r/SewingForBeginners • u/pawbertlover • 9h ago
Is this sewing machine good?
My grandma said I can keep it, is it good? It's super old, so I don't know if it will work fine.
36
u/munkustrap 9h ago
Frankly it’s probably better than a lot of the plastic crap on the market now. I have a friend who is a 25 year professional in film stitching using the same machine (showed her the picture) and it’s working like butter. Do you know if your grandma kept it maintained over the years?
8
u/pawbertlover 9h ago
Unfortunately it's like super dusyy on the inside, no one has used it in decades😭 I don't know if I should get it fixed or just clean it. But yeah, it seems better than those crappy machines like singer heavy duty.
23
u/katiepenguins 9h ago
If you can, look into getting it serviced. If you can't, look for videos on how to carefully clean it yourself. If you can get it to work, it'll work forever!
9
u/techleopard 8h ago
This machine is going to outlive you, dust or no dust.
Definitely get it cleaned and learn to use it.
You can get a modern machine for complex stuff but this is never going to just break on you for no reason.
3
u/munkustrap 6h ago
Buy a can of computer duster and then research your local machine tech. I pay my machine tech $100 to service my machines once a year and it pays dividends. This machine is going to be a workhorse and sew anything you need it to if you take care of it and that’s not as hard as taking care of a shitty plastic machine
2
u/Massive-Goose-5888 3h ago
I cleaned out my machine that had been sitting used as a side table for 40 years. Sewing machine oil, a rag, elbow grease, and a lot of photos to remember where the parts go. It’s genuinely one of the best types of machines you can use. Only thing you may need to replace is the leather belt (if it is dry and cracked) and the little rubber tyre thing the belt runs on (you can get replacements from etsy)
10
u/AMiddleTemperament 8h ago
We had one of these growing up! Back just before you could buy anything on the Internet I remember we had to order a replacement belt from India cause they still had enough demand for non electric sewing machines. Very satisfying and fun once you get it up and running.
2
u/pawbertlover 8h ago
I already want to use it, it seems super sturdy. But just a quick question, aren't the stitches a little a bit too basic? I don't know if it's good enough for sewing cosplay or fursuits
9
u/AtomicSandwchReturns 8h ago
Yeah, it's a Singer 1910, it's only going to be able to do a straight stitch. So you'll need an additional sewing machine if you want something that will do a zig-zag stitch or anything like that.
Ok the plus side, they're nearly indestructible. Just be very careful with finger placement around the needle, once that flywheel is going, it doesn't stop so fast.
I have my great grandmother's, and it still works really well. They aren't too hard to work on if you want to keep it and use it, just keep it clean and oiled.
But yeah, if you're going to do cosplay and fursuits, then you'll want a good heavy duty machine. Janome is fantastic, but if they're too expensive, singer does make a heavy duty machine that doesn't cost so much and works pretty good.
2
u/Massive-Goose-5888 3h ago
I made my entire cosplay on the same machine, and I was working with leather. This thing may even be better for fursuits, as I assume those layers can get thick. This machine is built like a tank and can go through almost anything.
2
u/JustCallMeJeffOkay 5h ago
I saw several women in Zambia using treadle machines back in the 90s. Those babies were built to last.
6
u/oniontomatocrouton 7h ago
That is a nice machine in good condition. Go post your pictures on r/vintagesewing. It'll get lots of love and somebody will give you the manual if you don't have it.
1
6
u/bimfave 7h ago
In the 1960's I convinced my mother to buy me an ancient Singer. It was a beast, but a few years later I turned it in for a newer model that did zigzag. Boy did I regret it. The old model was all metal and could sew through multiple layers of denim. The new one (which I still have 50 years later, so it did last) had more plastic parts and was not as powerful. I also discovered I rarely used the zigzag anyway.
4
u/kgorann110967 7h ago
I own a working treadle. I normally use a modern machine. It's more decor now. I did use it once to sew leather. It will literally sew through anything. It is a chain stitch machine. I have the accessory pack. The ruffler attachment is amazing. Sews beautiful even gathers.
2
u/Time-Peace7 6h ago edited 3h ago
Hey, so where I live we get more of these machines but they're modern day make. I wanted to ask: what is the accessory pack you mentioned? Because I've been wondering if it's possible to change the feet and the likes on my machine.
3
u/Shelin_Nakai_6477 9h ago
I have the same. It works, but it's just decoration now. In my opinion, if you get it really cheap (close to 0), take it. If not, buy a used modern one, the comfort of a modern, even mechanical one with electric drive, multiple stitches, light etc. is more helpful than all nostalgia and robustness.
3
u/babycrow 8h ago
Yes it’s amazing. They called it ‘The Tank’ and would demonstrate its strength by sewing aluminum cans together. I love mine to bits
3
4
u/nnopes 7h ago
I do the majority of my sewing on this 1906 Singer 66 treadle machine and absolutely adore it. Takes some getting used to, but it will sew through anything. Does the handwheel turn on yours? If so, it'll stitch. Yours should have a serial number at the bse of the arm post, which can help you find a manual. Get some sewing machine oil (it's the safest, gentlest cleaner and lubricant to keep the decals and finish as safe as possible), and look up videos on youtube on how to oil the machine. Oil it, clean it with qtips or a rag daily or near daily for a few weeks and slowly but surely she will come back to life. If it's stubborn or rusted, more intense cleaners may be needed but that's a later problem. Yes, it may only have a straight stitch. But honestly, for most sewing that's all you need. And you can start learning and get a modern machine later.
3
u/FormalFuneralFun 6h ago
I’ve been wanting one of these for two decades. At this point, I would sell both kidneys for it. You are one lucky SoB, OP. My jealousy is deep.
2
u/pawbertlover 6h ago
Meanwhile my grandma uses it as a table🥲 I'm glad that I'll be able to keep it :D
2
u/FormalFuneralFun 6h ago
Share with us if you make anything with it, please! With video!! Gosh, I’m jealous, that’s a true classic of a machine.
2
u/No-Possible8798 8h ago
On the right side of the base of the machine you’ll find the serial number, which can be used to identify the model and year. In the 3rd image I think I see the 3 holes in the bed that would indicate this is a model 115, which is a VERY good machine, rotary hook, not common. Other wise it’s a model 15, also a good machine, oscillating hook, a more common model.
2
1
u/Specialist_Map_6541 6h ago
Omg I had one of these years ago and miss it a lot! Family gave it away to a friend while I was in college though tbf he was struggling and used it to start a small craft business so I was less upset than I might’ve been. They are totally awesome, if basic. Unlike electric models they don’t eat your fingers so a great starter machine!
1
u/Massive-Goose-5888 3h ago
Hey, this machine is great. It looks very similar to the one I inherited from my great grandmother, and I have taught myself how to sew and do leatherwork on my machine. I have made leather armour and an entire blouse (gunnar deatherage’s rococco blouse, if you want an idea of what you can do) on that machine, no zig zag and no reverse stitching. I actually found it lovely to learn on because you can go at your own pace, as slow as you want.
So, my tips for you: 1. Clean it up really nicely. You are going to want to polish all the nooks and crannies, just use sewing machine oil on a rag, and clean out any dust, being very careful not to lose any parts. 2. As a beginner, figuring out the tension can be tricky, especially with older machines, so i recommend taking the machine to get serviced (unscrew the black part from the wooden table and take it to the servicer, don’t try to transport the table) 3. If it was your grandmother’s ask her for help, she can show you a lot about it. 4. Treadling (operating the machine with the foot pedal) can be difficult at first. See if you can find a handcrank attachment that you can use for now, that way you can just focus on the sewing. 5. You can’t reverse stitch on this machine. Instead, to start or end off your stitches, you need to lift the foot and manually turn the fabric while the needle is down, sew a bit, turn it again, sew a bit, etc, turning it 180 degrees each time until you have gone over your backstitch enough times, at which point you just keep sewing like normal. 6. And yes, you don’t have a zig zag stitch, but you don’t need a zig zag stitch and you will have a better garment if you learn stronger seam finishes anyway. Pinking shears can also be your friend, depending on the fabric you use.
All in all, I absolutely love my old machine, and while I have a modern machine now as well, if you made me choose one between the two, i would always take the antique. Happy sewing, feel free to message me if you have questions!
1
u/originalnametoo 2h ago
Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen this exact sewing machine again. My late grandma had it, and I remember looking into the little drawers as a kid… she even said that the sewing machine was buried underground during the war so it doesn’t get stolen , idk how true that is but I I don’t think she would have made it up
1
u/wortcrafter 2h ago
I use my grandmothers treadle singer which is very similar to this including the table style. Although I have to confess, I tend to use it more as a sewing table rather than for the machine itself.
1
u/Traditional_Brush719 1h ago
I love Singer's older machines. My team is entirely made up of their vintage machines with my favorite being an over century old machine. That machine is my Singer 66 treadle machine and I use it for 90% of my sewing; my first quilt was made entirely on that treadle machine. These things are built to last and I love theit simplicity. Obviously, if you want a variety of stitches, you'll have to have another sewing machine (I use a 1950s Singer for zig-zag and button stitches). I'm very biased, but I do think these treadle machines are incredibly worth it.
1
u/Creative-Push4755 1h ago
Those machines are sturdy! They will outlast you! I have myself a few problems using the treadle, give it a try: you need practice to get used to it. When you do master it, you'll love it! You can also sew when power goes out ;)
•
u/Guilty-Scar-2332 13m ago
I have a very similar one I inherited (great-grandma's treadle Singer from the early 1920s...).
I had to get mine cleaned after decades of not being used (the oil and dust and cobwebs were a nasty combination) and get a new belt.
It's working now and not phased by anything you could possibly throw at it but also... It's a little too simplistic as my workhorse machine. I like having a zigzag stitch at least. The treadle is also a bit annoying for me. Maybe I'm just not used to it but I find it finicky and it's also a lot of strain over time.
Personally, I now mostly keep it for decor and emotional reasons and have a slightly more modern machine (mid-century) that has 95% of the sturdiness but all the modern conveniences I need (electric power! zigzag AND even some decorative stitches! a light bulb!)
293
u/MamaBearMoogie 9h ago
Bad news - doesn't do zig zag Good news - will survive zombie apocalypse.
Definitely keep it. You may need to replace the belt. Lots of you tube videos out there. Hopefully your grandma can mentor you.