Simplicity is the Selling Point

If you have never touched a sewing machine in your life, the sheer number of knobs, screens, and buttons on a standard machine can be terrifying. This is where the Singer Start 1304 shines. It removes every confusing option, leaving you with just the bare essentials needed to join two pieces of fabric together.

Designed primarily for beginners, children, or as a lightweight travel machine for university students, the Start 1304 is a mechanical machine with a sturdy internal metal frame. It doesn’t have a computer screen, it doesn’t have speed sliders, and it doesn’t have hundreds of decorative stitches. It just sews. But the critical question remains: does it sew well, or is it just a glorified toy?

In this review, we dismantle the machine—figuratively and literally—to see if the internal components hold up to scrutiny and if the stitch quality is good enough for your first quilt or cosplay project.

Features: What You Get (and What You Don’t)

The beauty of this machine is in its limitations. By removing complex adjustments, Singer has made it nearly impossible for a novice to mess up the settings. Here is what you need to know about its capability.

1. Preset Stitch Width & Length

On most machines, you have to dial in the stitch width and length separately. On the 1304, these are preset. You simply turn the big dial to the stitch you want (e.g., “Zig Zag”), and the machine sets the perfect width and length for you automatically.
The downside? You can’t customize it. If you want a longer stitch for basting (temporary sewing) or a wider zig-zag for appliqué, you are out of luck. You get what is on the dial, and that’s it.

2. Dual Spool Pins

Surprisingly for such a cheap machine, it includes two vertical spool pins. This allows you to use a Twin Needle (not always included, but the capability is there). This is a fantastic feature for beginners who want to hem knit fabrics like t-shirts to get that professional double-stitch look without owning a coverstitch machine.

3. Free Arm Capability

The storage compartment slides off to reveal a “free arm.” This narrow arm allows you to slide a pant leg or sleeve cuff onto the machine to hem it easily. This is essential for alterations, which is the primary reason many people buy this specific model.

Unboxing & Accessories

When you open the box, you’ll notice the machine is smaller than a standard sewing machine—about 3/4 the size. It feels dense, thanks to the internal metal frame, which prevents it from bouncing around the table while you sew.

The accessories are basic but sufficient to get started immediately. The inclusion of a darning plate is a nice touch, allowing for button sewing, which many entry-level machines skip.

Performance: Can It Sew Denim?

This is the most common question. We put the Singer Start 1304 through a stress test to see where it succeeds and where it fails.

Light Fabrics (Cotton/Linen)

Result: Excellent. The straight stitch is consistent and clean. The tension was surprisingly balanced right out of the box. For quilting cottons or making pillowcases, this machine performs flawlessly.

Denim & Canvas

Result: Passable. It can handle 2 layers of standard denim (like hemming a skirt). However, it struggled on 4 layers (like the side seam of jeans). It does not have the motor power of the Singer Heavy Duty series. If you try to force it through thick seams, the motor will groan, and you risk breaking a needle.

Knits (Stretchy Fabric)

Result: Good. It has a zig-zag stitch which is necessary for knits to allow the seam to stretch. Without adjustable presser foot pressure, the fabric may stretch out a bit (creating a wavy hem), but for basic repairs or kids’ clothes, it works well.

One potential frustration point for beginners is the Front-Loading Bobbin. Unlike modern “drop-in” bobbins where you just drop it in the top under a clear cover, this requires you to remove a case from the front of the machine. It is a bit trickier to load, but the mechanism is virtually indestructible compared to plastic drop-in systems.

Maintenance Guide

Because the Singer Start 1304 is mechanical, it requires a little love to keep running smoothly. Unlike computerized machines that are often “sealed,” you can maintain this one yourself.

• Oiling: The vertical oscillating hook (where the bobbin goes) needs a drop of sewing machine oil every few months. This keeps the metal-on-metal parts moving silently.
• Cleaning: Lint is the enemy. After every major project, especially if using fuzzy fabrics like flannel, you should remove the bobbin case and brush out the lint. Failure to do this will result in the machine jamming or making a loud clunking noise.
• Needles: Change your needle every 8 hours of sewing. A dull needle is the #1 cause of skipped stitches on this machine due to its lower piercing power.

Comparison: Singer 1304 vs. Brother XM2701

If you are looking for a beginner machine on Amazon, you are likely comparing these two bestsellers.

Winner? The Brother XM2701 is a “real” sewing machine with room to grow. The Singer 1304 is a “starter” machine that you might outgrow in a year if you get serious about the hobby.

The Verdict

If you are looking for a machine for a child to learn on, or just need something to fix a hem once a year, the Singer Start 1304 is perfect. It’s simple, safe, and effective. But if you want to make your own clothes or quilts, consider upgrading to a model with adjustable stitch settings like the best sewing machines for intermediate sewers list.

Frequently Asked Questions