Eight built-in stitches
Cover basic construction, zigzag sewing, finishing, blind hems, decoration and buttonholes.
Compact beginner mechanical sewing machine
Singer Promise 1408
Learn, mend and create with a compact mechanical sewing machine designed around the essential functions beginners use most. The Singer Promise 1408 combines eight built-in stitches, 24 stitch functions, a four-step buttonhole, front-loading bobbin, free-arm sewing, LED lighting and a strong metal internal frame.
8
built-in sewing stitches
24
stitch functions
4 Step
mechanical buttonhole
750 SPM
maximum sewing speed
The essential functions for learning, mending and simple projects
The Singer Promise 1408 is designed for first-time sewists, students, occasional makers and households needing a practical machine for basic repairs and alterations.
Its focused stitch range covers straight sewing, zigzag, edge finishing, blind hemming, decorative sewing and buttonholes without presenting an overwhelming number of settings.
A large front selector dial keeps stitch choice easy to understand, while the foot controller provides responsive speed control.
The compact body and approximately 4.9kg weight make the machine convenient to store or carry between rooms and sewing classes.
A basic mechanical domestic sewing machine
The Singer Promise 1408 is operated using a stitch-selection dial and the supplied foot controller.
It does not have an LCD screen, start and stop button, electronic speed-control slider, automatic needle threader or automatic electronic thread cutter.
It is intended for learning, repairs, alterations, simple garment sewing and occasional household use rather than continuous production or specialist heavy-material work.
Simple controls with practical everyday capability
24 stitch functions
Use different stitch positions and applications for a wider range of basic sewing tasks.
Four-step buttonhole
Sew each side and bar tack through four clearly marked selector positions.
Metal internal frame
Provides a stable internal foundation for reliable domestic sewing performance.
Front-loading bobbin
Maintains a smooth metal needle-plate surface around the sewing area.
Free-arm sewing
Remove the accessory compartment for cuffs, sleeves, hems and narrow tubular projects.
Snap-on presser feet
Change between general sewing, zipper, buttonhole and button-sewing feet quickly.
LED sewing light
Brightens the needle and surrounding fabric area while you sew.
8
Essential built-in stitches
Six practical stitches, one decorative stitch and one four-step buttonhole sequence.
A focused stitch range for everyday sewing
Practical stitches without an overwhelming menu
Select the required stitch using the large dial on the front of the machine.
The Promise 1408 provides the essential options needed for seams, repairs, edge finishing, hems, decoration and buttonholes.
- Straight stitching
- Zigzag stitching
- Edge finishing
- Blind hemming
- Basic decorative sewing
- Four-step buttonhole
- Button sewing
- Reverse reinforcement
Turn the dial and begin sewing
The large stitch selector displays each available pattern directly around the dial.
Upper-thread tension can be adjusted manually to suit different fabrics, thread types and sewing techniques.
Use the front reverse lever to reinforce ordinary seams at the beginning and end.
- Large stitch selector
- Visible stitch symbols
- Manual thread tension
- Mechanical reverse lever
- No electronic menus
- Foot-controller operation
Traditional garment finishing
Four-step mechanical buttonhole
Fit the supplied buttonhole foot and mark the required finished length on the fabric.
Progress through the four numbered dial positions to sew the first side, lower bar tack, second side and upper bar tack.
The finished length is controlled by the operator, making the system suitable for simple garments, cushions and craft projects.
- Four clearly marked stages
- Manual finished-length control
- Buttonhole foot included
- Suitable for simple garments
- Useful for cushion covers
- Traditional mechanical process
4 Step
Mechanical buttonhole sequence
Sew both sides and both bar tacks by moving through the four dial settings.
Front-loading Class 15 bobbin
Remove the accessory compartment and open the front bobbin cover to access the bobbin case.
The removable Class 15 bobbin fits inside the metal bobbin case beneath the needle plate.
This front-loading arrangement maintains a smooth metal sewing surface around the feed dogs and needle.
- Front-loading bobbin system
- Class 15 transparent bobbins
- Removable bobbin case
- Automatic bobbin winding
- Metal bobbin-winder spindle
- Smooth needle-plate surface
750
Maximum stitches per minute
Practical speed for learning, mending, alterations and simple construction.
Controlled through the supplied foot pedal
Responsive mechanical sewing speed
Light pressure on the foot controller provides slower sewing for corners, curves and detailed areas.
Firmer pressure increases speed for longer seams and straightforward repairs.
The machine does not have an electronic speed-limiting slider, so beginners should practise pedal control on fabric offcuts.
- Up to 750 stitches per minute
- Foot-controller operation
- Variable pedal response
- Slower control for corners
- Efficient straight seams
- No electronic speed slider
Heavy-duty metal internal frame
The internal metal frame supports the needle mechanism and keeps the principal sewing components properly aligned.
This provides a stronger foundation than an entirely plastic internal structure while keeping the complete machine compact and portable.
The metal frame does not make the Promise 1408 an industrial or heavy-duty production machine.
Convertible free-arm design
Slide off the removable accessory compartment to expose the narrow free arm.
Sleeves, cuffs, trouser hems, children’s garments and other tubular areas can then be positioned around the machine bed.
Refit the compartment to restore the larger flat sewing surface and built-in storage area.
- Sleeves
- Cuffs
- Trouser hems
- Children’s garments
- Small circular projects
- Flatbed sewing
Snap-on presser-foot system
Raise the presser foot and release the current foot using the lever on the presser-foot holder.
Position the replacement foot beneath the holder and lower the lever until the foot snaps into place.
This allows fast changes between general sewing, zipper insertion, buttonholes and button sewing.
Button-sewing foot and darning plate included
Fit the supplied darning plate over the feed dogs and attach the button-sewing foot.
Select an appropriate zigzag width so the needle enters both button holes without striking the button.
Always turn the handwheel manually through the first complete stitch cycle to confirm needle clearance.
Built-in LED lighting
The LED light illuminates the needle, presser foot and fabric immediately around the stitching area.
Better visibility assists when following seam guides, working with dark fabric or using closely matched thread.
Lightweight and easy to store
The Promise 1408 measures approximately 37cm wide, 16cm deep and 29.5cm high.
At approximately 4.9kg, it is manageable to carry between rooms, take to beginner classes or store in a cupboard between projects.
A soft dust cover is included to help protect the machine while it is not in use.
Best suited to light and medium-weight household sewing
The Singer Promise 1408 is designed for common garment fabrics, repairs, craft materials and light home-sewing projects.
Use the correct needle size, suitable thread and appropriate tension for the material being sewn.
Thick leather goods, dense webbing, heavy canvas assemblies, upholstery production and repeated thick denim work require a stronger domestic or industrial machine.
- Dress cotton
- Quilting cotton
- Polyester blends
- Light linen
- Craft fabrics
- Light curtain material
- Garment-weight denim
- Basic home décor fabric
Essential accessories for getting started
Four presser feet, bobbins and sewing tools included
The standard package provides the main accessories required for general sewing, zips, buttonholes, button attachment and basic quilting guidance.
- All-Purpose Foot
- Zipper Foot
- Buttonhole Foot
- Button Sewing Foot
- Class 15 transparent bobbins × 4
- Pack of needles
- Seam ripper and lint brush
- Darning plate
- Edge and quilting guide
- L-shaped screwdriver
- Spool-pin felts × 2
- Foot controller
- Power lead
- Soft machine cover
Included Promise 1408 accessory package
A compact machine for learning and everyday repairs
First-time sewists
Beginner classes
School projects
Household repairs
Garment alterations
Basic dressmaking
Cushion covers
Simple crafts
Button attachment
Zip insertion
Light home décor
Compact storage
Singer Promise 1408, Brother JA1450NT or Janome FD206?
| Singer Promise 1408 | Offers eight stitches, 24 stitch functions, four-step buttonhole, front-loading bobbin and a metal internal frame. |
|---|---|
| Brother JA1450NT | Adds 14 stitches, automatic needle threading and a top-loading bobbin for easier beginner setup. |
| Janome FD206 | Offers six stitches, built-in needle threading, top-loading bobbin and drop-feed capability. |
| Best reason to choose the Singer 1408 | It provides essential Singer sewing functions, a metal internal frame and a complete basic accessory package at an accessible price. |
Important information before purchasing
The Singer Promise 1408 is a mechanical domestic sewing machine. It is not computerised and does not have an LCD screen.
It includes eight built-in stitches, 24 stitch functions and one four-step buttonhole sequence.
It uses a front-loading Class 15 bobbin rather than a top-loading drop-in bobbin.
It does not include a built-in automatic needle threader.
Sewing speed is controlled using the supplied foot controller. There is no electronic speed slider or start and stop button.
The feed dogs are covered using the supplied darning plate rather than lowered with a drop-feed lever.
The machine has a manual thread cutter rather than an automatic electronic thread-cutting system.
It is intended for domestic learning, repairs and light to medium-weight household projects.
Singer Promise 1408 specifications
| Machine type | Mechanical domestic sewing machine |
|---|---|
| Built-in stitches | Eight |
| Stitch functions | 24 |
| Stitch composition | Six basic stitches, one decorative stitch and one four-step buttonhole |
| Buttonhole | Four-step mechanical buttonhole |
| Maximum sewing speed | Up to approximately 750 stitches per minute |
| Stitch selection | Mechanical front selector dial |
| Thread tension | Manually adjustable |
| Reverse sewing | Yes, using the front reverse lever |
| Bobbin type | Front-loading Class 15 bobbin |
| Bobbin winder | Automatic winding with metal spindle |
| Internal frame | Heavy-duty metal frame |
| Presser-foot system | Snap-on |
| Free arm | Yes |
| Feed-dog control | Supplied darning plate covers the feed dogs |
| Needle threader | No |
| Lighting | LED sewing light |
| Built-in accessory storage | Yes |
| Foot controller | Included |
| Standard presser feet | Four |
| Machine cover | Soft cover included |
| Machine dimensions | Approximately 37cm wide × 16cm deep × 29.5cm high |
| Machine weight | Approximately 4.9kg |
| LCD screen | No |
| Start and stop button | No |
| Electronic speed control | No |
| Needle up/down button | No |
| Automatic electronic thread cutter | No |
| Built-in lettering | No |
| Embroidery capability | No |
What comes with the Singer Promise 1408?
Included presser feet
- All-Purpose Foot
- Zipper Foot
- Buttonhole Foot
- Button Sewing Foot
Bobbins, needles and sewing guides
- Class 15 transparent bobbins × 4
- Pack of machine needles
- Edge and quilting guide
- Spool-pin felts × 2
Tools, operation and storage
- Foot controller
- Power lead
- Seam ripper and lint brush
- Darning plate
- L-shaped screwdriver
- Soft machine cover
- Instruction material
Expand the Singer Promise 1408 as your skills develop
Garment and general sewing accessories
- Blind Hem Foot
- Overcasting Foot
- Concealed Zipper Foot
- Adjustable Zipper and Piping Foot
- Roller Foot
- Non-Stick Foot
- Narrow Hem Foot
- Gathering Foot
Quilting and creative sewing accessories
- Darning and Free-Motion Pogo Foot
- Even Feed Foot
- 1/4-inch Patchwork Foot
- Open-Toe Appliqué Foot
- Additional quilting guides
Needles, bobbins and sewing supplies
- Singer Class 15 bobbins
- Universal sewing needles
- Ballpoint needles
- Stretch needles
- Denim needles
- Microtex needles
- Top-stitching needles
- Quality sewing thread
Singer Promise 1408 FAQ
Is the Singer Promise 1408 computerised?
No. It is a mechanical sewing machine operated using a stitch selector and foot controller.
How many stitches does the Singer 1408 have?
It includes eight built-in stitches and 24 stitch functions.
Does it make a one-step buttonhole?
No. It uses a four-step mechanical buttonhole sequence.
Does it have an automatic needle threader?
No. The needle is threaded manually.
Does it have a top-loading bobbin?
No. The Promise 1408 uses a front-loading Class 15 bobbin and removable bobbin case.
Can it sew stretch fabric?
It has a limited basic stitch selection. Light stretch fabrics may be sewn using a suitable zigzag setting and the correct stretch or ballpoint needle, but a machine with dedicated stretch stitches offers greater versatility.
Can it sew denim?
It may sew occasional garment-weight denim with the correct jeans needle, quality thread and careful setup. It is not a heavy-duty denim machine.
Can it sew canvas?
It may handle selected lightweight domestic canvas. Thick or bulky assemblies require a stronger machine.
Can it sew leather?
It is not recommended for thick leather goods. Selected thin, soft materials may be possible after careful testing with the correct needle.
Can the feed dogs be lowered?
No. The supplied darning plate is fitted over the feed dogs when button sewing, darning or performing selected free-motion work.
Can it free-motion sew?
Basic free-motion work is possible using the supplied darning plate and a compatible optional darning or pogo foot.
Can it sew without the foot controller?
No. The Singer Promise 1408 is operated using the supplied foot controller.
Does it have a speed-control slider?
No. Sewing speed is controlled by the amount of pressure applied to the foot controller.
Does it cut the threads automatically?
No. Threads are trimmed manually.
Does it have a free arm?
Yes. Remove the accessory compartment for cuffs, sleeves and trouser hems.
How many presser feet are included?
Four feet are included: All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot and Button Sewing Foot.
Does it include a soft cover?
Yes. A soft machine cover is included.
Is the Singer 1408 suitable for beginners?
Yes. Its focused stitch selection, large selector dial and simple mechanical operation make it approachable for beginners.
Is it suitable for sewing classes?
Yes. Its compact dimensions and approximately 4.9kg weight make it manageable to transport.
Is the Promise 1408 an overlocker?
No. It is a conventional sewing machine and does not trim fabric edges or form stitches using loopers.
Is it an embroidery machine?
No. It does not use embroidery hoops or import embroidery designs.
Is it suitable for commercial production?
No. It is designed for domestic sewing, repairs, learning and occasional household projects.
Product information and machine support
Official Singer Product Page
Review the current feature summary, specifications and standard accessory package.
Singer New Zealand Manuals
Access the Singer Promise 1408 instruction manual and other New Zealand support resources.
Singer Sewing Machines
Compare the Promise 1408 with other Singer domestic and heavy-duty models.
Buy from New Zealand sewing-machine specialists
Expert advice, genuine support and in-house servicing
Direct Sewing has supplied sewing, quilting, embroidery, overlocking and industrial equipment throughout New Zealand since 2001.
Our experienced team can explain machine threading, front-loading bobbin setup, stitch selection, buttonholes, needle choice and the practical differences between the Singer Promise 1408, Brother JA1450NT and Janome FD206.
Your machine is supported by our own in-house technical workshop, where servicing and repairs are completed by experienced sewing-machine technicians with decades of industry knowledge.
For beginners and households wanting uncomplicated mechanical operation, essential stitches and a compact metal-frame machine for repairs and simple projects, the Singer Promise 1408 is an accessible place to begin.