Singer Improved Family (15-1) basics. Introduction and threading. Everything you need to know.
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- The Singer Improved Family (1879-1890’s) was the first class 15 model. It uses the standard 15x1 (2020) needle, but NOT the standard class 15 bobbins. That and the way it operates can cause some confusion - How do I thread it and how to insert the bobbin into the shuttle area?
In this video I’ll try to tell you as much as I can about how it works and other practical stuff.
I made separate videos on the more important parts, like threading and maintaining this Singer.
It’s like a quick-reference-help-guide-helpdesk kind of thing :-)
On my channel page you can find other videos on Singer class 15 models, like the Singer 15k30, Singer 15k88, 15-75 / 15-125 (15m) and the Singer 15 Nostalgia. I also made a video on how to set them apart (how to recognize different class 15’s).
My goal was to make a complete tutorial about this first class 15-model.
Did I miss something? Please let me know in the comments below.
I have multiple vids online on Singer sewing machines. Feel free to watch more…
Featured machine:
A mechanical perfect 1890 Singer Improved Family 15-1
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro/ start
0:51 Needles
1:31 Bobbins
2:10 Winding a bobbin
3:53 Placing the bobbin
4:34 Threading the machine
6:16 Extra info & maintenance
Used royalty free soundtrack/music:
Hydra - Huma-Huma
Old Vienna - Endless Love
Retreat - Jason Farnham
(#youtube #audiolibrary)
Gear:
Camera: Sony PDW680 broadcast camcorder
Light: SmallRig RC-120b (and another small softbox)
Voice-over recorder: Tascam DR60D-MII
Software: Final Cut Pro x
Main FCPx-plugins: dpred.gumroad.com/
Note: English is not my native language. My sincere apologies for any mispronunciations! - Навчання та стиль
One more oiling point, the bobbin winder. For that take a pin to clear the little hole on the top side of that and then oil. Nice rare handcrank version. I have 3 IF machines and the larger 1883 Singer Improved Manufacture machine or IM. One of my favorite machines.
Thank you for your message!
Wow, you have an IM? And 3 IF's?
Great Scott! 🙂
Enjoy your machines, Erik
아름다운 싱거입니다 영상을 볼수있게해주어서 감사합니다 ㅋㅋㅋ😄😄😄
This video is so helpful: I just picked up what looks like an IF or 15-1 and now I have a hope of actually using it. Thank you!
So glad I was able to help you.
Have a great weekend (and week!) with your new Singer IF! Congratulations!
How nice to see: ) I've had an 1888 (SN 8429218) model for a couple of years, & it stitched from first attempt, as yours did: ) The early hooked bobbin case is what fascinated me. Mine was originally treadled, I believe, but was refinished after WW2 with a Hillman Motor attached. I need one of the U shaped Handcrank mounts, which are hens teeth these days unfortunately.
What a great video. I could have done with it 18mths ago, as I was given an 1885 IF treadle, which was in a terrible state. It was rescued from a skip 20 yrs ago the spent 10 yrs in a barn. It was totally ceased up and had been repainted which was peeling and rusty. I had never seen a bobbin like it and had no idea how it worked. Lots of research and help we eventually got it working and I love the sound of the movement. It has the Singer NY logo on the treadle base, and would love to know when and why it came over to my part of the world, Southwest England U.K.
Your videos are excellent and really appreciate your talent Thanks
Thank you so much for your compliment! That means the world to me!
Repainted machines are an absolute nightmare. I'm glad you got your machine working again.
About the table and logo: I think there is a FB group dedicated to Singer tables and cabinets, but I could be wrong.
Thank you for sharing your Singer-story.
Take care, Erik
Wow, opening the big side inspection cover was very impressive. Thanks Pal for the demo.
LOL, thanks mate! Glad you liked it.
Great work! Can't wait for the next video.
Also I have list of parts for this machine, but it has lost pages. If you need it I can start clean the mess and make a good looking PDF file.
Glad you like the video.
I am filming multiple Singers at the same time, so I have no idea which machine comes next 🙂
this is one of my favourite models. I have one in a treadle. And it is my primary sewing machine. Lovely to see someone showing it. Wish I could get a hand crank like that. I have a second 15-1 with out its treadle. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for your comment.
You must love your 15-1 IF.
I've had many Singers but I was really amazed how quiet and smooth it is. It's an amazing machine.
I was lucky: only paid 15 euros for it. 🙂
Enjoy your machine!!!
All the best from The Netherlands
Apik tenan iki 😮
thank you so much! especially the bobbin info
You're welcome. I'm glad I was able to help you!
Very well done thank you.
Thank you very much!
Such a great, informative video. I have inherited my great Aunts treadle. I am trying to learn more about the machine and this video was very helpful especially loading the bobbin. I had the needle in incorrectly as well but thanks to your video I now have a better understanding. How would one go about finding out exactly what machine I now have by the serial number? TIA
Hi. I'm so happy I was able to help you with my video!!!
Every Singer sewing machine has a serial number. The records of the Kilbowie factory (Scotland) and Elisabethport factory (New Jersey) have survived. So the serial numbers of those factories are online, on ISMACS.net and the Singer serial number app for your smartphone. Unfortunately detailed information is only available for the later serial numbers, around the year 1910 upwards.
As a result, if you search for the serial number of a Singer Improved Family (15-1) you will only see the year it was manufactured/ordered. But ISMACS has a list that tells you what serial number batch was made in which factory. I have a separate video on which location your machine may have been built.
Good luck and enjoy your weekend, Erik
@@erikneek, I made some adjustments to my 15-1 while watching your video today and the machine is finally sewing properly. Again, thank you!
How do you adjust the bobbin tension in this version? Did singer make it more complicated with the later models or was this easier?
Hi Scott,
To be honest: I have no idea how to adjust the bobbin tension. The only thing I THINK you can try is the little screw (4'26") just right of the eye. But I don't know for sure.
Although I liked the 15-1 very much, I have sold it to make room for other machines. So I cannot check it. Maybe someone in a Singer facebookgroup knows this answer. Sorry I wasn't able to answer your question.
Personally (!) I like the later 15's better: The race section can be easily disassembled and I can see what's going on.
Take care, Erik
That is correct, it is very easy to adjust with bobbin installed. I have been able to get decent enough tension even down to serger thread size. Super efficient design though it's really hard to even force a bad stitch.
I am about to purchase a White Class 15 that has been restored. Is a White Class 15 similar to a Singer Class 15?
Hi Lisa. I'm sorry, I have never seen a White sewing machine so I cannot give you an answer. (You may want to try a vintage sewing machine group on FB.)
Good luck!