Singer C430 computerised sewing machine, 810 stitches, 13 buttonholes, LCD

810 stitches is a large library for a home sewing machine: beyond everyday seams and edge finishing there is a wide range of decorative stitches for tablecloths, cushion covers, children's clothes and handmade gifts. Stitch width and length are adjustable, so any stitch can be made narrower or wider, denser or more open. The stitch number and its settings appear on the LCD screen.

All 13 buttonholes are sewn in one step: the machine completes each buttonhole in a single cycle and you never have to turn the fabric. With that many styles you can match the buttonhole to the garment and the button, whether it is a light blouse, a shirt, a child's jumper or a heavier jacket. Identical buttonholes are easy to repeat, because each one follows the same programme.

On a horizontal shuttle machine the bobbin drops in from the top under the needle plate, and from above you can see how much thread is left. Automatic bobbin winding fills the bobbin evenly without guiding the thread by hand, and the automatic needle threader passes the thread through the eye of the needle. Together these noticeably shorten every thread change.

The machine is rated at 55 W with a top speed of 850 RPM. Long seams, such as curtain edges or a tablecloth hem, are done quickly, and you can slow right down for corners or for placing a decorative stitch exactly where you want it. At 7 kg the machine stays steady on the table even at higher speeds.

The C430 suits a sewer who goes beyond repairs and wants dressmaking and decorative work from one machine: 810 stitches and 13 buttonholes give years of choice. For a beginner the LCD screen, automatic needle threader and bobbin winding make the start easier; for an experienced sewer the wide stitch library and adjustable stitch width and length give room to grow.