Singer Simple (3210, 3221, 3223, 3229, 3232)

Name: Singer Simple (3210, 3221, 3223, 3229, 3232)
Brand: Singer
Rating: 4.48637 (3684 reviews)

Cheap Hobbyist Electronic Singer Sewing machine

The Singer Simple, like the Singer Tradition, is a range of electronic sewing machines intended for beginners or hobbyists depending on the specific model and its features. All are fairly similar though in the sense that each Singer Simple offers good performance, a low price, a very acceptable choice of stitches and a nice design.

Singer Simple 3210

Each Singer Simple has a distinctive colored band and matching stitch dial, which are coral pink in the case of the Singer 3210. This model starts off the Simple range with 17 stitches adjustable in length.

Singer Simple 3221

This model, identifiable by its pale blue color, features 23 stitches adjustable in length plus a semi-automatic threader. Only the Singer Simple 3232 (the most sophisticated model in the range) also has this threader.

Singer Simple 3223

This one has a lilac band not to be confused with the Singer 3210's coral pink since the Singer Simple 3223 offers twice as many stitches as the 3210 (i.e. 34) adjustable in length. This is the largest choice in the range along with the Singer Simple 3232.

Singer Simple 3223G

"G" stands for "aqua Green" (although "B" for "blue" would have been more accurate IMO). The Singer Simple 3223G is a fully colored version of the 3223 and otherwise identical to the latter, as well as to the other 3223 variants that follow.

Singer Simple 3223Y

"Y" stands for "Yellow". Same features as the previous model, different color.

Singer Simple 3223R

"R" stands for "Raspberry". Same features as the previous model, different color.

Singer Simple 3223GY

"GY" stands for "GreY" (the brand could've gone with "G" if they hadn't already used it for blue, oh well). It's another alternative, in appearance only, to the classic Singer Simple 3223 et al.

Singer Simple 3223BY

"BY" stands for "BerrY" (seriously Singer, what's with those names? ^^). Anyway it's the 4th and final design of the Singer Simple 3223.

Singer Simple 3229

We're back to the "normal" design with the Singer Simple 3229's green band and dial on a white background. This model has 31 stitches adjustable in length AND width.

Singer Simple 3232

Finally, this lavender model offers the most features in the Simple range with 34 stitches adjustable in both length and width, and an integrated semi-automatic threader.

Singer Simple: a range of colorful alternatives to the Singer Tradition for beginners and hobbyists on a budget.

Strengths

Singer's standard good performance (power + feed dogs).
Wide selection of stitches (for an electronic sewing machine) with length adjustment.
Semi-automatic threader and stitch width setting (on some models).
Affordable price.

Weaknesses

Not that many mechanical features (especially on some models) and of course zero computerized ones.
Neither better nor worse than a Singer Tradition (the two ranges are very similar: I don't see the point of having created both).

Target audience

The Singer Simple range is primarily intended for beginners looking for a fairly all-round electronic sewing machine, although the Singer Simple 3232 may suit more experienced and demanding hobbyists. These aren't the cheapest machines available but they offer more in exchange for the extra cost while remaining extremely affordable.

Performance Like all electronic Singer sewing machines, the Simple ones have good motor power and many feed dogs. It's pretty good.
Power	85 W (70 W motor + 15 W lighting)
Sewing speed	750 stitches/minute
Feed dogs	6
Feed technology	Standard
Presser foot settings	No
Features The only possible equipment on an electronic machine is the semi-automatic threader, which is only available on the two top models of the Singer Simple range.
Semi-automatic threader	Yes for the Singer Simple 3221 and 3232 \| No for the others
Automatic lock/back stitch	/ (non applicable)
Automatic thread cutter	/ (non applicable)
Speed regulator	/ (non applicable)
Up/down needle stop position	/ (non applicable)
Start/stop button	/ (non applicable)
Basics These machines are nothing special in their build. That being said, it's pretty typical of a machine of this type, at this price level.
Bobbin compartment	Front load
Lighting	1 incandescent bulb (15 W) or LED
Screen	/ (non applicable)
Spool thread tension setting	Manual (mechanical wheel)
Spool pins	1 horizontal

Stitch programs The stitch selection on these machines ranges from a low (but sufficient) number of options, to quite a wide and interesting set. It's the main thing that tells the models apart.
Utility and decorative stitches	17 to 34 depending on model
... including straight stitches	2 to 6 depending on model
... including zigzag stitches	4 tp 10 depending on model
... including buttonholes	1 (automatic in 1 phase on the Singer Simple 3221 and 3232, manual in 4 phases on the others)
... including button sewing program	No
... including eyelets	No
Alphabets	No
Stitch styles The other big differentiator in these models is whether or not you can adjust the stitch width and needle position. If these features are within your budget, it's better to have them as they impact the quality of your seam 😉.
Length setting	Yes (up to 4 mm)
Width setting	Yes (up to 5 mm) on the Singer Simple 3232 and 3229 \| No (excluding presets of the zigzag stitch) on the others
Left/right needle position	Yes (gradual from left to right)
Creation through combination	/ (non applicable)
Creation through mirror effect	/ (non applicable)
Custom creation	/ (non applicable)

Sue dardenne on August 22, 2023

Model 2263, serial number ZHV1211402078, singer/simple sewing machine, do you have any written instructions etc concerning this machine?

Gloria Maley on August 15, 2021

Really like my 3223. Simple to use, speed suites me, love the 4 stage buttonhole. People tried to persuade me towards electronic models, but I enjoy the process and don't need to sit and watch my machine do it all for me - takes the fun out of it. I have a Singer Serger but will play with this machine's overlocking capabilities next.