Singer 14SH654 sewing machine, 6 stitches, up to 1300 RPM

The 14SH654 has a top speed of 1300 RPM. High speed pays off when you have many long straight or even seams to sew, for example on curtains, bed linen or larger textiles. You do not have to run it flat out all the time: slow down around corners and curves so the seam stays accurate.

Six stitches is a small set compared with the hundreds on computerised machines, but it means the machine concentrates on core seams rather than decorative stitching. The width and length of each stitch are adjustable, so the same stitch works on both light and denser fabric. The exact stitch list and how to use each stitch are given in the Singer manual for the 14SH654.

According to the manufacturer, the 14SH654 has neither an automatic needle threader nor automatic bobbin winding. That means following the thread path in the machine's manual and guiding the thread by hand when winding the bobbin. For an experienced sewer this is a normal part of the job, while a beginner should set aside some time to learn the threading sequence.

The machine weighs 7.2 kg. When you sew at high speed, a heavier machine sits more firmly on the table and vibrates less, which helps keep the seam even. At the same time, 7.2 kg is still light enough to move the machine from a cupboard to the table and back. The white body fits well into a home sewing corner.

The 14SH654 suits an experienced sewer who knows what they want: high speed and a handful of core stitches without automation getting in the way. It is a sensible choice for people who sew lots of long, repetitive seams and have no need for decorative stitches or electronic helpers. A beginner who wants automatic threading and buttonholes should look at other Singer models.