Singer 9985 Review: The Quantum Stylist Touch Experience
If you have been browsing the high-end aisles of the sewing world, you have likely encountered the battle between mechanical reliability and modern computerized convenience. The Singer Quantum Stylist Touch 9985 plants its flag firmly in the territory of modern tech. As the more sophisticated sibling of the incredibly popular 9960, the 9985 ditches the buttons for a sleek color touchscreen interface and boasts an overwhelming library of over 960 stitches.
But does a touchscreen actually make sewing easier, or is it just another component waiting to fail? For sewists looking to upgrade from a mechanical sewing machine, the transition can be intimidating. In this comprehensive review, we strip away the marketing gloss to test the interface responsiveness, the stitch quality, and the overall durability of the Singer 9985 to see if it deserves a spot on your sewing table.
Product Overview: A Computerized Powerhouse
The Singer 9985 is designed for the intermediate to advanced sewist who wants creative freedom without limits. With 960+ built-in stitches, including 6 alphanumeric fonts and 13 automatic buttonholes, it is a beast for decorative work, quilting, and garment construction.
Its defining feature is the color touchscreen, which includes a “sewing assistant” to guide you through stitch selection. It retains the beloved features of the Quantum Stylist line, such as the automatic thread cutter and speed control slider, but wraps them in a more modern package.
Best For: Quilters, tech-savvy sewers, and decorative stitch enthusiasts.
Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
Check Price on AmazonIn-Depth Review: Features & Performance
To understand what a computerized sewing machine like the 9985 offers, we have to look beyond the stitch count. It’s about workflow. Here is how the Singer 9985 performs in real-world scenarios.
1. The Color Touchscreen Interface
The elephant in the room is the screen. Unlike the buttons on the Brother HC1850, the Singer 9985 uses a resistive touchscreen. This means you need to apply a slight pressure—it’s not as sensitive as your smartphone.
The Good: It is incredibly intuitive. You can see the stitch look, length, and width in real-time. The “Sewing Assistant” helps you choose the right settings for specific fabrics, acting like a built-in manual.
The Bad: It can occasionally feel laggy if you are trying to speed-select stitches. However, for precise editing of decorative patterns, it is far superior to scrolling through numbers on a tiny monochrome LCD.
2. 960+ Built-In Stitches
The stitch library is massive. While most users only use about 10 stitches regularly, having access to hundreds of decorative options allows for immense creativity.
- Utility Stitches: The standard straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches are crisp and well-tensioned.
- Buttonholes: With 13 styles of fully automatic one-step buttonholes, garment sewers have options for coats, blouses, and heavy jackets.
- Fonts: The machine includes 6 fonts. While no sewing machine embroidery rivals a dedicated unit, the monogramming here is perfect for quilt labels or kids’ clothes.
3. Automation Features
Singer has packed this machine with features to reduce eye strain and fatigue:
- Automatic Thread Trimmer: A scissor button cuts both top and bobbin threads. This saves thread and time.
- Needle Up/Down: Programmable needle position is essential for quilters pivoting around corners.
- Speed Control Slider: Allows you to sew without a foot pedal (using the Start/Stop button) and limits max speed for intricate work.
Performance Test: Fabric Handling
A pretty screen is useless if the machine can’t sew. We evaluated the Singer 9985 on various materials.
Quilting Layers
This machine is marketed heavily toward quilters. With the included walking foot (often part of the accessory bundle) and the extended table, it handles quilt sandwiches well. The internal metal frame prevents the machine from “walking” across the table. For precision piecing, the 1/4″ markings are clear.
Tip: Always use quality cutting mats and rotary cutters to ensure your fabric pieces are precise before they even reach the needle.
Denim and Heavy Fabrics
Can it handle jeans? Yes, but with caveats. It is not a Janome HD-3000 mechanical tank. It can sew through hem side seams if you go slow and use a proper denim needle. If you force it, you risk a “E6” error code or timing issues. Read our guide on sewing machine needle problems to avoid breaking needles on thick layers.
Delicate Silks
Computerized tension control shines here. The Singer 9985 handled slippery satin and chiffon with minimal puckering. The automatic tension system does a good job of adjusting, though manual tweaks are available on the screen if needed.
Singer 9985 vs. Singer 9960: The Big Debate
The most common question buyers have is: “Is the 9985 worth the extra money over the Singer 9960?”
The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist is legendary for its value. The 9985 is essentially the same internal machine but replaces the physical button interface with the color touchscreen and adds nearly 400 more stitches.
| Feature | Singer 9985 | Singer 9960 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Color Touch Screen | LCD Screen + Buttons |
| Stitch Count | 960+ | 600 |
| Buttonholes | 13 Styles | 13 Styles |
| Sewing Assistant | Built-in | No |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Verdict: If you love technology and visual feedback, the 9985 is a joy to use. The screen makes editing stitches significantly easier. However, if you are on a strict budget, the 9960 offers the same core sewing power.
Pros & Cons Breakdown
What We Love (Pros)
- Massive Stitch Library: You will likely never run out of options for decorative sewing.
- Intuitive Interface: The visual representation of stitches helps beginners understand adjustments.
- Automatic Cutter: A huge time saver that keeps thread tails neat.
- Hard Cover Included: Comes with a hard case for protection during storage.
- Free Arm: Great for sleeves and cuffs.
- Memory Function: You can save stitch combinations (like names) for later use.
What Could Be Better (Cons)
- Screen Sensitivity: The resistive touch requires a firm press compared to modern smartphones.
- Bobbin Cover: The plastic slide plate feels a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the machine.
- Learning Curve: The sheer number of features can overwhelm a total novice.
- Lighting: While it has LEDs, an external lamp is recommended for dark fabrics.
Recommended Accessories
The Singer 9985 comes loaded with presser feet (zipper, buttonhole, satin stitch, etc.), but to maximize performance, consider these additions:
- High-Quality Thread: Computerized machines are picky. Avoid cheap thread that sheds lint. We recommend Aurifil or Gütermann.
- Stabilizer: If you plan on using the decorative stitches or fonts, using a stabilizer prevents the fabric from tunneling.
- Sewing Clips: Save your fingers! Use the best sewing clips for binding quilts instead of pins.
- Maintenance Tools: Keep the bobbin area clean. A small vacuum attachment or brush is vital. See our guide on troubleshooting for maintenance tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Singer 9985 good for beginners?
It is certainly user-friendly thanks to the Sewing Assistant and visual screen. However, it might be overkill for someone who just wants to do basic mending. For a simpler start, check our guide on sewing machine setup for beginners.
Does the Singer 9985 do embroidery?
It does alphanumeric stitches and decorative patterns, but it is not an embroidery machine with a hoop mechanism. It cannot stitch out large digital designs from a file. For that, you would need a machine like the Brother PE800.
What bobbins does the Singer 9985 use?
It uses Class 15 Transparent (plastic) bobbins. Do not use metal bobbins or the wrong class, as this can damage the magnetic bobbin system and cause jamming. See why is my sewing machine jamming for more info.
Can I quilt a king-size quilt on this machine?
Technically yes, but the throat space (the area to the right of the needle) is standard size, not extended. Rolling a king-size quilt will be a tight squeeze. For larger quilts, using thin batting and a supportive table setup is crucial.
Does it have a knee lifter?
No, the Singer 9985 does not typically come with a knee lifter lever. This feature is more common on higher-end Brother or Juki models.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade to the Singer 9985?
The Singer Quantum Stylist Touch 9985 is a phenomenal machine that bridges the gap between traditional home sewing and high-tech creativity. The touchscreen isn’t just a gimmick; it streamlines the process of selecting and editing complex stitch patterns, making it a powerful tool for crafters who love to embellish their work.
If you are a quilter or a garment sewer looking for precision, automation, and a vast library of stitches without spending thousands on a Bernina or Viking, this is a top-tier choice. It offers robust performance wrapped in a modern interface. While the price jump from the 9960 is significant, the ease of use and expanded memory functions justify the investment for serious hobbyists.
Our Advice: If you want the ultimate Singer experience with a modern touch, the 9985 is the way to go.
