Battle of the Machines - is a modern sewing machine better than an antique?
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- Am I a little biased? Maybe. What can I say, I love my machines!
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Do you agree with which machine won? Did I miss anything? Let me know!
that antique machine is the most adorable, goregeous and elegant piece of machinery I have ever seen
I would honestly negate the last category because the amount of work you put into refinishing the machine, putting together the table, setting up the treadle, etc. Ultimately makes the antique machine a really beautiful piece of furniture. I'd say it's more subjective based on if you get a lot of joy from the process and are satisfied with the end product, because that can really shape how much value you put into an object. You feel more acquainted and loving towards a machine you practically built yourself for weeks/months rather than one you just bought off Amazon and received in two days. My own antique machine was a gift from a dear friend and I spent weeks figuring it out, restoring it and getting it to work. I can say with confidence that I love it far more than the modern machine I bought.
In Australia, at least where I live, new and modern machines are actually a whole a heck of a lot more expensive than antique and vintage machines. Even antiques in perfect order are cheaper than a lot of modern ones. I find price differences between Aus and US so interesting sometimes.
hey ozzie mate!!!
Here's a tip to seam ripping a modern stitched seam that I learned: turn the seam ripper with the ball point down, going into the seam space not the pointy bit--that should be on top--and you can pretty much glide through the seam (if the stitches weren't set to the tiniest stitch). And always cut away from yourself.
Oh, that makes soooooo much sense...no stabbing through the material...I feel quite stupid now!!!
Yes! That's how they are meant to work. ;)
@@mog-gyveroneill2500 Don't feel stupid -- for some reason they don't give instructions for seam rippers, and it's not obvious what the ball is for.
They make tabletop mounted seam rippers that are super fast to use-- like unzipping a zipper.
I have 3 Wilcox and Gibbs machines. Both glass and automatic tensions. I love them all.
Hands down I would pick my antique machine over my modern computerized one.
Another bonus, you can do free hand embroidery on a W&G.
I second "buttonholes" as a category, but would also have a categories for:
ease of finding repair and replacement parts (just because they once existed does not mean antique parts will be easy to find); a discussion of thread type versatility (S vs Z) for how easy it is to walk into a store and get a spool of thread that works (most modern machines are S, many antique machines are Z, so if you have to special order thread it's not as simple); the ability to use the machine to place hardware/fasteners (most modern machines are better at this because they have more stitch types to allow you to pick something for strength and stability or else have stitch capability a single stitch machine does not); SETTING SLEEVES and if one is fussier than the other; how they rate with sewing massive amounts of thick gathered fabric easily (jam or not?); the ease of finishing raw edges (most modern machines win this hands down); weight and ease of moving/cleaning (antique machines, especially treadle machines are at a major disadvantage here, because if you need to take the machine somewhere to help with a group project or for travel, antique machine is staying home; also so many more places to pick up dust and pet hair in a more complicated cabinet assembly); maintenance fussiness (how often does it need to be cleaned and timed? your machine might not be an even comparison because single vs double thread)
If people like some more bells and whistles for antique machines, you can also get an antique zig-zag attachment (useful for stretchy fabrics) and an antique buttonhole attachment. The beautiful and well-made antique machines really have a lot to offer. They’re the winners for me! 😃
At about the 4:52 mark, the Gathering category.......if my grandmother (1890-1974) needed to gather, she would do basting by hand in the area that needed to be make smaller.
Oh my god, that pintuck tool/extention is SO BRILLIANT!!! You did such a frickin' amazing job building your machine❤
There's a few things my semi-modern (1980s) machine does that I would not want to live without: it has a needle threader so threading the needle takes 2 seconds at most, the button hole programs, and having overlock stitch options for things I can't easily use my serger for like armholes after the sleeves are attached.
The Brother in the video has a threader, too, it took me a bit to get in the habit of using the threader but I really like it.
I've had the same Janome machine since late 90's and love all the stitch options and feet it came with. Most of all the invisible hem stitch because I hate hand sewing 😂.
I inherited my grandma's 201k which was built in 1953. I haven't touched my modern machine since I got it. It does an absolutely beautiful straight stitch. Drop in bobbin too so it's even easier to thread than my modern machine. It does go backwards but no zigzag. So I bought a 219k because it has an inbuilt zigzag but not only that, it has a whole bunch of stitches, more than my modern machine. I love my vintage singers. I'll never go back to modern machines.
Absolutely all of my sewing history, dating from when my Mamaw taught me at the age of 7 and I had to sit on 2 Sears catalogs to reach the machine and had the foot pedal on a box, has been on various antique mechanical machines. Last week I bought a new machine but specifically got a mechanical instead of electronic because, not only did I learn to sew on all those old machines (one of them a 1950s Singer 301 which I sorely miss) but I also learned how to repair them myself. I would love to see a comparison between electronic and mechanical, antique or not.
I love the look of the antique machine! It turned out wonderful. I do like that modern machines often have a light on the sewing, so I can see exactly what I'm doing. That's an advantage of a plug-in machine
Many antiques have that too! Singers made after 1900 can be converted to run off a motor and foot pedal,with lights on the back being added as well. Best of both worlds - the art and function of an antique with modern conveniences.
Lovely video -- I agree with almost everything, but for some I would go further....
I have a hand-crank W&G and since I oiled it is it absolutely silent -- you might want to check if anything is rubbing in your treadle or head. Also, the chain stitch that the W&G does, because of the wrapping back around itself, does have some stretch to it, similar to the triple stitch on a modern machine or a cover stitch on a serger. But you're right, it doesn't have enough give for a very stretchy spandex. Regarding the locking vs. unzipping of seams, I agree with you 100% (but if you don't have a seam ripper for normal sewing, you should get one!). As for price, I have seen modern sewing machines that cost more than my car, and both of mine (one now 20 years old, the other bought used) were several thousand dollars -- they are high end embroidery/sewing machines. Whereas I have 3 W&G machines that were all between $100 and $300. And speaking of embroidery -- you didn't talk very much about how TOTALLY COOL the chain stitch looks on the underside! That, for me, was the big selling point -- those tiny little chains are just gorgeous. And did you know you can use them for embroidery? Draw the design backwards on a piece of stabilizer and put it on the back of the fabric, and then follow the lines as you sew it upside down. When you're done, you'll have a chain stitch design on the front.
I wouldn't have considered the gathering (as I always do it by hand) but for me the choice in stiches would be more than 1 point plus. Still if I had to chose I'd take the antique one - beauty plus functionality beats everything else
I was a little surprised about the decibel levels. I consider my modern machine to be pretty quiet, so I also downloaded a decibel app and mine was higher than yours! I guess not having your ears right next to the noise makes a difference, haha.
As far as #7 (Aesthetics), I bought my Singer Heritage several years ago because I thought it was a pretty machine. Some modern machines, even vintage machines, have that boxy silhouette that I don't care for. However, you said that you put your modern machine away, whereas you leave your vintage machine out. I would consider this to be a new category: Portability. No, not everyone needs a portable machine, but if your sewing space is also your dining space or your office space, being able to put the machine away might be a necessity. In my case, when I used to teach elementary music, I took my machine to and from school during musical season because I sewed costumes during my planning period. Again, that situation was unique to me, and I realize not everyone needs to be able to bring their machine to work with them.
Actually, the longer I sit here and think about it, the more I realize that hand sewing can do all of these things and more, so clearly hand sewing is the superior option, haha.
Hand sewing, for the win!
Hand sewing massively loses out in terms of time though, which is fine for some people but not for others! personally I hate hand sewing. I find it very boring. I'll still hand sew a hem and buttons, but everything else, I get the machine out. But I'm very happy to sew zips, for instance (would recommend an invisible zipper foot if you want to sew invisible zips, they make it a breeze) whereas other sewers really loathe doing zips, so it depends on the preference of the individual.
I used a semi-industrial, quietest machine I ever seen. It’s a tank and doesn’t vibrate at all.
I am lucky enough to live in New Brunswick Canada and it seems there are always old sewing machines for sale here on Marketplace and Kijiji. I've acquired an old German hand crank (and it works!), an Eatons treadle machine and an early electric Singer with knee control. I also found a space-age looking green 1950's Kenmore sitting on the roadside with someone's garbage.... it breaks my heart to see them being thrown out. So, yeah, I get the love of old machines!!!! Hopefully videos like yours will get more people rescuing (and using!) these beautiful pieces of history. Good work!
I recently got a 1915 hand-crank Singer 99K in a bent-wood carrying case. And I feel like I've bought a Stradivarius. I'm waiting on the last of some etsy scrolling to find the attachments and pressure feet (I'm set up for everything from darning to ruffling to zig zagging). And getting a 1960 Jetson-style buttonholer to work on a machine that old is like time travel.
One thing you forgot is the quality of the stitch - 1 mm stitches that my Kenmore 22 isn't able to do.
Also - there's the workout. I've burnt more calories over the past month than I have for most of the pandemic.
By-the-by - rebuilding a century and a half-ish old sewing machine for your covid project is, I think, a record. Well. Done. Can't wait for the videos.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown
I have my great grandmother's treadle. It's called a National Two Spool.. the bobbin case takes a regular small spool of thread. It's fantastic for quilting piecework because you can sew for hours and hours without stopping to reload. Love it. I've made two quilts with it.
I would love to find one of these and use it. They are hard to come by when I was looking for one. Enjoy
@@carolcaris2149 I was able to find a second one after having web searched a couple of months. I drove 2 hours to get it.... It came with two bobbin cases and the original instructions. I had to sell it several years ago when I downsized. Keep looking... Do a weekly google search, or even put an ad out. The hundred year old machines are incredible, sew perfectly, and will probably last another hundred years. Best wishes.
I would be over the moon happy to find a W&G automatic tension machine. They are beautiful and amazing. I mostly sew on a vintage singer straight stitch only machine because I just like them better but (especially for mock ups) I would love a chain stitch machine and the W&G on a treadle is by far the prettiest
Thanks for making this comparison! I was recently given a Willcox & Gibbs and I learned a lot from your video. The drawers look exactly like the drawers on my 1920 Singer 66-1. I also have a Singers 101-3, 201-2, 404, 431G, a The Free treadle from the early 1900's that had a motor added and a Necchi Nora. They've all been a joy and a learning experience.
I inherited my 1893 Willcox and Gibbs machine in a cabinet. It works perfectly and came with all the fiddly bits. After seeing all your work to put your machine together, I feel like I cheated. Thanks for the video. Needles for W&G machines are available from the Treadle Lady on etsy. Husqvarna Viking machines have had automatic tension for 30 years. Happy sewing.
I think it's awesome that you refinished and set it up yourself. Not many would even consider that.
I grew up a 1948 Singer it was a wonderful machine. I was given a white featherweight from 1968 which I love. I have never heard of the Wilcox and Gibbs until Bernadetter Banner used one. Now I am on the hunt for one.
Thanks for doing this one!!
My 1914 Jones Brothers hand crank machine came with all kinds of hemming feet, and I even found a pdf of the manual to explain what they all do, can't wait to try them out! Since I started sewing again it's mostly been hand sewing because for a long time the only machine I had was hateful and made every sewing project a bargaining session, "Will you just finish this seam before I throw you out a window??" "If you finish these drapes without eating anything, I will get you serviced, I promise!" (I did, and it didn't help) "Aha!! I HEARD you spit your thread out of the tensioner this time, can you just stop making terrycloth, PLEASE?". That's the 1980s Singer that I loathe, I also have a 1970s Kenmore I got still in its original box, was used once and has all the bells and whistles but is a bit quirky from disuse and needs a professional cleaning and lube job, a recently-acquired 1960s Universal that's been professionally attended to but I haven't used yet, and a Minnesota A treadle machine I think is around the same age as the hand crank machine (I'm still trying to narrow down exactly what year it's from), and I don't have a band for it. Never meant to collect sewing machines, but here we are. I miss having a zigzag stitch when I use the hand crank and it's taken me some doing to get the tension set up after the machine was unused for a few decades, but one thing I DO NOT MISS is the noise. Electric whine of sewing machine is irritating, soft clatter of hand crank machine is calming... and after my experiences with the electronics being the failure of any of my newer appliances I've had to replace, I do not want them in my sewing machine. I'm not sure the Universal is going to get a lot of exercise until I need to sew a sweatshirt, I really enjoy hand sewing and I really enjoy the hand crank machine.
I would also have considered the way the machine behaves with sheer fabric/ organza and thick materials like 6 layers of wool or leather :)
Wat a beautiful antique
The drawers are from a singer sewing machine furniture!! They could have multiple drawers, even six! Three at each side :) Yours look like they were part of a treadle furniture with four drawers. Hope this helps!
super informative. LOVED IT!
I love my antique machine (1909-1910 hand crank Singer with lotus decals). Bobbin winding is fun, it's easy to load the bobbin into the machine, and she just sews without drama, and I really love the purring sound that she makes when I sew. I was only hand sewing before I got my Singer because I found sewing with a modern machine to be so annoying, and I was only doing 18th century clothing. I still like to do hand work, but it is certainly more convenient and faster to be able to do long seams by machine.
What a fascinating comparison of modern and vintage. A few years ago I dug out my grandma's old Essex mini chain stitch machine that she bought just after the war. After some TLC I used it to make lots of little things such as reusable gift bags and toys for the nephews. Up to now I've sort of avoided making clothing with it due to the potential involuntary unraveling of chain stitch, but having seen how you've made Victorian clothing on yours I'm definitely going to give it a go, after all my Gran made clothes for me with it.
I used to have a treadle Wilcox/Gibbs chainstitching machine and it was great for decorative work on reproductions like braiding or any trim, and historical children's clothing, some aspects of undergarments, but for stable seams, not so much, since those were so easily unraveled if there was a break in the thread. For most of my adult life, I've used an old Singer treadle that doesn't do anything but sew forwards. If I could only have one machine, that would be it. Still no computerized machine but I did finally get an electrified one that will zigzag. It's fun to see others enjoying old machines, too.
The drawers you used look similar to the ones on a 1911 White machine that I used to have.
This was an amazing video!!! Thanks!
My mom had a singer with knee pad for the power source. I have an antique hand crank power source machine that is beautiful and works.
This was a fun watch. My oldest machine that I own (packed away) is a 1954 Pfaff with the original "carved" plug,it works but doesn't sew knits. I have the Brother 9550 I bought for my daughter, someone stole the basic Singer I bought her 10 years ago, yay, it was noisy and I had to redo the tension with every other seam. Personally I have and use 2 Viking Husqvarna computerized embroidery machines, which I love; I do a lot of heirloom sewing with both. I would like to own an antique treadle but don't have the space for one...yet.
Very, very cool!!! I adore my antique treadle & my 1940's machine just because I like old things. The majority of my sewing is on my modern machine because it's just easier to use & has more stitch options. For your tension issue, double check your manual, but generally you don't have to adjust. (At least I've never had to on any of my 1960 or later machines). Even with silk versus canvas or layers. Usually about a 2.5 works as an all-purpose for my Brother.
This was well done. My singer 401A is my daily driver. Going on 65 years old.
It does everything well.
BUT - In today's dollars, it also cost four times what that nice new Brother cost. We always have to figure that in.
I love my grandmother's Bentwood Case Singer (she was born in 1900 BTW). No fancy stitches but sews like a dream !!!
Really beautiful restoration/construction work on your treddle table. If you ever decide to do another caustic soda (washing soda) is great for stripping cast iron. The draws look very much like they are from a model F7021107 that I used to own except it had a bank of three draws but the design and draw pulls are identical as far as I can tell. Sterling work on preserving a charming piece of history, thank you.
I have a 128 and a 99k singer sewing machines. Have not used yet. The 99k is from 54 and the 128 is 1941. Both need tlc but once done ill be using them. They win becaise they were free and cheap to clean and fix with new parts. Great video
It's super cool! What a wonderful project! I love antique machines and I have used my gran's but I need a new belt! UGH! So much fun.
You can find replacement parts on places like etsy and ebay.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown
This may sound weird but I love watching your lower face when you are talking. Your musculature is fascinating, and so beautifully unique.
I would love an older machine. I personally love my simple singer. 16 stitches
I had to pause when you came to the difficulty of calculating pintucks, darts, etc. I am also a software engineer and my first though was, there should totally be an app for that. If not, I could make one. I am an accomplished knitter, but novice sewist, sewer, seamtrix...whatever. My Mom on the other hand is an experienced seamstress. I'll have to pick her brain on the precise math.
It was an education finding out how modern vs vintage. I do love vintage and would love one, I learned on a pedal singer when I was 11 years old. I have a super modern machine now but do agree with you on several points. Ps button holing still presents its challenges. ❤️
Well, that was fun to watch! As far as cost, I bought my singer c.1892 treadle that included all the original attachments and manuals in a beautiful cabinet in 2001 for $135. I bought my modern sewing machine in 2006 for $1500...LOL!
I got my 1903 Singer VS 27 Treadle and attachments at an auction in VT for $100, and the next year they had another going for $50 - and a guy sitting in front of me turned to his friend and said, "Can you believe somebody paid $100 for one of those last year??"
@@jennifergeorgia5445 It's kind of sad, how they're mostly undervalued nowadays. When they first came out, they were the latest technology, highly prized, and very expensive sewing machines.
I love mechanical modern sewing machines the most. You can get ruffle and gathering feet for your modern sewing machine as well.
I hate bottom bobbins that are hidden with a passion, but I really, really like models that have a drop bobbin that you can see through transparent plastic, it increased my quality of life a million fold!
I feel like you have an exceptional antique sewing machine that has much of the bells and whistles one appreciates from modern sewing machines, especially noise-wise. I think that's really lucky! And I am in love with the pintuck foot~
Regarding the noise, I really made my quality of life better with a non-slip mat under my sewing machine, so it dampens the noise I would get from the machine shaking the table and all that.
I hope you can use the best part of both machines!
The drawer set you purchased looks to be from a singer type 2 table that has 2 drawers each side and a center fold out drawer. It’s what I have with my 1926 model 127 treadle.
I inherited my great grandmother’s Kenmore Zig Zag machine (manual is dated 1965, but she purchased it in October 1970) and she chose to have a knee pedal. I think that is still an option if you’re buying a machine that’s set into a table.
I love how that antique sewing machine looks. If I had one it would defiantly put my constantly tapping foot to good use.
lack of ease of use might be another drawback of antique sewing machines. I cannot for the life of me work out the treadle motion, whereas using a modern sewing machine is much like driving an automatic car. You just press down and it goes.
I was shopping for a modern machine a few months ago. One of my (very few) criteria was whether it did buttonholes! Because options. I found, as I did my research, that Janome has a modern treadle machine! I wasn't in a position to investigate it, but the very possibility is exciting. Many modern machines have the possibility of a knee presser, and the machine I ended up with has a foot pedal, or it can be operated purely by the touch of a button. I'm a little wary about that, but as I age (and my pedal leg gets repetitive stress issues), I appreciate that I'll be able to operate it without my feet. Now if only my hands stay functional..
The Brother "Project Runway" line has the ability to use either a foot pedal or just the start/stop button (with the adjustable speed slide button as well, great for small/limited spaces. I found i can sew on the living room floor if I don't have the table space). (The model I have is an XRPRW that I got off of Walmart.com, it's the blue-grey version, as each year the color scheme changes).
I had a good laugh. When the count down was near the end an add came on.
I love my antique Singers. I have a zig zagged attachment, a buttonhole attachment and a blind hammer attachment. You can buy an LED light to attach to them if that’s an issue. Also, I have quite a few attachments like a rolled hem foot, a shirring foot, etc. I LOVE MY OLD SINGER MACHINES. I have a couple of treadles and a couple that are electric. Love them all. Those old Singer 66 models are the best.
My grandmother had a treadle singer and she used to turn the fabric around and go over the stitches 3x to lock the stitches in because it couldn't back stitch.
Very nice! Thank you for sharing :)
This is so cool and that antique machine is a dream. Ive accumulated machines from other eras, but nothing older than the 20s. I aspire have one this old one day - they're so beautiful. The only category I would add is portability. I love the no electricity aspect is awesome, but moving them is a beast whereas modern or even just from the 20s onward machines that could be brought with you to a different location is a mark in their favor too :) Thanks so much for this comparison. So cool
For a fair comparison I would suggest comparing the Willcox with a modern chain stitch machine.
I think the 50's to 70's sewing machines are the sweet spot for sewing machines between usability and sturdyness. They are usually all metal body and gears and most of them have all the modern features although may have some quirks.
To be fair, lots of these are chain stitch versus lock stitch machine issues. I’m not disagreeing with your opinion or conclusions, just that if you did an antique lock stitch versus your chain stitch it would be very similar results. So it’s the machine type rather than age or computerisation that makes the difference. I have a lock stitch reverse feed old singer and it does pretty much everything my fancy pants Jerome does. Some better and some worse. I wouldn’t want to chose between them if I could only have one. But at gun point I’d pick the singer because it is nearly 100 years old and going strong. The Jerome is jus over 12 years old and I don’t know how long the plastic or computerised parts will last. I learnt to sew on it though so I wouldn’t abandon it without extreme provocation. Loving your videos and approach to creating.
I dabbled in sewing a bit as a kid some 10 or so years ago on my grandma's antique sewing machine, and recently I have been thinking about getting back into it in a more serious way so she offered to give it to me. I don't know how hers compares to the machine you have (I think it's a singer and I'm not sure what year exactly it's from but she might've inherited it from her grandma) but it makes me happy to know that old machines can still hold up fairly well when put up against modern ones! Not having to buy a new sewing machine would be great. (I would've taken it anyway because you're right, they're absolutely beautiful.)
I watched this yesterday and I'm in love. Fiddlybits has been fuleing my obsession and I... I need this in my life. I have located one in NSW that's I'd want to drive to pick it up, but that's a 20h drive with the boarders closed rn bc big boy Rona. I'm so tempted to just smuggle it. I need to stop, this is unhealthy. I do love it tho
My other categories would be having a free arm for sewing tubes, reliability, and buttonholes. I have a ca. 2000 Singer that is prone to thread jams and just being a pain, and like most plastic machines it just seems a bit flimsy- but I do love a one-step buttonhole
My 1970s bernina machine has a foot pedal and knee lever, plus can use the handle for precision stitching if needed (only for a few cm as not really designed for this!) not sure about more modern versions, but I still think of it as relatively modern
Unfortunately I think treadle drawers are all very similar, so it may be hard to pin down where those came from. They look similar to my Singer 66-1 cabinet.
Thanks for the video :) I think I need a chain stitch machine now!
I think this really shows that machines are personal. I do a lot of these things by hand (by choice a lot of the time) I don't need fancy stitch I do that by hand too. All I need is a simple machine. I have access to my mum very fancy machine however the maintenance on it and how complex it is to thread and set up makes me go back to my simple machine.
Singer simple my nan got it for me on my 18th. But no matter what you need a zig-zag, a straight and a buttonhole
I would have liked to see you try different weight materials.
OMG, a chain stitch machine. I am very interested in those, but it seems like no brand is making them for home sewers nowadays. I did found some singer model which dose this but all are vintage and I don't think I have access to those in my city.
Hows possible no one is making new "antique" machines? The simplicity is amazing for anywone that do not need to use 32 different types of stitchs, or is begining to sew. Also it must be cheaper to do. Cmon!
But they last forever so the throw away culture hates it
Mew sewing machine has the options of either a foot pedal or push button to to run the machine. The push button is handy for those with arthritis/edema issues, or those who may not want afoot pedal accessible to a small child exploring.
This comparison is sort of like, "How'd you rather commute 19 miles to work each day, this moderately priced 2 year old Toyota sedan or this horse and buggy?😁 The older machine is beautiful and treadling is relaxing, but there are so many things a chain stitch machine cannot do.
A better comparison would be to compare a new computerized machine to a vintage machine.
I just inherited a Singer 201-2,made in 1951. The foot pedal was misplaced and I ordered a brand new one from Amazon. My mother also gave me a Singer 15 treadle that she's had for 20 years. When she purchased it and it was delivered, I sat down and put it thru its paces as I had learned to treadle when I was 10. It came back immediately just like riding a bike. Both of these machines are "new" enough to have reverse stitching for locking the ends of seams. That is my one deal breaker on a vintage - it must reverse. Properly securing a seam end is much too time consuming otherwise. New parts are available for both of these machines.
My main machine is a 32 year old Kenmore/Janome that does one automatic buttonhole and has stretch stitches. It also has a variety of overcast stitches for seam finishes. These features are mandatory for many contemporary fabrics. In 32 years, I have never used any decorative stitch it has on anything. (No kids.) The Kenmore is also extremely portable.
I strongly suspect the 201 will become my main machine as it sews such a perfect straight stitch very quietly. The treadle will be used for occasional upholstery jobs and jeans.
If one is just beginning to learn to sew, it is important to have a good machine that works very well - whether it's new or vintage. One woman online made herself beautiful clothing for about 4 years with an $89 Brother she bought when she moved to another country. Many inexpensive "plastic fantastics" these days will sew well for 3 to 4 years - until they don't and they aren't worth having serviced. The "cheapies" (under $150) in 1990 were useless plastic junk straight out of the box so I spent $279 for a machine that has about 1/3 plastic on the outside, but is mostly all metal inside where it counts. I have never had to have it professionally serviced.
Computerized machines can cost a few hundred dollars or a few thousand. Just remember this: There are absolutely NO bells and whistles on any sewing machine ever made that will take the place of actual sewing skills. There may be a few features that save time, such as a reverse locking stitch, but even most of those are negligible in the long run. Buy what you can afford and what will bring you joy on your creative journey. If you struggle and sacrifice to pay for a $2500 machine now, will you be able to afford a new motherboard if it needs it in 5 years?
I've spent about $200 for tools and materials to update the 201. These same tools will help me keep both it and the 15 maintained for years to come. I would like to buy a donor machine for my Kenmore (usually < $50) and if my serger dies, I might consider replacing it. Basically, I'll have spent less than $900 over 45 years of sewing on machines. Not a bad return on my investment - especially considering its not a hobby for me - it's a life skill. If I did not sew, I would never have any clothing that fit and my furniture would all be ragged junk.
I have rhe Singer heavy-duty 4452,
A Sears Kenmore, and singer G Series electric trundle that they cast iron and it's in its cabinet
We found a 1863 for $AU190 on Facebook marketplace. Missing a cabinet draw and the leather strap had broken but beautiful my mum wanted it as a display piece not to use as she had an older singer growing up so fine for us.
How much of a learning curve did you have on the threadle? I'm trying to decide whether to go the crank or treadle route.
Haven't gone through the comments to see if this is mentioned by someone else, but vintage wide hemmer feet can TOTALLY be used on modern machines! If they're standard low shank vintage feet rather than the weird proprietary ones, vintage feet can be used on modern machines. The feet that came with my 1890s Singer treadle work on my modern Singers. I keep an eye out at thrift stores for baggies of sewing machine feet and pick them up when I find low shank ones as they work on SO many modern machines!!
Not to discount your love of the W&G machine:) I LOVE how quiet my mid-century Singer 201 runs, way quieter than the modern new Singers!
And those drawers definitely look like Singer treadle drawers! My treadle has a different drawer pull/front design, but those look very similar to other Singer drawers I've seen online.
Hemming feet! What a revelation For me a beginner sower.
I have one with just a plug- so I haven’t plugged it in because - how do you start and stop it? I’m guessing a part is missing. I always wonder why have a bobbin if a chain can be made instead? Or why use gas when there were steam engines and all you needed was water? The video was wonderful- thank you.
I’ve recently restored a Singer 201k, which is a 1950s electric lockstitch (no zigzag). I love it for many of the reasons you love your antique, but as a bonus it can swap feet with my modern Janome, and it can do reverse. On the other hand my modern Janome has a mode for auto-back at the start and end of the seam *and* it cuts the thread and pulls them both to the back. I don’t think think I could love a chain stitch machine, but I am sorely tempted to “complete” my collection with a Singer 66 treadle and a 99 hand crank. I notice you didn’t mention the weight of the machines, my “light” (aluminium) 201k is ... about 15kg? I’m a bit afraid to put it on a shelf because it’s so heavy!
What ruffler foot do you use? I have a willcox and gibbs machine, and would be very interested to know if the normal greist foot would work or if it has to be a willcox and gibbs ruffler.
For me using it without electricity would be an absolute win. I live somewhere with constant electricity cuts and have turned to manual wherever i can. Why have something plugged in when you can easily not have it… 🧐 the leg operated machines are amazing, you can convert them, the leg movement somehow makes it easier in my opinion.
What type of needles does the antique machine use? I love the the sound of it.
I have a Singer machine from 1929 and it uses the same type of needle as modern ones
I read somewhere that Willcox & Gibbs machines have a little pin in the needle bar to help line up the needle properly. So you would have to use their needles. Apparently it’s common for this little pin to be damaged.
You have to use Wilcox & Gibbs needles or modern equivalents. Original are fairly rare, but there are companies still making them. You can get them on Ebay or Etsy or some specialist suppliers.
Willcox and Gibbs offered a gathering foot with purchase that works well; however, it is so small that it has gone missing from many machines available today. There’s a UA-cam video demonstration using this foot, by Fiddley Bits, as I recall
I have a mid 60's slant shank singer I swear by, which does straight stitch and zig zag and I found a button holer and monogramer for at goodwill. They generally run like 150-300 dollars, nearly never need servicing and are pretty reasonably quiet. Although not as pretty as some of the other vintage machines, I swear by them (I'm biased I learned on my grandmothers slant shank, she had the fancy one with all the stitches. I've had three modern machines and they do not hold up to any heavy sewing, you knock them about too much while traveling and the inner parts stop working, and i've had humidity ruin one of the computers. Never again.
Including the bobbin winding isn't really that fair because my junior machine has a built-in winder that runs as you sew. You wind the next bobbin while sewing. I recommend a junior industrial machine, they're really simple, I can thread mine with a bobbin in 30 seconds flat, and come with lots of attachments. Most industrial machines have a standard foot connector so there are tons of universal feet out there. People have also converted the tuck attachment to the universal connector too.
Hi,love your antique machine, they do make tredle machines, janome (not spelt right) , I've still got my manual singer the only reason I got an electric machine is my disability got to the point where I can no longer use it,
Drawers look like the drawers on my 1921 Singer treadle machine.
Thank you for the nice video. It is an apple vs. orange comparison though with those two machines. A more accurate comparison would have been to use an antique Singer that also uses a bobbin thread. Also, that antique W&G will still be stitching 200 years from now while the modern plastic machine will be in a land fill before it's even 20 years old. I have Singers and W&G machines from the1860s, and they still sew like new machines. They made them to last forever. Machines made in the past 40 years or so do not hold up or last with heavy use more than just a few years. We've worn out Husqvarna Viking machines in under five years, and those are not inexpensive machines!
You forgot portability, being able to take it with you to a different place for instance. I have a 1954 handcrank Singer which I like, but would prefer a treadle so I can sew straighter seams. Currently using my 1985 electric Singer, which does zigzag and different stitches, but is not as aesthetically pleasing as the old one . . .
Well done I noticed you wore a mask when spray-painting
you didn't mention portability lol
I don't think they are comparable. You need the Wilcox and Gibbs to do chainstitch and need the modern one to do modern fancy stitches lol. Actually, to get a wider modern hemming foot you need to get an industrial Brother and that larger foot. I think you need more machines lol. The drawers are from a 1919 and up Singer family or semi industrial. The tell tale sign is the same frame the drawers are set into. Each company is different. The antique machines win with me. I like the way they last when restored/conserved. I have many that do all sorts of tasks other than just straight stitch or chain.
those drawers came from an old singer treadle case. probably an old vibrating shuttle, or model 99
I feel like peak machine occurred sometime after the inclusion of assisted buttonholes but before the stitch selection panel allowed for more than one row of stitch symbols! Super helpful, but not so desperate to help that it’s intimidating. There’s enough to be intimidated by without that as well haha
Re tension, the manual should explain what’s gone wrong based on the resulting stitches. I have a ‘70s brother overlock machine and had some problems worn the tension and the manual contains all the answers! Sometimes the answer is the tension is fine but you’re using the wrong needle and that’s actually the problem.
Downloadable PDF file of Wilcox and Gibbs Sewing Machine Manual on Etsy and Ebay if you need one!!
Fascinating! I never knew that chain stitch machines have only used one thread. My coverstitch does chain stitch that is slightly stretchy and can be easily unraveled if you pull just right, but it still uses two threads.
You'd probably be much more comfortable using $650 modern machine, or, better yet, a modern machine priced as high this vintage one was when it was new. Still have to deal with bobbins though, and I personally find the sound of stepper motors in computerized machines not that pleasant. My modern machine has a front bobbin and only one motor for everything, and does more pleasant sound that reminds me of servos and robots. It also never peeps and computerized one will peep just for the sake of peeping unless you buy an expensive one where it can be switched off.
Modern industrial machines amaze me with the ease of use and maintenance for most things, like it's way easier to adjust timing than with my domestic. And they are also way queiter, industrial overlockers have the most delicate stamping sound. So the fact that rather cheap Brother is louder than high end machine especially advertized as quiet one doesn't surprize me.
That threading "one and done" and no running out of bobbins would be 5 points from me honestly ;)
But I would add space/portability too, I have three machines on one 120x60cm table, I sew standing and the pedals are on the floor, but under the table there is a whole cabinet for fabric and stuff. As much as I love the fact that treadles make the feet move instead of freezing on the pedals, and work without electricity, the whole space under the machine head has to stay free.
I would add a category for longevity and maintenance. Do you have to take it to a shop, can you do it yourself? What’s the life span of these machines and so on. Also a lot of the older machines have attachments for zig zag stitches, I’m not sure about yours but my singer does.
I wouldn't have put in the bobbin winding. you don't always have to do that after all, and since you can already buy bobbins with thread on them just like the upper thread spools, it's a bit unfair. in my opinion, that is
I have 3 antique machines 2 motor driven...all work and paid 50 for the most expensive and 15 for the cheapest and it came with a cabinet and bobbins and accessories...foots etc....soooo it depends on how frugal your willing to be....yard sales will save you hundreds
Bobbin tension is set with a screw on the bobbin holder
Are the needles for this antique machine readily available? Do the Schmetz (?sp) brand fit? And I’ve had an older treadle machine, the bobbin was the shuttle-style bobbin… it was fun to use but I missed the little light to help you see! I had to be near a sunny window while sewing or I couldn’t see. I gave that to my Amish neighbors, since they don’t use electricity. The Amish ladies are very clever and I’ve seen a lot of more modern sewing machines converted into treadle-style machines so they can do the fancier stitches! And there is something soothing about using and hearing a treadle machine, plus the ability to regulate your sewing speed once you get used to it! Happy stitching, whichever machine you may use!
I use vintage Singer machines and a modern Bernina - love them both - but just FYI you can get modern treadle mechanical machines. :-) shop at stores that cater to off the grid or Amish.
Wow, I really love that antique sewing machine of yours and that it gets so many lovable qualities. Unfortunately, it's very hard to find one like yours and also very expensive as they're mostly in America and Europe and I live in South East Asia.
I have been really wanting a machine that sews the chain stitch, I've found one which it's a modern machine. Although the antique one is durable and so much more aesthetically pleasing, I probably won't be able to afford it since it's also very hard get by.
The chain stitch is really great for stretchy fabric compared to the lockstitch, but unfortunately, it's not much appreciated and very much underrated, mostly due to most modern machines that actually sew the chain stitch being handheld machines and they have the reputation of being bad quality and people aren't really familiar with the chain stitch.
I don't think the option of many stich types of the modern machine really breaks the deal for me, as 99.9% of the time a normal straight stitch is just sufficient, even my mum who sews a lot prefers old style only straight stitch machines, albeit hers isn't the chain stitch machine, but the old style singer type. It's very simple to thread and really has a soothing sound compared to most modern plastic made machines.
Thanks for sharing, it's very soothing even just watching you sewing with your antique machine. Please keep it up.