Buying your first sewing machine can feel confusing. Some models promise hundreds of stitches, others cost as much as a small laptop, and most beginners only need a machine that threads easily and sews straight. That is the gap the SINGER 1310 is trying to fill.
It is a mechanical zig zag machine with 10 built-in stitches, a 60 W motor and a metal frame, sold at a price that sits well below most feature-packed models. It also carries one of the stronger customer ratings in its category on Amazon India, around 4.4 out of 5 from nearly 8,800 ratings when I checked.
In this review, I go through what the machine offers, how it should perform on everyday fabrics, what buyers seem to like, and where it falls short. If you are looking for a simple machine for hemming, repairs, curtains and basic clothes, read on.
Check the current price of the SINGER 1310 on Amazon India
SINGER 1310 Key Features
10 Built-In Stitches and 22 Stitch Functions
The machine has 10 built-in stitches, which the listing describes as 22 stitch functions. That count includes the different ways the same stitches can be used, such as basic seams, stretch stitching and decorative work. Ten stitches might sound modest, but it covers what most home sewers actually use: straight stitch, zig zag, stretch stitches and a buttonhole.
60 W Motor
The listing highlights a 60 W motor. For a home machine, that is a typical rating for light to medium sewing. It is not a heavy-duty motor, so do not expect it to push through thick leather or many layers of canvas.
4-Step Buttonhole
The 1310 has a 4-step buttonhole. You sew each side of the buttonhole in stages, turning the dial between steps. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can make neat, even buttonholes for shirts, kurtas and kids’ clothes. Beginners should practise on scrap fabric first.
Length Dial and Zig Zag Stitching
A stitch length dial lets you make stitches shorter for strong seams or longer for basting and gathering. The zig zag stitch is useful for finishing raw edges, which helps stop fabric from fraying, and for sewing stretchy materials.
Metal Frame
The listing mentions a metal frame for stability, and the material is shown as metal and plastic. A metal frame inside the body helps the machine stay steady while sewing. The outer shell is still partly plastic, as on most home machines in this price range.
LED Light
A built-in LED light, which Singer calls StayBright, brightens the sewing area. This helps when you sew in the evening, work with dark fabric or thread a needle in a dim room.
Automatic Bobbin Winding, Front-Loading Bobbin and Thread Cutter
Three practical touches make daily use easier. Automatic bobbin winding prepares your bobbin quickly and evenly. The front-loading bobbin system keeps the bobbin accessible at the front of the machine. A built-in thread cutter trims thread without needing scissors.
Size, Weight and Warranty
The listing gives the weight as about 5.9 kilograms, with dimensions of roughly 39 x 20 x 33 cm. It is light enough to lift onto a table and store away when you are done. Singer lists a 2-year warranty, though you should read the exact terms on the listing and your warranty card.
Stitching Performance
Straight Stitch and Zig Zag
For everyday sewing, a mechanical zig zag machine like this should give you clean, consistent seams as long as the thread tension is set well and you use the right needle. A common problem for beginners is blaming the machine for skipped or uneven stitches when the cause is threading or a worn needle. Re-thread the top thread and bobbin carefully, fit a fresh needle, and test on a scrap before starting a real project.
Stretch and Decorative Stitches
The stretch stitches are helpful if you plan to sew t-shirts, leggings or other knit fabrics. Use a ballpoint or stretch needle for these, because a standard needle can skip stitches on knits. The decorative stitches are simple, but they work for hems, borders and light embellishment on cushion covers, aprons and children’s clothes.
Performance on Different Fabrics
I could not verify the maximum thickness the machine can handle, so here is a realistic, cautious guide based on its specifications.
Cotton, poly-cotton, linen and similar light to medium fabrics are where this machine should be comfortable. That covers most home projects, including blouses, kurtas, school uniforms, cushion covers, bedsheets and curtains.
Delicate fabrics like georgette, chiffon and thin silk can be sewn with a fine needle, fine thread and slow, steady control. Expect to spend a little more time on tension and fabric handling.
Knits and stretch fabrics are possible with the stretch stitches and the right needle.
Denim is a mixed picture. Hemming a pair of jeans or patching a pocket may be manageable with a denim needle and slow sewing. Sewing through several thick layers, such as the seams of heavy jeans, is likely to strain a 60 W home machine.
Leather, heavy canvas, upholstery and other thick materials are best left to a machine designed for heavier work.
Ease of Use
Setup and Threading
The 1310 is designed around simplicity. The automatic bobbin winder, front-loading bobbin and built-in thread cutter remove some of the small frustrations that put beginners off. There is no screen or menu. You turn a dial to choose a stitch and another dial to adjust length.
Controls and Handling
Because it is a mechanical machine, there are fewer electronic parts to learn or worry about. The weight, just under 6 kg, makes it portable enough to carry to a table or a sewing class. The LED light helps you see your work clearly.
Learning Curve
Plan on spending your first session practising rather than starting a project. Read the manual, thread the machine slowly, wind a bobbin, and sew straight lines on scrap fabric. Once you can sew a clean straight line and a basic zig zag, hemming and simple repairs become easy.
Is It Good for Beginners, Home Sewing and Alterations?
Beginners: Yes, this is who the machine is built for. The controls are simple, the price is moderate, and the features are practical rather than flashy. The 4-step buttonhole needs a bit of practice, but the rest of the machine is straightforward.
Home sewing: It suits families who sew curtains, pillow covers, bedsheets, school uniforms and basic garments. The zig zag stitch also makes it easy to finish raw edges neatly.
Alterations and repairs: This is probably its best use. Shortening trousers, taking in a kurta, fixing a torn seam or replacing a zip are all realistic jobs. The adjustable stitch length and zig zag stitch cover most alteration needs.
Professional tailoring: I would be cautious. If you plan to sew for many hours every day, handle bulk orders or work with heavy fabrics, a machine built for heavier workloads will be a safer investment.
See the SINGER 1310 features and current offer on Amazon India
SINGER 1310 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple mechanical design with easy dials and no screen
- 10 built-in stitches and 22 stitch functions, enough for most home sewing
- 4-step buttonhole function
- Automatic bobbin winding and front-loading bobbin
- Built-in thread cutter
- Metal frame for added stability
- LED light for better visibility
- Light enough to carry and store
- 2-year warranty listed on Amazon
- Strong overall rating on Amazon India from a large number of buyers
Cons
- Not designed for thick, heavy or industrial fabrics
- A 4-step buttonhole takes practice, and some people prefer one-step systems
- Only 10 stitches, which may feel limited if you want decorative options
- No computerised features such as an LCD screen or stitch memory
- The outer body includes plastic parts
- Beginners may need help or a demo to get started
What Customers Are Saying
On the Amazon India listing, the SINGER 1310 holds an average rating of about 4.4 out of 5 from roughly 8,800 ratings when I looked. It was also listed at around 300 or more units bought in the past month, and it ranked among the more popular sewing machines in its category. That is a large sample, and a 4.4 average suggests that most buyers are satisfied.
I want to be clear about what I could and could not confirm. I was not able to read the individual review text on the Amazon listing, so I am not going to quote reviewers or invent a list of comments. What I can say is based on the rating itself, the product details, and broader feedback about SINGER machines.
A few honest points to keep in mind:
- A high rating from thousands of buyers is a good sign, but it does not mean every unit is perfect. In any popular product, a small share of buyers will receive a faulty unit or struggle with setup.
- Feedback on an older, related SINGER 1310 variant sold on Flipkart (a different version with 8 stitches) is also positive overall, with a rating of about 4.3. One buyer there liked the machine but wished the company would arrange a small demo for customers. That comment is worth remembering if you are new to sewing.
- Outside India, some Singer buyers have complained about defective units and slow warranty support. These comments are not specific to the 1310, but they are a useful reminder to buy from a reliable seller, test the machine as soon as it arrives, and keep your invoice and warranty details safe.
My takeaway: this machine appears to satisfy most buyers who use it for simple home sewing. The disappointments usually come from expecting a heavy-duty machine or from a faulty unit, which you can reduce by testing it early.
Who Should Buy the SINGER 1310?
This machine is a good fit if you:
- Are a beginner looking for an easy, affordable first sewing machine
- Want to do hemming, alterations, curtain making and light garment sewing at home
- Prefer a simple mechanical machine with dials rather than a screen
- Value a well-known brand and a listed 2-year warranty
- Like features such as an LED light, thread cutter and automatic bobbin winding
You may want to look elsewhere if you:
- Plan to sew thick denim, canvas, leather or upholstery regularly
- Want a large range of decorative stitches or embroidery options
- Need a machine for daily commercial tailoring
- Prefer a one-step buttonhole or computerised features
Smart Buying Tips
Check the current price, because it moves around between listings and the MRP of ₹18,000 does not tell you what a fair price is. Read the warranty terms, and find out whether a free demo or installation is offered in your city, as that can help a lot if you have never used a machine before. Ask what comes in the box, including presser feet and spare needles. When the machine arrives, unbox it quickly and test the stitch dial, tension, bobbin winder and thread cutter so you can report any problem within the return window.
Check today’s price and availability for the SINGER 1310
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SINGER 1310 good for beginners?
Yes. The simple dials, automatic bobbin winder and front-loading bobbin make it beginner-friendly. Practise on scrap fabric first, and consider asking for a demo if one is available.
How many stitches does the SINGER 1310 have?
It has 10 built-in stitches, which the listing describes as 22 stitch functions. These cover basic, stretch and decorative sewing.
Can it sew jeans?
Light hemming and patching on denim may be possible if you use a denim needle and sew slowly. It is not built for thick, multi-layer seams or heavy-duty work.
Does it have a one-step buttonhole?
No. The listing mentions a 4-step buttonhole, where you sew the buttonhole in stages. It takes a little practice, but it works well once you get used to it.
Is it a computerised machine?
No. It is a mechanical machine. You select stitches with a dial, and there is no screen or stitch memory.
What warranty does it come with?
The Amazon India listing mentions a 2-year warranty. Please read the exact terms on the product page and the warranty card, since coverage often excludes parts such as needles and bulbs.
Can I use it for tailoring work?
It is fine for light alterations and small projects. For full-time tailoring or heavy fabrics, a machine designed for that level of use is a better long-term choice.
What should I do if the machine skips stitches?
Re-thread the top thread and bobbin carefully, replace the needle, and make sure the needle type matches your fabric. These simple steps fix most skipped-stitch problems.
Final Verdict
The SINGER 1310 is a practical, no-fuss choice for anyone who wants to start sewing without a steep learning curve. It offers the essentials: zig zag stitching, a buttonhole function, an LED light, automatic bobbin winding and a thread cutter, wrapped in a lightweight metal-framed body. The strong Amazon India rating from thousands of buyers is reassuring.
It is not a machine for everything. Ten stitches is modest, the 4-step buttonhole takes practice, and the 60 W motor is better suited to light and medium fabrics than heavy materials. As with any machine, buy from a trusted seller, test it as soon as it arrives, and keep your warranty details handy.
If you want a simple, affordable machine for hemming, repairs, curtains and everyday garments, the SINGER 1310 is a sensible place to start. If your plans involve heavy fabrics or professional volume, compare other options before you decide.
View the SINGER 1310 on Amazon India