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Singer CE-250 Futura™

Machine Features: -Automatic Needle Threader- sewing's biggest timesaver! -Top Drop-in Bobbin -100 Built-In Stitches -6 Fully Automatic 1-Step Buttonholes -Drop Feed for free motion sewing -Programmable Needle Up/Down Embroidery Features: -Windows 2000, ME & XP & Vista compatible. System Type: Maximum 32 bit OP System (PC not included) -Large (4 1/2” X 6 3/4”) and Small (3 1/8” X 4 3/4”) Hoops -Transmit designs directly to the machine via USB cable -120 Built-In Designs including animals, holidays, flowers and more -Built-In Lettering Program with 5 fonts -Outline Lettering to create big, bold letters -Reads all popular home embroidery design formats VIEW FEATURE COMPARISON VIDEO 5:55  
Average Customer Rating:
3.963 out of 5
4
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (27 reviews)
5 stars
15
4 stars
6
3 stars
0
2 stars
2
1 star
4
21 out of 27(78%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Questions & Answers:
21 Questions | 31 Answers
Customer Reviews for CE-250 Futura™
Review 1 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
joyce
Location: Ohio
Sewing Frequency: Every day
Number of Years Sewing: 11 - 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Quilting
Duration Owned: 1 to 5 years
glad i went with singer
Date:January 15, 2012
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use, High Quality
Cons: Expensive
I have had singer,and have done alot of research on different models,brands.etc . this just connect to computer and i am ready. that was my main selling point. now that i have had it for a few years i can say..thank goodness i did. user error is the biggest problem. pulling bobbin thread and top thread and holding tight eleminates thread breakage beeps when starting design. cleaning out bobbin case after every bobbin change(when u change bobbin) eleiminates the bunching of thread in bobbin area. it has to be clean. if the design is not clear try different format. i always do a sample design before i use a costly garment. the editing program is VERY basic but workable. . i have 4 singer sewing machines, the futura 250 for embroidery and singer serger. i love singer. i recently came across a great deal on a used brother embroidery machine. i use my futura program to resize and change designs as needed and save as a pes for the brother..my only issue is i want bigger embroidery area.I joined a support group for futura/singer on yahoo.groups.and it has been great with any issues i come across. i love it and want to invest in more software(fonts)
Review 2 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Features: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Value: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Performance: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Scott
Location: Decatur
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times a month
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Crafts
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Bad Software
Date:December 6, 2011
Pros: Great Features, High Quality
Cons: Complicated, Expensive, software wont sync
Software refuses to install on x64 system. I can't get it to sync with my computer!!! What good is an embroiderer if it won't embroider?
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 3 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
tangog
Location: Berwick, Me
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Embroidery
Duration Owned: 1 to 5 years
This machine is a good deal
Date:December 1, 2011
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use
Cons: hoop sizes
I have other embroidery machines. The fact that it hooks up to a laptop is a plus. The software allows you to use any embroidery pattern. It also has a new patch that makes it work with windows 7. I have a machine that takes 3 1/2 in floppy disk that are now hard to find. I also was told that the usb machine should use 1 gigabit of memory or less which will no longer be made. So as long as singer keeps updating the software for new operating systems this is the best value. I think it sews great and embrioders wonderful. Does great with metallic threads.
Review 4 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Features: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Value: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Performance: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
unhappy
Location: Jackson, MS
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: Less than 5 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Clothing Construction
Duration Owned: 1 to 5 years
Buy something else
Date:October 5, 2011
Cons: Poor Quality
I've owned this machine for more than 2 years. It has alway had issues. the bobbin thread constantly bunches up when sewing. This is not a tension issue, but a machine defect. The functions like button holes are inconsistent. One will start at one point then the second will start at another. This causes uneven buttonholes. It misaligns during embroidery. To insert hoop you must struggle to get the hooped material under the embroidery foot. If you are going to applique, this usually causes the material to shift in the hoop (no matter how tight it's in the hoop).
At first I thought that is was user error for each issue, but many extremely experienced ladies have had the same issues. my advice is to buy something else.
the worst thing is that there are no convient service centers. I live in the state capitol and the nearest service center is 4 hrs away!
Review 5 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Performance: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
march
Location: Miami
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: Less than 5 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Embroidery
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Singer CE-250
Date:October 3, 2011
Cons: no compatibility with win7
Beautiful item, but it is to expensive to use it as sewing machine. This product has been intended to be used with a computer. However, it is not up with the trend. If you have win7 64 bits, the drivers are not available and this product is useless.
Response from Singer:By SINGERConsumer AffairsOctober 5, 2011
There are updated drivers available for these machines at www.futura-support.com.
Review 6 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
debi
Location: Missouri
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Crafts
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
wonderful!
Date:October 2, 2011
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use, High Quality
This machine is just wonderful. For regular sewing and also embroidery. Thanks to Singer for having the "patch" because everything downloaded just fine the first time I love using my laptop computer and having the large screen to look at. I bought this from HSN and was hoping I'd made a good choice and I did. Thanks Singer!
Review 7 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
LouiseC
Location: Toney, AL
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times a month
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Quilting
Duration Owned: 1 to 5 years
Good machine
Date:July 27, 2011
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, High Quality
Cons: Complicated
I like the machine but found out that the area to the right of the needle is not big enough for quilts. This one has a problem with thread error, even when the thread is ok. Can be sewing along and the machine stops with the thread error. Guess it will be ok for embroidery but I ended up just buying an L-500 for sewing and quilting. It is a much faster machine and doesn't have the bugs that this one does. Got it for a good price at HSN so really can't complain about that.
Review 8 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Hoppyfrog8
Location: Marion County Ohio
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Quilting
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Dream Machine
Date:May 13, 2011
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use, High Quality
I love my Singer Futura 250. It runs very quiet. Great selection of stitchs on this machine & very easy to change stitchs. Does excellent job quilting.
This is my fourth Singer & I would recomend it to anyone wanting a new machine.
Review 9 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
River
Location: Northern California
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Clothing Construction
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Great Machine!
Date:May 12, 2011
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use, High Quality
Cons: alarm goes off for no reason.
I really love this machine! It handles well around zippers and curves. I can't wait to try the embroidery features! I have made four items in three weeks and am about to sew another dress! Thank you, Singer!
Review 10 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
jgsewing
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Home Decor
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
great purchase
Date:May 3, 2011
Pros: Great Features, High Quality
Cons: Complicated
Great sewing machine. I bought it for the embroidery option. I have not been able to figure it out as quickly as I hoped. But it is a good investment.
Review 11 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Features: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Value: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
Performance: 
2 out of 5
2 out of 5
kazzkraft
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Clothing Construction
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
WHY ARE COMMON PROMBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Date:April 9, 2011
Pros: Good Value, as sewing machine - great!!
Cons: Poor Quality, alignment problems, bobbin alarm doesnt work, doesnt live up to the singer workmanship i expect
I have had numerous problems with both the CE 150 and my new CE 250 machine. I bought the 250 in the hope it would be a better machine, but it appears the problems are common to all models only the added software and a few more built in stitches is the difference!. #1 - The machine/s do not align with embroidery patterns. Recently I was at a swing workshop where 9 ladies all with their own machines, (only I had Singer) were stitching lace onto wash-away stabaliser, we were ALL stitching the same pattern, only I had problems of the machine not running true, and having aligning problems with the machine stitching outside the borders previously stitched, satin stitched edges were not placed where the original pattern stitching marked where they were to go, "filler" patterns in the scallops did not stay within the stitched borders, ONLY I HAD THESE ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS: NO HOOP REMOVAL AND NO BOBBIN CHANGES!!
I have had problems previously especially when having to remove the hoop, for replacing Bobbin, or having to do cutwork when doing laces, all too often, the machine refuses to line up correctly when you put the hoop back into position, no matter how carefully you make sure that it is in place EXACTLY how you had it first time.
PROBLEM #2 when doing extensive embroidery or lacework, where you are likeley to use an entire bobbin, NEVER let it run really low, for some reason on BOTH of my machines the bobbin lifts slightly when almost empty and the top thread catches under the lip of the bobbin and just winds around and around, which stops the machine sewing and you have a terrible BUNCH of fabric and thread held fast under the plate, which has to be cut away!! therefore losing the project you are doing EVERY time.
I have learned the hard way, to replace the bobbin when it is about a 1/4 full (wastefull I know) or this happens, risking then, the machine not aligning correctly to the original pattern stitched
NEITHER of my machines sounded an alarm when this Thread bunching happened,
I would be very interested to hear if anyone else has this problem with the machines not aligning properly both when hoop has been removed, and when the hoop has not been touched.
OR with the second problem with the thread looping under the lip of the bobbin when it is almost empty..........VERY frustrating very COSTLY as you have to throw away your project when cutting away at the threads, because it has already caused a hole in the fabric, stitching in the same spot!!
So am I to assume that the Futura series are limited to what they can do? even though the machines readily accept the designs? It appears Lacework especially Cutwork is out of it's range - am I right? PLEASE someone tell me I am NOT and give me suggestions to overcome these problems
Review 12 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
sewingmama
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: 11 - 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Clothing Construction
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Love it!
Date:March 16, 2011
Pros: Great Features, Easy to Use
This was a great purchase! I've been wanting an embroidery machine for years. I have another Singer sewing machine that is 8 years old. It is amazing how far sewing machines have come in 8 years. The sewing feature is very smooth and has great choices in stitches. The embroidery part wasn't too hard to figure out. I found the Singer videos on YouTube to be quite helpful; they explained everything from threading the machine properly (so that beeping does not occur very often) to using proper stabilizers, needles and thread.
Review 13 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
iowafarmgirl
Location: Conesville, Iowa
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times a month
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Mending & Repair
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Has everything I wanted and more
Date:February 13, 2011
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use, High Quality
This CE250 has been everything I wanted. I Love the ease of use. My sister has a Huscavarna that she paid big bucks for and this does all of that and more. I love the fact you can change the size and and move things around to where you want. Thank you Singer!
Review 14 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Louise
Location: South Bend, IN
Sewing Frequency: Just for special projects
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Mending & Repair
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Best Purchase Decision
Date:January 27, 2011
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use, High Quality, embroidery
Cons: no hat hoop
Machine embroidery my own designs. Goal achieved!
Review 15 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
DeeDee
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: Less than 5 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Clothing Construction
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
Good Overall
Date:January 20, 2011
Pros: Great Features, Easy to Use
Cons: "beeps"
If you are a beginner, this is a pretty good machine for the money. The different stitches are nice. I would definately look for a serger to compliment it if constructing outfits... The "beeps" it produces when sewing can be somewhat annoying regarding thread tension/ breakage. (Sometimes there is nothing wrong and you can still get a beep and the machine stops.) I would be sure to read the entire manual. Sewing machine part seems easy enough, but the embroidery part can be a little complicated when quality is an issue. If you need to back up, it doesn't always do what you want. Overall I would say you get what you pay for.
Review 16 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Performance: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
TWEEVIL
Sewing Frequency: Every day
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Clothing Construction
Duration Owned: 1 to 5 years
Nice features but does not deliver on performance.
Date:January 11, 2011
Pros: Great Features
Cons: Poor Quality, Expensive
After reviewing and comparing all models of emb machines in this price range I decided on the functionality of the Futura. I have to say it took a long time to save and I thought it was the best deal. In retrospect I think I should have opted for another unit. While this machine has great features and functions it also has its fair share of issues and drawbacks that makes creating frustrating at times. The machine can do a lot of stitches while in sewing mode and for sewing it is a nice machine. Using the embroidery machine functions I find that it is very, very picky and does not give the most clear, crisp design stitches that I have seen on comparable machines. I have done my own digitizing using another software program (due to Futura's limitations) and have bought professionally created logo designs and in both instances have found the machine to lack in a nice crisp stitchout. This is unfortunate as the reason why I bought it was to make logo'd gifts for my peers. I also have had issues with the designs shifting (for no apparent reason), poor bobbin tension control, and the inability to un-hoop and re-hoop for appliques without a misalignment occuring. The excessive beeps for thread breakage when there isn't one is also very frustrating. I also would like to back up or start my stitches in a location that I specify. When this machine has an issue (beeping!) and the thread isn't behaving correctly - I would love to be able to stop - fix the fabric/stitch/bobbin and align the start to a specified place. You can't with this model. There is also no function to move the hoop to an upper or lower corner while you trim an applique - this would be helpful. If you do not want to unhoop while trimming (and you can't without being misaligned when you replace it) it would be nice to clear the design while trimming. The little things that would be helpful are not available. I know that there could be a user factor but after taking classes and familiarizing myself with the machine specifications and hints and tips, the results are the same. This is a good machine if you aren't particularly picky about the design stitch out being perfect. It is a shame because I thought I was getting the best value for my dollar and in the past I have had many, many Singer machines. This is the only brand I have ever bought but for embroidery I think I will have to look to other manufacturers for the quality output that I desire.
Response from Singer:By SINGERCustomer ServiceJanuary 18, 2011
The Futura was designed as an affordable sewing and embroidery machine. When compared to other top of the line machines, it is clear to see that the Futura offers many features for it's modest price point. As you indicated in your comments, there are several features that are not available on this machine. For example "the function to move the hoop when trying to trim an applique" is not found on the Futura. This is a feature that would normally be found on a very expensive machine. To include this feature on the Futura would increase the price significantly, defeating the purpose of producing an affordable machine. As a result the decision was made not to include this feature.

If your machine is not producing clean, clear stitching, chances are the upper tension of the machine is not being threaded correctly or you are not using the recommended thread in the bobbin. In fact you mention that the machine beeps frequently.

All of the above signify that the upper tension path is not threaded correctly. Check that the transparent thread path located at the top of the machine is threaded correctly.

- Hold thread in both hands and slip under transparent thread guide. While holding the thread securely, pull the thread towards you and then slip it back and forth like you were flossing. You should hear or feel two clicks as the thread slips past the thread guides.
- If you require guidance on how to thread the upper tension, please visit our support site at www.futura-support.com and look for the FAQ titled "Thread Breakage".

Regarding poor bobbin tension control, we recommend that you use a 50/2 spun-poly bobbinfil in your machine. Robison Anton or Sulky are good brands to choose and are available at most sewing and fabric stores.
You must use a 15J bobbin, the part number is 085128. This bobbin is specifically designed for the Futura . These can be purchased at your local Singer Sewing Specialty Retailer or by visiting our website at www.singerco.com . Do not use pre-wound bobbins, these are NOT recommended in the Futura, you will obtain poor quality stitching.

You can advance and back-up your embroidery manually, this feature is indeed available. To move forward, simply push down on the needle up/needle down function until you have reached the area where you want to be. To move backwards, simply push down on the reverse button until you arrive at the section you want.

And finally you can remove and replace the hoop while you are embroidering. If your fabric is securely inserted in the hoop, there should be no misalignment when removing and replacing the hoop. When hooping, make sure that your fabric is as taut as a drum and then tighten the outer hoop over the inner hoop. When you remove the hoop from the machine, do so carefully, be sure not to disturb the fabric inside the hoop otherwise the design will sew out of alignment.
Review 17 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Features: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Value: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Performance: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
rjbergert
Location: Naples, FL
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Clothing Construction
Duration Owned: 1 to 5 years
Hate it
Date:December 16, 2010
Cons: Poor Quality
Replaced my Singer 6268 which I had for 20 years. Thought I was getting a good Singer Product. I sold and serviced Singers for 10 years. I have been sewing for 60 years. But I cannot operate the buttonholer. The embroider was just okay. For the money I spent I expected a better product.
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 18 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
MISSMAY
Location: Ontario, Canada
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Crafts
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
I LOVE THIS MACHINE
Date:December 11, 2010
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use, High Quality
I am sewing up a storm since I got this this week. I like the fact that it beeps at you when your bobbin is empty. I can embelish store bought items with embroidery to look a little more personal. Love all the stiches for sewing, and it is quite quiet. I will never buy anyone a store bought gift again.
Review 19 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Features: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Mansellyn
Location: Arizona
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Crafts
Duration Owned: 1 to 5 years
First Embroidery
Date:November 6, 2010
Pros: Good Value, Great Features, Easy to Use
I love Fiberarts and by purchasing this machine I was able to open up a new range of creations. I use this machine for general sewing and embroidery. I found the instructions easy to understand. The first few times the machine beeped a warning to me I was slightly frustrated, but by reading the instructions that were included by Singer with the machine I was easily able to correct whatever was wrong with the threading. Now a couple of years later, I do not regret this purchase I love this machine as much as the first day I received it.
Review 20 for CE-250 Futura™
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Features: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Performance: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
fatcat56
Location: Savannah, GA
Sewing Frequency: 1 or more times per week
Number of Years Sewing: More than 15 years
Favorite Sewing Projects: Crafts
Duration Owned: Less than 1 year
I got a dud
Date:November 4, 2010
Pros: Good Value
Cons: Complicated, hooping has to be perfect, have to use certain embroidery thread
After doing extensive research on embroidery machines, I chose the Futura CE 250. I watched the video, read the manual from cover to cover. Owned this machine for three weeks, and it has only made one design. Think it has broken about 20 needles and ruined things I tried to embroidery on. Really regretting my choice of this machine.
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