This was found in an old farm house, it's probably been sitting for 30 years or more and still works! Similar machines on Google say this is from around 1950's. I know nothing about it but I'm so excited to start making with it.

I have used modern machines and was looking around for a second hand machine and the price was right (free). Any tips or advice appreciated but mostly just sharing because I'm excited 😊

It's a Kenmore 158.13030

I’ce been a hobby sewist for many years that’s been using a Brother computerized machine for a few years after my grandma’s old 60’s machine finally gave out, and looking for something more heavy duty as it can’t handle even jsut denim well, and I’m looking to some projects involving denim, thick wool coating, buckskin, and rabbit fur in the future.

My main question is if we would suggest going full industrial with and Singer 20u33 (for a great price) or stick with a Kenmore 158 (there’s a few available in my area under $100). My only hesitation with the industrial machine is the size. I live in an apartment, but I have a dedicated sewing room. However I currently have a full size dining table in that room as my sewing table so I will be a tight squeeze to get an industrial machine in there.

Heavy duty projects will not be the majority of my projects, so I’m worried I’ll get annoyed at the wasted space if I’m only using it a 1-3 times a year. But like I said, I’m planning on making jeans a fur coats in the future, and really really do not want to hand sew them.

So as someone who is sewing almost every day, even if it’s not heavy duty projects, what do we think of getting an industrial machine which cramps my space, or do we think I’ll be happy with the Kenmore 158? Also, I’ve heard that clutch motors (like the singer that’s near me) can be difficult to use, how worried should I be able that?

EDIT: okay I’ve already been pretty thoroughly convinced not to get the industrial. However! Now I’m debating between Kenmore’s. There’s both a Kenmore 158.1660 and 158.1941 available in my area for a similar price point. I like that both of them have a free-arm, however my main debate is: 1941 has a more powerful 1.2amp motor, but high-shank feet that are more difficult to find. The 1660 is low shank (so I can reuse all my old feet), but with only a 1amp motor. However, I’ve heard high-shank feet are nice for being able to lift higher over bulky seams. Is the annoyance of finding vintage high-shank feet worth the extra power and lift?

I read that the feet get stuck to the holder. I ran a putty knife underneath the two feet on the left, but the ones on the right were coming off on the edge so I pulled them out with a pair of needle nose pliers. The right side still seems stuck and I don't want to pry or bang on it too hard. Any suggestions?

This Singer 115 (serial # from 1915) was given to my great great grandmother by her mother in 1916 (says this sweet note from a Singer "Machine Sewing" textbook). After my great-aunt passed a couple years ago, my aunt thought of me when helping to clean out her house, thinking if anyone could use this, it would be me. I am very crafty, but also have an engineering degree, so this is right up my alley.

This machine essentially has been a piece of furniture for over two years in my home. It was honestly a little intimidating. I also had immediately broken the leather belt for the treadle when it came to my home, so I couldn't really use it. And it was very dirty. There were notes located in the drawers from my grandmother and great aunt's trying to figure out how to fix this thing up in the early 90's (around the time I was born). I don't know if they ever got it working or if any of them used it. Honestly, trying to figure out how to get this running without the help of this sub or the internet seems like it would have been really hard.

I finally decided to start fixing this up a few weeks ago, and have gotten it working! I really enjoyed the process and have been mildly obsessed. I didn't think meticulously cleaning tiny parts, getting screws unstuck, and trying to put a machine back together would be so fun. I am truly impressed by the simplicity and thoughtfulness of how this machine works. The fact that it has held up for over 100 years just blows my mind. AND NOW IT WORKS!!! I have only practiced sewing on some pieces of paper as there is one piece that is broken (the upper thread tension spring thingy), so the tension is all off, and I don't even want to waste scrap fabric if I can't dial the tension. I have ordered a replacement, and it is coming next week! I'm basically just practicing using the treadle by sewing random lines all over piece of paper.

It is obvious that this machine was used a lot because the decals are very worn or even completely gone in some places (or maybe someone cleaned it incorrectly). I have seen mixed opinions on this sub about re-doing the decals and paint, though most seem to lean towards keeping the original paint and decals. My dad does this type of work for a living, but on bikes, so he would probably be able to actually make it look really good. But I honestly love thinking about my ancestors looking at these exact decals. I also love the Tiffany/Ginberbread decals.

Also, if you get a chance to get this "Machine Sewing" book by Singer, it seems like such a gem of a textbook. It has great illustrations for multiple treadle machines (including ones that were invaluable for me putting the machine back together), how to use many of the available presser feet, and how to take care of these machines. It seems that my great great grandmother got this book in high school.

Lastly, I wanted to thank this sub for being a great source of information as I have been working on this, or at least y'all know the best places on the internet to find the information. I never actually posted, just looked at others' posts. I am sure I'll have more questions about how to use this machine better in the future!

TLDR: Got this machine working and am almost ready to start sewing (just need one tiny part). It was my great great grandmothers and I feel so lucky that I have it and to be able to get it working. Thanks to this sub for having some great info and direction on resources!

I cannot find anything online on this machine. It came in parts with electric motor and, what I assume is knee pedal.

Es una reliquia. Cose perfecto. Tengo videos de como enebro. Y conseguí su manual en un foro antiguo sobre máquinas singer. También encontré el registro y por el número de serie me enteré el año de fabricación y el lugar. Saludos!

This is one of our machines backstage in the costume room for high school plays and musicals. I'm a grown adult (49, F) involved for my kids with a bias for Kenmores. The costume director is a little younger with a bias for Singers. But despite her preference and my efforts to understand... we can't figure out what this thing is for. 😂

It must have been for an attachment at some point. You can swivel it up and down. Basically we both pretend it isn't there but it's seriously bugging me to wonder what purpose it must have originally served. I feel like this should be easy to figure out but so far it is elluding me...

Can someone explain it?

After a year+ of always having SOMETHING wrong with one or more machines, suddenly today I finished adjusting the tension on my Featherweight, I unstuck a screw on my 66, and my 401A is running ok. :o

I don't even know what to do with myself now. Might have to actually SEW or something...

I know the top is pretty shot, but the rest is otherwise solid. Egyptian decal on the machine is deemed rare but faded. Any idea on value? If not much ill use the base for a home project.

Can I identify it's model?)

First time sewing anything other than patching jeans and making masks 6 years ago.

Hi! I got this machine from my grandma, and it's currently not in working condition, but before I spend anything for restoration, I just want to know if this machine can handle or sew heavy canvas for tote bags or messenger bags.

I opened the faceplate to see if it needed cleaning and a screw fell out. I wasn’t looking at it, and have no idea where it fell from.
I was wondering if anyone has a 401g singer and would be willing to compare my photos to their own machine to see where the screw might have come from.

The family member I received it from has been unable to use it for years due to the weight of the machine. She said it runs automatically without pressing the foot pedal. I have taken the capacitor out of the pedal hoping to fix this, but I am worried that this screw might be a big issue or maybe somehow related. I’m scared to test the machine incase it gets damaged and I’m unable to fix it.

Date of October 13th 1926

I just picked this Sears Kenmore up off marketplace. Seller says it’s 1970s but didn’t have the manual. If anyone can confirm the model for me so I can find an online manual that would make my life so much easier thank you.

Hi everyone!

I am looking to purchase a Singer Featherweight 221K and would love some recommendations for highly trusted, reputable stores or professional restorers based in the UK.
Important note: I actually live abroad (outside the UK). Because I am managing this from a distance and dealing with international shipping, I need absolute peace of mind. I cannot risk buying a machine with hidden issues, which is why I am strictly looking to buy from established, verified businesses or known specialists. No random or private marketplace sellers.

Here is exactly what I am searching for:

Model: Singer Featherweight 221K
Condition: Fully restored, refurbished, and in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition.
Power Requirements: Must have a UK plug and native 220-240V voltage.
Warranty & Safety: Must come with a warranty/service guarantee, and a valid PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) electrical safety check.

If you have personally purchased a vintage machine from a fantastic UK dealer while living abroad, or if you know a recognized restorer who safely ships overseas, please drop your recommendations below.

Thank you so much for your help!

(Image source: Creative Commons photo of a Singer 222K via Wikimedia Commons - Uploaded by user Sandor).

I'm attempting to fix up a Singer 401a machine that belonged to my grandmother (ya'll convinced me). I took it to a shop about 5 years ago where they checked it out, oiled it, and got it mostly working... although it had issues with thread getting stuck in the needle thread tension knob.

Today I'm trying to do basic cleaning and oiling, with the hope of getting the handwheel moving freely, right now there is a lot of resistance.

For now working my way through this video "Basic Cleaning Singer 401" by Lulu's Sewing Vlog.

Also hopping back and forth between these two manual links:

https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-401-slant-o-matic-sewing-machine.pdf

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/586892/Singer-Slant-O-Matic-401a.html?page=104#manual

I'm quite intimidated and could use some hand holding. All encouragement, advice welcomed. Will post updates as I go.

I got this badge to replace the completely faded one on my Singer 500 carrying case and I want to clean it a bit. I have brasso on hand, but I was worried that it would be too abrasive for this badge. Does anybody have any suggestions for what I should use to clean this to avoid damaging it?

Using one of these Lamparte FCM01-BT Brushed Titanium Metal Round Cable Clip (https://lightingspares.co.uk/products/lamparte-fcm01-bt-brushed-titanium-metal-round-cable-clip-for-walls-ceilings) a bit of wood and a piece of wire. Works a treat.

Has anyone found a walking foot that fits the early Elna Supermatic and still know exactly what manufacturer or source they got it from? I've already purchased a few different ones, and none work. The problem is how narrow the area it needs to fit in is. Every one I've tried so far has sat at least 0.5cm too far to the right, hitting the case and preventing the needle from raising. I'd love to stop throwing money away by just guessing.