My cousin gifted me one of these after I lost everything in the fires in Northern California. The machine is named Ethel after our grandmother. This is the best machine ever, though I was already the proud owner of a Pfaff Performance 5.0. Both are amazing machines. Blessing to you. I love your videos.
So glad to see your video. As a proud owner of a 15, there is just noting like it. I have made over 25 rag quilts using hundreds of yards of fabric. Some as thick as six layers thick and doubled at times to 12 layers. This machine never slows down and continues to do a wonderful job of stitching. I am so glad to see others using and liking their machines. I wouldn't trade mine for any other.
I just bought a 15-91 at an estate sale also. It is similar to the machine I used as a kid (70’s) which belonged to my grandma. She sold it without me knowing and it broke my heart. Hers did not have backstitch and this one does but the machine is similar so it makes me happy. My machine was also unused for a while and was very dusty. I am currently taking it apart to clean and oil. It does work but the tension is off on the underside of the fabric so I will have to work all that out. I can’t wait to sew something on it. I enjoyed your video.
Thanks. By the way, I do electronics restoration and a trick we use on etched lettering is to paint over the area with white-out and then wipe it off with a cloth. It leaves the whiteout in the recessed areas. Any excess can be safely removed by scraping it off with the edge of a credit card.
I love the vintage Singer's. I would not own a new one. My husband bought me my first Singer in the 70's. It is a Fashionmate. I still own it. I inherited two Featherweights, purchased a Singer 301a, Singer Rocketeer and I purchased my beautiful Singer Red Eye Treadle sewing machine. I always wanted a treadle since my great grandmother had her treadle open when I came to visit back in the day and she let me sew on it. I took to it like fish to water. The previous owner had put my Red Eye up for sale and someone stopped to buy it but he wanted to use the cabinet to make a table. The owner would not sell it to him because he wanted to honor his mother, Joan, and her love of sewing. So I came along and scooped her up! All of my old Singer's sew such beautiful, consistent stitches. I have a vintage Necchi Julia also. I have newer sewing machines. Bernina, Viking Husquvarna and Pfaff. I have 12 machines total and I take turns bringing them all out to sew. I'm done. I have to stop rescuing these old machines.
I own several vintage machines. It's hard to pass them up when I come across one. I'm running out of room for them, but there are still a few I want to add to my collection.
Your Singer sewing machine looks like a real workhorse. I’m not understanding why so many sewing are buying vintage machine. So going from a high tech machine to older machine that don’t have any extra options, 🤔 My mother-in -laws machine was given to my daughters, it’s a Singer not sure the year, it’s equipped with a threaded. My mother-in-law used to repair jeans or anything heavy duty. Thanks for sharing your treasure. 👍❤️😊
Wonderful machine. I use mine for everything. If I need a zig zag stitch I haul out a newer Singer and then put it away. I also use Singer 99-31's which have similar reverse and stitch length controls. What impresses me is how quiet it runs and the stitch quality. I had a similar problem with the newer bobbins so now I use old style bobbins from Cutex. I use one newer crappy bobbin as a thread guide on the spool pin when I am using a 3000 yard spool of thread on a separate thread stand.
Susan, I admire your choice of vintage Singer sewing machines,; 15-91, 301a, and 239. You have selected an excellent stable of vintage Singers. I won't be surprised if a 201-2 or 1200 finds its way into your vintage Singer collection. Your knowledge of sewing machines is apparent in your discussions. Since you are a professional quilter, I know that you have a long arm quilting machine and modern computerized sewing machines. Thank you for showcasing and demonstrating your vintage Singers.
My first machine was a hand crank singer and I have 2 vintage singers now, one electric and one hand both very early 1920s 30s machines and I love them, the stitch quality with these are in a world of there own, and I’ve sewn all sorts of fabric and never had any problem, even vintage car headlining, i do have a modern machine for zig zag and specialty work but I adore these old beauty’s and would never be without one. Thank you for sharing.
I have one of these machines that was gifted to me by my sister, but I've never used it! I wasn't sure how to thread it, but now I'm inspired to turn it on and try.
I just got one at a auction for 5 dollars. Took it home and cleaned and oil. Works great and looks great. The cabinet needs a repair in one area. So I was excited to find this tutorial. Best wishes
I just got mine today as a Christmas present and I am amazed how great it sews and adore the back running stitch. It was a older ladies family sewing machine and the repair person placed new wiring and polished the sewing machine. Mine was made in March 3, 1952 and the machine was not used that much, because it is no wear on it at all and the gold is just as it was in 1952. I placed it in the Singer cabinet for my 1968 Touch and Sew and it fits great with a little back opening which I do not mine. I adore the different stitches and being able to lock in a stitch is awesome. No zigzag stitch but can use my Brother for that. I will try the free motion sewing very soon. great video
My husbands mother died when he was 12 in 1968. She had a singer featherweight’s my father in law bought her. Original sales n owner s manual. Hasn’t been used. I found someone interested in showing me how to use n clean it. I have Bernina’s for years but didn’t want to touch her things.
Yes I do free motion quilt on this machine, but I'm not very good at it. I usually quilt on my longer. The harp space is larger than most standard domestic machines.
I also have that same machine and the manual with oiling instructions, but you also mentioned greasing the machine. Is that something I can do or do I need to take it to a shop to have done? Thanks
You can do it if your motor is clean. There are 2 small holes to squize in the motor grease. The machine I bought hadn't been used for years, so I found a tutorial on how to take the motor apart, clean it, & grease it & put it back together.
I think i have the treddle version of this machine. I cant for the life of take up the bobbin thread on it, so i cant actually make a stitch. It takes forever to even get the bobbin thread up the first time! Any ideas on whats wrong?
Check to make sure you are threading the needle from the right to the left, and make sure the needle is all the way up as far as it will go into the needle bar. Also check that the bobbin is a class 15 bobbin and not a class 15J and that you have it installed in the bobbin case correctly. The thread should come off the bobbin from the right towards the left when you hold the bobbin up with the thread at the top of the bobbin. There are other things you can check such as lint in the bobbin area, the needle thread not threaded correctly, and your timing being off. I can't help you on the timing of this machine, though. I've never had to retime mine. If you don't have a manual for this machine, you can download a free PDF here: www.singer.com/sites/default/files/outdated_product/SINGER%2015-91%20Sewing%20Machine.pdf
I was gifted this machine in pristine condition, like new. Though it has no bobbins. I’m learning here and don’t want to mess things up as I want to use the winder. Can anyone guide me in the right direction for purchasing bobbins for my 19-15 Singer. Looks exactly like this one. Thank you kindly!
Hi Susan, Good video! I recently purchased a Singer 15-91. I don't have a cabinet or case. Can you do a video showing how the Hardware hooks up to the case or cabinet... The foot pedal and knee arm. I need a visual please! Thank you Doug S.
@@sunrisequiltstudio Thank you Susan... I can't wait to see your video and the visual help I need. I purchased a 1954 Vintage Singer 15-91. The seller disassembled the Sewing Machine from the Cabinet. He sold me the Sewing machine and tossed out the cabinet! Which I would have bought! He sent me the Cabinet Hardware but I don't know how it goes! I tried looking at other Singer Sewing Machines with the cabinet but they Don't Show the underside or how the Hardware hooks up. My Hinge Pins measure 9- 3/4" on center. I haven't found a Case fir sale on Ebay or Cabinet Showing how the Hardware Connections Attach! I'm looking forward to your help! Thank you again Susan...😁 Doug S. 🌴🍍🍫 Florida
The stitch length lever may be stuck in reverse. You could try to loosen the screw and move the lever up and down to see if it moves easily. When you set it on the stitch length you want, tighten the screw. When you are sewing and want to go in reverse, you lift the lever all the way up. You may have to take apart that part of the machine and see what is going on if you are still having problems, but I haven't had to do that and don't know how to fix those parts.
I bought one of these at an estate sale several years back and used it. However i ended up buying a new one as it wasn't sewing properly. The stitches don't form. I have double checked my bobbin and the threading. Any idea what might be wrong?
It could be a couple of things. Make sure your needle is placed in the needle bar so that the flat side of the shank is facing towards the left. Also make sure the needle is in the needle clamp as far as it will go. You could also have lint build-up in the shuttle/hook area. Your operators manual should show you how to remove the shuttle to clean it. Then it could be that the hook is out of time with the needle although I understand this is rarely the case, but it could be. You can fix that yourself, or take it in to a sewing machine repair place and let them repair it for you. You can find the 15-91 manual here: www.singer.com/support. Here is a video on setting the timing on 301A which is a gear driven machine - 15-91 is also gear driven. I don't know how similar they are, but it may help. ua-cam.com/video/6pAWzJyV0IY/v-deo.html&ab_channel=AndyTube
Make sure the bobbin is threaded through the bobbin case correctly and that the upper thread is also threaded correctly. If those are o.k., then try tightening the upper thread tension a little at a time until you get good tension. Your bobbin spring may be too loose, too, but it sounds more like it's either a threading issue, or an upper thread tension issue.
I have been researching other videos on tension and here is one that may help. ua-cam.com/video/5B4KAwmKdEU/v-deo.html&ab_channel=AndyTube I have been working on refurbishing a different 15-91 that was my mother-in-laws and the tension is really off. This video has helped a lot on showing how to zero it out - basically resetting it so that you can fine tune your tension.
There are a number of things that could be going on, but I am not a sewing machine repair person. If your machine is rusted, that could cause it. It could also be something with the mechanisms inside the machine, or a jumble of thread in the bobbin area. I'm certain there are other possible problems, too. I would suggest doing an online search on the problem and/or taking the machine in to a professional repair person.
There are several oiling holes on the top of the machine. Plus there are places underneath the machine where there are moving parts that need oiling. You can get a manual at ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/15-91.pdf. It details where the machine needs to be oiled.
Terry, Susan's link to the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society website is extremely helpful. A quality 20 weight sewing machine oil or Tri-Flow liquid lubricant for oil points works well.
@@sunrisequiltstudio thank you. I did that and am getting there with figuring it out. Having a little trouble getting the bobbin and upper thread tension right. I want to use it for quilting.
Hi Susan, I think I have the same machine.. Is there a way I can attach a Zig Zag to the machine ? I’m a beginner in sewing but I think i will need Zig Zag a lot for the clothes I want to do. I’m looking forward for your answer. Ps I really love the machine. My serial number is Aj 733249 i heard is from1950
You can get a zig zag attachment but I don’t know if that will be adequate for what you are planning on. You may be better off learning the stretch and sew technique, use long stitches and stretch the fabric before and after the needle. When you take your hand tension off, the fabric will shrink those long stitches into small ones, but you can stretch your seam without popping stitches. This obviously won’t work for athletic and swim wear, you will need a zig zag machine or serger. The attachment works best for finishing raw seams, but honestly I’d rather just French seam or Hong Kong finish.
My son bought me one about 11 months ago, figured out it's a 1948. I had it cleaned and serviced before starting to use it. I just started to learn how to quilt using it. Nice machine!
Thanks so much. I have my Mothers machine. She used it very little. It is in need of a lot of “love” because it has not been used in lots of years.
My cousin gifted me one of these after I lost everything in the fires in Northern California. The machine is named Ethel after our grandmother. This is the best machine ever, though I was already the proud owner of a Pfaff Performance 5.0. Both are amazing machines. Blessing to you. I love your videos.
So glad to see your video. As a proud owner of a 15, there is just noting like it. I have made over 25 rag quilts using hundreds of yards of fabric. Some as thick as six layers thick and doubled at times to 12 layers. This machine never slows down and continues to do a wonderful job of stitching.
I am so glad to see others using and liking their machines. I wouldn't trade mine for any other.
I just bought a 15-91 at an estate sale also. It is similar to the machine I used as a kid (70’s) which belonged to my grandma. She sold it without me knowing and it broke my heart. Hers did not have backstitch and this one does but the machine is similar so it makes me happy. My machine was also unused for a while and was very dusty. I am currently taking it apart to clean and oil. It does work but the tension is off on the underside of the fabric so I will have to work all that out. I can’t wait to sew something on it. I enjoyed your video.
Thanks. By the way, I do electronics restoration and a trick we use on etched lettering is to paint over the area with white-out and then wipe it off with a cloth. It leaves the whiteout in the recessed areas. Any excess can be safely removed by scraping it off with the edge of a credit card.
Thanks for the tip.
Thank you for your wonderful lesson, I just purchased a Singer from my Mom's neighbour and so appreciate your video.
I love the vintage Singer's. I would not own a new one. My husband bought me my first Singer in the 70's. It is a Fashionmate. I still own it. I inherited two Featherweights, purchased a Singer 301a, Singer Rocketeer and I purchased my beautiful Singer Red Eye Treadle sewing machine. I always wanted a treadle since my great grandmother had her treadle open when I came to visit back in the day and she let me sew on it. I took to it like fish to water. The previous owner had put my Red Eye up for sale and someone stopped to buy it but he wanted to use the cabinet to make a table. The owner would not sell it to him because he wanted to honor his mother, Joan, and her love of sewing. So I came along and scooped her up! All of my old Singer's sew such beautiful, consistent stitches. I have a vintage Necchi Julia also. I have newer sewing machines. Bernina, Viking Husquvarna and Pfaff. I have 12 machines total and I take turns bringing them all out to sew. I'm done. I have to stop rescuing these old machines.
I own several vintage machines. It's hard to pass them up when I come across one. I'm running out of room for them, but there are still a few I want to add to my collection.
I am with you. I have to stop rescuing the machines. I have 4 black beauties and a 401-A in mint Condition. And a newer singer to do quilt tags.
Your Singer sewing machine looks like a real workhorse. I’m not understanding why so many sewing are buying vintage machine.
So going from a high tech machine to older machine that don’t have any extra options, 🤔 My mother-in -laws machine was given to my daughters, it’s a Singer not sure the year, it’s equipped with a threaded. My mother-in-law used to repair jeans or anything heavy duty. Thanks for sharing your treasure. 👍❤️😊
Wonderful machine. I use mine for everything. If I need a zig zag stitch I haul out a newer Singer and then put it away. I also use Singer 99-31's which have similar reverse and stitch length controls. What impresses me is how quiet it runs and the stitch quality. I had a similar problem with the newer bobbins so now I use old style bobbins from Cutex. I use one newer crappy bobbin as a thread guide on the spool pin when I am using a 3000 yard spool of thread on a separate thread stand.
Susan,
I admire your choice of vintage Singer sewing machines,; 15-91, 301a, and 239. You have selected an excellent stable of vintage Singers. I won't be surprised if a 201-2 or 1200 finds its way into your vintage Singer collection.
Your knowledge of sewing machines is apparent in your discussions.
Since you are a professional quilter, I know that you have a long arm quilting machine and modern computerized sewing machines.
Thank you for showcasing and demonstrating your vintage Singers.
Great info as I just picked up a 15-91
Omg beautiful I have 15-88 15-89 and it looks just the same as yours omg a beauty
My first machine was a hand crank singer and I have 2 vintage singers now, one electric and one hand both very early 1920s 30s machines and I love them, the stitch quality with these are in a world of there own, and I’ve sewn all sorts of fabric and never had any problem, even vintage car headlining, i do have a modern machine for zig zag and specialty work but I adore these old beauty’s and would never be without one. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, Christina.
I have one of these machines that was gifted to me by my sister, but I've never used it! I wasn't sure how to thread it, but now I'm inspired to turn it on and try.
I think you will really like this machine. Glad you found something helpful in this video.
I just got one at a auction for 5 dollars. Took it home and cleaned and oil. Works great and looks great. The cabinet needs a repair in one area. So I was excited to find this tutorial. Best wishes
Congratulations on your bargain! I think you'll enjoy that machine.
I just got mine today as a Christmas present and I am amazed how great it sews and adore the back running stitch. It was a older ladies family sewing machine and the repair person placed new wiring and polished the sewing machine. Mine was made in March 3, 1952 and the machine was not used that much, because it is no wear on it at all and the gold is just as it was in 1952. I placed it in the Singer cabinet for my 1968 Touch and Sew and it fits great with a little back opening which I do not mine. I adore the different stitches and being able to lock in a stitch is awesome. No zigzag stitch but can use my Brother for that. I will try the free motion sewing very soon. great video
Congratulations on your machine and have fun with it!
Thank you God's blessings...
Very helpful
Thank you.
My husbands mother died when he was 12 in 1968. She had a singer featherweight’s my father in law bought her. Original sales n owner s manual. Hasn’t been used. I found someone interested in showing me how to use n clean it. I have Bernina’s for years but didn’t want to touch her things.
I found a LED bulb for the Singer 15-91 I have. A lot brighter & cooler!
Where did you find one?
I'd love to know where you got it too...have 3 of these and would love to change them over
I wish you showed the back side of the machine even if only for a few seconds.
Hello, I have just buy one of this today and i cant push the canette in... Could you help me please???
Do you fmq on this machine? Is the harp space sufficient?
Thanks DR
Yes I do free motion quilt on this machine, but I'm not very good at it. I usually quilt on my longer. The harp space is larger than most standard domestic machines.
I also have that same machine and the manual with oiling instructions, but you also mentioned greasing the machine. Is that something I can do or do I need to take it to a shop to have done? Thanks
You can do it if your motor is clean. There are 2 small holes to squize in the motor grease. The machine I bought hadn't been used for years, so I found a tutorial on how to take the motor apart, clean it, & grease it & put it back together.
Maybe check out Vintage Sewing Machine Garage. He has some great restoration videos that I use all the time.
I think i have the treddle version of this machine. I cant for the life of take up the bobbin thread on it, so i cant actually make a stitch. It takes forever to even get the bobbin thread up the first time! Any ideas on whats wrong?
Check to make sure you are threading the needle from the right to the left, and make sure the needle is all the way up as far as it will go into the needle bar. Also check that the bobbin is a class 15 bobbin and not a class 15J and that you have it installed in the bobbin case correctly. The thread should come off the bobbin from the right towards the left when you hold the bobbin up with the thread at the top of the bobbin. There are other things you can check such as lint in the bobbin area, the needle thread not threaded correctly, and your timing being off. I can't help you on the timing of this machine, though. I've never had to retime mine. If you don't have a manual for this machine, you can download a free PDF here: www.singer.com/sites/default/files/outdated_product/SINGER%2015-91%20Sewing%20Machine.pdf
I was gifted this machine in pristine condition, like new. Though it has no bobbins. I’m learning here and don’t want to mess things up as I want to use the winder. Can anyone guide me in the right direction for purchasing bobbins for my 19-15 Singer. Looks exactly like this one. Thank you kindly!
This machine uses a class 15 bobbin. I find that metal bobbins work better than plastic ones. I bought mine at JoAnn's.
Hi Susan,
Good video!
I recently purchased a Singer 15-91. I don't have a cabinet or case. Can you do a video showing how the Hardware hooks up to the case or cabinet...
The foot pedal and knee arm.
I need a visual please!
Thank you
Doug S.
I'll see what I can do about that.
@@sunrisequiltstudio
Thank you Susan...
I can't wait to see your video and the visual help I need. I purchased a 1954 Vintage Singer 15-91.
The seller disassembled the Sewing Machine from the Cabinet. He sold me the Sewing machine and tossed out the cabinet!
Which I would have bought!
He sent me the Cabinet Hardware but I don't know how it goes!
I tried looking at other Singer Sewing Machines with the cabinet but they Don't Show the underside or how the Hardware hooks up.
My Hinge Pins measure 9- 3/4" on center.
I haven't found a Case fir sale on Ebay or Cabinet Showing how the Hardware Connections Attach!
I'm looking forward to your help!
Thank you again Susan...😁
Doug S. 🌴🍍🍫
Florida
I have one just like that but it has a box around it and i would like to know why it wants to run back in not forward
The stitch length lever may be stuck in reverse. You could try to loosen the screw and move the lever up and down to see if it moves easily. When you set it on the stitch length you want, tighten the screw. When you are sewing and want to go in reverse, you lift the lever all the way up. You may have to take apart that part of the machine and see what is going on if you are still having problems, but I haven't had to do that and don't know how to fix those parts.
What stitch length do you normally use for quilting with this machine? Thank you.
I try to set it on 12. The numbers have rubbed off so it is difficult to get it exact.
@@sunrisequiltstudio Thank you so much for the quick reply.
I bought one of these at an estate sale several years back and used it. However i ended up buying a new one as it wasn't sewing properly. The stitches don't form. I have double checked my bobbin and the threading. Any idea what might be wrong?
It could be a couple of things. Make sure your needle is placed in the needle bar so that the flat side of the shank is facing towards the left. Also make sure the needle is in the needle clamp as far as it will go. You could also have lint build-up in the shuttle/hook area. Your operators manual should show you how to remove the shuttle to clean it. Then it could be that the hook is out of time with the needle although I understand this is rarely the case, but it could be. You can fix that yourself, or take it in to a sewing machine repair place and let them repair it for you. You can find the 15-91 manual here: www.singer.com/support. Here is a video on setting the timing on 301A which is a gear driven machine - 15-91 is also gear driven. I don't know how similar they are, but it may help. ua-cam.com/video/6pAWzJyV0IY/v-deo.html&ab_channel=AndyTube
Thank you so much for all those ideas. I will take a closer look with all that on mind! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.
@@mozied7539 you're welcome. I hope you can find what the problem is.
I need a bobbin case for the aame machine. Can you tell me what number?
You need a size 15 bobbin.
Is "short shank" the same as low shank?
Yes, it is.
How Do you fix the bottom stitches? My top stitches are great but the back
Is just a straight line of thread
Make sure the bobbin is threaded through the bobbin case correctly and that the upper thread is also threaded correctly. If those are o.k., then try tightening the upper thread tension a little at a time until you get good tension. Your bobbin spring may be too loose, too, but it sounds more like it's either a threading issue, or an upper thread tension issue.
@@sunrisequiltstudio I tried both but I’m not sure how to fix bobbin. I’m sure I put it in right. Are there any videos for this issue?
@@MyPotat I haven't made a video on this, but I'll try to get one made.
I have been researching other videos on tension and here is one that may help. ua-cam.com/video/5B4KAwmKdEU/v-deo.html&ab_channel=AndyTube
I have been working on refurbishing a different 15-91 that was my mother-in-laws and the tension is really off. This video has helped a lot on showing how to zero it out - basically resetting it so that you can fine tune your tension.
I don't know if you can help.
Got an old Singer. Has power but the wheel doesn't turn. You know why?
There are a number of things that could be going on, but I am not a sewing machine repair person. If your machine is rusted, that could cause it. It could also be something with the mechanisms inside the machine, or a jumble of thread in the bobbin area. I'm certain there are other possible problems, too. I would suggest doing an online search on the problem and/or taking the machine in to a professional repair person.
How do you oil it?
There are several oiling holes on the top of the machine. Plus there are places underneath the machine where there are moving parts that need oiling. You can get a manual at ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/15-91.pdf. It details where the machine needs to be oiled.
Sunrise Quilt Studio thank you kindly.
Terry,
Susan's link to the International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society website is extremely helpful.
A quality 20 weight sewing machine oil or Tri-Flow liquid lubricant for oil points works well.
Where can I get a manual for this model machine?
Go to Singer.com. You can download a pdf version for any Singer sewing machine on their website.
@@sunrisequiltstudio thank you. I did that and am getting there with figuring it out. Having a little trouble getting the bobbin and upper thread tension right. I want to use it for quilting.
Have you Free Motion Quilted on this?
Zawjatulmo No, I haven't.
Can these sew into leather?
I haven't tried sew with leather on this machine, so I don't know.
How did you know it needed to be rewired? I just got one at a thrift shop.
The insulation on the wiring was missing in places leaving exposed wire. What insulation was left was brittle and peeling off.
Hi Susan, I think I have the same machine..
Is there a way I can attach a Zig Zag to the machine ?
I’m a beginner in sewing but I think i will need Zig Zag a lot for the clothes I want to do.
I’m looking forward for your answer.
Ps I really love the machine. My serial number is Aj 733249 i heard is from1950
Yes, you can purchase a "Singer Automatic Zigzagger" off of Ebay or look for one in a flea market or antiques store.
You can get a zig zag attachment but I don’t know if that will be adequate for what you are planning on. You may be better off learning the stretch and sew technique, use long stitches and stretch the fabric before and after the needle. When you take your hand tension off, the fabric will shrink those long stitches into small ones, but you can stretch your seam without popping stitches. This obviously won’t work for athletic and swim wear, you will need a zig zag machine or serger. The attachment works best for finishing raw seams, but honestly I’d rather just French seam or Hong Kong finish.
My son bought me one about 11 months ago, figured out it's a 1948. I had it cleaned and serviced before starting to use it. I just started to learn how to quilt using it. Nice machine!
Thank you.