Singer C5655 computerised sewing machine, 80 stitches, 6 buttonholes

The C5655 is a computerised machine: its stitches are stored in the electronics and chosen electronically rather than with a mechanical selector dial. The settings of a chosen stitch are the same every time, so you never have to set them by eye. The model focuses on core sewing rather than extra features, which makes it quick to learn.

80 stitches is plenty for making, mending and altering clothes: straight stitch, zigzag and overcasting are the backbone of everyday work, and the rest let you finish edges and add decorative touches. A stitch width of up to 4 mm and length of up to 4.5 mm suit utility seams and narrower decorative stitches that do not need a very wide pattern.

All six buttonholes are sewn in one step: the machine completes the buttonhole in a single cycle and the fabric never has to be turned. You can choose the buttonhole style for the garment, for example a narrow one on a shirt and a sturdier one on a jacket. One-step buttonholes are one of the main reasons computerised machines are recommended to people who sew clothes regularly.

According to the manufacturer, the C5655 has neither an automatic needle threader nor automatic bobbin winding. Thread goes through the eye of the needle by hand and the bobbin is wound on the bobbin winder, as on classic sewing machines. With good eyesight and occasional thread changes this is no obstacle, but if you change thread colour often, a model with an automatic needle threader is worth considering.

The C5655 suits a sewer who wants the precision of computerised control and one-step buttonholes but does not need hundreds of stitches or automatic helpers. It is a sensible choice for home repairs, shortening clothes, hemming curtains and sewing simpler garments. The white machine also fits people learning to sew from the very basics.