Sewing Machine Repairs & Parts | Antique Machines

By Jen Carter

Welcome to our creative world of sewing. 

 Sewing Machines

Finding an antique sewing machine is not as difficult as one might think, and far less expensive.  Antique Singer sewing machines, for example, are plentiful and easily found.  With their beautifully made wooden cabinet and stable yet decorative wrought iron frame, antique singer sewing machines can make an excellent decorative piece for your home, or useful accompaniment to your sewing needs.

When searching for an antique singer, your first step is researching their availability and pricing.  This task can easily be accomplished within a few hours of browsing online selections. 

Early twentieth century singers, for example, were both impeccably made and available for domestic use, so they are not as rare as one might imagine.  They were also an expensive item of the time and prized by their owners, resulting in a rich history in the value of a Singer and a variety of models that have been well cared for over the years. 

Replacement parts for these machines are still available for purchase, both in local stores and online venues.  Once you’ve done a bit of research, take the time to search out the best available machine for your taste and use.

Old machines, such as a jones treadle or singer, have been found in varying conditions in an array of places.  From the neighbor’s garage sale, to classified ads to your own relatives’ attics, that part of the search is not difficult.  You’ll find that prices vary depending on the condition of the machine. 

The next step, after purchasing the machine itself, is to procure the original maker’s manual.  Sometimes you can get very lucky and the manual is still in readable condition, kept with the machine.  If not, it’s fairly simple to find and download most manuals from online sources, often free of charge.

For example, you’ve purchased a Singer Sewing Machine No 66.  This treadle machine was made in 1913.  The stand is made from finely crafted oak and embellished with lovely designs on the front drawers and side of the cabinet, making it appealing aesthetically, if your only use is to have a piece of sewing history for home décor. 

The 1913 model is designed so that the machine itself can rest inside the stand, with a hinged oak door covering it and appearing as a finely made piece of furniture.  When the oak door is opened, it makes an extension to your sewing space, giving you ample room to work with larger pieces of fabric.  There are thin, deep drawers on either side of the stand, perfect for storing extra parts and sewing accessories.  Models of this year might have two or three drawers on each side.  The center drawer is a shallow affair with multiple compartments, excellent for keeping track of various needles and other small necessities.

A quick perusal of the manual will give even the most rudimentary of collectors a good working knowledge of the machine and its abilities. 

From finely rendered depictions, detailing each part of the machine, stand, and its treadle, you can garner enough information to clean and assess the working order of your purchase. 

If yours is intended primarily for antique value, it is advisable to seek expert advice before cleaning or refurnishing as many changes to wood stain and parts will significantly decrease the value. 

Wondering how to use an old sewing machine ? Check out  http://oldsewingmachines.acandanex.co.uk/ for animated images of how you can get them working again.

Singer Sewing Machines - Repairs & Parts

Getting a Replacement Manual

industrial,singer,bernina,viking,kenmore,

pfaff serger, embroidery machine, instructions

Sewing Machine Manuals

You can find manuals available at:-

http://www.sewusa.com/

http://www.sewing-machine-manuals.com/

and

http://www.ucanprint.com/

Check out current prices for parts & manuals

Useful Resources

Sewing Machine manual - instructions on how to repair your own sewing machine with this online manual or work from home and start your own repair business