful. They include:
- Functional stitches like straight stitch and zigzag stitch
- 5 stitches for sewing stretch fabrics
- Common decorative stitches like blanket stitch
It’s not as many stitches as you get with some machines, but it’s definitely a step up from others.
Free Arm
For mending and garment making, a free arm is essential. On machines with a free arm, part of the base slides off to reveal a smaller, thinner workspace. This is a must for small circular work like cuffs, hems, and collars.
Some entry-level sewing machines have a free arm, while others do not. The SINGER Confidence 7363 has one, and that’s a plus.
Alternatives to the SINGER Confidence 7363
With any large purchase, it pays to consider a range of alternatives. If the Confidence 7363 isn’t exactly the right machine for you, one of these might fit your needs better.
Brother XR9550
The Brother XR9550 is a bit more expensive than the SINGER Confidence 7363, but not by much. This, too, is a lower-level computerized sewing machine. But it has a few things that the Confidence doesn’t:
- 165 stitch designs
- 8 automatic one-step buttonholes
- Speed control
- Needle up/down
- Adjustable thread tension
Budding quilters will also appreciate the included wide extension table.
SINGER 7258
Intermediate sewists and people who plan to sew and craft regularly may prefer the SINGER 7258. Like the Confidence 7363, this is an intuitively-designed computerized sewing machine. However, it has more and better features, including:
- 100 stitch designs
- 6 automatic one-step buttonholes
- Start/stop button
- Programmable needle
- Speed control
You will pay more for this model. But the additional features might be worth it for the right buyer.
Brother HC1850
Brother makes a wide variety of sewing machines at different levels. However, where I think they excel is with inexpensive, unexpectedly feature-rich machines. If you’re looking for a budget computerized sewing machine with just a few more features than the Confidence, the Brother HC1850 might be a good choice.
If you want decorative stitches, you get 130 of them. One-step buttonholes? This machine has 8. It comes with an extension table for quilters. And you also get one thing that you seldom see at this price point: a monogram font.
For the price, though, you can’t expect it to last forever. Users report issues with both the bobbin thread and with durability. But if you want a versatile budget machine you can have some fun with, this might be worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to step up to a computerized sewing machine? Or are you starting out in sewing, and looking for a machine that grows with you? If this is the case, then the SINGER Confidence 7363 may be one to consider.
read our other sewing machine reviews
If you’re still unsure about which device is right for you, be sure to check out our other sewing machine reviews before you go. We’ve got loads of different models covered, which will enable you to learn more about each of them and, ultimately, make the correct decision before parting with your hard earned cash.
