SINGER 7258 Stylist Computerized Sewing Machine review

Even those who have merely glanced a cursory eye over the sewing machines available at present would recognize the SINGER Stylist 7258. This device, from what is arguably the biggest brand in sewing, has been around for what seems like forever…and there are no signs that SINGER are going to give up on it anytime soon.

For those who are actively shopping for a new appliance, our SINGER 7258 review will show there are a number of attractive features bundled up into a sweet little package that’s offered at an even sweeter price. We’ll get into the details later in this review but, for now, let’s just say that this particular model is pretty popular around these parts.

Why? 

Let’s find out, shall we?

SINGER 7258 sewing machine review: A quick look

Before we dive deeper into this review of the SINGER 7258, let’s take a look at some of the key points we’ve discovered during our hours of research.

Who is the SINGER Stylist 7258 aimed at?

With the word Stylist in the model name, it’s clear that SINGER are aiming the 7258 squarely at home dressmakers and tailors. This machine, however, is by no means a one-trick pony.

Crafters, too, will love the broad stitch library, as will those who regularly create pieces for the home. The 7258 is also a solid buy for both those looking for their very first sewing machine and anyone wanting to upgrade from an old mechanical device. 

Given the SINGER 7258’s price, almost all will find it affordable, too, which is another definite plus point for this machine.

What makes the SINGER 7258 stand out?

Lots! SINGER have done an incredible job with the 7258, which explains why it has remained on the market for the best part of a decade. 

For such an affordable machine, the fact that you get such a feature-rich appliance is extremely pleasing…unless you’re a competitor, of course! Alongside things like the built-in needle threader, programmable needle, and speed control, you also get a perfectly respectable stitch library and a very nice accessory pack thrown in as well.

Thumbs up!

The only gripe one could possibly have about the SINGER 7258 is its speed. At a mere 750 stitches per minute, some of the more experienced sewists out there may find it a little pedestrian. Other than that, for a machine in this price range, the 7258 Stylist is an extremely attractive bit of kit. 

Pros and Cons

Our verdict

For anyone looking to buy a quality sewing machine without wanting to part with too much of their hard earned cash, the SINGER 7258 Stylist should really be on their radar. What you get for your money is hard to beat. 

The combination of a broad range of stitches and plenty of presser feet make it versatile enough for the more advanced sewer, yet it’s simple enough for beginners to use. It’s one of our favorite machines on the market.

Our in depth SINGER Stylist 7258 review

With the rapid runthrough out of the way, it’s time to take our SINGER 7258 review a little deeper. 

Let’s kick things off with everyone’s favorite…features!

SINGER Stylist 7258: Key features and benefits

Considering its price point, the 7258 is relatively feature-rich. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll get from your new machine.

Stitch library

The SINGER 7258 creeps into three figures when it comes to pre-programmed patterns, with 100 different stitches to choose from. While this may seem like overkill to some, the majority of sewists will appreciate the versatility this broad stitch library brings to their sewing room.

Basic stitches are well covered, with nine of the most important core stitch types available. These are your everyday go-tos that are found across most machines, so no real surprises here. There’s also eight stretch stitches built in, which is great for those who need to sew the likes of jersey fabrics on the regular and want a bit more variation than just a narrow zigzag.

Buttonholes are well catered for, too, with seven in total to choose from. Six of these are fully automatic, one-step wonders, with the final spot taken by an endless buttonhole. As SINGER have clearly aimed the 7258 at the amatuer seamstress, the inclusion of this range is unsurprising, but welcome nonetheless. 

Finally, the vast majority of pre-programmed patterns are taken up by decorative stitches. You’ll find 76 different stitches on your 7258, so there’s plenty of scope for creativity, regardless of whether you’re working on clothes or home decor. 

Granted, some of these are more useful than others, but all have their place and you’ll have fun exploring them, I’m sure.

Adjustable stitch width and length

As well as the varied range of stitch patterns included, the SINGER 7258 also allows the user to adjust both the width and length of their stitches, too. This is beneficial for a number of reasons and further increases the machine’s versatility.

Although adjustable stitch width and length is a fairly universal feature across all sewing machines, the 7258 does a stellar job of keeping things simple. The default settings for each of the built-in stitches will suit most anyway, but it’s really easy to tweak either width or length should you need to do so.

If you can push a button, you’re in good shape.

Stitch selection

Selecting the right stitch is an equally straightforward affair. Again, a mere press of a button will get you where you need to be and the LCD display, while small, is clear and easy to read.

The 7258’s unfussy and minimalist approach will be especially appreciated by beginners. More advanced users who freeze when faced with technology will love it as well, but it’s really those new to sewing who will get the most from this machine’s ease of use.

Speed

At 750 stitches per minute, the SINGER Stylist 7258 is one of the slower home sewing machines on the market, and it’s really the only gripe I have with this otherwise brilliant little tool. That said, for many, this drop in speed won’t be an issue, especially those who are sewing for the first time.

For anyone upgrading, however, it’s a point worth bearing in mind. Have a think about how you use your current machine. If you frequently slow it down and rarely go full pelt, the 7258’s lack of speed won’t be a problem. 

Top drop-in bobbin

Top drop-in bobbins are taking over, it would seem…and thank goodness they are! This is one of the greatest innovations in sewing machine tech and I’d strongly advise anyone shopping for a new device to opt for one with this feature.

Top drop-in bobbins are frequently pushed at beginners, but I think they’re great for everyone. Why waste precious sewing time fiddling around with threading when you could be creating?

Some top drop-in bobbins are better than others, though, so it’s not an automatic given that you’ll fall in love with your machine just because it has one. Thankfully, the SINGER 7258’s Drop & Sew™ bobbin is excellent, so it’s another tick to add to the list of pros associated with this particular model.

There’s another reason to love drop-in bobbins: the clear casing. As these bobbins are, ahem, ahem dropped in from the top and not hidden away beneath the free arm, manufacturers tend to now cover them with clear, plastic casing. 

This may not sound like much of an innovation, but it allows the user to see how much thread is left, thus preventing those incredibly annoying instances where you run out of thread halfway through a seam.

Snap-on presser feet

The SINGER 7258 ships with a wide range of snap-on presser feet that are a cinch to switch and lessen the aggravation factor associated with changing a foot considerably. Naturally, this is a good thing. 

When paired with the impressive stitch library, the included presser feet really bring depth to a very affordable appliance. This is great for those who like to try their hand at a bit of everything, rather than specializing in one particular area, such as quilting, for example.

Built-in needle threader

The inclusion of a built-in needle threader is another definite plus point for any new sewing machine, and the 7258 is no different. However, it’s not all positive.

While the 7258’s threader works really well when you get the hang of it, it does require a little bit of patience. Many complain that it’s too complicated, but it really isn’t that difficult if you’re willing to put the effort in and go through a period of trial and error.

As with so many things of this nature, watching someone else do it will dramatically lessen the learning curve. While the SINGER 7258’s user manual does a great job of explaining the majority of features, it does fall down somewhat where the needle threader is concerned.

Take a look at the video below to see it in operation:

If the video above runs a little fast for you to see what’s actually happening, there’s a neat setting you can use to get a better view. Simply play the video as normal, then hit the cog icon bottom right below the playback bar. 

This will open up the video’s settings and allow you to adjust the playback speed. Click on Playback Speed, select 0.25, and the video will slow right down to a quarter of the normal speed, allowing you to watch the process in slow-mo. 

Be warned, though, the voiceover gets a little freaky!

Self-adjusting tension

The top thread’s tension on the SINGER Stylist 7258 is taken care of with a self-adjusting mechanism designed to make the user’s life a lot easier. Users appear to be split down the middle on its effectiveness, however. Some love it, others hate it.

Now, I hate to say it, but this could be as much down to user error as it is the fault of the machine. If the bobbin isn’t loaded correctly or the machine has been threaded incorrectly, you will experience tension issues with the SINGER 7258, but that pretty much goes for any machine.

Another thing to bear in mind is that this is a sub-$200 sewing machine. For the price, you can’t really expect too much of the feature and should really treat it as a guide rather than gospel. Use scraps before you begin a project, tweak accordingly, and you’ll be fine.

Speed control

On to another favorite feature of mine, and it’s something else I’d heartily recommend to anyone buying their first machine: speed control.

The SINGER 7258 has a mechanical sliding speed control that allows you to, unsurprisingly, control how fast or slow the machine operates, regardless of how hard you press down on the foot pedal. This is a brilliant feature for all beginners, but it’s especially handy for kids as they can often struggle to get the whole foot – hand – eye coordination thing working in sync.

It’s also a nice feature to have if you frequently work on intricate sewing projects, too. Sure, experienced sewists will be able to beautifully control the speed with their time-served tootsies, but it still makes things a whole lot easier.

Stop / Start button

Another divisive feature for you now: the start / stop button. This little button allows the user to operate the sewing machine without the use of a foot pedal. 

Witchcraft, I know!

What I like most about the stop / start button is the fact that it makes sewing all the more inclusive. While it’s certainly a bonus for those who struggle with correctly applying foot pressure (hello, non-drivers!), for those who physically cannot use a pedal it’s an absolute revelation.

Younger children who struggle to reach the pedal can now safely use a machine without having to stretch. Those with a disability that makes using a foot pedal impossible can also enjoy sewing, too. 

It’s also worth getting to grips with the start / stop button if you sew on the go frequently, as you’ll no longer have to pack away the foot pedal every time. Those who attend classes or circles, take note. Honestly, you’ll thank me later!

So, what’s not to love about the stop / start button, people? Especially as you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. 

Programmable needle

Like the stop / start button and self-adjusting tension mentioned above, programmable needles can divide sewists straight down the middle. Some will prefer a more manual approach, using the hand wheel to lift and drop the needle when and where necessary, while others will swear by letting a microchip take the strain instead. [1]

Personally, I like having the option available to me, although I don’t make use of it all the time, as it suits some projects better than others, in my opinion. 

Take sewing applique as an example. Having the needle finish in a downwards position allows you to lift your presser foot and maneuver the material without fear of losing your position. Once you get used to it, a programmable needle can be a real timesaver and it’ll also help guard against unfortunate slippages, too.

LCD display

I’ve already touched on the LCD display in the stitch selection section above, but I thought it warranted a paragraph or two of its own. 

At first glance, the 7258’s display looks very basic, and it is, but that’s a good thing. Again, despite being incredibly feature-rich for the price, this machine is not an all-singing, all-dancing affair, so there’s no real need for a big, busy screen.

What you do need, however, is something that is clear and easy to understand, and the SINGER 7258’s effort works well in this regard. Maybe it could do with being a teeny bit bigger for those, like me, whose eyesight is on the wane, but it’s a minor complaint that really doesn’t warrant a second thought.

LED Lighting

Anyone who has read more of my reviews on You Sew And Sew will know that built-in lighting is something of a bugbear of mine. The SINGER Stylist 7258 just about passes as acceptable, but it is only just, in my opinion.

I generally work with a seperate light on my sewing desk at all times, as being able to see what you’re doing is integral to sewing well. I know that’s obvious, but it often feels like manufacturers do not agree. What annoys me most is that this is such an inexpensive part of the construction process…so give us more light!

In short, the lighting on the SINGER 7258 is okay, but nothing more.

Accessory pack

As we’ve already seen in this review, there’s a lot to like about the SINGER 7258, so the accessory pack that ships with this machine is the cherry on the cake. 

I’ve already listed the contents above, so I won’t dwell on it too much here, but users are generally thrilled with the bundle they receive when they unbox their 7258 Stylist. Ten presser feet and lots of other bits and bobs you’d hope to find are all present, all of which makes the pricing of this device even more remarkable. 

How easy is the SINGER 7258 to use?

Despite having lots of handy features, SINGER has kept the 7258 simple. Just a glance at the outer casing will tell you as much.

There are only six buttons on the main control panel: two for selecting the pattern number required and four directional buttons that allow you to adjust the stitch length, width and needle position. This minimalist approach will sit well with both beginners and those upgrading from a mechanical machine who may be a little anxious about going high-tech.

Three more buttons are present towards the business end of the SINGER 7258. These are the reverse stitch, programmable needle, and start / stop buttons. All are clearly labeled and easy to see. 

To the right of these you’ll find the sliding speed control. Again, this is clearly marked out and couldn’t be easier to use: slide left to slow things down and right to speed things up. Easy.

Setup

Setting up the SINGER 7258 Stylist is a relatively painless affair. Upon unboxing, you’ll find a quick setup guide that will walk you through the basics and get you sewing your first stitches in next to no time. 

Threading is very easy and, as mentioned above, the bobbin is also extremely straightforward. Naturally, this is a plus for those just starting out on their sewing journey, but experienced sewers will no doubt appreciate the speed with which you can get these boring tasks done as well.

Selecting stitches and adjusting things like width and length are equally simple, thanks to the aforementioned buttons and the clear, if a little small, LCD display. The snap-on presser feet are also easy to change, too.

Changing the needle, which is something you should do frequently, isn’t too much hassle, but it is about the fiddliest thing you’ll need to do on the 7258. It’s easy enough, but you will have to wield a screwdriver to ensure your new needle sits in place nicely. Do not overtighten, though, as you could damage the needle bar. [2]

How to get the most from your SINGER 7258 Stylist

Once you’re up and running, you’ll no doubt want to learn more about your new machine in order to get the most from it. Thankfully, the SINGER 7258 is well supported in this regard, with the following options available to you:

Online classes

SINGER has some great online lessons for 7258 owners that will get them started. Topics such as winding the bobbin, threading the needle, stitch selection, changing the needle, and more are covered, giving a handy visual guide for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

I’ve included the whole series below, edited together into one video:

User manual and DVD

For a more in depth look at your new device, the user manual will tell you all you need to know. Written in English, Spanish, and French, SINGER has done a decent job here, with lots of diagrams to accompany the text.

As with every sewing machine, I’d strongly advise you to take an afternoon to really explore the 7258 and get to know it. Read the manual from cover to cover, pausing as you go to try things out on the machine itself. Most of us learn by doing, so it’s a good idea to get hands on whilst reading the literature provided.

Alongside the manual, you’ll also find an intro DVD as well. This is well worth a look, too. The more you can find out about your new machine, the more you’ll get from it.

What warranty do you get with the SINGER Stylist 7258?

The SINGER 7258 comes with a limited warranty. Although often described simply as a limited 25 year warranty, it’s actually a little more nuanced than that and is split into three separate categories: 25 / 5 / 1.

25-year limited warranty

This part of the SINGER 7258 warranty covers the sewing machine head and any of its parts, excluding those listed in the warranties below.

5-year limited warranty

The 5-year limited warranty covers light assembly, wiring, motors, switches, speed control, and electronic components.

1-year limited warranty

Bulbs, belts, rings, adjustments, and attachments are all covered under the 1-year warranty.

See below for full terms of the warranty as described by SINGER:

What do real-life users think of the SINGER 7258 Stylist?

As the SINGER 7258 has been around for quite some time, it doesn’t take much to stumble across users showing their love for this machine…

Things to consider before buying the SINGER 7258

As you may have already gathered, I’m a fan of this model, but I’ll be the first to admit that it isn’t for everyone.

For starters, if you are looking for a heavy-duty machine, this isn’t for you. Nor is it going to be much use for someone who is going to be working on large projects or doing lots of intricate detailing. That said, it could be argued that you’d be a fool to expect that much from any machine in this price range, so maybe these are non-arguments.

So, do consider what you’re going to be using your machine for before you buy a SINGER 7258. If you’re a home sewer who wants a great machine with broad versatility, this is an amazing choice that offers fantastic value for money. For anyone with a more professional bent, however, this probably isn’t going to meet the standards you require.

Are there any SINGER 7258 downsides?

Aside from the aforementioned speed, there’s very little to complain about with the 7258 SINGER, although there are a couple of points that I’d like to make you aware of:

You can’t drop the feed dogs

Personally, I always prefer to be able to drop the feed dogs rather than use a darning plate to cover them as you have to with this machine, but it’s an issue that probably won’t affect too many users. 

No manual presser foot pressure adjustment

It would also be nice to be able to adjust the presser foot pressure manually, rather than rely on the automatic adjustments made by the machine. Again, many users won’t even notice it, but I would always prefer to be able to tweak it myself for certain projects.

SINGER 7258 alternatives to consider

If you’re not altogether sold on the SINGER 7258, here are a few alternatives to consider:

Brother CS6000i

The Brother CS6000i lags behind the SINGER 7258 in terms of both stitch library and presser feet (with 60 and eight respectively), but it has a huge fanbase behind it who are quick to sing its praises.

Like the 7258, this effort from Brother offers great value for money and comes from a solid sewing machine stable. Well worth checking out.

EverSewn Charlotte

EverSewn may not be as much of a household name as SINGER and Brother, but they do make very capable machines that perform well and look fantastic. 

The Charlotte has 80 built-in stitches pre-programmed into it and ships with 6 additional feet to go along with the general purpose one found on the machine when you unbox. It zips along at 850 SPM and has a nice solid feel to it when in use. Recommended.

SINGER | Confidence 7363

Another alternative to consider is a stablemate of the 7258, the Confidence 7363. Like the 7258 reviewed here, the 7363 is a little slow at 750 SPM and it only has 30 stitches built in, as opposed to the 100 you get with the star of the show.

However, the key difference here is really the fact that the 7363 will suit those who abhor technology a lot more than the 7258. There’s no digital display to be found here, just push buttons, sliders, and dials. Personally, I’d stick with the 7258, but do take a look at the 7363 if you’re really anti-tech.

SINGER 7258 Stylist review: Conclusion

For me, the SINGER Stylist 7258 is one of the best appliances you can buy in the sub $200 price range. It’s incredibly well equipped and it sews beautifully across a range of fabrics. 

The fact that this little machine pleases both experienced sewists and complete novices speaks volumes, in my opinion, as does the longevity of the model. Would SINGER keep churning these out for a decade if they weren’t up to snuff? Of course not.

Naturally, the 7258 still isn’t going to please all of the people all of the time, so you’ll still have to choose wisely if you have specific needs and requirements. But, for the average home sewer, this little beauty offers fantastic value for money.

REFERENCES:

1. Up/Down Needle Feature | Forum Post | https://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/45567
2. Needle Bar Damage From Over-tightening | Brian Gottier | https://sewing-machine-service-and-repair.com/needle-bar-damage-from-over-tightening