Singer 1304 vs 1306: Which One is Better?

Perhaps you are looking for the best sewing machine but you’re in a dilemma of choosing the better alternative between Singer 1304 vs 1306 sewing machines.

Luckily, you’re at the right place to get the best guide to choosing the right alternative!

Fine, if you ask me, I’ll recommend that you buy Singer 1304. I am saying this because Singer 1304 has better features and offers more benefits compared to Singer 1306.

I’m sure you’re eager to know those features that makes Singer 1304 different and preferable to Singer 1306. If so, stay read on as I walk you through everything you need to know about Singer 1304 vs 1306 in this article.

Differences Between Singer 1304 vs 1306

You may find it challenging to spot the differences between both models of Singer sewing machines. The reason is that both models have very similar physical appearances.

Nevertheless, certain features, which are present in one and absent in the other or of different quantities in the other can be used to differentiate Singer 1304 from 1306.

Here are some of the incredible differences between Singer 1304 and 1306:

1. Weight

The weight of Singer 1304 sewing machines varies between 9.8 pounds to 7 pounds, depending on the design. However, you may decide to choose the lightweight design of the same model, which weighs just 7 pounds, thus more portable.

On the other side, a typical Singer 1306 sewing machine has an average weight of 9.46 pounds with no lighter version. Thus, it is possible to get a lightweight and portable design of Singer 1304.

2. Stitch Applications

If you’re looking for a sewing machine with many stitch functions and applications, certainly, Singer 1304 will make a great choice for you.

Singer 1304 sewing machine comes with amazing 57 stitch applications. Thus, it allows you to have a perfect stitch for every sewing project.

In contrast, the alternative, Singer 1306, has only 19 stitch applications. Well, that may be enough for a few stitches.

3. Power Source

Singer 1304 is mechanically powered by a treadle. The treadle is well-designed, flexible, strong, and allows quick threading which saves time.

Slightly deviating from this, Singer 1306 is both mechanically and electrically powered. It also comes with a strong and flexible treadle that allows quick stitching and sewing.

However, you will need an adapter or a converter to use with an electrically powered model of the Singer 1306 sewing machine.

Similarities Between Singer 1304 and 1306 Sewing Machines

If both models are placed on a table in front of you, you are most likely to think they’re the same products by merely looking at their physical appearances.

Of course, both models of sewing machines have so many similarities such that a regular user may find it challenging to differentiate Singer 1304 from 1306.

Here are some of the similarities between the two closely related models of Singer sewing machines.

1. Number of built-in stitches

The number of built-in stitches that come with both Singer 1304 and Singer 1036 sewing machines is amazing the same.

Both sewing machines are designed with 6 built-in stitches, which include Satin stitch, Straight stitch, Scallop stitch, Zigzag stitch, buttonhole stitch, and blind-hem stitch.

The 6 built-in stitches enable a wide range of stitching designs including utility, heirloom, and decorative.

2. Material

Can you guess the material from which both models are made? Yeah, it’s metal!

Both Singer 1304 and 1306 are made from durable metals, which are coated with high-grade paints that make them resistant to corrosion.

The white color of both models is the most common though other colors are also available.

3. Buttonholes steps

Both Singer 1304 and Singer 1306 models of sewing machines are made with an amazing 4-step buttonholer.

This buttonholer allows the user to see buttonholes in four easy steps, which will be displayed on the Stitch Selector Dial.

The easy-to-use buttonholer helps you in making buttonholes in a few seconds.

4. Adjustable Sewing Speed Control

You can adjust your sewing speed while using both Singer 1304 and 1306 sewing machines.

If you are a beginner, the machine allows you to see at a slow but steady speed. You can gradually adjust your speed to become faster as your expertise and sewing experience Increase.

5. Free arm

Both Singer 1304 and 1306 come with a removable extension table. Thus, you can adjust the free arm by simply removing the extension table.

Adjusting the free arm of Singer 1304 and 1306 allows you to see sleeves, pants, patches, and cuffs.

Advantages of Singer 1304

Here are some of the pros of the Singer 1304 sewing machine that spurs my interest in investing in the sewing machine.

1. 6 built-in stitches

Singer 1304 is designed with 6 amazingly strong built-in stitches, which include scallop stitch, buttonhole stitch, straight stitch, satin stitch, Zigzag stitch, and blind-hem stitch.

The collection of stitches allows you to perform any kind of sewing work from beginner’s level to expert designs.

2. Easy selection of stitch

Singer 1304 sewing machine has no push buttons to set up stitches, and it’s to the user’s advantage.

The reason is that most sewing machines with push buttons do not come with undo buttons. Therefore, if you make a mistake while using those other types of sewing machines, you will have to start all over again.

Singer 1304 has a thread selection dial that allows you to move the stitch backward and forward to find the right stitch. Thus, you can easily select the right stitch even if you initially chose the wrong one.

3. Little noise and vibration

Compared to most other sewing machines, Singer 1304 makes little noise while operating.

The sewing machine is rigidly fixed such that it gives less vibration when you are using it to make several kinds of stitches.

4. Portable

Singer 1304 is relatively lightweight and fairly big. It doesn’t occupy much space in your working area.

The design and dimension of the sewing machine allow you to easily move it from one place to another. It also allows you to easily move fabrics on its extension table without any restraint.

Disadvantages of Singer 1304

Although Singer 1304 offers a good number of advantages, a few cons are associated with the use of the sewing machine, which includes:

1. The number of basic stitches is relatively small compared to other sewing machines with up to 70 basic stitches.
2. Singer 1304 does not have decorative stitches
3. The control is not automated but done with a mechanical foot pedal.
4. You cannot adjust stitches when using Singer 1304
5. Singer 1304 is not suitable for complex stitching and sewing.

Technical Specifications of Singer 1304

Features	Status
Material	Metal
Stitch chart	6
Buttonhole steps	4-steps
Maximum sewing speed	750 spm
Pressure feet	3
Average weight	7 lbs
Bobbing winding	No
Computerized?	No
Power Source	Mechanical (Treadle)

Advantages of Singer 1306

Perhaps you’re considering choosing Singer 1306 sewing machine. Of course, it’s not bad a choice!

Here are some pros of the sewing machine.

1. It has a decorative stitch together with 4 basic stitches and 1 buttonhole stitch.
2. Singer 1306 comes with an automatic buttonholer that allows you to make buttonholes in 4 easy steps.
3. The foot pedal of the sewing machine provides easy threading.
4. Singer 1306 has an extra high-pressure foot lifter.
5. It has a removable extension table and an adjustable free arm.
6. It also comes with free accessories, which include a pack of needles, bobbins, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, a needle plate screwdriver, and an All-purpose foot.

Disadvantages of Singer 1306

The use of Singer 1306 is associated with a few disadvantages, which include:

1. The sewing machine has a heavy metal frame, which makes it less portable compared to singer 1306.
2. The bobbins and thread get jammed occasionally.
3. It is more complicated to use for beginners.
4. Careless use of the electrically powered model can subject the user to electrical hazards.
5. Singer 1306 does not have twin needle compatibility.

Technical Specifications of Singer 1306

Features	Status
Material	Metal
Stitch chart	6
Buttonhole steps	4-steps
Maximum sewing speed	750 stitches/min
Pressure feet	3
Average weight	9.46
Bobbing winding	Yes
Computerized?	No
Power Source	Mechanical and Electrical

Final Verdict – Singer 1304 vs 1306: Here is my Candid Recommendation

Both Singer 1304 and 1306 sewing machines have amazing features and benefits that can give you a better sewing experience regardless of whether you’re a novice or an expert.

However, from my personal experience as a user and my evaluation of both sewing machines, I recommend Singer 1304 model, which has several advantages and is most especially easy to use for beginners.

However, my choice of Singer 1304 is based on its easy stitch selection, lightweight, removable extension table, less noise, and threading speed. In addition, it is more cost-effective compared to Singer 1306.

Nevertheless, buying either of the sewing machines is worthwhile because they both have powerful features. The choice, therefore, depends on your need, preference, expertise, and budget.