With Singer Brilliance 6180, you can turn your creativity into reality! This sewing machine allows you to complete different projects like handbags, clothing, etc.
Style is simple to achieve with numerous inbuilt patterns and multiple snap-on presser feet. Singer 6180 is an electronic sewing machine with 80 built-in stitch patterns.
Each pattern is optimally set but simply customized to your specific needs. Other great features include LCD, adjustable needle position, needle threader, etc.
You will also get a large work table and decorative stitch lock. The stitch selection is computerized which I like. Overall, Singer 6180 is a good value unit, worth the investment.
With 80 built-in sewing stitches available, you will never get bored with this workhorse. It’s suitable for a beginner. However, intermediate and advanced users can find it helpful.
Already interested in buying Singer Brilliance 6180? If so, make sure to read my detailed Singer Brilliance 6180 review and determine if it’s the right sewing machine for you.
Machine Specifications
| Type: | Electronic/partly computerized |
| Dimensions: | 16 x 8.5 x 12.5 inches |
| Machine weight: | 13.8 pounds |
| Machine speed: | 750 stitches per minute |
| Built-in sewing stitches: | 80 |
| Speed control slider: | No |
| Buttonhole styles: | 6 1-step |
| Top drop-in bobbin: | No, front-loading |
| USB connectivity: | No |
| Stitch selection: | LCD and push-button |
| Free arm: | Yes |
| Automatic needle threader: | Yes |
| Included feet: | Buttonhole foot, zipper foot, all-purpose foot |
| Warranty: | 25-year limited warranty |
Table of Contents
First Impressions
Singer Brilliance 6180 is a compact and lightweight sewing machine. When I first saw this sewing unit, I thought it’s going to fit my workspace perfectly. It’s also portable.
It weighs only 17 pounds and takes up less space than a regular household sewing machine. What I like most about 6180 is the handle. You can move it easily thanks to the handle.
I also like the sturdy construction. It has a metal frame which adds to the strength and durability of the machine. Even at high speed, 6180 will be quiet and you won’t notice vibrations.
Appearance-wise, 6180 doesn’t differ much from other Singer sewing machines. It has the typical Singer sophisticated design. It’s decorated with their well-known signature and has the “S” logo.
It comes in a white and grey variant. Enough about the looks of this model, let’s talk about the features. Some of them are accessed from the LED display screen.
And some from the operating panel of the sewing machine. Upfront, you will see the thread cutter with the thread tension control dial and the bobbin winding tension disk.
The front part that I love the most is the detachable extension table that you can utilize as a storage for all your accessories or take it down to get to the free-arm for complex projects.
By pressing the button on the right-hand side, you activate the reverse stitch functions. And while we’re at buttons, it’s important to mention that there’s no start/stop button.
You control this machine through the foot controller. The buttonhole lever and handwheel are intuitive. And user-friendly. Utilizing them was a piece of cake.
What makes this sewing machine different from other models is the LED display screen. The light allows you to see everything needed to set up your stitches. You can adjust your stitches with the simple stitch selection and adjustment switches situated beneath the screen.
One of the things I don’t like about this unit is the interface of these buttons. If you press a certain stitch by accident, you need to go through the whole combination of digits so that you come back to it. There’s no back button.
This is time-consuming but it’s not a deal-breaker for me.
If it’s a deal-breaker for you, consider other sewing machines on the market. And if it’s not, buy this unit immediately. The speed and other advantages of this unit outweigh the flaws.
Singer Brilliance 6180 Review
The Singer Brilliance 6180 represents an electronic or partly computerized sewing machine. It belongs to the “Brilliance” line of sewing machines released by Singer.
This model comes with 80 built-in sewing stitches including 58 decorative stitches, 8 basic stitches, and 8 stretch stitches along with 6 1-step buttonhole stitches.
I call this sewing machine partly computerized because a full computerized model will have a start/stop switch and speed control for working without the foot pedal.
Singer 6180 doesn’t have these features. It’s loaded with push buttons for stitch selection. You can view your selected stitches and their settings on the LCD screen.
It’s not backlit but easy to see. The automatic stitch settings can be overridden for adjustments. The max stitch width is 6.5mm. There are not too many levers and buttons on this machine.
6180 has a simple and elegant design. One of my favourite features is the automatic needle threader for easy needle threading. I also like the presser foot pressure which is set automatically.
The additional clearance enabled by the extra-high presser foot lifter is always helpful while dealing with multiple layers of fabrics. The automatic tension guarantees consistent stitch quality.
There’s a tension adjustment dial situated at the front of the unit. You can also sew in reverse thanks to the automatic reverse button that can be utilized to reinforce and reverse stitching.
This sewing machine has 13 needle positions and a speed of 750 stitches per minute. There’s a free arm as well which makes sewing hard-to-reach places and smaller or narrow items a lot easier.
Singer Brilliance 6180 is one of those sewing machines that allows you to be creative. Let’s discuss some of the features that make the Singer Brilliance 618 sewing machine so special in detail.
180 Stitch Applications
A stitch application represents a certain sewing method that you can perform with a selected stitch. It’s all the different things you can do with your sewing machine.
80 Built-In Sewing Stitches
You will never get bored while working on this machine thanks to the broad selection of patterns. It’s loaded with 80 built-in stitches for decorative sewing, basic sewing, etc.
6 1-Step Buttonhole
With this sewing machine, you can sew buttonholes in a single easy step. Simply place the button in the buttonhole foot and your sewing machine makes a perfectly-sized buttonhole.
Automatic Needle Threader
Thanks to the automatic needle threader, you can thread the eye of the needle effortlessly. This feature saves you time and eliminates eye strain. It’s one of my favourite features!
Front-Loading Bobbin
Unfortunately, Singer Brilliance 6180 doesn’t have a top drop-in bobbin. It’s packed with a front-loading bobbin. This can be a deal-breaker for some because this type of bobbin is harder to use.
Darning Plate
Put the darning plate into spot over the unit’s feed teeth which stops the feed teeth from touching your fabric. You can utilize this feature for free-motion sewing including monograms, stipple quilting, and stitching on buttons.
Touch Button Stitch Selection
With this sewing unit, you can pick the desired stitch with a single touch of a button. The optimum stitch width and length are preselected so you can begin working faster. But stitch settings can be customized as preferred for your sewing projects.
Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
Customize the look of the stitches by decreasing or increasing the distance between stitches. Utilize this option for different stitch methods like basting, applique, etc.
Self-Adjusting Tension System
Pick your stitch with the turn of a dial and your sewing machine will automatically adjust the tensions for your selected stitch. This is a great feature because it saves time.
Reverse Sewing
This machine allows you to sew patterns in reverse, often performed to fasten a seam at the end and at the start to stop untangling.
Heavy-Duty Metal Frame
I love the sturdy construction of this sewing machine. It’s loaded with a metal interior frame which gives long-lasting durability. You will have this workhorse for years.
Machine Speed
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine can sew up to 750 stitches per minute. This is a decent speed. If you’re looking for a fast sewing machine, look no further than 6180.
LCD Screen
Although it’s not backlit, the LCD screen is intuitive and easy to read. It presents your selected stitch as well as stitch settings for width and length.
Free Arm
Take off the detachable storage compartment to get to the free arm. The free arm is helpful for stitching sleeve cuffs, trouser hems, and other tubular or smaller projects.
Extension Table Included
With this sewing machine, you will get a large extension table. This table provides a level sewing surface for bigger projects like quilts.
Machine Cover (Softcover)
A softcover is included with your sewing machine to help keep it dust-free when not in use. If you want to travel with your sewing buddy, you can buy a hardcover additionally.
Snap-On Presser Feet
The snap-on presser feet on this sewing machine can be easily attached and removed when needed for different sewing methods. They’re great for newbies without experience.
Extra High Presser Foot Lifter
You will find the extra high presser foot lifter helpful for working with thick fabrics. This sewing machine is suitable for both basic and heavy-duty projects. It’s a versatile machine.
Variable Needle Positions
Adjust the position of needle as preferred for different sewing methods like edge stitching, topstitching, piping insertion, zipper application, etc.
Bobbin Class (15 Metal)
The Singer Brilliance 6180 uses Singer or Inspira branded bobbins. It’s recommended to use this type of bobbins for the best results. Other bobbins can cause issues or damage.
Singer Brilliance 6180 Pros and Cons
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine is easy to use thanks to the convenient features that help you get started sewing faster. This sewing machine is perfect for beginners.
When you select a stitch, the optimum stitch width and length are picked for you, saving time. With 180 stitch applications from which to select, you can make home decor, fashions, etc.
Make buttonholes in a single step with consistent and flawless results every time. You can select from 6 styles of buttonholes including 2 keyhole styles for outerwear and menswear, 2 round ends and 2 styles of the basic bartack style for sewing projects like shirts, dresses or home decor.
You can customize patterns to add a personal touch to your projects utilizing adjustable stitch width and length. Your patterns and settings are viewable on your LCD screen.
Remove the detachable storage compartment to get to the free arm. This feature makes it simple to sew cuffs, trouser hems and hard-to-reach areas like children’s clothing.
There’s also an automatic needle threader that makes threading a breeze. It saves time and prevents eye strain. Thi sewing machine comes with a bunch of free accessories.
You will get presser feet including a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot, and a general-purpose foot. You will also get a pack of needles, thread spool cap, darning plate, and bobbins (15 metal).
There’s also a screwdriver, lint brush, a soft dust cover to keep your sewing machine dust-free when not in use, spool pin felt, and auxiliary spool pin. 6180 is covered by a 25-year limited warranty.
As you can notice, 6180 brings great value for the money. However, make sure to consider the following pros and cons before you make a final decision.
Pros
- Compact and elegant
- A lot of free accessories
- Perfect for learning how to sew
- Portable, lightweight and versatile
- Suitable for both beginners and experts
- The excellent and consistent stitch quality
- Quiet and steady with low vibration
- Sturdy and long-lasting construction
- Brings great value for the money
- Great customer support
- Easy to follow manual
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- No start/stop button
- Can’t handle super thick layers of fabric
- Difficulty in reverse sewing
How to Thread Singer Brilliance 6180?
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine promotes options to make sewing a breeze at a great price. One of those features is the automatic needle threader.
It’s also one of my favourite features because it saves time and prevents eye strain. Automatic features such as this one make a great addition for people with poor vision.
The automatic needle threader turns the threading the eye of the needle into a simple task. Threading 6180 is simple. It doesn’t require much time, practice or effort.
How to Use Singer Brilliance 6180?
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine is user-friendly and suitable for beginners. As I already said, it has a simple design and a great selection of stitches.
The automatic tension appears to come out ideal for each type of pattern. The machine performs ideally on thick fabric like denim. However, it’s not suitable for professional sewing projects.
When sewing thick fabrics such as denim, make sure to use the proper needle. One of the things I didn’t like about this sewing machine is the front-loading bobbin. I prefer a top drop-in bobbin.
When most modern beginner-friendly sewing machines include a top drop-in bobbin, this machine has a front-loading bobbin which makes it a bit hard to change the bobbin.
There’s also no drop feed lever to lower feed dogs. However, you will get a darning plate for free-motion tasks. This sewing machine is easy to set up and easier to use.
The user manual is easy to follow. If you encounter issues or get confused, you can rely on your manual. It’s a great addition for beginners.
The horizontal thread holder is what is different from other sewing machines. Therefore, the threading track will be different as well. However, don’t let this intimidate you.
The position is the only difference. The process will be the same. Simply make sure to press the presser foot lifter up first. Otherwise, your thread tension is going to be wrong.
The key matter for your creations to turn out flawless is the right needle-thread-fabric mixture. If you’re looking for a sewing machine for basic sewing, look no further than 6180.
However, if you want to sew heavyweight fabrics such as upholstery linen fabrics, consider other sewing machines on the market. This sewing machine works like a charm for other materials.
The power of this unit hides in its functionality, sheer simplicity and a wide selection of handy features such as the 80 built-in stitch patterns (decorative, stretch, and basic).
The stitch patterns are preset, however, the sewing machine allows you to change them by adjusting the width and length to fit your preference. As you can notice, it’s a super-versatile unit.
Adjusting the stitch width and length is super easy. It consists of pressing the up button if you want your pattern longer. Or the down button if you would like your pattern to be shorter.
Same goes for making it narrower or wider by utilizing the right and left buttons.
Let’s talk about lighting! In this day and age, people appreciate gadgets, especially for their technological flair and side. And this model is specially made for night owls and users with poor vision.
It’s loaded with LED lights that make your work easy. No matter if you work after midnight or during the day, you will see all the details on your projects. Good lighting helps prevent mistakes as well.
Singer Brilliance 6180 Accessories
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine is a great bargain because it includes a bunch of accessories. If you purchase this unit, you will get the following accessories.
- Lint brush
- Zipper foot
- Buttonhole foot
- General-purpose foot
- Invisible zipper foot
- Blind hem foot
- Overcasting foot
- Roller foot
- Screwdriver
- Softcover
- Extension table
- Seam ripper
- Darning plate
- Spool caps
- Bobbins
- Needles
Singer Brilliance 6180 Manual
The instruction manual is well-written and easy to follow. It’s a great addition for beginners or advanced users who need help with their 6180.
You will also get a machine intro DVD and a quick start guide. The manual is available in three languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Singer Brilliance 6180 for Sale
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine is for everyone! Everyone should purchase this unit. It’s good for beginners. However, it’s also suitable for experienced sewers.
Considering the speed of 750 stitches per minute that can be manipulated and the selection of features, professionals will still appreciate having this sewing machine as a backup.
It’s a popular sewing machine. Therefore, it’s available in both online and in-person stores. Of course, it’s available at Amazon but you can buy it on Singer’s website as well.
Conclusion
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine is a good bargain. If you’re looking for a feature-rich machine that’s partly computerized and fast, look no further than this model.
It’s loaded with many useful features such as automatic needle threader, a free arm, 80 built-in sewing stitches, touch button stitch selection, snap-on presser feet, and a table.
The best part? It’s covered by a 25-year limited warranty. This proves that Singer stands behind its units. It’s one of the most popular brands in the sewing industry.
The Singer Brilliance 6180 sewing machine is for everyone! Everyone should purchase this unit. It’s good for beginners. However, it’s also suitable for intermediate and experienced sewers.
It’s a popular sewing unit which means it’s easy to find. You can buy it at Amazon always. However, you can also find it on Singer’s official website. It brings great value for money.
Hopefully, my unbiased Singer Brilliance 6180 review was of help to you! Have you ever used this model or know someone who has? If so, share your thoughts in the comments.
I would love to hear your unpopular opinion on this popular sewing machine!