After reading all the reviews here, I decided to buy the Singer Confidence 7470. I am new at sewing, yet I took a risk on a pricey machine. I'm so glad I did. I love it. It gives me great confidence (no pun intended) in my ability to sew. I did have a slight problem: not being able to get the feed dog back up again. I took a closer look at the little feed dog switch in the back. It turns out there is a "locking" mechanism. Here's how to get the feed dog back up. Facing the switch, push down and push to the right. Turn the hand wheel towards the front of the machine, allowing the needle to go up and down a few times. Viola! The feed dog has returned to its original position.

At 37 years old, I have only been sewing for less then 2 months! I originally bought the Singer Simple model. It was a great tool in teaching me basic threading and sewing technique; but I quickly outgrew it! The "simple" became not so simple when it came to bobbin thread and performance. It was a nightmare to continually have to re-thread the bobbin. That, along with various other factors, led to the search for an upgraded sewing machine. At first I was intimidated by the "electronic" features of the newer models, although now I am not sure why that is so. I LOVE THIS MACHINE! I have yet to really play around with it, but the basics of just threading and straight stitching have proven to be far superior to the "simple" model when it comes to ease of use and performance.

1. The "Confidence" does not jump up and down on the table, like the "simple".

2. The bobbin has given me ZERO problems when it comes to threading and clean sewing. No more messed up or broken bobbin thread!

3. The Auto tension has performed perfectly so far.

4. The "Confidence" is less noisy than the "simple".

5. Overall, the "Confidence" flows smoothly. The electronic features take some time to get used to; but having so many stitches to choose from makes sewing all the more fun.

As previously noted, I am a complete novice. But to be able to quickly thread and start sewing, and come out with a quality garment is a tribute to the user friendly design of the "Confidence". The instruction manual is sufficient in its definitions, descriptions, and photos ... enough to make sense. The included accessories with the "Confidence" are valuable.

With so many sewing machines on the market, it becomes overwhelming to know which machine to choose. I based my decision largely on consumer reviews (as well as a recommendation from several staff members at a retail store). As of now, I couldn't be happier with my decision.

NOTES:

As another reviewer notes, the machine is a bit heavy to carry around. As for the backstitch button, I have not found it to be a great problem that the backstitch button must continually be pressed. The "simple's" backstitch button was a MAJOR pain, and never really worked right. The "confidence" backstitch button is fairly pain free to use.

Also, it is noted that Class 15J bobbins must be used. I have used Class 15 with no problems; but have since decided (per further recommendation) to only use Class 15J bobbins. Can't find these everywhere. I found them at several online retailers, as well as Ebay and Singerco.

I really believe the average sewer will be very pleased with the Singer Confidence 7470. The price is not as high as quality machines, and the features are amazing.

Have fun sewing!

I love this machine! The drop-in bobbin is easy and the decorative stitches are fun. Great value.

I have had this machine for about a month. I have made a quilt, 4 shirts, and 3 sets of curtains with it. I am a sewing novice. I spent some time on my mother's machine as a kid, it was unfortunate as it broke a lot, and now I'm really learning how to do it through quilting and sewing classes.

Pros:
Auto tension! I love it. It works every time.
Drop in bobbin! I will never go back.
Easy to select stitches. (however,do read the manual before doing
twin needle work!)
Lots of choices for embellishing items with embroidery.
So far, no issues and I've sewn heavy and light fabrics.

Cons:
The autothreader takes more work than doing it myself.
You will need another light source if you like to sew at night.

I don't like that to reverse stitch I have to hold the button at
the same time I guide my fabric. Couldn't they just let me press
the button, then press the button again when I'm done with
reverse? (That's not novice friendly!)

A bit heavy to carry. I'm tough, but carrying it for more than a
short walk will get to you. Get a rollerboard carrier and skip
the plastic case.

This is my 1st brand new machine. I had always rec'd hand-me-downs before and they were never good machines to begin with. I would rate myself as a decent sewer. I recently got into quilting. This machine you will give you nice stiches, you don't have to worry about your project falling apart. (If you have ever had that happen you know how devasting it can be). I think this machine would be good for anyone, even if they were new to sewing. The manual is super easy and so is winding the bobbin and threading the machine. I did a lot of research and for the features, this was the best quality for the price.
Good Luck to you and happy sewing!