Clean and restore a vintage sewing machine pt 1 bobbin area

Have you ever seen a sewing machine in the thrift store or a garage sale and thought it’s in pretty rough shape it will never run again. Well that’s not necessarily true and this is how I bring a rough sewing machine back to life.

[@pammielehto8937]

I learned to sew on a 185k singer machine my mom bought new. I bought one for my husband 10 years ago so he won’t use my expensive sewing machines when he has canvas and tarps to repair. It works like a dream.

[@monachip29]

Thank you so much for this video! I recently came across a gorgeous 185K at a thrift shop but was intimidated by the thought of having to clean and repair. However, your video makes it seems doable so I’ll be heading back for my beauty tomorrow.

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

I’m so glad.

[@1953childstar]

The Singer # 185 will sew through "anything" !! I remember once having difficulty sewing a project with an industrial Singer and thought, "let me just try this little machine".. I was amazed how the #185 sewed through layers of denim and other "difficult" fabrics..

[@TheTonialadd]

I’m so glad I found your channel! I just bought this machine yesterday. I definitely need to replace the electric cords. Love the information!

[@haleyelise5838]

Thanks for the video. Was really helpful. Recently got a 185J and your video was super informative.

[@MissKikkiKat]

Thank you so much for this... I'll be using this when I service my Nan's old 99K! Clear and non-waffle-y!

[@stevemaas99]

Well done. You didn't say how to adjust the height of the feed dog if it wasn't at a dime's height, can you elaborate on that?

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

There should be a small screw under where it can be adjusted.

[@colincrozier8632]

Terrific video, great detail,thanks.

[@rafaelmunoz21]

Great Job with information to restore. I just got a 185J and will get to work on it soon, but I have a comment on why you didn't take out the oscillating ring to clean it and replace the oil wick with a new one after going to all that work? I'm looking forward to working on my machine. Thank you

[@JaniceBeauvoir]

Can you get an oil wick new? I just scored a 185k and it was packed with wet lint and I by mistake took out the oil wick out, after seeing this I want now to restored but haven't found how or from where, thanks for any information

[@rafaelmunoz21]

@@JaniceBeauvoir Janice, just make your own. Use the red spool felt and cut a triangular piece and stuff it into the spring holder. I believe that there are videos in KZbin; on how to do this for a replacement.

[@intuitknit]

I am new to your channel and enjoyed your restoration video. I am just wondering how you learned to maintain these machines.

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

I studied the manuals and began to tinker at first. I figured out what worked best and went from there. I’ve recently found there are other youtube channels as well and have been enjoying them as well. 😁

[@intuitknit]

@@SimplyThirdStreet thanks for answering my question. You have an obvious affinity for the mechanics.

[@redoak3809]

Great video! I just picked up one of these machines today and it is missing the springy thing and the wick. Also the screw that shouldn't be meantioned for the positioning finger thingy was completely loose. Where to go from here?

[@ronald5629]

May need some oil. The drag on the bobbin winder tire is adjustable

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

I’d try that too. There is often a small oil hole on the bobbin stem.

[@brandyfranklin6339]

I bought this same sewing machine about 5 years ago for $20. I didn't know that was a Oil wick. I think I tore it out of there. Also my pressure spring broke in half:( I think I striped the throat plate screw in the back. When I first got it the machine was all stuck up. Couldn't turn the wheel and needed a new belt.

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

It’s a great little machine. Hope your is up and running. 👍

[@TheTonialadd]

When you say you’re mixing the krud kutter 50/50, are you cutting it with water? Sorry for the dumb question.

[@MrVM41]

Great video thanks, how did you adjust the foot height?

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

There should be an adjustment screw under the machine near the feed dogs for those. The foot pressure is done by the little knob at the top of the machine.

[@paulwomack5866]

I've been looking into "185" machines today, and thought I'd learnt that the Green ones were Canadian, and were 185J and the brown/beige ones were made in Scotland, and were 185K. But yours is deffo 185K and is deffo green. I'm confused now.

[@bella-bee]

Yes! I’d love a green 185k. Not keen on the beige

[@1953childstar]

To confuse you more - The # 185 machines are the same as the Singer # 99 !!!!

[@imwithclyde420]

Hi. I just received a 185k with the positioning bracket latch removed. The screw you said to never ever touch is missing. I have the bracket and latch. Should I just buy a new positioning bracket assembly or can I put it back together with the original parts and a replacement screw? Why never ever touch the screw? Thanks!

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

It all factory adjusted. A repair man once told me never ever touch that, so I haven’t. I think I’d had to do with the thread clearance and keeps the bobbin at the proper gap space when spinning. But I’m not 100% about that one. You can try a replacement screw first and see how it goes. If it gives you trouble then replace the assembly. But it might be difficult to find just the screw. Try eBay. Let us know how it goes!

[@imwithclyde420]

@@SimplyThirdStreet I will! And thanks for the reply!! I'll post back when the restoration is done. I'll probably order the screw and a full assembly. I'll try the screw first =)

[@imwithclyde420]

@@SimplyThirdStreet Hiya! I thought I'd let you know I ended up buying the whole positioning bracket assembly with a new wick. She is up and running like a charm. Just running into an issue with the slide plate cover being loose. Any thoughts on how to fix that? I am sliding it back on from the needle side and it will only catch loosely and won't stay closed.

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

Perhaps the front bracket isn’t tight anymore. Should be nearly flat to the machine. Hmmmm. Shouldn’t be loose. Wonder if it’s not the correct original one?

[@rhondamercado7527]

I’m looking for a belt now, can you tell me the part number?

[@SimplyThirdStreet]

I’m not sure of the number just now but I get mine from the Featherweight Shop online. It’s the belt size the featherweight machine uses. At least that is what fit mine.

[@robinsartsandcrafts6500]

I would lose that screw