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Reviews for Futura™ XL-400
The next generation of SINGER sewing & embroidery machines!
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large hoop still not large enough
Overall Rating: 
Pros: Swift Smart Threading, Drop And Sew Bobbin, Multi-hooping Capabiity, Usb Connection
Cons: Loud, Autopunch And Editing Not Included, Unreliable Automatic Threader, Unreliable Notice For Thread Breaks
12 out of 12 people found this helpful.
I wanted to make sure I owned this machine long enough to give it an accurate review. I've had it long enough to want to return it, but won't. It has frustrated me to tears. The large hoop is just not large enough. I am making a quilt, putting some redwork into each block instead of stippling it. But I can't do it. I've spent hours on end just trying to line up the first block and finally have given up. My blocks are 9.5 by 11 inches. I wanted to frame each design that I already have in each block with a border. I have to multihoop in order to do that because I need just a couple more inches to cover the entire block. But I can't even line up the hoop evenly on the quilt. So what good is multihooping when it's too difficult to line it up perfectly? Just make a larger hoop for it and the capability to add different sized hoops and this would be a decent machine. Some sort of clear vinyl template would be helpful.
Okay, now that I'm done venting, here are the pros and cons.
Pros:
---> Swift smart threading system makes it a breeze to thread.
---> I love the drop and sew bobbin feature, too.
---> I like the snap on hoops, rather than the ones you have to screw in, like for the CE250.
---> I like the multi-hoop capability, but wish it was easier to line up. This and the larger hoop were the reasons I sold my CE250 and bought this one instead.
---> The automatic needle threader is a good idea, but I like the one on the CE250 better. It seemed to work a lot better. This one is very picky. I'm lucky to get it on the third try. You have to practically put the thread into the little catcher thing, straining your eyes doing it which defeats the purpose of an automatic threader. Also, make sure your needle is in correctly. The CE250 wouldn't even let you put it in wrong. So when I first got the XL400, I put the needle in which ever way it allowed me to, which was the wrong way. So the automatic threader wouldn't work at all. Some pressure feet wouldn't work, either. I finally had a lightbulb come on and realized that I might have the needle in wrong.
---> Strange as it is, my favorite feature on the XL400 is the speed control.
Now for the cons:
---> Editing and autopunch software doesn't come with the basic software as it did with the CE250. You have to purchase it separate and it's quite expensive. It isn't compatible with the CE250 software, so if you already have all the software from CE250, it still won't work with it. You have to repurchase it. I use a free program for my editing.
---> It is very clanky and loud when the hoop moves. I wish it was quieter.
---> A feature that would really improve this, other than the above mentioned, would be an automatic thread cutter, as the Quantum Stylist 9960 has. Otherwise, you are wasting a lot of thread because you have to pull the entire hoop off before you can cut it. So if you are taking it off just to check the bobbin, you have to either rewind the bobbin to save that thread that you have just pulled up, or you waste it.
---> The XL400 is not very reliable for it's messages about broken thread. It beebs at me constantly when there is no thread break. I have a thread net and spool cap for my thread, which used to fix the problem with my CE250, but it doesn't seem to make much difference with the XL400. When it is not even close to running out of bobbin thread, it will beep, but when I completely run out of bobbin thread or the top thread breaks, it doesn't beep until after at least 8 stitches have past after the break, and you can't go back to fix that unless you do it manually. So I have a bald spot on a person I embroidered.
Overall, the machine is pretty nice. Other than the above problems mentioned, this would be the perfect machine, within this price range.
I hope my review has been helpful.
Sew Much Fun :)
Overall Rating: 
10 out of 10 people found this helpful.
I have only owned this machine for about 1 month. I have had three other machines, Viking, Brother, Babylock. The reason I purchased this machine is because it has the capability to embroider several different design formats, not just one (which is usually the machine brand). I do have an editing software program that would convert designs to stitch out on my brand machine. The designs I already have, do not need to be converted, this is a BIG PLUS with my Futura. I only use it for embroidery, it has done beautiful stitching. My one complaint is : This machine really should come with a Medium size hoop. Singer get on the ball and make a Medium Hoop option for us. Create an update for the software, offer it to us, I'll bet you will be surprised at how fast they will sell !!! The price point is great for beginning sewers, or those of us who don't want an "electronic wonder" and it gets the job done. The women who own/owned the previous 100 & 200 series proved to me that your creativity is not limited by the "lack of" bells & whistles other machines have and cost 1,000's.
Overall I am very pleased with my XL400. Eventually I will add a couple more software options, for those who wish this had a serging option ? my recommendation is buy a Serger, I own a Singer Serger, would not live without that either. I really would like to say also, for those new to this machine. Follow your manual, watch the tutorials offered on You Tube Singer, join a Futura group, in my area there isn't any support, all of these options I listed really made me feel like I was not alone when I did need to have a question answered.Happy Sewing !!!
No Disappointments!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, Large Hoop Area
10 out of 10 people found this helpful.
My sewing machine (no embroidery functions) needed yearly cleaning and I was offered a very expensive embroidery machine as a loaner and fell in love with embroidery in just three weeks. The loaner was way out of my budget and I was sick knowing I had to give it back. I researched and tested several brands of embroidery machines but they were all still over my budget and the hoop size was way to small for the price. Then I found the XL-400. I was very hesitant to buy. It just sounded too good to be true...large hoop area and great afforable price. Overall, I like this machine better than the thousand of dollars loaner I had. The reason is the ease of working with the designs. It is so easy to center a design or move it anywhere you want it. There was no learning curve with the software as I use my own computer that I already know and it embroiders beautifully. I purchased designs to use on the loaner that I thought I would never use again with a machine I could afford based on their size. I was wrong, the XL-400 just took right off with them. I really love this machine. Patience is needed to start out with. I found my thread breaking several times on my third or fouth design. I thought, oh no, here we go, should not have bought. I e-mailed customer service and received a response right back with helpful information but I found my thread was too old. Changed to the same type of thread but a lot newer and it worked fine. No more breaks and on the advice of customer service changed the needle to a new one too. Thank for making embroidery available to me with an affordable machine that will sew right with the big ($) machines!
Love to sew w/ Futura XL-400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, Monograms While You Do Something Else!
Cons: Would Be Nice To Have A Couple Other Hoop Sizes
7 out of 7 people found this helpful.
My husband surprised me with this machine for Christmas and I LOVE IT! I had others do monogramming for me when a customer asked for a monogram, now I can do it myself! I have a little craft business and have enjoyed making new items with my new Futura XL-400, it is wonderful!! Read all directions, then play with it a bit, then re-read the directions, this will give you a better sense of the machines capabilities and help with things you thought you knew. It is wonderful and I am thrilled with its abilities so far. Would be great if there were a couple other hoop sizes.
Expensive junk
Overall Rating: 
Cons: Poor Quality, Complicated, Expensive, Jams
7 out of 8 people found this helpful.
Horrible documentation for embroidery.
That machine has destroyed every piece of fabric I've put under it. Jams every time. Have to disassemble it to clear bobbin thread. JoAnns wont take it back, groan
Amazing Machine!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
6 out of 6 people found this helpful.
I chose this machine because of its ability to multi-function. It does amazing embroidery, as well as heavy upholstery. How often can you say that about one machine. I have always used multiple machines in the past, but with this one I can do it all and now have more room for material storage! Totally amazing machine!
I'm Pleased
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
6 out of 6 people found this helpful.
I have used this machine quite a bit for embroidery so far. I am very happy with the results. I have not found anything that I would consider a serious drawback. I think that it would have been nice if a complete set of software were included. Like AUTO-PUNCH and so forth. However, what comes with the machine, will get you embroidering. The machine does need an additional hoop, 5x7 hoop will save you a lot of stabilizer. It's a great buy.
Great Purchase!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
I debated on buying one of these embroidery machines because I had read some bad reviews, however, I have found this machine to be easy to use I have been using the machine for a month now and haven't experienced any problems with it at all.
I am glad I bought this machine instead of the $3500.00 machine that I saw at our local fair. The Futura has bigger hoops and does more for less money than the machines that don't use a computer.
Awesome machine!!!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
This machine is awesome! Though I have only been sewing a few months, I wanted to learn to embroider also. It is extremely user friendly for those who are computer savvy. The only issue I have is that you cannot use the software with the machine attached. It would be great if I could work on a design anywhere on my laptop then connect the futura once I am ready to send the design to be stitched. Still a great product.
Great product for the money!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
I've been using this machine for about a month now, and I am very happy with its performance for the money I spent. The only real complaint I would have is that it wants me to use the larger hoop for almost all projects, when a lot of my designs should actually fit in the smaller hoop. Don't know what the deal is there. On the whole, it is easy to use, and the quality of the embroidery it produces is above average. I was disappointed to learn that I am going to have to purchase about another $600 worth of software to do some of the things that I want to do, but the machine has plenty of other features to keep me busy for awhile. I am very happy to have purchased this product.
new futuraxl400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value
Cons: Complicated
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
This was a gift from my children at Christmas. I have been embroidering for many years. I find putting the embroidery hoops on difficult. Three hands are needed. There needs to be a larger selection of hoop sizes. The update states there is a corrupt file . The sewing machine will work properly. Paperwork included in machine says "they" are there for you but try to get someone to answer the phone. It does sew good. It would also be nice to have the instruction manual in one place. Either on line or all in the instructional manual included. Gets confusing flipping from place to place.
XL400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use
Cons: Poor Quality, Loud
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
I bought this because it had the larger hoop and was less expensive than other machines with 5X7 or larger hoops. Have had problems with nesting and thread breakage since I got it. Going for service (2 months old) Once it's serviced, I'm hoping that my issues will be resolved - phone & email support has been great.
PLEASE ADD MEDIUM AND SMALL HOOPS - wastes way too many supplies.
Terrible
Overall Rating:
Cons: Complicated, Expensive
5 out of 8 people found this helpful.
Poor instruction books, must be computer smart to use, cptr instructions non-existent.
Best embroidery machine!!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, Large Embroidery Area
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
This embroidery machine was purchased after I made a Memory Quilt. The machine I already had did not have a font large enough for the quilt. I couldn't have made a better choice. The large embroidery area is one of the best features. I have had so much fun embroidering towels, canvas bags, jackets and of course quilts. Now if you could make a Singer Sewing Machine Trolley case that will fit the Futura 400XL, that's my next purchase.
fantastic machine
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, User Friendly
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
I love this machine and highly recommend it. This machine does it all. It sews beautifully as well as embroidery. This is my first embroidery machine and it was so easy to use. The software is super user friendly and the machine embroiders without any real effort on my part. The threading system is fool proof. I have had singers for more than 25 years and as always, they never dissappoint.
Love My XL400
Overall Rating: 
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
Much easier to use than the CE 200. No tangles problems this time, threading system better, and having a larger frame, that is so much easier to attach is a bonus. Only problem area is that stitching continues for a while after bobbin runs out before it stops, so need to back track a bit. Lines up easily after removing hoop and reattaching though, unlike the 200.
Overall, a much better machine than the 200.I am very happy with it, having used it for a few weeks now.
Totally satisfied & will recommend
Overall Rating:
Pros: Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
Cons: Expensive
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
I got this on Nov 23, 2011. I was so excited when my fiancee brought it home to me as an early Christmas gift. I read the manual for 2 days and decided I am only going to learn by hands on. 4 days later I have sewn a Christmas dress and started doing some lettering embroidery on it. I am so pleased with this machine. Would recommend this to anyone who has past sewing exp. Not recommended for beginners....
Great machine for the $$$
Overall Rating:
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
I have had another brand of sewing/embroidery machine for a number of years. This one puts the old one to shame. Beautiful stitching and easy to use. The only thing that could be better is for the software to be available without the computer being plugged into the machine itself.
Love it
Overall Rating:
Pros: Great Features, Easy To Use
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
I have had my machine for about 3 weeks. I just love it. My kids keep coming up with more and more for me to do. It is not hard to learn, easy to use, and so much fun.
Love my Singer!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
This is my second embroidery machine and I love it! It is very easy to operate and the designs turn out beautiful! The large hoop and the ability to use multiple design formats were huge selling points for me. I like mine so much I ordered one for my daughter.
Bobbin Problems
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
Cons: Bobbin Issue
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
I bought this machine about 3 weeks ago. Had to go back to the store to get the tools and instruction manual. Kept having issues with the bobbin hanging up, stopping, breaking and now, three weeks old, it has finally stopped working all together. I'm hoping the store will just exchange it because I'm not looking forward to having to submit it for repairs. When it worked, it worked great. I would like to keep the same type of machine, just want one that works.
Love my Futura XL-400!!!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
I can't say enough great things about this machine! I upgraded to this machine from my first embroidery machine that was quite basic. I couldn't be more pleased with the features of the Futura. I have an online children's clothing store and use my machine every day. I was mainly looking for a larger hoop size (my old machine would only do a 4x4 area and I had clearly outgrown it!) and ease of use. I got that and much more with the new machine. It is very easy to use and stitches beautifully! I had no trouble setting it up using the manual and starting to embroider/sew right away and I haven't slowed down since. Thanks Singer, for putting out quality, user-friendly machines!
Futura XL 400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
This is a fantasic machine. The XL400 is the second Futura embriodery/ sewing machine I have owned. I recently upgraded and am very happy about my choice. From the Swift Smart Threading system and the speed control on the embroidery stitching..its # 1. One big improvement I enjoy in the XL 400 is not having to disengage the embroidery unit to wind thread on the bobbin...Thank You Singer!! its a wonderful feature. The program is so easy to use, the new copy/paste feature is a dream with being able to intergrate designs. This feature is better then an editing program. I could go on and on...a very happy customer here.
Awesome, Easy Machine
Overall Rating:
Pros: Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, Has Several Sticthes
Cons: Expensive
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
This machine is super easy to operate! I have embroidered with no problems... I reccomend you purchase it with a package deal for the programs especially Auto Punch. I have been able to sew with ease and it converts back and forth from embroidery to sewing quickly. I LOVE this machine, the only thing that would make it better would be if it surged also. I had a problem with the bobbin housing however Singer replaced it immediately.
I am a novelist when it comes to sewing, I have sewed several shorts and pants with ease and I embroidered all the cheerleaders names on their jackets and bags
xl-400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
Cons: Needle Threader Sticks On Xl-400
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
I love this machine however I wish a medium size hoop was available with this machine. I have done several embroidery patterns that you need a medium hoop for. I do also own the CE-150 which I also love. I have had a problem with the automatic needle threader sticking on my XL-400. I would recommend a Singer every time. They are so easy to learn.
Futura XL-400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
This is a fantastic machine. I replaced the Futura C-200 with this new one and I am very impressed. It is far superior to the C-200. The slide on hooping system is so easy, and being able to control stitch speed is a big plus! I love it!
XL-400
Overall Rating:
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
I purchased this machine for it's embroidery machine capabilities. It does a good job on the embroidery but it is a little tricky on how it is set up with your computer. I have had trouble with software showing that there are updates available but it will not connect to the web to get them. I have called Singer several times and had long wait times. My retailer finally got in touch with them and she said their are really no update for this machine or it's software yet. I find that a little confusing.
It does not have as many decorative stitches as some other machines and only comes with a limited software. If you want to create your own embroidery designs you will have purchase additional software.
Works Good for First 30 days then watch out
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use
Cons: Poor Quality, Complicated
I am new to embroidery but have been monograming and other embroidery once I learned all about stablizers, thread, needles etc and love it. Wish there had been more in manual about the embroidery functions had to use youtube videos and buy several books to learn more about the basics to it. Have bought different types of thread that was recommended and put tension on E for embroidery but still have lots of problems with thread breaking. My main concerns however are as follows software never seems to be able to update or there or no updates. Have all the software packages and have added the fonts package and cross stich package but they keep disappearing and keep having to reload them I guess you can never reboot your pc again if you do not not want to reload software. Software is also limited cannot work on designs unless it is connected to machine which is awkward. Machine seems to be cheaply made handle for threader keeps falling off and threader is harder to use then some of the cheaper model singers. Embroidery unit hoops seem hard to get in and out and have to hold unit so it doesnt move. Now my entire embroidery unit will not work/reset it is froze and have error 10 when unit connected and have had machine a little over 30 days or I would return. So for now all I have is an expensive sewing machine and bought the machine specifically for its embroidery function. Before embroidery unit quit working basically loved the machine and figured I would work around all the finicky little problems
Nice!
Overall Rating:
I researched alot of machines in my price range. I eliminated this one and that one because of hoop limitations, etc. I went to JoAnn's Fabrics to order one and they not only had one, but it was on sale. I am really impressed with the machine.
Sew Much Fun!!!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
Cons: Need A Medium Size Hoop
I purchased the futura because I wanted the options of both sewing and embroidery. This is my first machine ever and I have been so pleased with my experience. I think the book is very helpful considering I knew nothing about a sewing machine when I began. The embroidery machine is so much fun! The Singer store I purchased from offered a class on the embroidery side which I feel I couldn't have done without. It does require knowledge of computer. Overall, I am so happy with my singer and think it's well worth the price.
The only thing I would suggest to Singer is to make a hoop size that's in between the small and large. I know I would definitely purchase it!
I love this machine
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
Being a novice, ease of use is important to me. I find this machine very user friendly and I love the machine embroidery. I would recommend it to anybody be they new or experienced.
I AM SEW HAPPY WITH MY FUTURA
Overall Rating:
Pros: Easy To Use
Cons: Should Come With A Bag Or Hard Cover
I coundn't wait for my machine to arrive after I order online. And after having an old singer that was past on to me it was wonderful to have tpmy new machine. The Xl400 is a dream come true., a very easy machine to set up, and use. I read the manual cause I want to use the machine the right way and learn everything about it. Since I bought it online I have to teach myself how to use there is no class at lease that I could found close by to where I leave.
I bought extra feet for it, like a ruffle, walking foot, 1/4 inche, even a round decorative stiches that uses the machine stiches and it is an awesome extra piece.
Love the Futura XL-400, but...
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, 6 X 10 Hoop
Cons: Customer Support
I love my Futura XL-400, but I don't like the fact that it is so difficult to get the software programs that don't come with it. I also am very unhappy with the so-called support website. The amount of support that they don't have on the site is frustrating. It isn't that hard in this day and age to create an effective support site that is usefull to their customers. This is the second Futura that I have purchased in the past 5 years and they have not really updated their website in that time. I have no Singer shops close to my home, so I rely on web supprt.
Great Machine!
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features
Cons: Should Come With Editing Software
My husband gave me this machine for Christmas, I am new to machine embroidery so I have nothing to compare with. I agree with most of the reviews that Singer needs to make larger hoops. The multihooping is a little confusing, but with larger hoops you would not need to multihoop. I feel that the software should either come with the machine or better priced that people can afford it.
XL-400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
still learning to use but so far a great machine easy to use..Like that you connect thru your computer and use my computers screen instead of a small screen on the machine itself..
Futura XL-400
Overall Rating:
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, High Quality, Clearly Written Manual Assists With Use
Cons: Small Presser Foot Area Makes Diff. Changing Feet, Wonderful Needle Threader Stays In Presser Foot Area
This is a wonderful machine! The functions take a little time to learn but the manual is clearly written. I downloaded my version of manual to my pc for ease of use. The embroidery unit is awesome! My PC communicated to the unit with perfection! The software installation required that I contact the terrific Singer Customer Support Folks - what a fine example of company/staff professionalism. The Futura-support website is helpful. Singer is a great company with a history of great products and support staff. I own a fabulous Serger 14U595 (2000),Touch-Tronic 2010 (1983) and the Quantum XL 1000 (2000) - all running well!
