Antique/vintage Singer
 

If you are a fan of Cliff Richard and have come for some ‘Sir Cliff’ chat then I’m afraid this is not the place for you ;)

On the other hand, if you own or know anything about old sewing machines, please stay, I’m in need some advice :)

I have recently been given an antique/vintage Singer sewing machine which is in need of some TLC. The metal work is rusted/tarnished in parts, there are some parts missing, the paintwork has at least one huge scratch and someone has replaced the veneer on the table top with some ‘faux pine’ Formica, god only knows why?!?

It’s been on the go for a few years so I realise there is an element of expected wear and tear but I would like to try and clean the metal up a bit, get the mechanics checked out and have the table top re-veneered (I’m not sure what type of wood it is yet).

If any one has any advice or tips I would really appreciate them.

Thanks 😊

Gosh I remember turning the handle on my Mothers vintage sewing machine when I was about 6. It was 20 years old back in the late 1950's!

Just had a quick Google and E Bay has loads of spares from vintage machines on sale.

Sad to say most aren't worth much even in good condition unless they are rare or pedal operated types.

I have a treadle one inherited from my mother. DS wants it to make a christmas decoration out of it!

Thanks Tom, I’ll have a wee look online for spares.

I’m not looking to make any money out of it, I would quite like to get it tidied up and keep it, mostly for decoration.

I have a 1950s electric Singer that belonged to my great grandmother which my aunt gave me in the summer, it’s a dream to sew with and has never even flinched irrespective of how many layers of fabric I sew with it (unlike the more modern machine I have). It was in great condition when I got it and only needed a service and some the electric cables updated.

The one I’ve just been given is a treadle (I think that’s the word) type which is built in to a table, it was manufactured in 1909 so has had a wee bit more wear and tear.

This actually sounds like a really cool idea, especially if you are not likely to use it as a sewing machine :)

I bet there are loads of creative things you could do with them!

My cousin has the turn handle one, I would love a treadle one. There is a place in Stirling that repairs machines, they may be able to help. I always used to use the man with the shop in Brightons but he died last year.
My Mums 50's Singer machine needs looking at, the tensioning is all wrong and youtube videos are only of limited help.

Thanks Scotty, I’ll have a look online for the place in Stirling. We’re a few of hours away but my husband in is having an operation in Glasgow soon so that would be an ideal opportunity to take it up.

I try and avoid touching the tension at all costs. At a push I will do a wee bit with the upper thread but definitely not the bottom, how to get it right is one of life’s mysteries.

https://www.psmc.co.uk/acatalog/SERVICE_-_REPAIRS.html
Pembertons, Friars Street, Stirling.