Singer 9980 Vs 9960 Comparison In Detail
Singer 9980 and 9960 are two advanced sewing machines from Singer that received quite a good feedback from its everyday users. Both are quality computerized sewing machines (there is no question about it). Both are feature packed as well. Honestly, it will be difficult to find better feature loaded machines than Singer 9980 and 9960 in the segment. So, what we want to know is, how much better is the Singer 9980 in terms of features and quality when compared to 9960?
Singer 9980 Vs 9960 - Major Feature Differences
Even though both the machines are pretty close in model numbers, there isn't much similarity in the design and layout. The position of the LCD screen and the control buttons are different. Singer 9980 comes in blue color whereas 9960 comes in white. At first, let us have a look at the difference.
Built-in Stitches
Singer 9980 is the winner here. 9980 comes with 820 built-in stitches whereas 9960 on the other hand has only 600 built-in stitches. The difference in stitches is limited to decorative stitches only (number of buttonhole and basic stitches are the same), so if you don't want a lot of decorative stitches, 9960 will still be a good option.
Controls
There is no clear cut winner here, as they use different types of controls and buttons. Singer 9980 makes use of arrow buttons for navigation whereas 9960 relies on normal buttons. You can't really say one is better over the other in ease of use. It is completely user specific.
Sewing Assistance
Singer 9980 projects 'sewing assistance' as one of its premium features. However, it is not very different from the ones that you see on Singer 9960 and other advanced sewing machines. The sewing assistance displays the selected stitch, length and width settings, tension, recommended presser foot etc on the LCD screen. So it is even stevens here.
Side by side comparison
| Feature | Singer 9980 | Singer 9960 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Computerized | Computerized |
| Built-in Stitches | 820 | 600 |
| Sewing Start/Stop Button | Yes | Yes |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
| Buttonhole Styles | 13 One-step | 13 One-step |
| Top Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
| Stitch Selection | LCD and Push Button | LCD and Push Button |
| Adjustable Stitch Length & Width | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Stitch Width | 7mm | 7mm |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Monogramming Font | Yes, 5 | Yes 5 |
| Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure | No | Automatic |
| Drop Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Motor Power | 850 Stitches/min | 850 Stitches/min |
| On Board Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Work Light | Yes, 2 LEDs | Yes 2 LEDs |
| Feed Dog | 7 Segment Box Feed | 7 Segment Box Feed |
| Included Feet | All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot with Exclusive Underplate, Blind Hem Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Overcasting Foot, Darning / Embroidery Foot, Narrow Rolled Hem Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Quarter Inch Foot, Open Toe Foot, Even Feed / Walking Foot, Cording Foot | All-Purpose Foot (on machine), Zipper Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Buttonhole Foot and Underplate, Open Toe Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Overcasting Foot, Narrow Hem Foot, Cording Foot, Straight Stitch Foot, Darning & Freehand Embroidery Foot, Even Feed / Walking Foot, Adjustable Bias Binder Foot, Single Welt Cording Foot, Braiding Foot with Guide, Clear Piping Foot, Stitch in the Ditch Foot, Fancy Trim Foot |
| Machine Weight | 20 lbs Approx. | 18.2 lbs |
| Warranty | 25 Year Limited | 25 Year Limited |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | Yes | Yes |
| Needle Positions | 25 | 25 |
| Automatic Reverse | Yes | Yes |
| Snap-on Presser Feet | Yes | Yes |
| Twin Needle | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes | Yes |
 | |
Editor comment
Apart from the difference in number of built-in stitches and outside controls, both machines are identical and this reflects in their performance as well. Both are extremely quiet machines. The stitch quality is consistent across different types of fabric. These two have one of the finest stitch quality in their segments respectively. So you can't pick a winner here.
In simple words, Singer 9980 has 120 extra built-in stitches and that sums up the comparison. So if you don't want those 120 extra decorative stitches, you can go with Singer 9960.
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