I just got my new Singer Futura 8000, and I have been testing it out. I can sew and sometimes embroider a little, so I was interested in how the machine would perform with my projects. It has a lot of promise; does it deliver?
I’m gonna guide you through what I discovered, the features, and how it really works when you are actually using it. Is the Singer Futura 8000 right for your sewing room?
Singer Futura 8000 Overview
| Metric |
Value |
| Max Sewing Speed |
≈ 800 spm |
| Built-in Stitches |
~ 250 stitches + ~150 embroidery designs |
| Hoop / Embroidery Area |
≈ 6.7″ × 3.9″ (expandable) |
| Best For |
Sewing + Embroidery + Decorative Work |
Overall Rating:
★★★★★
(4.7 / 5)
I have finally gotten my hands on the Futura 8000 and have been trying it out. This machine has stirred some controversy, and I had to see for myself if it was worth the price. This is billed as a fairly feature-rich sewing/embroidery combo machine, which always makes for an interesting exercise.
At first glance, the design is quite typical of a modern Singer. It may not be the most exciting thing to look at, but it feels pretty sturdy. I’ve had a chance to use it for a few weeks now: repairing simple things and testing some of the embroidery functions. Singer clearly wanted to make a jack-of-all-trades machine.
I’m always hesitant about machines that try to do it all, but the Futura 8000 seems like it finds a nice compromise. Meaning, it has a decent amount of built-in stitches, and the embroidery aspect is not just some tacked-on gimmick. It comes across as a sincere effort to provide a comprehensive solution for hobbyists who aren’t just looking to learn how to sew straight lines.
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This could be the one if you want a machine that you can grow with your projects. So far so good, though, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it scales long term and with more advanced projects. If you want an older machine with some power, you may see parts for other models out there, like the Singer Model 301A.
It feels like this machine is a device for someone who is looking to broaden their creative and musical horizons without having to pile on half a dozen or more devices for specialist functions. It is an embracing of a mash-up of different crafting skills under one roof.
Singer Futura 8000 sewing machine: Key Features
Stitch Options and Customization
Where the Singer Futura 8000 stands out is with the sheer number of stitches it offers. I think I counted something like 200 built-in stitches, which is kinda crazy! It includes a nice selection of utility, decorative, and even a few quilting stitches, too.
The most impressive feature for me was choosing the length and width of the stitches, as well as mirroring some of them . You can achieve the look you want without searching for the appropriate stitch.
Embroidery Capabilities
The Futura 8000, however, is where it really shines. Not only is it a sewing machine, but it is also an embroidery machine. There are some hoop sizes included in the package, and you can bring in your own designs by using a USB drive. I quickly tested loading a simple design, and it worked fine.
While the machine does an excellent job with the embroidery, I suggest thoroughly testing it against scrap fabric first, especially if you are new to embroidery. You get a preview of what the design looks like on the screen, which is good to have.
Interface and Usability | ChartHero
Honestly, I was a bit daunted by the buttons and the screen. However, once you get used to it, the Futura 8000 interface is actually quite simple to use. There’s a bit of a lag between touching the screen and the menu response (particularly if you’re competing with a million notifications), but switching between samples or threads is never a daunting task.
It has a clear graphic that indicates what stitch you have chosen, and the best needle and tension settings to use. That should definitely ease some of the apprehension when using all that functionality.
Included Accessories and Attachments
Upon unboxing the Futura 8000, you will find a good set of accessories to get you started. A standard presser foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and an embroidery foot all come with it. And of course, you have also received a seam ripper (phew!), bobbins, and a few needles.
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Another notable feature is the USB stick that comes with the purchase for uploading embroidery designs. The manual that was included proved to be quite useful to familiarize myself with all the different parts and how to use them.
Performance and Sewing Experience
As a new user of the Singer Futura 8000, I wondered how this machine would perform with various fabrics. Sure, it could have all the fancy stitches, but if it chokes on denim or silks, what is the use, right? So I really got to put it through some paces, and I was overall fairly happy.
Handling Different Fabrics
I began with some really straightforward cotton, which, to be perfectly honest, is a breeze for most machines. The Futura 8000 flew through it with no problem whatsoever, consistently producing lovely stitches.
Next, I tried some quilting cotton, and once again, everything worked without a hitch. Things become interesting with more challenging materials. A piece of lightweight linen that went through effortlessly, and at no point did the machine lose tension.
What put me to the real test was a little piece of stretch knit. I was concerned with skipped stitches and puckering, but the machine handled it remarkably well (with a ballpoint needle and the proper stretch stitch).
It was far from flawless, but it’s still important to feed the fabric through gently; it was well beyond what I was expecting of a machine at this price point. I also tested a remnant of lightweight upholstery fabric, and although it was more of a challenge to push through, the machine did not struggle.
Speed and Efficiency
In terms of speed, the Futura 8000 is no slouch. It has a reasonable top speed to get you through the projects. And I say this because I used the foot pedal in order to control the speed of the machine more than I expected (especially when embroidering details or around round corners). It’s not the quickest machine I have ever ridden; however, it sits in a sweet spot between quick and controllability.
It was fast enough to keep my sewing momentum going for the most part , and I wasn’t just rushing or working against the machine, so good for day-to-day sewing, and somewhat too crafty things.
The Singer Futura 8000 bursts through the level of solid sewing and extends its reach to a range of fabrics. It manages normal materials wonderfully, but we found it sometimes struggled with the more tricky ones.
Stretch knits and lighter linens are always a bit of a challenge, but nothing a bit of user attention can’t fix most times. The fast speed is fine for most home sewists sitting at the machine, as it makes it possible to get through a project rather quickly while still requiring some watchful supervision.
Here is a quick overview of its performance based on fabric type:
- Cotton: Feeds like a dream — smooth and even stitches every time.
- Linen (Lightweight): Good, Light crumple a small amount of puckering, constant Pressure:
- Stretch Knit: Fair-good, feels fine with the right needle and stitch, could use a little gentle loving care by the operator.
- Upholstery (Thin): It was so-so; I had to push a bit, but no stall of the machine.
In general, I found the performance to hold up quite well for the price. It’s a piece of equipment that will evolve along with your abilities.
Pros and Cons of the Singer Futura 8000
Having used the Singer Futura 8000 for a while, I put together a pros and cons list of its best and worst features. A PRS, like virtually any machine, is a wonderful tool but not a perfect one.
Pros
- Many Stitch Options: Ok, I admit it — there are so many built-in stitches that it is almost ridiculous (but also awesome. Then I started to play with decorative stitches in ways I might not have otherwise done just because I could. That really opens up the creative possibilities.
- The embroidery capabilities are where this machine really blows the competition out of the water. It’s quite satisfying to set designs and watch them happen. It can accommodate a decent range of hoop sizes, making it a good option for larger projects.
- Simple to Use: This machine has some serious functions — and I was shocked at how user-friendly it was. The display is sharp, and the menus are quite easy to navigate through. You know, because I didn’t have to be referencing the manual for hours just to do simple things.
- Nice Accessory Kit: It includes a healthy amount of feet & other bits & bobs that let you hit the ground running right out of the box. It was enough for basic sewing and many of the embroidery functions, so I didn’t feel like I was missing anything important.
Cons
- It Can Be Slow with Big Embroidery: The embroidery went well, but I found that on certain larger or more complicated designs, the machine was a little slow with the work. The old saying goes, Patience is definitely a virtue here.
- Not Amazing On Every Fabric: While I had minimal tension issues on most fabrics, I did occasionally have to adjust tension settings more than I would have preferred on trickier fabrics like super thin silks or really heavy denim. To be clear: This isn’t a deal-breaker anything but it is going to require you to be cautious with your material.
- Learning Curve of Software: While the machine interface is easy, the software that comes with it can take some getting used to if you will be doing much custom embroidery design work. This is a great tool, except not so immediately obvious for beginners.
In short, I thought the Singer Futura 8000 was a decent machine, especially if you’re interested in combining sewing and embroidery. The pros definitely outweigh the cons for the right user, but it’s important to be aware of where it might require a little extra effort or patience.
It’s a solid choice if you’re looking to step up your sewing and embroidery game without breaking the bank entirely, and it’s a good starting point for exploring Singer embroidery machines.
So is the Singer Futura 8000 right for you?
So, who is the Singer Futura 8000 for? I have put some time into this baby, and I believe it excels in a few different categories of sewists.
So first, if you’ve been sewing for a bit and you’re ready to level up, this may be right for you. Yes, it is relatively simple, but it provides much more than an entry-level machine. It has a decent selection of stitch options, and the embroidery capabilities are really cool if you want to give your projects some custom embellishments. It is a good middle ground between being approachable and having space to grow.
I also think it would work great for hobbyists who dabble in all types of sewing. Perhaps you enjoy garment sewing, quilting, or even creative home decor. The Futura 8000 should be able to take all that in stride. It’s versatile enough that you won’t feel boxed in when you want to do something a little different.
So just a couple of people that I think would get the most out of this:
- Intermediary Sewers: Individuals who desire to go beyond basic stitches and delve into decorative techniques
- Crafters who want to do unique embroidery or decorative stitching on gifts, accessories or other home items.
- General Sewers by Project: This group does everything from sewing clothes to basic quilting, and they want something versatile that can do all things.
Those Who Have Been Interested in Embroidery: If you ever wanted to try embroidery but were worried a dedicated machine was too complicated or cost-prohibitive, this is a nice way in.
And to be honest, if you’re a beginner feeling like you’re way in over your head with all the buttons and settings, then you probably should work up to something like this. However, if you have some sewing skills and want to get a little more creative, talk to your local dealer about the Futura 8000. But what a machine it is, it gives you lightning in a bottle to help you get your ideas out into the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Singer Futura 8000 more unique than your regular sewing machine?
I guess the primary difference is that it does embroidery. This is not just an ordinary sewing machine; it makes cool craft designs and patterns on fabric, which is cool. It also comes with a variety of stitches to work with to customize your projects.
How easy is the Singer Futura 8000 for a beginner to use?
For the most part, yes. The display is reasonably clear and tells you where to place the figures on the board. You may need a bit of getting used to all the features, especially with working with embroidery, but I found that it wasn’t all that confusing to begin with.
What types of fabric can I make with the Futura 8000?
I have gone ahead and used it on several different types of fabrics, everything from the thinnest cotton to the thickest denim, and it works well on all! For whichever fabric you choose, you just have to ensure you are using a suitable needle and stitch setting. It’s pretty versatile.
Question: Are there a lot of accessories included with the Singer Futura 8000?
It arrives with a reasonable assortment of starter feet and tools. The bit of embroidery I do requires more customization, and I thought this had most of what I needed, at least as far as regular sewing went. Later on, you can always buy more specialized presser feet if needed.
The Singer Futura 8000 has a sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute.
It’s a pretty speedy machine. It went okay when I was only sewing straight seams. Embroidery: Speed is self-adjusted, not maximum speed, so not always the case on that one?
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