Embroidery is a handicraft art using needle and thread to stitch designs into fabric. Back in the old days, designs were only done by hand. These days, embroidery machines make the process simpler, faster, and more efficient. One such machine is the Singer Futura XL-400.
Review of Singer Futura XL-400
One respected brand in the industry is SINGER which produces some of the top embroidery machines on the market. Let’s take a closer look at the Singer Futura XL-400 and its capabilities as a computerized, embroidery machine.
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You might also like to read about the best embroidery machines reviewed, with a buyer’s guide and advice.
How Easy Is It to Use?
What makes this model very easy to use is that it acts as an all-in-one machine, equipped with 30 built-in stitch patterns, along with other features such as 2 fully automatic buttonholes, built-in lettering system, and 125 built-in embroidery designs. As such, all you have to do is to select from the designs and start embroidering them on any cloth.
At the same time, it uses a SwiftSmart Threading System, making threading a whole lot easier, rather than doing it manually. All you have to do is to take your thread, guiding it along the single groove, and use the auto needle threader to complete the process. You no longer have to deal with tension dials, complex turns or even missing on the take-up lever! Threading becomes effortless with this model.
How Well Does the Singer L-400 Work?
The capability of the Futura XL-400 lies in its features. For example, it comes with a larger embroidery hoop, sized 10 x 6 inches, as well as a multi-hooping capacity, which means that you can easily make designs that are up to 12 x 20 inches. This features can also allow you to work on large format projects including bedspreads, table cloths, dresses, and several others.
To get it started, all you have to do is to connect your PC to this embroidery machine using the included USB cable, use the software that is included and equipped with built-in tutorials, and choose designs, sending it to the machine. Just push a button, and you can already start embroidering away!
Embroidering has never been made this easy with SINGER Futura XL-400. You can also easily customize your project using your computer screen, combining together multiple designs into a single design file, adding lettering in order to personalize the output even better. You may also choose custom colors for the threads.
The software that is included in the package also comes with thread charts that come with color numbers which corresponds to the most popular embroidery thread brands, making it easier for you to locate them for your personal use. You may also use its resizing capability in order to enlarge or reduce the size of the design, fitting for any project.
Accessories/Tools Included
There are several accessories that are included in the package, such as:
- Bobbins
- Pack of needles
- Auxiliary spool pin
- Spool cap (small, medium, large)
- Buttonhole opener/seam ripper/brush
- Screwdriver (for the needle plate)
- Pair of scissors
- Zipper foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Button sewing foot
- Embroidery foot
- Buttonhole foot
Features of the Singer Futura XL-400
- SwiftSmart Threading System
This brand designed technology makes the process of threading the machine effortless. All you have to do is to take the thread, guiding through the automatic needle threader to complete the process.
- Automatic Needle Threader
This built-in needle threader allows you to avoid frustrations or eye-strains in threading your machine. All you need to do is to push down the lever.
- Drop and Sew Bobbin System
Threading the bobbin is also easy. It comes in a transparent cover which allows you to see how much thread is remaining on the bobbin without even removing it. It is also jam proof, thus preventing any thread jams from happening.
- 6-Segment Feeding System
This system also comes with a drop feed capability which allows users to enjoy a consistent and smooth fabric feeding. All you have to do is to drop the feed dogs, watching them go beneath the needle plate.
- Push Button Stitch Selection
Choosing a stitch is very easy with this feature. All you have to do is to look at the stitch panel and choose a stitch you would like to you. Then, you can press the stitch selection button and start sewing the selected stitch.
- Extra Large 10” x 6” Embroidery Field
This model comes with a larger embroidery field which can allow you to create designs easily. This function is very easy to use and allows you to explore your creativity. All you have to do is choose a design and allow it to do the rest.
Who It is Best For?
This model is best for embroidery fanatics who would like to complete embroidery projects at home and save money compared to having it done elsewhere. However, since the Futura XL-400 is designed for home projects only, it may not work well for commercial embroidery functions.
What we like
- Built in stitches and designs makes it easy to get started
- Very easy to use
- Large embroidery field
- Quick design transfer & easy computer connection
What we don’t like
- No built-in screen
- Software takes some getting used to
Editor’s Rating
I would personally give this product 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not the best embroidery machine available and has some flaws so it can’t be a 5. However, it is easy to use and program, and puts out high-quality stitches and a good rate makes it easy enough to justify this product.
I give it a 4.2 or 4.3 out of 5 for beginners since it is very easy to use. However, it’s still a solid buy if you’re not just beginning and want a quality embroidering machine.
This one not for you?
You can’t go wrong with a Brother machine:
- Brother SE600 – top rated sewing and embroidery combo machine – see it here.
- Brother PE800 – embroidery-only machine – the latest model.
Wrapping up Singer Futura XL-400 Review
I would highly recommend this product. While others think that this is expensive as compared to other brands, what you are actually paying for is quality. See what others say about it on Amazon and check price.
If you want a product that will last and deliver good quality embroidering then this a great choice – particularly if you’re a beginner since it is so easy to use.
With the built-in features accessible through your computer, it is so easy to install extra designs.
Also, even though others may think that it is quite annoying to connect it every time to a computer rather than having its own built-in screen, doing so gives you a better display of your options, instead of just looking at a small display. All in all, the Futura XL-400 can give you what you need for any embroidery project.
