I was reading the manual that came with my favorite machine, the Singer 503A, and came across a lovely list of reasons to choose that machine, the Slant-O-Matic Special.
I'd like to go through some of the points on the list and explain.
• "Double Easy Threading. Face plate swings open to reveal threading chart. Handy "drop-in" bobbin located in front of the needle where it's easy to reach."
It is very handy to be able to just swing the face plate open and see how to thread the machine. The drop in bobbin is what I really love. It's not under the machine and you don't have to put the bobbin in a removable bobbin case and then into the machine; you just drop it right in. Love it.
• "Slant needle and gear drive...seeing is easier, sewing smoothest ever. Gear drive ensures trouble-free operation at all speeds without slipping or stalling."
I do like the slant needle because of the added visibility. There is so much space between the machine and the throat plate that makes it easier to see what you're working on.
• "Built-in, eye level stitch chart for easy reference while you are sewing. Information at a glance, that lets you select the fancy stitch you want."
Sure. Quick reference is always good.
• "Elevator Type calibrated throat plates, lever operated. Easy to remove and replace."
This is one thing I really like. You don't have to find a separate cover to cover the feed dogs, you can just raise the plate and they are out of the way. I also switch to the straight stitch plate and it's super easy to make the change.
• "Hinged Face Plate houses threading charge and swings open for easy access to oiling points."
We already talked about the threading chart but the bit about easy access to oiling points is great. I love being able to get the oil in there just by popping the door open and not having to remove any screws.
• "Superfine Control of stitch length ensures perfect satin stitch adjustment."
I really like the number system Singer uses. If you set your stitch length at a 12 that means you are getting 12 stitches per inch. It's not vague like some machines with their scale from 1-4.
• "Perfect straight stitching."
Seriously. I love it. I sew a lot of super tiny doll clothes and it's key to have really straight, even stitches when you are doing 1/32" top stitching. I love being able to click the straight stitch plate in without taking out any screws or having to access the underneath of the machine.
• "Built-In Light focused on sewing area."
Pretty straight forward. It's in the right place. It does get hot, however and I have burned myself on it a time or two.
• "Needle Clamp holds one or two regular needles--same or different sizes for exciting two-needle stitching."
This is something I am looking forward to trying. I have never used the two-needle set up but I will be trying it and I'll let you know what I think.
• "All Mechanism Completely Enclosed for maximum safety."
I like that there are no exposed belts to catch hair or anything; keeping all your fingers is important.
• "Aluminum Construction, durable and light weight."
I'm not sure I'd call twenty-ish pounds light weight but it was pretty light for a good sewing machine back in the day. It's not light weight like the plastic machines of today but that's a lot of what I love about it; it's sturdy. It's not convenient for a portable machine but the functions and design simply can't be beat.
• "Interchangeable Fashion Discs, one piece and easy to handle."
The discs simply click in and out for fun fancy decorative stitches, no additional attachment necessary.
• "Peephole Bobbins show thread supply at a glance with bobbin in place."
It hadn't occurred to me that they did this on purpose. The holes on the bobbin make it so you can peer in there and see how much thread is left on the bobbin. Nobody likes running out of thread in the middle of a line of stitching.
• "Automatic Thread Control ensures a smooth flow of thread from spool to needle for uniform stitch setting."
Yep. Easy to adjust tension, too.
• "Concealed Automatic Bobbin Winder."
The bobbin winder for the 400 series is on the outside of the machine but starting with the 500s they enclosed the winder. The tire is still there like on the 400s but it's on the inside of the machine. The bobbin winding latch clicks in place easily and I love it that when the bobbin is full it automatically releases so it can't get over filled.
• "Dial-Operated pressure adjustment, calibrated to eliminate guesswork in duplicating settings.
This can be changed to keep your machine to feed the fabric smoothly. The numbers are right on there so you can set it to whatever amount of pressure you need and return it back to your normal setting when done. According to the manual "Generally heavy fabrics require heavy pressure; fine fabrics require light pressure." You can just turn to a higher number to increase pressure and turn to a lower number to decrease pressure. Pretty user friendly.
• "Stitch Length Regulator with double pointers for easy, accurate stitch length adjustment."
I assume they're talking about the numbers to the left and right of the regulator, which makes it clear how long your stitches are. You can tighten the thumb nut to hold it at your selected stitch length so you don't have to fuss with it after back stitching.
• "Hinged Nylon Spool Pins, self-positioning and self storing."
These little guys fold themselves flat when you close the door on the top and pop back up when you open it. They are also easy to replace if needed.
• "Thread Cutter built into presser bar for added safety and convenience."
This is helpful for a quick cutting of the threads at the end of a seam when you don't have your scissors handy. It's right on the presser bar so it's not in the way and doesn't break off.
There you have it. So many reasons to fall in love with the Singer Slant-O-Matic!
