The Singer 7256 Fashion Mate 70-stitch computerized sewing machine is a dream for the beginner. Singer has long been known as one of the most reliable machines in the business and they’ve brought that solid, steady reliability to an economically priced machine that is loaded with features frequently found on higher priced sewing machines.
Many of the tasks that have traditionally proven a challenge for those first starting to sew are accomplished with the touch of a button while sewing on the Singer 7256. Thread tension and presser foot pressure adjust automatically to suit the fabric. The hardest thing about sewing buttonholes will be picking out which of the six styles you wish to use. Another headache taken care of is tying off the thread after using one of the 48 decorative stitches – on this machine it is automatic!
If you aren’t sure how much you will sew, but want to buy a machine you can grow into, take a good long look at this machine. It will take a long time to grow out of this Singer.
(Click Ahead!)
• Quick Stats for Singer 7256
• Notable Features
• Reviewer Feedback
• Manual and Warranty
• Singer 7256 Extras
• Products
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Quick Stats for Singer 7256:(Back To Top)
| Price | Check Price Here ====>  |
| Stitching Functions: | 70 built-in stitches |
| Button Hole Type(s): | six fully automatic one-step buttonhole stitches |
| My Custom Stitch | No |
| Bobbin Winding System | Top loading jam proof bobbin system |
| Bobbin: | class 15J bobbins |
| Bobbin Type: | drop-in |
| Clear Bobbin Cover: | yes |
| Pressure Setting: | Automatic |
| Tension Setting: | Automatic |
| Built-in Accessory Storage: | Yes |
| Carry Handle: | Yes |
| Drop Feed: | No – Includes a darning plate for free motion sewing |
| Feed Dogs | Yes |
| Quilting | Yes |
| Embroidery: | Yes – use darning plate for free motion embroidery |
| Free-Arm: | Yes |
| LCD Display: | Yes |
| Light: | Yes, bright LED |
| Automatic Needle Threader: | Yes |
| Snap-on Presser Feet: | Yes |
| Knee Lifter | No but has extra high presser foot lifter |
| Stitch Width: | 7mm |
| Thread Delivery: | top thread horizontal spool pin |
| Instruction Manual | Yes, Instruction DVD |
| Limited Warranty: | 25 yr limited warranty |
| Hard Cover: | No, but has a soft dust cover |
| Machine Dimensions: | 14.5” x 7.5” x 12” |
| Machine Weight: | 19 lbs |
Notable Features and Highlights (Back To Top)
Stitching Features
70 Stitches
The Singer 7256 comes with 70 built-in stitches, but these aren’t stitches you will never use. The stitches include 6 different buttonhole stitches, 8 utility stitches, 8 stretch stitches for sewing on knits and 48 decorative stitches to add that special touch to collars, cuffs and hems.
7mm Stitch Width
This nice wide stitch is particularly important with satin stitch embroidery. It will make the stitches more bold and give your embroidery a more professional finish.
13 Needle Positions
Having the ability to reposition the sewing machine needle is especially important for attaching zippers and buttons, as well as finishing off buttonholes and many embroidery stitches. This is a feature typically found in higher priced machines.
One-Touch Reverse
This feature makes life so much easier when sewing even the simplest of seams. This is a fast and easy way to lock in your stitches and secure your seam.
Automatic Tie-off for Decorative Stitches
Of all the features on the Singer 7256, this may be my favorite. When I first bought a machine with extra decorative stitches, I found myself once again tying them off the old fashioned way. This interrupts the flow of sewing and can make using these stitches seem like a chore. The automatic tie-off feature is a must-have for anyone who will use decorative stitches to adorn garments and housewares.
Center Zigzag Taper
This is another one of those professional finishing touches that isn’t often found on an economically priced sewing machine. It is also one of those details many overlook. The center taper allows for a prettier finish to the zigzag/satin stitch in your decorative sewing.
Additional Features
Automatic Needle Threader
It doesn’t matter how old or young your eyes are, they will thank you for this feature. Gone are the days when we hunched over to get a better view of the needle’s eye. Now, many machines offer this feature and in my opinion is essential for anyone who sews often or who takes on large projects.
Top Loading Bobbin System with Clear Cover
Top loading drop-in bobbins are a convenience I simply can’t do without. If you have ever sewn on a machine that required you to remove a panel from your machine simply to get at the bobbin, you know what I’m talking about. The Singer 7256 has the added convenience of a clear cover to allow you to see when your bobbin thread is about to run out.
StayBright LED Lifetime White Lamp
Sewing can involve focusing on intricate details and small items. It can be hard on your eyes, so it is vitally important to have a well lit workspace. The bright LED white lamp will brighten all the small details making it easier to see your fabric, needles and thread.
Snap-On Presser Feet
Changing presser feet can be difficult as you maneuver two hands into a small area that includes a sharp needle. Snap-on presser feet makes it much easier to go from sewing seems to attaching a zipper without dropped screws or pricked fingers.
Automatic Presser Foot Pressure
This feature is wonderful when sewing through different thicknesses of fabric, or when a project calls for different types of fabric. As the presser foot pressure automatically adjusts to different fabric thicknesses you have a chance of fewer skipped stitches and a smoother finish.
Extra High Presser Foot Lift
Have you ever tried hemming blue jeans? The thickness encountered at the side seems can be a challenge on most sewing machines. When the presser foot doesn’t lift high enough you have to push and nudge the fabric through which can not only cause you to break the needle, but to skip stitches giving you a weak, ugly hem. The extra high presser foot lift will make it much easier to sew through multiple layers of fabric and very thick materials.
Heavy
Duty Metal Frame
Those decorative, curvy plastic shells that make up the outside of most newer sewing machines hide a very important part of your machine – the frame. The Singer 7256 has a heavy duty metal frame which will help give this otherwise lightweight machine some stability, which in turn will help keep your seams smooth, straight and skip-free.
Reviewer Feedback (Back To Top)
The overall reviews for the Singer 7256 Fashion Mate are overwhelmingly positive and many are from buyers new to sewing. You can find a full list of reviews at Amazon.
Likes
Sew Easy
I have very little experience sewing and I love love love love this machine so far. It works fantastically! =) The tension is preset which makes all the difference in the world for beginners. It is adjustable, in case you actually know what you are doing. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. It even comes with a DVD to watch walking you through all the various things you might need to know. It is definitely worth the money….
Great Quality at a Reasonable Price
I did a lot of research before settling on this machine. What I found is that the quality and features are totally worth the price – which is really reasonable. It’s got a good heft to it and is no louder than you’d expect – I can hear a TV over it while sewing. The one-step button hole is freakin’ fabulous and the decorative stitches work well with only minor tension adjustments necessary. I really couldn’t be any happier with this machine unless it came with a seamstress and a coffeemaker….
Love!!! Love!!! Love!!!
Let me start out by saying that i am a not very experienced in the sewing field, i learned on a VERY basic Brother to see if i liked it. After reading all the customer reviews and the specs i knew i had to have this machine and when it went on sale i snatched it up. I really had high hopes for this machine, and i was right it really is GREAT!!! It feeds my fabric in easily and quickly without it going all wonky on me. I LOVE all the decorative stitches, they are beautiful and the tie off feature works like a charm. I LOVE how easy it is to wind the bobbin and insert it in the machine. Everything about this just screams simple! I love it! I would seriously recommend this machine to anyone starting out!….
Dislikes
DOA, but Singer made it right – I bought this machine for my wife. I was not happy when it arrived and the foot pedal worked when it felt like it, and that wasn’t very often. Contacted Singer and received a replacement foot pedal which worked perfectly. It took about two weeks from contacting Singer to get the replacement foot pedal. I would give this five stars, but the issue with the foot pedal, which other also seem to have, knocks off one.
A good product that the manufacturer stands behind, but initial quality control left a bit to be desired.
Bottom Line
The Singer 7256 Fashion Mate 70-Stitch Computerized sewing machine is an excellent machine for beginners and experienced sewists alike. It is loaded with convenient features, many found in more expensive machines. This is a good all purpose machine for garment sewing, mending and hemming, basic piecing and quilting, as well as crafting and sewing home goods.
Rating: 
Manual and Warranty(Back To Top)
Click text below to download the manual. Study it for the correct operation of the various functions of your machine. After you have finished, store it where it can be quickly accessed for future reference.
Manual
An instruction manual and instructional DVD come with the sewing machine. You can download an additional manual at this link.
Warranty
Singer offers a limited 25 year warranty. This includes parts covered for 25 years, electronics for 5 years and labor for one year.
Singer 7256 Extras(Back To Top)
Accessories
These accessories are located in the free arm accessory storage compartment.
*Auxiliary spool pin
*Spool pin felt discs (two)
*Small, medium and large thread spool caps (three)
*Screwdriver for needle plate
*One-step buttonhole foot
*Four class 15J bobbins (one in machine)
*Package of needles
*Lint brush and seam ripper
*Darning plate
4 Included Snap-on Presser feet
*General-purpose foot (on machine)
*Satin special purpose (decorative sewing) foot
*Zipper foot
*Blind hem foot
Products (Back To Top)
Similar Products Reviewed On Our Site:
Singer 7258 Stylist Sewing Machine
The Singer 7258 is very similar to the model 7256 with just a few more features and a slightly higher price point. One feature on the 7258 allows you to end sewing with the needle in the up or the down position. This is especially handy when sewing a project that requires you to pivot the fabric. It also comes with 30 extra stitches and 4 more presser feet and is a great machine with which you can grow into.
Brother CS6000i 60 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
The Brother CS6000i is another moderately priced sewing machine with strong ratings and all the features you need to do basic quilting. After you read our review of the Brother CS6000i, head on over to Amazon to see what other buyers have to say.
