Product Description
The Futura™ CE-150 by SINGER® is a fully electronic sewing machine and computer linked embroidery unit. With Futura™, embroidery is a snap. If you can click a mouse you can embroider! The actual sewing machine features electronic stitch control which means that each stitch is electronically formed and optimally set so each is sewn with exact precision. 24 Stitch options, including 2 types of 1-step buttonholes, have their optimal stitch settings pre-programmed but can be adjusted as you see the need. Also included are one-touch stitch selector buttons, an automatic needle threader, drop feed, top drop-in bobbin with a view plate, needle up/down selector, twin needle control and so much more. As far as embroidery, you have everything here to get started. The CE-150 comes with Windows® compatible software (that will need to be downloaded to your home computer) with a basic how-to/tutorial, 120 embroidery designs, 5 fonts, and 2 embroidery hoops. You will be able to work with embroidery designs from a wide range of sources to add to your upcoming project. You work within the software on your computer to layout end edit your designs and then, via a USB cable (provided), you just download to your Futura and you are ready to embroider.
Technical Details
Customer Reviews
2010-03-11
By L. Snelling
I have had this machine for 4 years now and as much as I have used it (approximately 10 hours a week) I like it fine, but if something goes wrong with the software it's awful. Both the original installation software and the HyperFont are almost impossible to install; many hours have been wasted trying to get it all set up. Really, it's beyond horrible to work with and both my husband and I are VERY computer literate. At one point I almost threw it out the front door for a snow plow to run over! The software isn't compatible with Vista or XP, you have to install patches, but then it's still a complete hit or miss if it will work. I wish I had purchased something with the embroidery computer included rather than having to hook up to an external computer. I originally wanted an external hookup so I could download images and fonts from the internet, but you can do that with the right built in computer functionality.
2009-06-03
By Gila Von Meissner (Hamburg)
Before my Singer, I had only used a machine twice in my life, so when it arrived, I got a pleasant surprise - I was off sewing within minutes, getting great results and having loads of fun. I especially love that threading is so easy, and you learn quickly where to be careful to avoid thread breakage.
Changing to embroidery unit - no problem, though getting the right foot attached usually takes me a sec. I daringly started off with one of my own Embird designs... without a glitch, even without the use of stabilizer, just straight onto firm cotton.
I love that the machine is easy to use, especially the Futura software. Its 24 standard stitches are more than enough, its embroidery is great. And my absolute favorite is the hoop size! Other machines with a similar (still higher) price tag come with a 4"x4" hoop, this one has two hoops with a maximum of 5"x7". You might not think you will need this, but you will - either when doing multiple designs on one large hoop, or just embroidering longer names.
The manual could be improved at times, but I hardly ever needed it.
I hear people complaining about broken thread - honestly, just like with every machine, you just need to know the Singer's quirks.
During the first 3-5 stitches of every color, hold the upper thread in the back, and no false thread breakage will occur. If it still does, thread the whole thing again and you will be fine. Don't use pre-wound bobbins without stabilizer. It will give you trouble after only 1/3 of the bobbin is empty, and since the bobbin case is plastic, you really shouldn't use metal bobbins either. Just wind your own bobbins when needed, it is easy enough.
Make sure that you use good embroidery yarn; every machine has brands it doesn't like. I am currently extremely happy with the Madeira yarns.
The fact that it needs a computer next to it... You know that before buying, don't you? To me, that is not a disadvantage at all, since I appreciate the large screen, and that I can work in Embird while the machine embroiders, preparing the next project.
It really is an awesome machine for that price. In Europe, the only difference between the 150 and the 250/350 are the number of stitches and which software is included.
Since I am using Embird, I really needed nothing except the Futura software to send designs to the machine, and 24 stutches is more than enough for what I do.
I highly recommend the machine - I am utterly in love with it.
2009-01-22
By T. Christiansen
This machine was bought as a Christmas present for me. What firstly surprised me was this machine has to be connected to the computer or it will NOT embroider. All embroidery interacts with the computer. The first machine broke and Singer recommended it be replaced (this is after I waited forever to get help by phone). The replacement machine did "so-so" embroidery as I was not impressed with the final product of embroidery. I found the placement of presser foot lever and working on the bed of the machine was extremely awkward. The hoop had to be screwed on and off. When I tried normal sewing, kept getting thread errors and found out through Singer (another long wait on phone) the bobbin case was defective and should be replaced. This was the second machine. Was not interested in a third try. Defective machine was returned. The Singer was an immense source of frustration. Sewing should be a creative pleasurable experience and not a frustrating experience. Would I recommend this Singer? Only if you are extremely computer savvy, don't really need a tutorial, are used to awkward Singers, and not interested in a user-friendly machine. Bought the Brother 700II with the USB port and this embroidery machine has been an embroiderer's dream. The practice embroidery between the Singer and the Brother was like night and day. Give me a Brother any day of the week. I gave this machine a 2-star review as I was in a kind mood. And, by the way, I have been sewing for almost 50 years so am not new to sewing. Also, my husband was a computer programmer and his trying to "help" me figure things out with the Futura was a challenge to him too. The capabilities are there, just too bad trying to use them is so difficult and the machine is questionable as far as durability.
2009-01-14
By B. Gursky (Ia, USA)
After spending weeks reading about all the different Embroidery machines out there I purchared the Futura CE-150. Not being a person who sews everyday, I was unsure about something this new. After reading and looking at the CD that came with the unit, I was able to make a small flower. Not bad for someone who only fixed rips in clothes. After afew hours of playing around, I found the Futura, and the software easy to use.
The Futura™ CE-150 by SINGER® is a fully electronic sewing machine and computer linked embroidery unit. With Futura™, embroidery is a snap. If you can click a mouse you can embroider! The actual sewing machine features electronic stitch control which means that each stitch is electronically formed and optimally set so each is sewn with exact precision. 24 Stitch options, including 2 types of 1-step buttonholes, have their optimal stitch settings pre-programmed but can be adjusted as you see the need. Also included are one-touch stitch selector buttons, an automatic needle threader, drop feed, top drop-in bobbin with a view plate, needle up/down selector, twin needle control and so much more. As far as embroidery, you have everything here to get started. The CE-150 comes with Windows® compatible software (that will need to be downloaded to your home computer) with a basic how-to/tutorial, 120 embroidery designs, 5 fonts, and 2 embroidery hoops. You will be able to work with embroidery designs from a wide range of sources to add to your upcoming project. You work within the software on your computer to layout end edit your designs and then, via a USB cable (provided), you just download to your Futura and you are ready to embroider.
Technical Details
- Sewing-and-embroidery machine with 24 built-in stitches
- 2 types of 1-step buttonholes; electronic stitch control; array of accessories
- 120 embroidery designs, 5 fonts, 2 hoops, and Windows-compatible software
- USB cable for transmitting designs from computer (not included) to machine
- Measures approximately 17 by 11 by 12 inches; 25-year limited warranty
Customer Reviews
2010-03-11
By L. Snelling
I have had this machine for 4 years now and as much as I have used it (approximately 10 hours a week) I like it fine, but if something goes wrong with the software it's awful. Both the original installation software and the HyperFont are almost impossible to install; many hours have been wasted trying to get it all set up. Really, it's beyond horrible to work with and both my husband and I are VERY computer literate. At one point I almost threw it out the front door for a snow plow to run over! The software isn't compatible with Vista or XP, you have to install patches, but then it's still a complete hit or miss if it will work. I wish I had purchased something with the embroidery computer included rather than having to hook up to an external computer. I originally wanted an external hookup so I could download images and fonts from the internet, but you can do that with the right built in computer functionality.
2009-06-03
By Gila Von Meissner (Hamburg)
Before my Singer, I had only used a machine twice in my life, so when it arrived, I got a pleasant surprise - I was off sewing within minutes, getting great results and having loads of fun. I especially love that threading is so easy, and you learn quickly where to be careful to avoid thread breakage.
Changing to embroidery unit - no problem, though getting the right foot attached usually takes me a sec. I daringly started off with one of my own Embird designs... without a glitch, even without the use of stabilizer, just straight onto firm cotton.
I love that the machine is easy to use, especially the Futura software. Its 24 standard stitches are more than enough, its embroidery is great. And my absolute favorite is the hoop size! Other machines with a similar (still higher) price tag come with a 4"x4" hoop, this one has two hoops with a maximum of 5"x7". You might not think you will need this, but you will - either when doing multiple designs on one large hoop, or just embroidering longer names.
The manual could be improved at times, but I hardly ever needed it.
I hear people complaining about broken thread - honestly, just like with every machine, you just need to know the Singer's quirks.
During the first 3-5 stitches of every color, hold the upper thread in the back, and no false thread breakage will occur. If it still does, thread the whole thing again and you will be fine. Don't use pre-wound bobbins without stabilizer. It will give you trouble after only 1/3 of the bobbin is empty, and since the bobbin case is plastic, you really shouldn't use metal bobbins either. Just wind your own bobbins when needed, it is easy enough.
Make sure that you use good embroidery yarn; every machine has brands it doesn't like. I am currently extremely happy with the Madeira yarns.
The fact that it needs a computer next to it... You know that before buying, don't you? To me, that is not a disadvantage at all, since I appreciate the large screen, and that I can work in Embird while the machine embroiders, preparing the next project.
It really is an awesome machine for that price. In Europe, the only difference between the 150 and the 250/350 are the number of stitches and which software is included.
Since I am using Embird, I really needed nothing except the Futura software to send designs to the machine, and 24 stutches is more than enough for what I do.
I highly recommend the machine - I am utterly in love with it.
2009-01-22
By T. Christiansen
This machine was bought as a Christmas present for me. What firstly surprised me was this machine has to be connected to the computer or it will NOT embroider. All embroidery interacts with the computer. The first machine broke and Singer recommended it be replaced (this is after I waited forever to get help by phone). The replacement machine did "so-so" embroidery as I was not impressed with the final product of embroidery. I found the placement of presser foot lever and working on the bed of the machine was extremely awkward. The hoop had to be screwed on and off. When I tried normal sewing, kept getting thread errors and found out through Singer (another long wait on phone) the bobbin case was defective and should be replaced. This was the second machine. Was not interested in a third try. Defective machine was returned. The Singer was an immense source of frustration. Sewing should be a creative pleasurable experience and not a frustrating experience. Would I recommend this Singer? Only if you are extremely computer savvy, don't really need a tutorial, are used to awkward Singers, and not interested in a user-friendly machine. Bought the Brother 700II with the USB port and this embroidery machine has been an embroiderer's dream. The practice embroidery between the Singer and the Brother was like night and day. Give me a Brother any day of the week. I gave this machine a 2-star review as I was in a kind mood. And, by the way, I have been sewing for almost 50 years so am not new to sewing. Also, my husband was a computer programmer and his trying to "help" me figure things out with the Futura was a challenge to him too. The capabilities are there, just too bad trying to use them is so difficult and the machine is questionable as far as durability.
2009-01-14
By B. Gursky (Ia, USA)
After spending weeks reading about all the different Embroidery machines out there I purchared the Futura CE-150. Not being a person who sews everyday, I was unsure about something this new. After reading and looking at the CD that came with the unit, I was able to make a small flower. Not bad for someone who only fixed rips in clothes. After afew hours of playing around, I found the Futura, and the software easy to use.
