100 year old sewing machine VS Brand new Singer Heavy Duty

[@susankuhlman6514]

I saw a man sewing with a Singer like yours on "Skid Row"' a area where homeless people live. He just sets up on the sidewalk on Saturdays, has a curtain people can stand behind, and they can have him mend their clothes on the old non electric Singer. The man said that his wife uses this machine to make quilts and it has been in his family over one hundred years. What a nice way to give support to the people who suffer the most.

[@hefestodesign]

So inspiring, thanks for sharing !

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

Great idea! As a female, I would be too scared, but a man doing this charity work seems lovely.

[@taylortomblin]

I have two antique machines and two modern ones. I love my antiques, one of which is a Singer treadle machine. While it can’t sew in reverse, a good alternative to backtacking is as follows. At the beginning or end of your seam where you would normally backtack to lock your stitches, sew forward a bit, lift the presser foot and move your fabric back a little, and then sew over that small section of seam a second time. Basically, you provide the “reverse” function by just backing the fabric up a tiny bit. It’s less annoying than actually turning the whole piece 180 degrees and works just as good. I hope this helps!

[@katielove9932]

Smart idea!

[@gergemall]

I have several types of sewing machines including industrial sewing machines oil cooled to cobbler straight stitch machine. Thank you. Great video.

[@gergemall]

Wonderful video. Great stitches. Gorgeous pieces. Very impressive finished pieces. Cheers

[@jennifercfleonard]

😢Thank you

[@mercynamikoye9084]

Hey, I don't know which machine you have but here in africa we use similar style sewing machines to the vintage ones because they are cheaper and stronger even for professional tailors and they do have a reverse stitch way

[@sosuhob]

A tip for flatbed sewing machines: always sew on the inside of the circle. In that way your fabric folds away from the needle in an easy manner. And for backstitching: start a little early, cross over and finish a little late.

[@kcyarn]

It's a bit easier to start going and you'll have a more control if you put the ball of one foot on the back edge of the treadle and ball of the other on the front edge of the treadle. I sew on a New Home Rotary treadle (my grandmother's from the late 1930s). If you ever decide to look for another vintage machine, there are a lot of post WW1 options with a back stitch and droppable feed dogs. Nice bag!

[@patriciapost962]

Beautiful work. I sooo regret selling my granny’s treadle machine-such a relaxing sound. Don’t know how old it was but I’m 77 so it was old but still working.

[@carolroberts8930]

My mom had a Singer treadle machine that looked like the one in your video. It was awesome. She made clothing for me and my siblings from printed flour sacks back in the 40s-early 50s. What a blessing printed flour sacks were! Wish they were still around -- they would make awesome quilts! BTW, I am 82 y.o.! I have had a couple of low-end electric Singer portables and a more modern electronic machine. Would still prefer the old non-electric machine. Don't know what ever happened to it. Interesting side point, my great grandfather was a traveling salesman for Singer sewing machines in their early days. My great grandmother was a seamstress when she and my great grandfather met.

[@awalk5177]

I own one of these vintage sewing machines, exactly like the one in the video. I would love to learn how to use it in my retirement, but don't know where to start. How can I learn to use it properly ?

[@dawn5227]

What you call a French seam is actually a butterfly seam. A French seam is sewn twice. Once with the right sides out. Then it's turn and its sewn with wrong sides out. So that the edges are fully encased. This sort of seam is used in garments to reduce fabric from fraying. It also creates a much neater inside seam.

[@lubinks5379]

it's funny because in France what he calls a French seam is called an English seam

[@karenboyd6293]

that's what I was going to say.

[@emcarver8983]

It's a flat fell seam. English.

[@Sibes3]

I just learned a new back-stitch method (I have a 113 year old Singer!) Take about 4 stitches. Lift the presser foot and pull your fabric forward 2 or 3 stitches, then continue sewing. There are many demonstrations of this technique on KZbin. Thank you for the enjoyable comparison video! I had a plastic Kenmore 30 years ago. Threw it to the dump once I got my Singer treadle! lol

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks, that is a good method, but doesn't it leave a long stitch where you pull the fabric forward ? I guess If you are sewing anywhere where it wont be visible it is nice ! About the machine, yeah same with me I had an old neumann...

[@Sibes3]

@@hefestodesign Yes, If you’re concerned about the visual probably not the best method but I love it. Saves time and isn’t terribly noticeable. But, give it a try if you haven’t already. I try and line up my stitches exactly. Lol

[@lorigs1750]

Try lifting the presser foot for just a few stitches while treadling; this will relieve tension to the feed dogs so that you’ll be stitching over your last stitches, effectively making a double lock

[@neilstephen6761]

I own both of your machines and I love my vintage machine and use it constantly Thank you for your video. Happy sewing

[@piccalillipit9211]

I have a 1950's Singer and a brand new electronic one - the 1950's is a VASTLY superior machine. There is literally no comparison. I only use the modern one for button holes.

[@ShelleyM007]

So glad that there are people like you in the world that are saving the vintage beauties👏🏻💐. I am looking to upgrade a basic generic sewing machine and know Singer has a good reputation, but I can’t bare how UGLY their modern sewing machines are- no way I’m looking at THAT in my house.

[@lindamorgan2678]

They are junk go buy a vintage one pre 70's with steel gears etc and lots of stitches and cams

[@HobbyOrganist]

I have a Singer 101-3 on a #40 library table from 1923, it's electric and I am restoring it now in fact. The machine itself is in excellent condition, no rust, but all oil dried out, it only needs a decent cleaning a relubricating.

[@hefestodesign]

Good luck on the restoration, Its a really rewarding endeavor !

[@biggyziggy5777]

I live in Australia and my Nana owned a Singer treadle sewing machine and she used it until she was 102 when her eye sight became difficult for her to do her projects 😊 … she would sew pot holders for her Grandchildren. My Nan past away when she was 106 and now l own her treadle machine … l don’t use it but l love it 🥰

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for sharing ! You should learn to use it, Its quite rewarding work !

[@alexlopez8922]

I’m with you on keeping the antique sewing machine, personally I bought first a modern computerized singer sewing machine and it was a disaster, I would get error codes every 10 minutes, internal plastic parts would break away , even spare parts that I was keeping to replace them when they broke down, broke by themselves 😮 then my ant gave me a Franklin sewing machine which is amazing, I recently bought a singer 66 on a bentwood case and I love it is 105 years old and works even better than any other computerized machine I’ve owed, vintage were created to outlast its creators and owners which is amazing ❤

[@lindamorgan2678]

True story they make them that way on purpose 2 years and you will be buying again.

[@sonyasmithart9085]

I have had my heavy duty for several years and I love it .I am a quilter and use mine most every day

[@SewSoUnique]

Glad you are keeping the vintage. I want one!!

[@diannefitzmaurice9813]

Singer had an arm in the earliest electric ones.. One thing you didn't mention is whether you used a leather needle and it makes a huge differnce . I still have my mother's old singer from the 1940's and did use it on leather and even fur making bears out of fur coats. I think the antiques/ vintage machines especially the later electric ones will still be around in another 100 years when the plastics are long gone . The earliest circular sock machines that are being refurbished are very beautiful hand cranked knitting machines that are still going strong after more than 150 years on some of them . For all the modern advancements the materials have gone backwards with plastic and are now creating havoc with our planet and health. The more we refurbish the old machine the better off we will be or start to make new ones with the old tried and true solid metals .

[@ruthsquiltingandmore5346]

The plastic singer Is not heavy duty. That's a advertising ploy. I wouldn't have one of them. BTW, I have about 30 vintage machines, mostly singers and several newer machines. None of the newer ones are singers.

[@Bluebelle51]

People keep referring to the new one as "plastic" but it's only plastic on the outside, it has a steel frame and metal internal parts, which is why I bought it. I also have a 1919 Featherweight Singer, which is much prettier, and sews well, someone put a motor on it in the 30's but it can readily be converted back to a hand cranked machine if needed. I also have a 1977 Kenmore (actually made by Pfaff with Kenmore labeling) that is also all metal, the foot pedal is a bit touchy tho, age is catching up with it I suppose.

[@hexy5949]

@@ruthsquiltingandmore5346 It's reasonably heavy duty. I've seen some tests of this machine and it had no problem punching through 4 layers of leather (the most possible to fit under the presser foot). It does require a bit of a minimum speed though. Go too slow with too many layers and it can stall. I've used the Singer Heavy Duty a decent amount for personal use and never found something it couldn't handle.

[@ron.v]

Hello from Georgia, USA. I was glad to subscribe as you requested. By the way, you speak English incredibly well. It was a pleasure watching and listening to your narration during this excellent video.

[@sallycole8880]

I love seeing you use the old singer Would love more videos on it Thank you

[@marjoriemoser3961]

I appreciate your tenacity! Keep up the great work!!! I too am a seamstress of many varieties of projects. I have the old black iron Singer machines and love the turnout on denim fabrics. I too have a plastic one, a Brother; for which thousands of projects have been sewn up.

[@EDWRFle]

You forget that the new singer heavy duty you can change the feet of the machine. There is a foot for leather work. Or use a plastic foot or a foot that has a roller attached to the foot. I think both are very good and very well sewn. Great job. 👍🏾.

[@lindamorgan2678]

The old machine has OODLES of feet and even ruffle attachments. More so than the new ones

[@tenaoconnor7510]

I fell in love with the older machines. Making sure you have the correct needles is essential. You did a good job 👍🏻👍🏻 I have two hand-crank machines, one singer and one Hexagon. Both of them I love, they work wonderfully. I also have 3 treadle machines that I have to work on the bases to make them usable. One Damascus and two Franklins. Mom and I both have heavy duty electric machines, both over 30 years old. I have newer electric machines also.

[@cattuslavandula]

Interesting comparison. The modern machine did better than I thought it would.

[@bigfamilyaffair]

I loved watching you sew on the vintage sewing machine. I collect them because they are so beautiful. I do have a treadle and have a Red Eye in it. I have many of the Singer sewing machines but my favorite is the 201 because it's the Rolls Royce of the Featherweights. Thank you for the video, I truly enjoyed it!

[@brandywell44]

We used to call those Duffle Bags in England and they were popular with school children in the late 1960s for gym kit, writing pens, snacks, etc and made of canvas. They did not usually have a closing flap. They are very useful and of course can be held across the chest for added security in crowds. I like your old and new machine and well done with the overhaul. I have a Singer 99K from 1957 that was made in Scotland and was my Moms from new.

[@emcarver8983]

I have sewn for 70yrs with a singer treadle. I own modern machines which i do use, but the vintage machine copes with multiple layers of denim eg better than any modern machine. I love using the treadle.

[@hefestodesign]

Treadle is king !

[@cowsandsows]

This was fabulous! I just purchased a Singer 201-2 1949 and love it. Eventually, I will will get a Singer 66 treadle. You're a delight and I'm sure your sister is enjoys her beautiful backpack!

[@DEBESMANNAX]

Hi! I recommend covering the leather strap of the old sewing machine with rosin. In this way, when sewing several layers of leather, the strap will not slip and the result will be noticeably better! It is still possible to tighten the belt, which would also give a result. I wish you success in your creativity!

[@FridayFrida]

I enjoyed this comparison. Your vintage machine is a true beauty. I really like the bags, may I sugest a pocket on the inside.

[@royking7298]

They look great for a first time project. Well done! I am actually quite impressed that the old machine does so well with heavy leather. Thanks for showing this comparison.

[@debpratt52]

I threw my new sewing machine in the trash, and only use my 1950 Japanese-made "Singer" machine. It stitches very evenly, and is easy to make adjustments or repair. You can find them for $70 versus paying hundreds for a computerized machine that you have to take to a shop for repair. I also have a treadle 1880s machine! I learned to sew on my Great Aunt's treadle sewing machine. I'll take one of those any day!

[@Pasta221]

My dad has a very fancy (too me) Husqvarna sewing machine, and its really nice! And my grandma has one of those old vintage machines. I never really thought of it but after getting more into fashion, and finding sewing a plausible new hobby, that old vintage machine is now very interesting too me! Grandma uses it from time from time so it's fully working too! Great video and its so cool how those old vintage machines are so up to pace even today! Its crazy to think about really

[@pattischulz5379]

Good comparison. I learned some shortcuts. Check out using quilt clips or binder clips when sewing leather to keep parts together. They work really well.

[@hefestodesign]

Yeah that is a good idea, will invest in a couple hundred clips in the near future!

[@howlingwind1937]

Definitely be keep your vintage treadle singer machine. When you have an electrical outage you can still sew albeit by torch/candle light, which maybe an interesting experience😊 Your bags looked very nice you did a good job, maybe you could have a little cottage business and sell them at the markets or similar. I have an old singer as well and she is my go to machine because I am only on 12v solar, if I put the generator on I can run my janome sewing machine, and I have a light weight triumph which will run on batteries. Thank you for sharing your comparison between the 2 machines, it doesn't matter how old they are, a singer sewing machine is still the best. Cheers from Australia!

[@Poetessa2]

I love your comparison! I have a Singer hand crank from 1912 which is stunning but was my first sewing machine and I didn't want to damage her by my ignorance, so, I got the grotesque Singer Heavy Duty last year to experiment on until I'm worthy of my old beauty. I wish I had the table, mine is portable with a gorgeous wooden carrier but I don't travel much with my sewing machine! lol I vote for the old beauty!! Both did a great job but you can't compare the craftsmanship. I'll go with the antique any day!! Great job!!!

[@soneil7745]

I have a Singer 15 that's only ten years younger than yours, and it reverses. I love it so much.

[@missclimpson]

I’ve used old and newer machines. The only advantage I found in the new machines is that they can do button holes and other zigzag type stitches.

[@emilyarmstrong5184]

My mom’s Singer featherweight from 1955 did zig zag and had a fabulous buttonhole attachment. When she got her fancy new singer in about 1975 she still used her singer featherweight for buttonholes because she lik d it better!

[@cvazsantos]

I loved your video, my grandma had a vintage machine that's now in my parents house. It was supposed to be mine but I moved to another country. I hope my sister use it someday!

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

Easiest sub ever. I appreciate that it took time and effort to make the comparison between both machines easy to understand. I'm thinking of buying the newer machine though, and I wanted to hear what others say about it. I really like your backpacks, and I think you're a good brother for giving one to your sister.

[@artisanstitch]

Hi Elizabeth. I’ve just read your comment that you’re thinking of buying a Singer HD. I would advice against it as there are lots of other machines in the same price point that are better. Find a specialist dealer that stocks a variety of brands and test out a few different machines first, then you’ll be able to compare and choose the one you like best for your needs.

[@couthyquine]

I felt the same until a friend who is a vintage machine enthusiast persuaded me that it was worth £25 to try one. (That’s the typical price they go for in vintage/antique/junk shops in Scotland. There was a HUGE Singer factory in Kilbowie and it seems everyone’s granny had an all metal sewing machine at one point). I liked it so much that I now have a small collection of different models. My two favourites are one made in 1905 which is a wee hand crank one with the long bobbin in a bullet-shaped “vibrating shuttle”. And a Singer 201 from the 1950’s which is in a treadle cabinet and would have cost more than a family car when it was made. That one even has a lever to do a reverse stitch. It cost me £19.99 for the machine in a cabinet (which included an electric motor, but I took that off - by removing one screw and a rubber drive band) and around £10 for a new treadle belt. Plus a few hours to clean it and oil it. It was definitely worth the effort, I not only saved lots of money over buying a new machine but for an amateur sewer these machines are a dream. I bought that first vintage £25 machine to replace a very expensive, computerised machine that did monograms and 200 decorative stitches. I very rarely used those, and when the motherboard failed I was told it would be more than the cost of a newer model to repair it. I took it to my recycling centre but most of it will have ended up in landfill.

[@zuzuspetals8323]

Such talent! Bravo. 😉

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks, glad you thinks so haha

[@gy2gy246]

The vintage machine works better than my 1967 Singer.

[@catic15]

I have my great-grandmother's Davis treadle sewing machine, with all the attachments, in perfect working condition. Right now, my daughter is holding it for me as I couldn't take it when I moved, and she loves it as much as I do. It has a feature that many other machines lack - a "walking foot", where the presser foot moves the fabric from the top rather than having teeth move it from the bottom.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

You video is interesting. I like your creativity. I have the newer heavy duty model and enjoy it. I'm planning on giving it to a dear friend who doesn't have a machine. I'm sure shell like it. I have other sewing machines. I have a heavy duty that is a different brand. I don't have a vintage one. I think they are nice though.

[@dzadza7775]

Thank you. Very instructive and inspiring. Well done !

[@hexy5949]

I've got the Singer Heavy Duty and I certainly agree that going slow and delicately is it's week point, but this isn't because it's new, there are other machines, particularly computerized ones which let you slow the machine down. Also it's not entirely plastic. It's got an internal metal frame which all of the mechanical parts are attached to. The plastic outer shell is really only there to keep dust and your fingers out of the mechanics, it isn't under any stress so durability isn't a concern.

[@wolfgangmcq]

If your Singer HD is like mine, that so-called "plastic" machine is mostly metal under the hood, and pretty good build quality. IMO the thing that really lets it down is the foot pedal and motor controller; if it had a less clunky pedal (and maybe servo speed control) it would be a much nicer machine, but that part of it has clearly been optimized for a price point. It's frustrating how much control you lose at slow speeds.

[@SparkyOne549]

All sewing machines have a metal frame, but the Singer HD has plastic gears.

[@hexy5949]

@@SparkyOne549 They don't all have metal frames. I've seen teardowns of Brother machines that cost much more than the Singer HD which are plastic even internally.

[@SparkyOne549]

@@hexy5949What machines don’t have a metal internal frame?

[@hexy5949]

@@SparkyOne549 This one for example, it has some metal parts, but there is no real frame kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6a9iaetjtqampo

[@geoffdean3532]

Interesting subject perfectly formated with polished presentation. Outstanding work. great job mate.

[@alicearmen5601]

I make bicycle bags. I use my hand crank singer 99. It really is powerful. I love it. I had no idea how powerful it would be.

[@ninecatsmagee8384]

For leather, vintage rocks -- no doubt! They're heavier in every respect. I have seven sewing machines and by far prefer vintage -- which five of them are. But there are many different types and applications and you can't say one vintage machine or other is "best." I love my 201K for some purposes and the 222K or 221K for others. I've got a 66K Lotus which is just darned beautiful and also powerful for heavy work. And there's a 99 handcrank which will work even when electrics go off here in a blizzard. The modern machines are far more generic and when they break may not be reparable because computerised parts may not be available for either of them -- one 24 years old and the other 8 years old. They lose popularity and there are so many new models, people just dispose of them. The vintage ones are simpler and there are entire companies selling original parts, still in excellent condition.

[@couthyquine]

Lucky you, having both a 201 and a 222 - those are hard to find! I also have one of each but haven’t found someone I trust to make sure the electrics are safe in them. I also have a wee collection of different models. I use a 201 in a treadle for most things. A 128 hand crank for small things and portability though it weights a LOT. It makes the prettiest stitch so I’d choose it for top stitching. I’d love a model 15 for free motion quilting, people seem to really like the vertical bobbin for that. I’ve spent hundreds on a modern machine and had to scrap it when the electrics failed. Most of my vintage machines have been under £30 each (actually all of them, bar the featherweights which were still under £100). I couldn’t get an entry level new machine for that.

[@yolandahidalgo2729]

I love your bag. On your new heavy machine you need to release the pressure on the foot to allow you to sew through 4 layers. It is that button with a X on top on left side. This will release the foot pressure in order to sew more layers easier. Hope you try it. Very good machine.

[@ecay]

You have a very nice treadle they didn't make turtles with a back stitch capability. I have one. They're really nice. Too bad you didn't have an electric motor. You could have put on that one so you could have tried. Motorized versus motorized but this is nice. I like seeing the treadle working my opinion in a lot of ways those vintage sewing machines are far better than the modern stuff. Just have to get used to how to use them

[@olivier2553]

I would have the vertical leather decoration on the front of the bag (where it is visible) instead of in the back (where it is hidden),

[@hefestodesign]

Interesting style choice, maybe I'll make another one in the future

[@baire702]

Using the correct needles isvery important. If you are sewing vinyl or leather or several layers of denim, use Schmetz leather needles. You'll be just fine.

[@hefestodesign]

I was using leather sewing needles, but not that brand. I'll give it a try next time, thanks !

[@kokodin5895]

fun fact singer heavy duty 4423 and singer pixie uses the same gear ratio and part size for hook unit and i was able to retrofit a toy singer machine with heavy duty hook and bobbin getting the hook was an epic quest because i am not a repair shop so nobody wanted to sell parts to me but in the end i forced some chinese seller on ali to sell me those parts with no guarantee but the funniest part is parts just drop in and work after bobbin stop was aded in already molded place on stitch plate so many people told me it won't work i just had to do it

[@SaffyFoo]

I prefer the vintage machine 😊 I have a singer 99k love it ❤

[@belindaleighfrazier8165]

Awesome video.

[@hefestodesign]

Thank you ! Glad you enjoyed my video !

[@baire702]

Very nice work! Which machine do you prefer?

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks ! I guess they both have their pluses and minuses, but now definitely the old one, I worked so hard on it and know each part in and out, would never trade it for anything else haha.

[@erikneek]

Great video mate! Only one small thing: In the title you say it is a Singer 66. Unfortunately it is not a Singer 66 but a Singer class 15. Good luck with your channel!

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks, they look similar I guess I misjudged it. Glad you enjoyed the vid !

[@wandacarr668]

My mother had the old treadle Singer sewing machine.

[@marcelpacheco7878]

Nice job!

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Vintage wins every time. Hang on to your solid metal machines, they’ll outlast the new stuff.

[@Nicoya]

If you want to get serious about leather work for bag making, a cylinder arm walking foot machine is the way to go. You can obviously make garment machines work, like you're doing with the ones you have, but they're not the right tool for the job.

[@solarwinds-]

Well done

[@Emmanuel_youtube]

very good video. What is the model of thread and needle that you use specifically?

[@darbysusan]

I really liked your video, but the seam you were doing is a flatfeld seam and not a French seam. Loved how you compared the machines. There are advantages to both. I would love an antique machine like yours. Thank you for this video.

[@beckyschneider1157]

I think a flat-fell seam is what I used on the inside of pajama legs. Sew a regular seam with seam allowance inside the garment, trim one side very close to stitching, and fold/iron the other side of the seam allowance over the trimmed side. Then sew the edge of the longer seam allowance to cover the trimmed seam allowance.

[@emilyarmstrong5184]

I’ve seen that this seam, while not what I think of as a French seam, is what upholsters and leather workers do commonly call a French seam.

[@saleenahaffenden8292]

The issues with the treadle machine would be more about the knack that is required to gain momentum on the treadle and keep the stiches going. There is really no comparing the 2 machines,, give me the old machines any day

[@terin1862]

Another consideration is that the treadle machine is furniture, whereas the modern machine is portable and can be used in other locations as well (classes or retreats). The treadle does not have a light, so it needs to be near a window or have a desk lamp close by.

[@johnjanedoe1676]

However, you can use the treadle anywhere that there's not electricity and when the elecrticity grid is down.

[@couthyquine]

I agree about the light, but there are LED sewing machine lights that can be used with this machine. I have one that attaches to the machine body by a magnet, and I swap it between a couple of vintage machines. It has a swan neck so is easy to adjust.

[@hexy5949]

@@johnjanedoe1676 In the modern era, having to pack away the machine after use is lot more likely than doing some sewing in a power outage.

[@karabotsoaedi521]

No matter how old a machine may be, If it makes you money. Than it's expensive 😂😂😂😅❤

[@FuturePerfectContinuous]

nice work. What needle type and size did you use?

[@mo-sy9ws]

Found an old singer machine in a specialized wooden box in house we bought. It is a singer machine that has been fitted with an electric motor kit. Im scared to plug it in, but also very curious if it still works.

[@kicknhobo]

For the back stich issue with the cast iron mechaine, can you work the pedals in reverse to get it to back stich without rotationg the work peace?

[@clemson771]

No. The machine would technically run backwards but it cannot sew backwards like that. The mechanism that winds the top thread around the bobbin thread (whether it’s using a rotary hook or a vibrating shuttle) will only work in the forward direction. If you tried to run it backwards the threads would snap and you could jam the mechanism. This is the same reason why you are only supposed to turn the hand wheel TOWARDS YOU and never away from you with any modern sewing machine. It is only designed to function in one direction. With machines that can backstitch, the mechanism never stops spinning in the same direction. The only change is the direction the feed dogs are feeding the fabric

[@tomobedlam297]

​@@clemson771Yes, that is a great explanation. 👍 It's similar to how you can't reverse a bicycle by pedaling backwards.

[@ethelryan257]

No, as explained by others. However, it's no problem. You just lift the presser foot a bit and pull the fabric back toward you while stitching forward. That's how it's been done for over a century. With a little practice it is every bit as good as using a backstitch lever.

[@josephpadula2283]

Can you lubricate the needle when doing the multi layer leather to lower the friction ? A bit of beeswax like we use in woodworking? Perhaps silicon spray on a Qtip cotton swab?

[@miguelllkk]

Nice vid, thanks

[@jennifercfleonard]

Oh no, the quantity of antique machines that you can have for free and their marvelous performance is habit forming. You should compare a mid century Kenmore, like an early 158 by jaguar.

[@piccalillipit9211]

*YOU WONT NOTICE* on leather and bags - but if you start doing fine tailoring of if people are making dresses etc. the modern zig zag machines ALWAYS sew ~~~~~~~~~ Not not ----------------------- This is a function of the mechanical play in the mechanism that allows them to do zig zag and fancy stitches. When you get to a certain level of professionalism in your sewing you need a straight stitch machine AND a modern mechanical zig zag or electronic machine. If you buy a second hand zig zag - get hold of the needle shaft and make sure there is NO side to side or back and forth play in the shaft, they wear out the beadings relatively quickly due to the uneven load.

[@lew1776]

I wish singer had made a free arm featherweight scottish version of a 15 class, can you imagine such a beast? It's one reason I think bernina isnt all that good they struggle over seams like a modern machine. I prefer the japanese clones and then you have the electric pedal, reverse and hand crank simples.

[@hefestodesign]

Thats a bit too high level sewing lingo for me haha, not that deep into this rabbits hole yet, could you explain what the "free arm featherweight scottish" modifier means ?

[@lew1776]

@@hefestodesign the free arm is the narrow bed of the sewing machine on the new singer....the old ones usually just have a wide flat bed. Singer made a "Featherweight" model with a free arm but they are rare, small and expensive!

[@ricksworlddereaux2397]

For strong Leatherwork,you need a patcher.machine .like a singer 29 or adler 30..70....or other new longarm or post Machine...these Machines are made for Textiles..🤔

[@hefestodesign]

Yeah I guess I was testing the limits, but still they pushed through, will invest in a more robust model in the future !

[@12snapper43]

You should have a single stitch foot for your new machine that would make the seam gauge match the treadle single stitch foot.

[@charlotteamodeo3031]

I have a beautiful old singer sewing machine and does work but, I need to find some bobbins and needles for it. It's well over 100 years old and in great shape.

[@shortsweettoo]

I bought shuttle bobbins from Amazon. Price was very reasonable and they worked perfectly. Trust me. You won't be disappointed.

[@amalias8888]

Your right foot should be forward on the pedal and left foot back more so you have push power using one foot both directions without wearing your feet out.

[@andrasjuhasz3947]

végre mást is látok palmatex-el bőrt ragasztani :D

[@hefestodesign]

A legjobb !

[@cherylanon5791]

you might really enjoy the Singer 201 with direct drive! get an electronic foot control, and you'll be in Heaven..... for a better modern machine--- try the Brother 1500 (there are same versions in Janome, Juki and I believe a couple other brands)

[@Multifuchs]

Wouldn't it sew backwards, if you turn the wheel backwards, and then keep it spinning with the pedal?

[@circotribecirco3366]

No, because you would have the bobbin case going backwards too.

[@piccalillipit9211]

I have a 1950's Singer and a brand new electronic one - the 1950's is a VASTLY superior machine. There is literally no comparison. I only use the modern one for button holes.

[@lemardyc]

I don't know that the newer Singer was designed for leather so I give it high marks for its performance here, plus it is not all plastic

[@ran2wild370]

Uhmm, actually should be plenty of these machines in their later revisions equipped with hand-crank drives and reverse fabric feed. The head/cr gives more control but is tiresome on long distances. Adding an electric motor was kinda injecting some spoiling poison into these mechanisms. I guess those newer models of 1950/60s fit electric drive the best. So you kinda invested into a worng model, like model T, when better options were available for the same price 🤠 But now this is your iron baby and you can't get rid of it , considering amount of working hours spent on restoration.

[@hefestodesign]

Iron baby is right, Initially I wanted to sell it, but no chance now. But maybe I will restore a luxury model and try to sell that, quite fun process

[@sheilahdang11]

Hands down the machine with no electricity needed wins.

[@marksmale827]

You can easily add an electric motor to the Singer 15.

[@cindyfrye3026]

The old machine table looks too short for you to be comfortable to use. I guess people were shorter back then.

[@DeeOldChook]

I have this HD singer and the thread jumps out of the tension arm over and over again... I don't notice until I start thenext seam and thread knots up under the foot. Always same thing... I check its threaded up and its always same thing... machine has been serviced regularly... designed fault. Otherwise not a bad machine

[@ladyflimflam]

Your ringlets are called grommets in english.

[@MrsMelrom]

isn't sewing terminology difficult in English, though? Because of my age, privilige and skillset, I could likely use the correct vocabulary in 2 languages and am in admiration that this young person can repair, use, compare and present his work on video in what is his second (or maybe third) language.

[@lkjefferson4722]

I have my mothers feather weight and I have several singer and brothers. None of them can out top stitch my newer machines. In fact my new singers lasted about a year and neither work now. To get someone to look at the cost $100.00 that does not include the repairs.

[@inerlogic]

the HD will sew through 5 layers of blue jean denim, and your index finger, ask me how i know. also, just the outer shell of the HD is plastic, the frame of the machine is metal.

[@croitoriafaraformule]

Nice video, except THAT is NOT french seam, it is top stitching. I agree that every sweing machine model has its pros and cons, in the end is a matter of personal choice

[@NorroTaku]

i hear blue yeti hissing when you record

[@kittys.2870]

I used my grandmothers treadle machine when I lived with her. I was the only thing if hers i wanted. I didn't get it. Sad.

[@glorinhaalmeida2063]

Judiera forçar a máquina singer de plástico assim. Agora a pretinha é de ferro e aguenta.... abraço.

[@CherriesJubilee]

You don’t say if you are using a leather needle on your machine. A leather needle would make it easier for your machine to punch through the four layers.

[@Muvandfarve]

A Singer 15 wasn't built for working with leather, but for tailoring, dressmaking and household items. You are expecting too much from a domestic machine. Why don't you track down an old industrial machine that was designed for working with leather?

[@MarkRichardson-f1x]

Not a french seam.

[@yveslegrand9826]

Singer, as many brands are not relevant any more. I have several old timers (no one single singer though) and a 1950's machine. No plastic EVEN for toys...

[@jillymills1]

My DIL bought a basic Singer sewing machine, it’s the worst machine I ever used. Thread breaks, bunches up, unthreads , too much fiddling to make it sew. Deterred her from sewing. A piece of crap.

[@hefestodesign]

In my experience a well trained eye and a weekends effort can solve all issues. Giving up is the easy way out haha