Singer Professional 5 14T968DC review
VerdictSpecs checked against Singer data · Checked Sep 2026
7.6/107.6
out of 10
The Professional 5 is the one-box answer for serging and coverstitch: 2/3/4/5 thread, 1,300 spm, 14 stitches, with a manual conversion between modes.
Who it's for
A sewist short on space or budget who wants a 5-thread safety stitch and coverstitch and accepts a several-minute changeover.
Skip it if
You switch between seaming and hemming many times per project; two dedicated machines will be faster.
Price band$500–1,000
$$ 500–1kSerger
Check price at Sewing Machines PlusAffiliate link · opens new tabLast seen $626 on September 29, 2026 at Sewing Machines Plus. Today's price is on the Sewing Machines Plus page.
Real cost to get sewing
Machine $$ 500–1k5 cones of serger thread for the safety stitchSinger 2022 needles in 14/90 and 11/80Serger oil (oiler included)Spare knife (one included)
Specs
Research pass 2026-09-29 · manufacturer page check pendingSource: singer.com · sewingpartsonline.com · manualslib.com · amazon.com. Bracketed cells are values the manufacturer does not publish; we never fill a spec we can't source.
Where sources disagree
- Weight: 19.84 lb (dealer listing) vs 18.6 lb (another dealer). Singer page value not captured. Catalog will use 19.84 lb flagged [verify].
- Price: Sewing Machines Plus via Walmart $626.18 vs Best Buy $649.99 vs GoldStar Tool $699.00. Catalog will use $626.18 and label the channel.
- Type: sold as a serger; it is a serger and coverstitch combo requiring a manual conversion (blade, plate, needles, clutch). Recorded as 'serger' with the combo noted.
Manufacturer claims we quote but do not assert (3)
- "Self-adjusting tension system" that sets tension automatically (manufacturer claim, product page)
- "Heavy-duty" and "professional" (Singer series naming and Amazon listing title; not a rating)
- "Designed for both home and professional use" (manufacturer claim, product page)
Strengths
Only machine in this set with 5-thread safety stitch and coverstitch in one unit.
Stitch width 3.0 to 9.8 mm and differential feed 0.6 to 2.0 published by dealers.
Singer's 25-year frame warranty with 2 years on electrical parts.
Weaknesses
Requires Singer 2022 needles, which owners report are hard to find.
Coverstitch mode has limited clearance under the foot and reviewers report right-needle skips.
Mechanical parts and adjustments are covered for only 90 days.
Check before you buy
3 checks01
Conversion stepsSwitching modes means moving the blade, changing the plate, shifting needles and flipping the clutch. Reviewers time it at about seven minutes once learned.
02
Needle stockSinger 2022 in 14/90 ships with it; the manual allows 11/80 too. Order spares with the machine rather than hunting locally.
03
Which channel you buy fromPrices seen ranged from $626 (Sewing Machines Plus on Walmart) to $699. Confirm the seller is authorized so the Singer warranty applies.
Buying from Sewing Machines Plus
Checked Sep 2026WarrantySinger publishes: 25 yr frame, 2 yr electronic and electrical, 90 days mechanical parts and adjustments. Warranty runs through an authorized dealer; confirm SMP is one for Singer before you buy.
ReturnsSewing Machines Plus lists a 60-day return window; the buyer pays return shipping and opened machines may be refunded as store credit. Restocking fee: [verify]. Re-check the policy page before ordering a heavy machine.
ServicingWarranty repairs go through Singer's authorized service network. Whether a local Singer dealer will service a machine bought online varies by dealer; ask before you buy.
Setup and lessonsOnline orders may not include the lessons a local dealer offers. Ask before you buy if that matters to you.
What owners say
Paraphrased, attributed. We did not operate this machine.positive
Owners like getting a 5-thread serger and coverstitch in one box for roughly $450 to $650 and report clean stitches once set up.sewing.patternreview.com
negative
In coverstitch mode there is little room under the foot; pressing the lifter bar further down helps slide fabric in. Some report the right needle skipping and the triple cover never forming.sewing.patternreview.com
negative
Singer 2022 needles are required and hard to find, especially size 11; threading is described as difficult until learned.sewing.patternreview.com
Questions people ask
How fast is the Singer Professional 5 14T968DC?
Singer publishes a top speed of 1,300 stitches per minute. That is the spec, not a promise of finished quality at that speed; heavy layers want a slower setting.
What stitches does the Professional 5 14T968DC have?
14 built-in stitches: 2/3/4/5-thread overlock, chain stitch, flatlock, rolled hem, narrow, wide and triple cover stitch.
What is the Professional 5 14T968DC warranty?
Singer publishes: 25 yr frame, 2 yr electronic and electrical, 90 days mechanical parts and adjustments. Warranty service runs through authorized dealers, so confirm the seller's status before you buy.
Who should skip the Professional 5 14T968DC?
You switch between seaming and hemming many times per project; two dedicated machines will be faster.
