What Are The Best Vintage Sewing Machines To Buy?
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- Here's in depth information about what to look for in a vintage sewing machine. I’ll also discuss some specific sewing machine models that are especially charming. LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE / @thimblebook . Your Support is greatly appreciated. =)
00:00 - Intro
00:09 - Overall Considerations
01:42 - Vintage Specifics
06:08 - Garment Making Picks
10:14 - Quilting Picks
12:15 - Embroidery Picks
12:54 - Bag Making Picks
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Here is a shortened link to the list: tinyurl.com/mppcyjjt
I look forward to reading about which vintage sewing machines you would add to the list. 😁
How refreshing! You begin right away with the topic at hand, no ten minute long introductions. You mention the most important things right away. Yes, straight stitch quality is absolutely the most important. Speed, for me, not so much, most of my sewing is repairs and making intricate doll clothes for grandchildren, but, yes.
I don't think you could offer me anything which would match my Singer 201 for stitch quality. I don't think anything after the mid-1970's Kenmores is worth fiddling with, and Singer by the 1960s had gone to brittle plastic which only in the past few years can once again be fixed.
Thanks!
and as an australian i love that southern accent - also no stupid shitty music.
I bought a Singer 306k in 1959, I sewed for. Professional dance company for many years. The Singer is still in perfect timing order.
Awesome. Singer 306K is a wonderful machine 😃
@@ThimbleBook Singer 319K is wonderful too.
Any vintage machine is 100 times better then anything built today , that simple , only problem with vintage machines is you will become addicted very easy and one will never be enough , i dont sew much and have 20 antique and vintage sewing machines , wanted to sew 1 patch on a vest and now here i am 3 years later with 20 machines , i think its better to buy new accually ! Then when the machine breaks down , you will get discouraged and stay away from them , if you buy vintage you will fall in love and want them all ....good luck people lol
You are very right about that.
Your addiction isn't so bad. I started 6 months ago and gave up counting at 30, which was 2 months ago! I've learnt heaps though and only buy machines that need fixing. And, I have sold a few already with the money perpetuating the addiction. 😁
Machines from walmart or joanns are rubbish. They are made cheaply and their tolerances are crap! Go with vintage Kenmore or other made in Japan class 15 machines. They will last through your grandchildren and great grandchildren and more.
Agree! I won't use a modern plastic machine!
Guilty as charged😂🤦🏻♀️
I have got to say, the Emdeko shown in the thumbnail and starting at 2:35 or so is a FANTASTIC machine. Definitely in my top 5, and I have over 80 machines. Yes, they take cams-- but that means they don't have a camstack to crack or get out of time. Very straight feed, nice straight stitch, notably even and regular zigzag. Regularly seen on the used market for around a hundo , and worth every dime.
Singer 15 machines are the ones I watch for: plentiful, inexpensive, parts available, reliable, solid stitching, easy to maintain.
Awesome 🙂
Yup. It pains me that such a great company turned into such a pile of planned obsolescence because of one single person.
@@ethelryan257 Who was that person?
I have both the 15-91 and the 201, the 15 is almost ready to be donated to Goodwill, I much prefer the 201. It's quieter, has better stitch quality, and much less fussy. I do know that the 201's were used in NYC garment industry. The 15's were sold as domestic machines for the farmer's wife. Just my 2 cents.
That cutting board extension is brilliant!
Thanks
Agreed
I loved that bit of enginuity, as well!
That’s what I came here to hear about!! I have the same one-great idea!!
My Mom got a Singer 401A by enrolling into Piece Work for a major local dry goods company. Every weekend she'd take in a bag of finished products, mostly bras, slips and underwear, and pick up another load of parts. She taught me my ABCs up to the letter H with me handing her bits for bras. Mom made mine and my siblings clothes. Sadly Mom gave it to my sibling who didn't sew, didn't like homemade clothes and her crazy first husband threw it at her shattering the aluminum housing. :( ....but, hey I got a serger, two garment and an embroidery machine....still wish I had a Singer 401A.
Sorry to hear about the lost 401. I occasionally run across them at tag sales/estate sales. So, you might have some luck with finding one there.
I have Whites, from the Twenties to a 2005 machine. Post 1953, made in Japan or Taiwan Whites are magnificent and Class 15, a good choice for anyone. They use the standard low shank feet. Earlier White Rotory machines, also badged Kenmore or Domestic Rotory, are far finer than Singers - but use top clamp feet. It can get overwhelming for a new sewer to find those and figure them out.
I just added some 158 Kenmores to my collection and can’t believe how I ever overlooked these workhorses. The made in Japan models are all metal.They are underated and therefore still inexpensive. I just found a 194 in my local thrift store for $12.50! Great video!
These Kennies have restored my faith in sewing machine magic. I got into a deep funk after buying a modern Janome and finding out it was a paper tiger (actually, nylon and plastic tiger...grossly underpowered at that).
My first foray into Kenmore was with a mostly metal Kenmore 1251. The camstack was made of black mold injected plastic (which the Janome and Janome built Kenmores from the mid 1980's til 1998 used in all their machine builds...and these machines are still sewing strong). It didn't affect the performance at all.
When I bought my 1940 (it's a 1941 without the glitzy handwheel, identical mechanically), I noted that both machines sewed with the same power (1.0 amps), same beautiful stitches, same awesome reverse stitch capability, same deep needle penetration resulting in a well balanced stitch, same everything. Only the 1251 lacked the drop feed dogs and ability to take on some of the accessory packages that the 1940 could.
I gave it to a person on the other side of Canada, and continued my growing love affair with Kenmore as a result. I'm currently wrestling with a problem with my newest acquisition, a Kenmore 54 (also known as a Lady Kenmore...she's lavender, and a beauty...with one ugly little fault, a nylon stitch length cam. I have a fix, and am currently working on restoring this beauty.
Now, I'm not into pink machines, but the lines on this baby...I had to have her. She has the heaviest handwheel I've ever held (it literally weighs two pounds, talk about a gear reducer...LOL). So...I wanted to tell you that you are right...these machines are often underrated.
They've also been maligned by many older sewists that regarded them as the machine that stole its tech from Bernina. And those sewists were right on the money with two points...the super high shank presser feet with the quick change lever, and the dual pulley gear reduction tech. That's where the "boutique theft" ends.
Bernina machines, as beautiful as they are have nylon camstacks that are as prone to failure as the late 1970's Kenmore machines (looks like Bernina stole that unfortunate comparison from Kenmore...LOL).
Bernina makes a BEAUTIFUL stitch. This is achieved with a lot of finely tuned (and extremely complex) parts. Kenmore also makes a beautiful stitch. It does so with a much simpler set of linkages and gears. It's also what separates it from the pack. As fine as Swiss mechanicals are, they are not service friendly for the layman. The Kennie...a wholly serviceable machine that just about anyone can make happy when they're found in need of some love.
Sadly, everyone and their dog have become in the know with Kenmore machines, and they're now becoming scarce. Parts are also becoming harder to come by for the popular models (good luck finding a 1914, 1050 or 1941 on eBay now, it's a rare occurrence).
So...let's revel in the warm glow of Kenmore goodness while our machines clatter and create. It's as addictive as it gets, and like so many other "Kenmorons", I am a proud Kennie addict, and won't apologize for it.
Glad you found your way into the all-metal realm!
@@shopwornbear1171 Wow! We have had the same “funk”. I too bought a Janome, 9450 I think, expensive with manufacturers defects. The dealership could not repair it after many attempts and frustrated to no end I wound up leaving it there and writing it off as a loss. Some time later I purchased the Juki F600 Exceed. It is a much better machine that I am happy with.
My first Kennie was a piece of furniture,literally. It was a beautiful lavender 52 in a looong table with every accessory you can think of. To be honest I hardly ever used her,I just liked looking at her and all the little lavender attachment boxes. It is like a showroom display.
My next Kennie I got at a church bazaar, a round 54 with the Kenmore name written in script like letters. She is a piece of art to me. After some 1040’s and watching utube videos I happened on the 1050 which I didn’t know existed. I am new to the 158’s made in Japan and am scouting them out, though as you say the prices are rising. Would love a Lady Kenmore, (I’m pretty lucky at finding things) ….
Interestingly, my first new and expensive machine was a Bernina 1530 in 1990. I still have her and she has had no problems. I had not heard about Kenmore’s “theft” but knowing what I know now I might have chosen differently. Right now I’m having fun with Kenmores and as you say, restoring my faith after the Janome fiasco. Who knew I would acquire so many machines. (Don’t ask 😮 😄) I feel like I’m stealing them because they are truly great machines. Thanks for your reply kindred spirit 😇.
I love Kennies, too!
@geminilove4682 I have a "Minnie Kennie" 1040, and love her and her rose case! The 1050 is on me lookout, for sure!
The Singer 15-91 has the most beautiful stitch in the world.......love my vintage machines..
Well done! Thank you! I love my Montgomery wards signature Japanese made machine! I picked it up for $35 and it looks like it has never been used. I also love the olive green color.!
Thanks for the info! Love the video
Excellent. WOW!
I have a Kenmore 158.17600 with all the cams, monogrammer, and buttonholer. Great machine for pretty much any fabric including vinyl. My Singer 201-2 makes perfect stitches for quilting. Vintage machines can be an excellent choice. I'm sewing bags primarily, and have a new Juki DU1181n walking foot which I love. Also have a 1980's Consew 227 cylinder arm. That's a beast, suitable for heavy leather. I seldom use the cylinder arm, I prefer a flatbed mount as it gives you so much room to work with.
I have the singer 401a I learned to sew on. I adore it. It does everything I need.
Awesome 😀
Does it sew jean material well?
@@jennifervautour9443 it will.
@@jennifervautour9443mine does, always use a denim needle, of course.
You are so knowledgeable!!!
Thank you!!!
This video is very well done. Thanks for posting.
Thanks, I will recommend this video to anyone looking to get a good sewing machine. I can't argue with anything that you said. You did a great job covering the important things. I recently picked up a Universal that was made in Japan and based on the class 15. I'm very impressed with this machine.
I completely agree with you about the Singer 201-2, and the Kenmore 158-1941. I own both and firmly believe that the 201-2 has the best straight stitch of any home sewing machine. The Kenmore 158-1941 is probably the single most useful machine available. Very well designed and built.
I have both and, yes, there is no question about it. The 158-1941x series has darn good straight stitching too, especially at the very slow speeds at which I do much of my work (doll's clothes).
I love these questions and answers even about machines I don't have. thank you!
Excellent presentation! Thank you!
A good thorough list. Good presentation. Thanks.
It’s amazing how many types of machines are out there. It’s addictive ❤. I share your passion and appreciate your channel and instructions. Best wishes on continued success. You’ve taught me a lot.
Thanks
Great info gathered here. Thanks
Thank you! I will apply these suggestions during my search for a new-to-me machine.
Thanks for this informative video!
I have a Singer 301A that was my Mom's. She taught me to sew on it. It's a sturdy strong machine! I recently got a Singer 27 treadle at an estate sale just because I wanted a manually powered option.
The Pfaff 1222E semi-industrial home sewing machine gets my vote. They were made in West Germany from the 60’s to the 90’s. I have one that is 45 years old and still sews like a dream. Good luck finding one though.
Thanks for letting me know about this model. Maybe one day, I'll find one to review so I can add it to the list.
Awesome video!!
Thank You for the Vintage machine review ! Well done and truly helpful.
Thank you for all the information.
TY for great info. I just purchased a Kenmore/Sears 1040 with the cute case!!!! It works great however I don't understand the clutch. But.....I will figure it out😅
Thanks for this great video!
Terrific video, I learned so much.
Outstandingly clear and comprehensive. As I own several vintage machines. Your research and experience… Wow! Thank you! 👏👏👏
Thanks for watching
Excellent video and amazing knowledge of machines!
I really appreciate the quality of your video. I took many notes.
Thanks
Thank you very much.
Great info!
WOW you really are a wizard!!! so impressive of your savvy depth of knowledge. Thanx so much!
No wizardry going on here. Thanks for watching.
Great video - very nicely made and so informative! Thank you!
Hi! I JUST discovered your site and subscribed. This was so very informative. Please keep these videos coming. Thanks much for taking the time to make this video.
Thanks for watching
Thank you!, this was an excellent presentation. 🙂
I like the all-metal vintage Necchi machines.
Yes, those are some nice machines. A few features on the Necchi were very advanced for the time period.
Excellent video, thank you for this review.
Thanks for watching
Wow! Very informative and helpful. I am researching vintage to replace a cheap working newer brother. I don't want a computerized as it seems the motherboards go out just like washers and dryers and then need to be replaced at hefty repair fees. Thank you so much for this concise information. It is very useful.
i live and die by my kenmores but i also love the singer 404a and 404g. for a dedicated straight stitch, the 404a is great because it is aluminum casting instead of iron so quite a bit lighter and it has a beautiful straight stitch. i learned quilting on a 404a. i ended up picking up quite a few 400 series and repairing/servicing them and selling them or donating them to kids and lower income families that needed them. they would show up at yard sales, the swapmeet and craigslist for under $10 all the time. i miss those days.
just a comment on the plastic gear in the singer 301-501, it is a phenolic resin fiber reinforced gear. the fiber reinforcement adds a great deal of durability and toughness to the very strong but somewhat brittle resin. they use the fiber reinforced phenolic resin gears in bandsaws and the like from the 50s-90s. phenolic resin gears pretty much never break or wear out unless they are impacted or somehow abused badly. i've gone through and serviced hundred or so singer 400 series machines and i have only seen 1 machine with a broken phenolic resin gear and that same machine had a other damage common to machines where someone tried to sew through very very heavy material, got the machine stuck and then forced it by hand causing bending and breaking in the linkages.
Wow. Thanks for sharing.
What about viking Husqvarna sewing machine? Or pfaff sewing machines? They are really good.
My mom had that Kenmore you have when I was little!
Thank you, very helpful .
My husband gave me the Bernina 930 somewhere around 1983-1984. It runs as well as it did when it was new. ❤️
You must have an awesome husband. 😁
I love my singer 15-91 she sew great
Love your style! Awesome review. I always wanted a vintage sewing machine. Just didn’t know where to begin.
Thanks for a really helpful video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise 😊
Thanks for watching
GREAT VIDEO! I have my grandmothers Singer 201 and it's a really smooth and powerful machine. I picked up a 3/4 Kenmore 1040 that I picked up in a thrift store, as well as a Singer Featherweight 221. You have a nice assortment of machines that can be readily found and at a variety of price points.
Wow. You have great taste 😎
This is exactly the reason why I so love the videos you upload. You are intuitive, knowledgable and clearly have excellent taste in machines.
I own the 1914, a 1940 (think 1941 without the glitzy handwheel, they're identical mechanically) a "Lady Kenmore" model 54. This is the heaviest domestic machine I've ever owned. It weighs a few metric tonnes...ROFL. Some of these "Iron Giants" come with a nylon cam that controls the stitch length. It is a load bearing part. Due to the practice of using petroleum grease on the gears back then, they split in two 100% of the time.
Fortunately, one of the men in my Kenmore group on Facebook has taken my broken gear and modelled a replacement for this machine, ensuring it'll sew for many years to come (that same issue follows the Kenmore 16 and 1751, and this part fits all three of these machines). Some plastics are a bad deal, but with problems often rise solutions.
I only mentioned this because I don't want anyone racing out to buy one of these 1.2 amp machines thinking they're impervious to failure, they're not.
I also have a hybrid Kenmore 27 in my roster (for modern sewing, I appreciate the 6.5 mm zig zag width). Unlike the Kenmores from the late 1970's until Maruzen and Soryu stopped manufacturing for Sears; this generation of Kenmore machines are superior in quality by comparison.
Janome (only until 1998) built a roster of excellent hybrid machines for Sears that sewed well and are still sewing today. That 27 was built in 1990 and is going on 34 years of faithful service, even with nylon gears. This machine was a daily driver for a quilter and embroiderer who only sold it because she decided to return to England and couldn't use it there due to the power differences in the U.K. She sewed on this machine...a lot. As well, she did her due diligence with maintenance. This machine sews like it just came off the assembly line.
It goes to show you what good engineering can achieve when you treat a machine with respect, and sew within it's limitations (which you brilliantly point out during your machine description with bag making).
I am a fan, and I thank you so much for putting the effort you do into making these videos. I will note that I've featured that extension table DIY page you so generously shared with my group on several occasions. My peeps at Mr Kenmore's Neighborhood wanted me to thank you for putting that out there for people to be able to replicate for their own sewing journey. For anyone reading this and wanting to know what I'm talking about, it's the Bernina shown in this video with the bread board extension table...she made this, and she did a fantastic job of it, too. You can find the "how to" here:
thimblebook.com/index.php/2020/09/29/diy-sewing-machine-extension-table/
Keep smilin'...thanks AGAIN!
Thank you so much for being a subscriber and I really appreciate the complements. You have some amazing sewing machines and I am glad you were able to get a replacement made for your Kenmore gear.
very insightful. Thanks for the great video
Thanks for watching
Love my 201
What a great video! I grew up on the Singer 15 - 91, which I have. It is such a workhorse, there is nothing like it, in my opinion. I also have the buttonholer attachment, so it's amazing on all woven fabrics. There actually is a zig-zag stitch attachment that was made for this machine, but every demonstration I've ever seen of it indicates it was never much good, except for possibly finishing seam edges, 1 layer only. It just doesn't really work for knit fabrics, and for that I have other machines. This is a great list, thank you! I was especially intrigued by the embroidery machines. I am considering getting one, and had no idea that there were vintage options!
Thanks for watching. The Singer 15 is definitely a great model machine to have.
I love my Singer 401A. I paid $85 for it, and it came in a beautiful cabinet. After my expensive computerized Pfaff bit the dust after only four years, I decided I was finished with machines designed to become obsolete.
Great video thank you. A 1050 Kenmore is on my collection list
Thanks! Awesome.
I will always use my Singer touch n sew 600e! Learned on my mom's from 1963, taught my hubby on a used one he found at a yard sale and now I own my own! I've had a Kenmore and two vikings - but my❤ will always be with the singer 600e!
Yea, I too, love my 600E and we were fortunate to find one at a yard sale for $35.00 so my daughter has one also.
The 600 was the last of the all metal machines from Singer.
That wind in place bobbin is nice! When it's working, that is. Lol The one I had loved to give me fits.
Thank you so much!!!
Very informative and thorough video! Have me a lot to consider, and models I hadn't considered before! Thank you!
Btw I have my grandma's Singer 404. It's what I learned to sew on and I love it!
Awesome
I have three 401a models. They seem to be popular where I live. I am slowly learning to sew on them as they take a bit of getting used to but do a great job with a variety of tasks.
I had 3 of the 401's too-- donated one back to some refugees who were familiar with that machine. The remaining two, I am cleaning up and will probably donate to others. They are wonderful!
I have a black Riccar, I love it. I do not know the year, but still sews like a top. I also have my grandmothers singer treadle. It still works and I have extra leather bands.
Awesome 😀
Incredible video! I especially liked the section on bag making. I bought a modern heavy duty machine for doll bag making because even though I have a vintage machine that can sew through leather I hate putting a machine in a strain when a modern machine has a far easier time if it. I keep my lady Kenmore 89 around for it's pretty face and delicate decorative stitches lol
Kenmore 89 definitely deserves to be treated like a lady. 😆
This is a really good video.
IMHO the Singer 201-2 is the best straight stitch sewing machine by far. It's quiet, sews smoothly over any thickness without bogging down. I love mine, it makes sewing easy & fun.
Thank you.
Great video. Love all your machines. I have 6 Singers, 3 are Featherweights.
Wow, that's great.
Me to!
Thank you. Such beautiful machines . Very impressive video. Nice website I subscribed to both .
Thank you!
Thanks for a very informative video. By the way, that emdeko machine is beautiful!
Thanks
I love your “homemade “table for the Bernita minute 9:14 . I would love a tutorial on how to that was made. Fabulous!
Perhaps in the future I will make a video showing how to.
I have the Kenmore 158.1914 and the Singer 201-2 and love them both. The best part of the 201 for me, is that it sews effortlessly from thin to heavy or multi-layers without a problem. I also have a kenmore 158.1032 that is one of the 3/4 size machines with a 1amp motor and sews great.
Wow. You have some very nice machines there. Best of the best.
Thanks for this informative vid. I love vintage machines. The singers before plastic gears ,especially! I just need to say that the 301, and 401, and ones up to 600 series.you mentioned don't have plastic gears. The gear you showed is a Nylock, which is not plastic. I've owned several that had them, and never seen a nylock gear that failed.
I don't know but the singer Fashion 237 is the most under rated machine for its value.. its a great machine all metal.
Yes, nobody ever talks about that model and it is quite nice.
I completely agree with your choice of the Singer 201-2, and the Kenmore 158-1941. Nothing makes a better straight stitch than the 201-2. Smooth, quiet and powerful. The Kenmore 158-1941 is the most useful domestic machine. Great selection of USEFUL stitches, strong mechanism, great piercing power, and very reliable.
The only things I've found that give a better stitch than the 201 is the Singer 216 or 316G, and the Bernina 117. But the 201 is the best bang for the buck around. The ubiquitous Singer 15-91 also comes very, very close.
I like Bernina 730 and 830!
My Bernina 930 and Necchi BU Mira and Supernova hold the top slots for me. I have the 201, 15-91, 221 and Pfaffs and Elnas. For some reason the 185J just keeps getting my eye. These old gals are phenomenal, and I aim to get to know a Kenmore before too long. Cheers, sewing machine admirers!
You have an awesome collection!
Yeah, there's nothing like an Italian-made Necchi in my stable, as well. And the Singer 401 has been called "the best Singer ever made" although she's not very glamorous looking :)
Your Bernina is beautiful!
I love my Riccar Super Stretch 500! She makes me feel like an expert seamstress! But I love my older Kenmore. I collect them.
Awesome. I never heard of the Riccar Super Stretch 500. Ill have to check it out.
Singer 15, non electric direct drive...hand crank! The singer 111w155, is great, you are 100% correct! For heavy leather a juki 441 or it's good quality clones
I must say that this is an extremely comprehensive video covering almost everything that I can think of on the subject and I am impressed.
I got into vintage sewing machines a few years ago and made some rookie mistakes. One was to assume that a metal bodied machine would have metal gears - many don't. Another mistake was to assume that parts would be available - Singer parts usually are, the rest may not.
You are very lucky in the US to have Kenmores. The Japanese manufactured later model all metal versions were arguably the best sewing machines ever made and definitely marvels of engineering.
As another commenter mentioned White are workhorses, often with more powerful, higher torque motors than their competitors.
All metal Brother from Japan, which was also sold as Jones, were terrific and some have zig-zag. However later metal models have plastic gears as I sadly found out.
Janome of Taiwan are also very high quality and I believe that these were sold mainly as New Home.
Here in the UK I unfortunately wouldn't touch a Necci due to low parts availablity, despite them being incredible machines. Again, late model machines had metal bodies and plastic gears, so beware. Necci vintage parts may be available in Italy and interestingly in former Yugoslavia, where they were also made (I think) and marketed as the Super Slavica.
This video has been a great introduction to your channel, so I'm now going to explore it more! Thank you for this very helpful guide.
All the best from bonnie Scotland.
Thanks for watching. I had no idea Brother was under the Jones label too.
@@ThimbleBook No, it's the other way around. When the English company Jones got in severe financial difficulty in the 50's or 60's (?), Brother bought the Jones name to market Japanese products to the West. Japan had great manufacturing and very low labour costs, but because WW2 was not long over many people were distrustful or hostile to buying from what most people still viewed as the enemy. Hence many successful Japanese companies bought Western brands to get round this.
Incidentally, before Singer became huge Jones had the largest sewing machine factory in the world.
@@ivancho5854 That's super interesting.
Did you make the table for your Bernina out of a cutting board? I love it. A tutorial would so welcomed!
For beginners and basic sewers. Sears Kenmore.easy to use
Such an informative video! I love the Kenmore ad. I'm a bit surprized that your top pick is the Singer 401 for garment-making since it doesn't have stretch stitches, which you indicate you want.
Thanks for watching. I tried to pick variety for garment makers because there are some who only sew with natural fibers and others who prefer to use stretchy materials. For the natural fibers person the 401 is perfect. But for a athletic wear specialist, one of the Kenmore's would be a much better choice.
@@ThimbleBook I thought that might be your view. Agreed. I like them too, particularly the Japanese design. My only reservation about them is inability to change needle position. Any suggestions for a 50s-60s machine that offers that?
@@galaxytrio I like your line of questioning. Looks like its time for another video 🙂There are a few machines that come to mind. But, the first one that came to my mind was the Necchi Julia.
@@ThimbleBook I'll check that out. James Rogers has 2 videos about how to modify needle positions on Kenmores that have external cams.
Thanks for a good video -- I have two vintage machines, but none that do zigzag. I know what to look out for now. I wouldn't mind having one of those Kenmores!
Awesome🤓
My Kenmore 1757 and Necchi Supernova both have the decorative stitch cams and both run smooth and strong. I would trade either one for a Kenmore 1941 with the free arm. There is also a Singer 328 Style-O-Matic in our house (it isn't mine, though) which I would recommend to anyone.
Your machines are in beautiful condition and I really like that table you have for your Bernina 210. It is not unusual to find free arm machines with the removable table missing. Your solution is great. It could be a nice addition to a standard machine, also, providing a larger surface without having to own the sewing machine cabinet.
Kenmore 1757 is a nice machine and so is the Singer 328. I heard Necchi Supernova is nice but haven't had the opportunity to try it. Yes, the free arm table works well. Thanks for watching!
I learned to sew on Singer 301, next went to some various Kenmore & Japanese (branded as MW) machines. Eventually got back to sewing when babies arrived, with Janome/New Home and a serger, then a Brother "computerized" machine which promised much, but quit after 2 years, and the OSMG advised buying a new machine. At that point, I went backwards, to a vintage Kenmore (with the Elna serger, all mechanical, still works to this day). Quilting bug hit--- got a Singer 201 and oh MY how wonderful! Then came upon a 301 same as the one I learned on, couldn't resist. And a Featherweight (never use it except when camping). For now still have the 201, 301, several 401's, Kenny's, serger, and now do most sewing on Brother 1500 and Janome 8200. Some day if I win the lottery LOL I might go for something fancy....but why? all we need is a good straight stitch, good lighting, and the thread/pressing has nothing to do with the SM. Let's focus on good sewing techniques, which doesn't depend on the machine, rather the operator.
Wow you have quite the collection of machines. Thanks for watching.
Respectfully, that "one plastic gear" is not plastic but a composite called "Texolite" (I may have spelled this incorrectly). I own a 201-2 and a 301A. When I refurbished my 201, I found the Texolite gear in superb condition for it's age - 84 years! I was surprised myself but realized these things were made to last. The only time a piece of plastic inside a machine is if it's a part which is constantly under stress (like a gear). Internal cams and the occasional bit of plastic here and which aren't under stress are not a problem.🙂
Thanks for letting me know the name Texolite. I'll remember.
You're welcome. Thank YOU for all the terrific videos!
That gear at the handwheel is a special Fibre gear, tough as nails not plastic never seen one wear out. Thanks again good advice P.S. I have the 403 A similar to your favourite and also the 1941, 1914 AND the 301 ! You have good taste ;-) Most tech's say the best kenmore ever made is the 194,. Never heard of that 3/4 Kenmore. I love that wooden table top for your Bernina I need one . Anyhow great video you must be an excellent seamstress ! I don't sew much just love to collect but soon I will start sewing more. Subbed and hit the alarm Thanks again so well done Bravo.
Thanks for watching.
@@ThimbleBook You are welcome thank you ! Just came back and noticed that my thumbs up I gave you did not show so I am glad I came back and gave you the thumbs up again. You tube does that from time to time
@@lindamorgan2678 Thanks
The best one in my opinion is the White Rotary. I have one that is 73 years old and it’ll last another 73 years if taken care of.
Awesome!
I've had that same Emdeko machine for 40+ years, and I also have a parts machine, so if you need help with it, let me know. I love mine. Her name is Eleanor 😅
Janome is Kenmore. Janomes are Japanese. Best sewing machines. Mine can definitely sews bags, layers of denim, even leather. My vintage 1993, yes from the 1990's Janome is top loading, with readily available bobbins and lots of fabulous clip on presser feet is a workhorse, I have never had any issues, or any 'plastic' or any other parts replaced. User friendly and so easy to use. They are practically maintenance free, rarely need oiling as the metal is improved from the older machines and are always ready to use..
I had an old front bobbin Bernina in a box with red velvety lining from the 1970's . What a nightmare it was. And the noise.
It's the weightless mostly plastic machines that are rubbish like Singers, not made by the same Singerthat no longer exists.
It's not just older vintage and Bernina's that are great, or can do the job.
Very good video with valuable info! Great Job! I prefer the less complex Singer 403A that the 401. The Kenmore 1941 and 1947 are awesome machines, and ALL the 3/4 Kenmores are nice, especialy my 158.1040! I love the 201-2 but alas just about all of them need to be rewired and it is not portable. As an alternative to the Singer 15 you might be interested in getting a 306K and modifying it to take standard needles. You would have to get less common bobbins than size 15 but they those industrial bobbins are big and vertical and you have zigzag. Others have posted videos on this (zigzag and the use of cams). I would love to find the free-arm version of the 306/319... the 320.
The 306K is a great suggestion. Also, I agree with you about the 201 as most of them need rewiring that isn't for the novice.
Is there any reason you would choose the Kenmore 1914 over the 1941?
@@redoak3809 The 1914 is nice too. I just prefer the 1941 because I don't have to worry about using the design cams.
Regarding the many various versions of Japanese ZigZag machines from the 50s to the 60s, something to note:
Many were built to be "LEFT HOMING". This means the home base basic straight stitch is positioned at the far left point in its total width range. So NOT in the center of the presser foot like you might be used to. And for ZigZag, the wider you set it, the further it reaches to the right for each stitch. Weird at first. But once you get used to it, there are some advantages. I use a fairly wide all purpose ZigZag foot, so aligning fabric edge to right edge of the foot makes a nice easy tidy seam allowance.
I have an elna240 that I bought as an emergency machine when my more expensive machine went in for repairs. I have only just found out it is left homing, i always wondered why the needle didn't sit in the centre.
Any help with the bobin setup on a zig zag model 413 would be most greatfull..this one is a late 60s model i believe..thanks
My grandma who was a professional seamstress. She always used a white
Your grandma must have had really good taste. White sewing machines are awesome!
What if I want to make a velvet or velour hat which has stuffing fabric used in quilting and felt to give structure (think floppy top hat) the layers are velvet, a ruffle around brim, felt , quilting interior fluffy fabric to keep brim shape and then polyester fleece as interior layer. Its construction is basically two hats with a ruffle on edge connecting the two top hats then the one hat is flipped up inside of the other hat for shape. So it's sorta reversible even though fleece isn't nearly as pretty..also the hat is made of 4 rectangles connected for height and circle at top..then bottom is the circle brim with ruffle .I would say about 5 or 6 layers . Something easy for sewing a circle. Since sewing circles thanks vintage please. You seem like a pro thats for sure you know your stuff. Subbed
Your hat project sounds very interesting. I think many vintage sewing machines would handle the project well. If I was working on this project using my own machines, I would probably use Bernina 1010 because of the free arm and strong motor. The Kenmore would just have a harder time getting over the thick fleece and my Emdeko would be harder to work with because it is a flat bed. I hope this sort of answers your question in a round about way. Thanks for subscribing🙂
@Thimble Book if interest I can send you some pictures it's easy I know you could figure out or once I create pattern and measure I could send you dimensions as well..if you want to link email and delete it or something. It's a really great hat to sell I'm hoping too because how many compliment I get on it and they way no hats like this really are for sale online anywhere . I have looked for years for another or similar one because this hat is my most prized possession so i don't want to loose it so thats why I Have started recreating one so I can make another for myself first and hopefully then sell some to Facebook friends etc. I Mean handmade hats also sell for alot too up to 200 dollars. Not saying I will charge that much but I think 150 would be about what I may try to charge because it is such an iconic and statement hat. The person who made this construction too is very smart because I see various attempts but they don't have the method correct. which seems to nakes hat not drape correctly or even be sturdy or too sturdy with wires etc. Thats what i notice and I see on etsy
@@fancy8365 My email address is in the about tab if you would like to show what you are working on. You should definitely perfect this design and start selling some hats. It doesn't even have to be 100% perfect.