Review of the Singer Isek Sewing Machine with Nintendo GameBoy

The Perfect Machine for Beginners

Lisa Davis
Lisa Davis, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jun 27, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
When I first saw the advertisements for the Singer Isek Sewing Machine, I fell in love. While it was very expensive when it was first released (about $500), the machine can now be purchased for around $225. The Isek Sewing Machine is a little on the small side and extremely easy to use, which makes it perfect for a novice. I have tackled simple mending jobs with it and have also finished a few machine quilting projects as well. The uses for this machine are literally endless.

What makes the machine so unique is that it comes with a Nintendo GameBoy and a Singer sewing game cartridge for it. The GameBoy directly hooks up to the machine and enables the user to change the stitch pattern in a matter of seconds. My favorites are some of the design stitches that are shaped like hearts or stars that really make a nice accent to handbags or hemlines. There are actually 84 stitch patterns altogether.

The GameBoy will even allow you to design and save your own stitch creations to memory which makes the possibilities with the Izek endless! Another feature is that the GameBoy allows you to program the machine to do simple letter embroidery. I have found this useful for personalizing clothing, children's items, and even luggage with my name. I have also used the feature to adorn the edge of pillow cases with heavenly sayings like "dream," "sleep," or "relax" just like similar versions I have seen in high-class hotels.

I have not had any technical problems with the Izek but when I first got the machine the GameBoy cartridge was not inside the box. However, when I called Singer about it they sent me out a new one for free without making me jump through any flaming hoops or other hassles. The unit comes with Singer's iron-clad warranty of 25 years for mechanical defects as well as a 2 year warranty against any electrical problems.

Also, the directions for the machine are well written and certainly easy to follow. My friend, who is computer and technology inept, was also easily able to figure out how to operate the GameBoy to change stitches, so it is not something to fear if you aren't computer savvy.

So, if you are interested in a great inexpensive sewing machine that is versatile and easy enough to use for even the beginning seamstress, the Singer Isek is definitely the way to go.

Published by Lisa Davis

Lisa Davis has lived all over the United States before deciding that home is where the heart is. When she's not writing, she passes the time playing cards and trying out new recipes. Contact Lisa at: lisao...   View profile

More from
  • The Isek has a 25 year warranty on mechanical defects.
  • The Singer Isek comes with its own Nintendo GameBoy that allows you to change stitch patterns.
  • The Isek comes with 84 preprogrammed stitches.
While the Isek use to cost around $500, models are now available for under $250 since it has been out for quite some time.

8 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Vidfootie 9/9/2011

    this is the good article ,I have had my gameboy missing, guess someone thought it was just a regular gameboy. it would be great.

  • Carmen Rivas 5/26/2011

    I do have Izek sawing machine and it happen that was a construction in my apartment and I lost the cartridge. I can not used the machine without it. Where I can send to buy the cartridge?

  • Terry 3/1/2008

    I have had my gameboy missing, guess someone thought it was just a regular gameboy. My sewing disc was in the gameboy so now my machine is no good. Has anyone found where to buy the replacements. Singer should be able to come up with this as big company as they are and with as many people who have purchased this machine, I see no reason they cant have these in stock.

  • amber 9/7/2007

    I have searche dhigh and low and cannot find a replacement cartridge for the gameboy. Without it, the machine is pretty much useless. One type of stitch and that's it! I called SInger,Nintendo,and Jaguar which is the originator and none of them have answers. I am looking at have to buy a used machine with hopes that it has the cartridge with it. I am very dissapointed and soon will be broke from this wonder machine. I can say that it was great when it did have the cartridge.

  • Paula 7/8/2007

    I have contacted Singer also and got the same response you did Patty. I have called Nintendo and they don't have any of the cartridges either. I have tried several places online and had no luck. Lisa, if you can think of any place else that might have replacements, it would be great.

  • Patty 5/6/2007

    Hi Lisa,
    I contacted Singer to see if I could get a replacement for the game cartridge like you mentioned in your review...and they said they don't have any more and they don't have a clue where I could find them. Would you happen to know anywhere else that might sell them?

  • Lisa Davis 9/14/2006

    You can get a regular used Gameboy on ebay really cheap. Any gameboy will hook up to the Izek, however you must have the cartridge which Singer will send you for free if you tell them you didn't get one with your machine when you bought it

  • cheryl taylor 9/5/2006

    My daughter was given a Singer Izek but the gameboy wasn't with it -- where can she buy the gameboy?

Displaying Comments

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.