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Spiegel SP 3201 Review

This sewing machine isn't great but at least it is inexpensive
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Spiegel SP 3201 Review (The Spiegel SP 3201.)
The Spiegel SP 3201.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Price:  $95 List
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Manufacturer:   Spiegel
David Wise
By David Wise ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  March 19, 2019
Contributions From: Austin Palmer
48
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Sewing - 40% 4.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 4.0
  • Ease Of Set-Up - 20% 7.0
  • Buttonholes - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

Finishing with one of the lower scores of the entire group, the Spiegel SP 3201 is far from earning an award. This sewing machine is very easy to thread and set up, but it is missing many of the convenience features of other machines that make it much easier to sew. On top of that, the stitch quality of the Spiegel isn't exactly amazing, though it does create solid buttonholes. All in all, the Spiegel is one of the more inexpensive machines, and you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to its performance.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Easy to set up
REASONS TO AVOID
Mediocre stitches
Not the most convenient to use
The Spiegel SP 3201 is no longer available as of Winter 2019.

Our Analysis and Test Results

This machine finished at the back of the pack, just ahead of the Brother ST371HD and the Singer Simple 3232. Those machines are a bit easier to use, and the Simple 3232 has better stitches than the Spiegel, but both the Singer and the Brother cost quite a bit more. However, the Spiegel creates better buttonholes and is easier to set up than either of the other two machines.

spiegel sp 3201 - a spread of some stitches by the sp 3201.
A spread of some stitches by the SP 3201.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Sewing


The Spiefel's long straight stitches tended to be very loose on most of our test fabrics, only producing above average quality stitches on the polyester charmeuse. In particular, it solidly struggled with the silk or jersey-knit fabric, with the zigzag being on the weaker side and definitely lacking the stretch that other models had with the jersey-knit.

spiegel sp 3201 - the spiegel had no trouble sewing through eight layers of denim.
The Spiegel had no trouble sewing through eight layers of denim.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Use


We rated and compared the quality of the instructions and labeling that is printed right on the machine. It's fairly intuitive and easy to understand for most people, but there are definitely some symbols that can trip up a complete novice.

spiegel sp 3201 - the stitch labeling is printed on the side of the sp 3201.
The stitch labeling is printed on the side of the SP 3201.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

We liked that the built-in light is nice and bright — without any weird shadows and the integrated thread cutter is about average, located on the side of the machine.

spiegel sp 3201 - the sp 3201 has a nice bright light.
The SP 3201 has a nice bright light.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

However, this machine lacks the option for pedal-less sewing, and the stitch selection method can be a bit confusing and definitely requires you to consult the manual frequently until you are exceptionally comfortable with the Spiegel.

spiegel sp 3201 - the stitch selection knob on the sp 3201.
The stitch selection knob on the SP 3201.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

You also can't set where this sewing machine stops the needle, so you have to use the pedal to get the needle to stop in the up or down position.

spiegel sp 3201 - we appreciate the easy-to-read bobbin directions.
We appreciate the easy-to-read bobbin directions.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Set Up


This machine is actually one of the easiest models to thread, with very clear directions that actually make it easy to understand how the thread guide works. Additionally, it also has one of the best manual needle threaders, only rivaled by the single push automatic ones on the fanciest machines.

It is also very clear and easy to install the bobbin in the machine and to thread it for winding. It winds bobbins fairly consistently, though they are just a bit bottom heavy.

spiegel sp 3201 - the sp 3201 is equipped with a 1-step button hole.
The SP 3201 is equipped with a 1-step button hole.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Buttonholes


It can take a little bit of effort to get set up, but the Spiegel has a 1-step buttonhole process that produces fairly high-quality buttonholes. However, it is a mechanical machine, so you do have to pay attention as it finishes the stitch and stop it at the right time to prevent it from balling up the thread.

Value


This machine isn't a fantastic value, as it is a cheap machine that didn't score that well, but it may be attractive if you are shopping on the tightest of budgets.

Conclusion


The Spiegel SP 3201 is one of the least expensive machines, but also one of the lowest scoring. You can get a much better machine for only a little bit more if you are planning on getting into sewing as a hobby, but the Spiegel is a decent choice if you don't expect too much and are shopping on the most restrictive of budgets.

—David Wise and Austin Palmer

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