Besides the unique purple trim and round styling, the Singer Curvy 8763 sewing machine is great for beginners because it covers all the basics – mending, clothes construction, quilting, light embroidery, and craft sewing.
The metal frame and 16.8 pound weight holds up to heavy fabrics and large projects without jumping around while you sew.
Table of Contents
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Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Singer Curvy 8763 Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 4.2 
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2015
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You pay a little more for the stability and additional work space a machine this size provides but if you’re going to be sewing a lot and have some curtain, quilting and blanket projects on your list, this machine provides a great platform that allows you to get piles of fabric AND your hands in and around the work area.
Stitches Include a Bit of Everything
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There are 30 built-in stitches provided with the Singer Curvy 8763 including two styles of 1-step buttonholes. Stitch width and length are adjustable up to 7mm depending on the stitch selected. Stitches are selected by way of the five selection buttons on the front of the machine. Top thread tension has an “automatic” setting, or can be adjusted as needed for your projects. Stitches include:
- Straight
- Straight Stretch
- Hand-look Quilt
- Regular Blindhem
- Stretch Blindhem
- Crescent
- Zigzag
- Ric-rac
- Multi-Stitch Zigzag
- Honeycomb
- Overedge
- Pyramid
- Feather
- Pin
- Ladder
- Star
- Vine
- Serpentine
- Blanket
- Slant Pin
- Slant Overedge
- Greek Key
- Entredeux
- Arrowhead
- Double Overlock
- Criss-Cross
- Crossed
- Button sewing
- Wide Bartack Buttonhole
- Narrow Bartack Buttonhole
A Bit Skimpy on the Presser Feet (But You Can Add More)
It’s far easier to attach the snap-on presser feet that come with this machine than the old screw-in style. Presser foot height has three pre-set settings – down, up and high for thick fabrics. The following presser feet come with the sewing machine:
- General Purpose
- Zipper
- Satin
- Blindstitch Hem
- Buttonhole Foot
Decent Threading and Operation Features
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Singer’s One-Touch Needle Threader only requires that you guide the top thread through the slots and into the needle threader and then it does the rest, punching the thread through the eye for you. The Drop and Sew bobbin system means you don’t have to pull up the bottom thread just right. Instead, insert the bobbin and run the thread along the slot under the bobbin cover plate towards the thread cutter and the machine will handle the bottom thread, too.
Features include:
- Feed cover plate for free motion sewing
- 6 piece feed dog system
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop-in bobbin
- SwiftSmart threading system
- 13 variable needle positions
- Free arm sewing
- Built in carry handle
- Well lit work area
This video demonstrates the simple threading technology used in the Curvy line of sewing machines:
The extension table houses the machine’s accessories and can be removed for free arm sewing. The reverse button is conveniently located just above the needle so you can reach it while still holding your fabric in place.
A darning plate allows for free hand embroidery work and there are a few decorative stitches in the list above that also help with embroidery projects. The Singer Curvy 8763 uses a horizontal thread delivery system for smoother thread control. An additional pin is provided for twin needle sewing (twin needle must be purchased separately).
Three LED lights provide a well lit work space and last longer than old fashioned bulbs. A carry handle at the top of the machine folds down when not in use and makes it easy to move the sewing machine around the house.
Dimensions: L 17.7” x W 12.5” x D 9”
Weight: 16.8 pounds
Included Accessories
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The following accessories come with the Singer Curvy 8763:
- Pack of 5 needles
- 4 plastic 15J bobbins (including the one that comes inside the machine)
- Additional spool pin for twin needle sewing
- 2 felt discs for spool pins
- 3 spool pin caps (small, medium and large)
- Buttonhole opener/Seam Ripper and Brush
- Screwdriver for needle plate
- Darning plate
Above Average User Rating
Easy to use. This is almost completely the same as the Confidence, but it has an extra LED light and its threading system is faster. Nice, bright work light. Handles thin and heavy fabrics with ease as well as other media for handbags and craft sewing. Auto threader works well. There is only one review on Overstock and the rating was five stars. Five reviews on Joann’s Fabrics with an average rating of 5 stars.
There are 35 reviews on Amazon. You can read more here: Singer Curvy 8763 Reviews
Tips: Get metal 15J bobbins to use instead of the plastic ones provided with the machine as they run more smoothly and last longer. Make sure to use the right needle and thread for heavier fabrics like denim, canvas, and duck. The manual will tell you which needles and thread weights are best for each type of fabric.
Average Rating: 4.2
Pros, Cons & Manual
Pros: Manual is thorough and easy to follow. Even gives instructions for how to do corded buttonholes which most manuals do not show. Nice selection of stitches for mending, clothes construction, quilting, and free-hand embroidery. Capable of handling many light-weight and thick fabrics for heavy-duty and craft sewing. Sturdy metal frame, decent weight, and large size keeps the machine steady while working on large projects like blankets, quilts and large drapes.
Cons: Presser foot pressure is not adjustable outside of the three pre-set levels. Capable of twin-needle sewing but twin needle must be purchased separately. Does not come with a cover or case.
Manual available online here: Singer Curvy 8763 Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: As of this date,the warranty in the US is 25 year limited on the machine head, limited 5 year warranty on motors, light, assembly, wiring, switches, speed control and electronic components, and a limited 1 year warranty on adjustments, belts, rings, bulbs, and attachments. As is standard with most warranties, the warranty may be void if certain requirements are not followed.
You’ll find the lowest prices here:
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Features Summary Review:
First – thanks for a great site with such comprehensive reviews! Second – I have this machine. It is very good! I am a true beginner, and am experimenting with crafty-type items, and quilting. Haven’t tried any garments yet, and probably won’t. I am VERY happy with this machine and would recommend it.
I think, though, that this machine is now called the Athena 2009 – it seems like they renamed it. The box that my machine came in was labeled Athena 2009 but the manual is for the Curvy 8763. It looks exactly the same.
Amy – You’re right. I haven’t been back to visit this review in awhile but the Singer Athena 2009 is the replacement model for the Curvy 8763.
Sewing machine manufacturers do this a lot – especially when a design is popular. I need to add the Athena to my list of machines to review so I can compare the two models. Although, since they used the same manual, it’s a pretty safe bet that not much changed! 😉
Glad you like this one. My mom and I actually tested this one out together and she liked how easy it was to use as compared to her almost 40 year old machine. I like the sleek styling, too. I have a thing for how machines “look” for some reason….!
Thanks for sharing and helping me with my list of machines to review. I’m always looking for feedback from visitors to help me shape the site. Very much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Erin
I love my Singer, but finding 15j metal bobbins is almost impossible. SA156 is the same size. I use them but it is for a Brother, I think that Singer is the 15J and SA156 is the equivilant in metal. They really work great in my machine, the plastic makes for uneven stitches.
I have this machine and use the plastic 15j bobbins. Plastic bobbins came with my machine.
Thanks for the great site ! it is so helpful. I want to buy my first sewing machine, I never used one. I’m debating between the following three:
1. Singer(R) CurvyTM 8763 – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027DLWS2?ie=UTF8&tag=sewingmach0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0027DLWS2
2. Brother 50-Stitch Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine – http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-50-Stitch-Sewing-Machine/14237605
3. Brother Computerized 110-stitch Function – http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11222787
I will be so grateful if you can advice which is the best one to start
Thank you!!
Elinor
Elinor – Each of those are great starter machines but they’re also slightly different. What kinds of sewing projects you want to do with your new machine? That kind of information is usually the best way to help differentiate machines on your list and boil it down to one (seems impossible, doesn’t it?). 😉
If you don’t have any particular ideas in mind other than to learn the general skills so you can figure out which kinds of projects appeal to you down the road, I might point you to the Brother CS6000i instead only because it has a good combination of what the other machines offer plus more accessories and one of the best online ratings. (You know, just to make your decision more confusing which is so NOT my intent but I didn’t want you to miss that one because it’s such a good deal, too!)
Let me know what you think. 🙂
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much for your quick and detailed response. I’m in deed 🙂 very confused ! the machine that you pointed looks great, I’m just a little worries from the bad reviews which pointed that the machine will not last long. I guess I am mostly going to use the machine for crafts and clothes for my toddler 🙂
Best,
Elinor
Elinor – Crafts and clothes. Very worthwhile projects!
Okay, let’s consider those three machine options as they relate to those kinds of projects. First, I want to point out that the XR7700 at Costco is very much similar to the CS6000i. They have the same design, same features, same build and even use the same manual so if you’ve crossed the CS6000i off of your list, you may also want to eliminate the XR7700 as it is much the same machine.
When using a machine to make clothes, you’ll want to make sure the stitches include a few stretch stitches, at least one good 1-step buttonhole style (having more styles is just that much better), overcast stitches, and perhaps some decorative stitches for trimming pockets or embellishing little collars. All three have those but the assortment on the XR7700 is best with 7 styles of auto-sizing buttonholes.
All three machines have the other utility stitches you’d need so compare the decorative stitches like the hearts and vines and see if one set strikes you as having more appeal to you personally than the other set.
Presser feet can be added to most machines later but you do want to consider the ones that are included in your purchase as some sets offer a real price savings worth considering. For these 3 machines, the XR7700 has a few more presser feet.
Finally, there are a set of buttons on the XR7700 that I find very useful, especially if you’re new to sewing and those are the Start/Stop button, the speed control option and the Needle Up/Down button. This means you can use the machine without the foot pedal, if you want, can move the needle all the way up or all the way down with the push of a button instead of cranking the hand wheel, and can keep the machine from going at max speed no matter how hard you push on the foot pedal (great when you’re just starting out or doing really delicate work).
Hopefully those distinguishing features break the three down enough that one of these stands out as more workable for you than the others but let me know if it just raises more questions! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I have had 3 brother machines. And evey one of them has been broken down several times and put into the shop for adjustments. Any signer sewing machine is better than any brother machine. So in my opinion if you want a good machine, go for the singer. I have 3 singer machines and I just bought the curvy and I love it.
Dottie – Wow! That’s not good at all! Do you recall the model information for those machines? Brother models have had such great ratings for several years now. Glad to hear you like the Curvy. It’s such a pretty machine, too, with nice features and one of the Singer’s that gets good ratings. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Erin
Is the Brother CS6000i machine good for sewing clothes?
I am interested in learning, and I want a machine that is portable and fairly easy to use for making some simple summer dresses and shirts.
Jenn – The CS6000i works wonderfully for clothes, is light enough to transport, and very easy to learn. It has all the utility stitches you’ll need for your clothing projects plus decorative stitches for embellishing your work or doing some home decor projects. Even simple place mats can be dressed up with vine, scroll, or Greek Key stitches along the sides.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Erin
Another metal bobbin comment. Thought machine was awful until I used the metal bobbins my aunt had with the old machine she gave me when I was in high school. Curvy is a dream machine now! I was looking up what presser feet it came with (I have a collection!) and having just gone through this 3 days ago, I thought I’d share. Working on fabric basket/bin/bucket thingys with super heavy interfacing, fleece and fabric layers making it through very smoothly with my roller presser foot (didn’t come with Curvy). Haven’t tried with general purpose foot but Curvy seems tough enough. The plastic bobbin bounced so much it kept jamming and eating fabric but I was asking a lot considering the heavy duty project.
Lexie – Thanks for the tip! Funny how just the littlest thing can change a machine’s performance. I’m glad you were able to find a way to make it work really well for you and I’m sure this will be helpful for others, too.
Sincerely,
Erin
Lexie,
Metal bobbins from which Singer model did you use? I have the metal bobbins that go with my 1940’s model Featherweight that was my grandmother’s. Wondering if these would work with my Curvy. I have found the bobbins to be loose also and have had tension problems despite re threading.
Hi I am looking at the Singer Curvy 8763, I am a total beginner and I plan on using it for a quilting project, clothes mending and possible some felt work. Would you recommend this machine?
Thanks !!
Nancy – I’d certainly recommend it for the sake of its performance. I’ve used this machine and it does a great job. It’s easy to use and highly functional. It has high ratings from other users, too. It has a nice size and feel to it, as well. I assume you’ve looked at some other machines in the comparison table or tried out the machine wizard to find all the machines that might fit your needs and your budget? I only ask because there’s a Brother machine that costs a bit less but has more automation and built in quilting tools and you might want to take a look at that one just to compare the two: Brother CP 7500.
Your reference to your potholder project reminded me of some fabric looping potholders we made in school years and years ago. I wonder what happened to those…??
Sincerely,
Erin
sorry, and by beginner I mean have not sewed a single thing since high school, where I made a pillow case …. oh and maybe an unfinished pot holder.
Hi, I am a beginner and received this last Christmas. I love it, it is super easy to use, no problems. The last time I sewed anything was high school too. 😆 I picked up real quick. It is super easy to thread it and wind the bobbin and I love the automatic needle threader too. You will be very happy with this machine. I use it to make crafts, curtains, mend clothes, etc.
Hi Erin. I am so so so grateful about your website. Because of my in-laws and pinterest (yes, I do get my crazy ideas from things on that website haha), I have been fascinated and have been wanting to learn how to sew. I am what you can call a curious beginner. I have never sewn or even touched a sewing machine before. For wanting to be creative, I decided to learn how to start sewing so that I can make things on my own and even give them as gifts to family and friends. SO the reason why I’m asking for your help is that I have 2 sewing machines in mind that I am debating about which one to get.. One is the Singer Curvy 8763 or the Brother LS2125I. I’m more debating on which one would be the easiest and which one would be a good fit for me instead of the price. I have been contemplating for weeks about this and just can’t decide because of the reviews. Please help me.. I need a sewing machine guru to help me figure this problem out. Thanks so much!!!!
I just bought the Curvy and am excited to start using it. I read the comments about using metal bobbins and Singer says they don’t make 15J bobbins in metal, at all. I was wondering if universal bobbins would work as well.
I’m looking at both the Brother CS6000i and this Singer 8763 and am curious about any differences in stitch quality between the two. My intention is to use the machine mostly for garment construction including jeans. The household projects we plan to use it for include napkins, pillowcases, and the occasional slip-seat recovering. I’m a little concerned about the machine holding up to heavier fabric items – even with proper needles and thread. Any light that can be shed on the quality differences of these two specific machines is greatly appreciated.
My singer curvy I just bought got dropped this morning onto the carpet and all of the stitch lights are blinking ? Can you please help me what to do for it to work?
I found the information that I need concerning the bobbins. I assume that my tension problem will also be corrected once I start using a metal bobbin. I love my curvey!
Hi Erin,
I have the Curvy and it a dream to use when it is happy with the bobbin. It couldn’t be much easierto thread and I have completed several projects on it including a party dress for my granddaughter, pillow cases and some crafting. The nightmare begins when it is temperamental with the bobbin. It is like the tension is way wrong and is unusable. I took it into the shop and they gave it a full checkup. Sadly it was happy that day and they found nothing wrong. So sometimes it works sometimes not. I will try the metal bobbin and see if it helps. Thanks for the tip.