r/VintageSewingMachines

Help! I got this machine for absolutely free and she’s a beauty, just needs a little loving but the issue is that I’m missing the shuttle cover and I have no idea where to get a replacement for that part :((

Please help!!

Edit: I’m missing the shuttle race cover/retainer not the shuttle itself, it’s the bit that keeps the shuttle from falling out.

I recently bought my first sewing machine from Facebook marketplace and there’s a part missing in the general bobbin area that idk the name of. I asked the seller (who is trustworthy so dw) but she’s still a beginner sewist and doesn’t know the name of the exact part that is missing. Which part is missing and how can I replace it?

Brought me home two really dirty and vintage sewing machines to look at and possibly get serviced. Aunt Cleora from Medina, bless her soul, still has the manual for one and a whole box of implements to go with them. I have been wanting a better machine, as the one I have is a prom queen sewer. "Ugh. I am NOT sewing that, and if I do, it won't be how you want it". Like, ya'll. These machines are more vintage than I, and after I realized she put the needles of both machines in backwards, it worked a treat! They still get to have a spa day with our local Amish machine whisperer, but. Wow. I. Just wow. I am in love!!!

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a BERNINA 530-2 record which arrived with a broken baseplate and didn't move at all. After some oiling and cleaning, it now moves again, but the needle position is off. It didn't come with a handbook, but according to YouTube the needle is correctly installed (flat side facing backwards, as high as posible). Nevertheless, the needle hits the stitchplate slightly in front of the designated hole. It happens in straight stitch and in zigzag mode. The needle itself is not bend and I already tried multiple othe needles to be sure. Is this fixable or another shipping damage? Does someone know where the adjustement screw sits?

Hi everyone. I’m just wanting some insight as to what model this singer sewing machine is. It was something that was stored away in partners parents attic, and I’m just genuinely curious on the model and the age/worth behind it, as I have zero knowledge behind sewing machines.

The posting said this was a model 15, but some of my research seems to indicate it’s a 201-2 (which is what I’m trying to find). Any help identifying would be appreciated.

http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/visual-guide-to-identifying-singers\_30.html

Does anybody know why my sewing machine is doing this? it feels normal when i’m sewing and then i flip the fabric over and it looks all crazy like this.

(This project is for a very ratty-looking costume so i don’t plan on redoing this stitch at all, in fact will be hand stitching thick thread for the look.)

I found this on the curb. Looking to get it running but the foot pedal is broken, where can I get a replacement or how can I repair it?

Could someone please send me a video or picture on how to adjust the hook timing on a Singer 111? The timing on mine seems slightly ahead of where it should be. Thanks

Does anyone know any more information about my grewt-grandma's sewing machine. I used to play with foot pedal and a kid and I love how ornate and beautiful it is. I believe it is a Simger model 115 from the early 1910's. Thank you

During the lovely warm weather I sat outside on my patio sewing a camisole top for a friend. The camisole was based on an 1880s replica corset cover I had sewn for my Victorian dress project and she asked me to make her one.

What I hasn't even thought about was that because I was sewing with a 1954 Singer 128K hand crank sewing machine, it wasn't noisy so didn't disturb the wide variety of wild birds that visit my garden daily.

I got to spend the day enjoying the sun and seeing the wonderful birds popping in for some good food (only the best for my birds) and a nice soak in the bird baths. All in all it was a truly lovely day 😊

Somehow I made it 4 years of hobbyist sewing on this machine without actually... downloading the manual and understanding all the icons. So today I learned what several of these knob settings do and that this machine can do a lightning/triple stitch and a rick-rack stitch, overcast stitch and buttonholes, among other things.

I have a couple of questions and also welcome any additional advice about how to make the most of this machine now that I'm a more serious sewer looking to make nicer clothes (but not make them look homemade). This machine has a vertical bobbin that loads from the side, and the needle's flat shank faces to the right.

1. The manual shows a buttonhole guide (see last pic), but that did not come with the machine. What can I search online to find the guide that goes with this machine? Will any low-shank buttonhole foot work? Should I buy one of the Singer buttonholers (160506) that I have seen recommended? Several of the options that come up when I search ebay for "Kenmore buttonholer" seem to be for other 158 models that won't fit this machine.
2. I tried to buy a twin needle for this machine but it would not fit because of the direction of the flat part of the needle. (The flat part of the needle faced the back, and my machine is designed for a right-facing flat part of the needle.) Google told me that side-load, vertical bobbins are likely incompatible with twin needles. Is this true?
3. Are there other feet or accessories that would be particularly useful? I have a standard zigzag foot and a narrow (quarter inch?) foot and a zipper foot and invisible zipper foot. I've read about walking feet but not sure how useful that would be. Also could consider a rolled hem foot... can I work with basically any low-shank foot?
4. Is there other basic stuff I should know about this particular 158 model? I have not encountered any videos or tutorials for the 158.1247 series, mostly other models, sometimes the same concepts apply but not always.

Essentially, I don't know what I don't know and I'm hoping some smarties might have some insights on the above questions. Other context about my sewing: I make and alter garments in wovens and knits. I sometimes upcycle old (stretchy) jeans/denim into bags. I am interested in getting into quilting in the future. I also own a serger (Juki MO-654DE) but mostly use it for finishing seams and for quick projects with knits.

This was my great grandmother’s machine, I have never seen it open, no idea of the brand/make and no clue of how to open the lock with a missing key!
I looked in the lock and saw there’s a little pin, tried to push that in with a skinny screwdriver but that doesn’t do anything. Is there a technique to this? Would love to unlock it and just to finally see what’s inside ❤️

I’m trying to replace the timing belt on my Singer 111W154 and can’t get these pieces to loosen at all. Any suggestions on how to loosen these pieces? I loosened the set screws for both pieces and tried mineral spirits, wd40, and heat, they will not move at all. What would you do? Thanks

I've been hunting for this model/color for a few months now, was able to find one and for $30! She needs a new belt and a clean, but otherwise works!

So gorgeous! 🤩

Got it from an older lady, she said she had used it maybe once

It was $100. It came with the bobbin, one foot, and the table. Cord looks good and I saw it run for a minute. It looks like it was untouched. Almost like someone bought it, maybe used it once or twice and then closed it up. You can’t tell but it’s a mint green color.

That said, it does not have anything else. No manual, additional foot, or accessories.

Anything I should search for? Anything to keep in mind or buy? Mechanical issues to look out for.

I ordered some sewing machine oil. I have some experience, but not much and zero with a vintage machine.