Fixing Sewing Machine Problems...Singer Patcher 29K

I run through ten or so common problems that individuals encounter when trying to get an old Singer 29K Patcher cobblers sewing machine up and running properly...a sort of troubleshooting guide.
These areas are fairly common to any sewing machine, so if you are having the sewing machine blues, this film may help you out. I hope you enjoy watching it.
Here is a link for domestic manuals:
ismacs.net/manuals.html
and here is a link for industrial manuals including the 29K Patcher:
ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machi...

[@joeschueler4952]

Thank you so much! I needed that refresher course to get back up to speed with these venerable old patchers.

[@lindacoleman3246]

Harry, your manner instills confidence. Thanks for the knowledge and the manner in which it is presented. Linda.

[@konstantinosampatzidis9856]

Harry , I would like to thank you for the analysis of the machine's basics. I just buy a Singer K29 71 model and I will make the first corrections based on your help ! Thak you, Konstantinos Greek.

[@eirizarry2568]

Thank you.....seeing your videos gave me the confidence to get my 29K. Thank you for all your knowledge it has been helpful.

[@arfonia]

Great, I’ve just purchased one Yesterday. Lovely looking machine....Thanks for your time showing this vid. If it wasn’t for people like you and KZbin we would all be in the dark and never learn. 👍

[@barttroxler7980]

Very helpful indeed Harry! Thank you for your time and patience!

[@justmusic530]

Excellent!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.

[@maxjohns3715]

Hi Harry. Greetings from Australia. Love all your videos. Have just got my 29K up and running Your video was very helpful

[@harryrogers]

Great!

[@lc3585]

Outstanding video that applies within many contexts. Thanks!

[@CaptainBash737]

Thanks Harry. This is very timely for as you know I’ve just bought and have just finished semi restoring my first Patcher. I pick up patcher No2 next week 😁. You were right about it being dangerous searching fir old sewing machines. 😁 Thanks again this is a great help. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@harryrogers]

Barry Jones Great!

[@manuelalbertocuyasanchez6739]

Tradu cire

[@etceteraleatherworks1103]

Thanks for a the useful information, Harry! Keep up the good work!

[@rakoom2]

Thank you Mr. Rogers for the well explained video of you. it helped me a lot to get my sewing machine running again. I think I watched it about 15 times. Now it's running again. Thank you thank you. Keep it up

[@harryrogers]

You are very welcome ...thanks

[@utterbergus1]

Thank you very much for a very informative video. Just purchased a machine and I’m very grateful for you taking the time and sharing your knowledge 🙏🏼

[@vjohs]

Got a k29 yesterday. Never sown before. Did as you suggested: Read the manual. And… it says, that the vertical tension discs are for dawning. Whatever that means. Not for winding the bobbin. Thanks for the effort in making the video, really helpful.

[@JackpineGandy]

This is a very good video, clear and calm - thank you

[@vimy385]

Hi Harry, I have used a patcher to stitch leather menu covers. The tensioner on the side of the machine is not for bobbin winding but is used when sewing work that needs to be rotated on the needle, as the corner of a menu cover. You can then lift the presser foot without loosing thread tension, rotate the work on the needle, drop the foot and continue sewing the other edge. If you use the upper tensioner the thread tension will be released when the foot is lifted so ruining the stitch continuity. I think the manual claims it's for darning. I've done many hours on this machine and never bored with it.

[@harryrogers]

vimy385 That's very interesting...thank you.

[@manuelalbertocuyasanchez6739]

Traducir español

[@mskirrow]

Excellent advice Harry. Really very useful. Many thanks.

[@thevintagestitchgarage5524]

Hi Harry, Thank you for the video, Great info.

[@Josh_Luijsterburg]

great turorial Harry. Many thanks

[@ellellbee]

Thank you, Harry. Helpful as always.

[@williamhector6863]

That video as just hit the nail on the head and solve a problem for me thanks Harry

[@harryrogers]

William Hector That's great William.

[@sheilasimm9822]

Thanks Harry, I am honoured you replied to my question

[@johnm5818]

I've had one for many years and it's on a treadle base so the hand wheel is on the end. You may have inspired me enough to get it running again. It has a super long arm and I've been told it's for reaching down into tall boots.

[@molleb1170]

Bought this machine 1 months ago ago. This is so helpful! Thankyou so much! 🎉 greetings from the Netherlands

[@harryrogers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zacpitt3841]

Gday Harry thanks for the video I myself have one of these machines in my manual it states the tension discs you use to wind your bobbin are there so you can thread your machine ready for darning, something I found interesting Have a good one mate

[@harryrogers]

Thanks

[@gerryheynes5082]

Thanks Harry, I’ve just started machine sewing having borrowed my Mum’s old singer, so this is very useful as I try to understand thread tension, etc. Regards, Gerry

[@harryrogers]

Gerry Heynes Great thanks Gerry

[@gerryheynes5082]

Harry Rogers ... without wishing to sound personal Harry, I have that exact same jumper, but I think I purchased it some 25 years ago in south-east Asia when I was travelling round the world. Does your have a story?

[@harryrogers]

Gerry Heynes Wow...got mine from Charles Tyritt...half price in the sale...I love it!...two needle fair isle is clever.

[@gerryheynes5082]

Harry Rogers - well I can tell you they wear well too ! All the best, Gerry

[@tonygray3135]

many thanks for the tips Harry nice crisp video well presented

[@zuzanagregova3492]

Thank you , it helped me lot. I did not know how to use this sewing machine, Thanks for instruction.

[@Voetsekhond]

Thank you very much for sharing your video with us.

[@ramloganfracic5761]

Your information is helpful to educate people thank you

[@aali786]

Another great video Harry :)

[@lewisjack432]

Yep

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Amir

[@davidoduffy2449]

Thanks for that, the top tension was set incorrectly on my fathers patcher that I inherited many years ago.. finally.. thanks

[@harryrogers]

Great

[@gergemall]

Wonderful machine and superb video . Thank you

[@lerakfiser1693]

Superb video. Thanks a lot!

[@SVANTELINDQVIST-us7qs]

Real good video ! Now back home and adjust the thread tension ! Svante / Sweden

[@matojo2008]

thank you Harry again.Yes you are right the patcher runs better with a no so thick thread.

[@lindanelson8100]

Great video. Thank you so much!

[@jimihendrickx5036]

Hi Harry, The front set of tension disks that you said was for the bobbin winding is in actual fact for Darning. You can see this in the manual. All the best.

[@reinamabelurizar5565]

Hi I like your videos They help me so much!!How to chain the size of the stitches in the singer patcher 29k51?

[@rendoman84]

Very nice video!!

[@Tina06019]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Great tips, Thank you.

[@shirleymalar2773]

Wonderful video! I see that this machine has pulleys on the end. I assume those are used for a treadle set-up. It would be great to have that option so both hands could be used on the leather. If you ever hook your machine up that way, I hope you post a video on it! Thanks for the great info!

[@harryrogers]

Hi Shirley...I have posted a video with the stand...sewing circles.

[@ivangreat133]

Thanks Harry, no I have an understanding of thread tension 👍

[@bettinahenning5069]

Verry helpfull. Thank you!

[@maggiep101]

I appreciate this tutorial. I still can't seem to get the tention right. The bobbin thread is coming to the top and you can just pull the top thread out .

[@zeplichal]

Thank you Harry, for your excellent and informative videos. I enjoy them very much. Just one detail for your consideration, concerning the tension disks in the front of the needle arm: The Singer manual recommends to use these to "Thread the Needle for Darning". Darning seems to use a different path for the thread than sewing. Unfortunately I have no idea what "darning" is. However, feeding the Bobbin wouldn't actually require a complicated tension disk arrangement, would it? Thanks, Martin

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Martin...and you are perfectly correct. Darning is for repairing holes not using any feed other than hand movement of the item being darned. All the best Harry

[@rupertrussell1]

The reason they use a separate set of tension disks for darning on the patcher is the main top set of disks is lifted when you lift the foot. For Darning, you want to lift the foot and move the material by hand. So you need a 2nd set of tension disks that do not lift apart when the foot is raised.

[@johnjohnson9658]

Awesome thank you i really appreciate this video well done!

[@brandielee7971]

Very useful, thank you!

[@szilviakomondi1060]

Thank you for the very informative video Harry. Can I ask where do you get the non-Chinese parts from for your Singer 29K-58 machine? I only could hold onto parts from Taiwan . Many thanks!

[@neededtime]

Thanks for the video, it is very helpful! I went looking one from singer 29 from end of '800 that was on sale near me and it looked in very good condition but there were some issues in trying to make it work. Know I believe it was dirt in general and oiling.. by the way, do you think 250 euros would be ok for a machine so old?

[@jeanneaguirre8094]

Informative and thanks!!

[@jonm2522]

Thank you very much much appreciated.

[@zacpitt3841]

Gday Harry fantastic video iv just bought a Singer 29k53 and after cleaning, oiling and fiddling iv managed to get it to sew. But however the 360degree revolving foot won’t spin on my machine. It will if I force it to but that doesn’t feel right to me. Do these machines have a lock that stops the foot from revolving or is there something I can try to make it free up a bit? Thanks Zac

[@harryrogers]

Zac - there is usually a thumbscrew to lock it....take a look at the online parts manual. Rgds Harry

[@parcerovallenatoamanecido3876]

FAN FAN FANTÁSTICO ..GRACIAS AMIGO ..

[@harryrogers]

Bueno

[@devriescustomleather1109]

Mr Harry: Thank you very helpful,Come over to Nashville Tn for a visit we will go fishing.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Bruce.

[@GarnettM]

Hi Harry did you watch the Asian fellow on YT that has some twine in his machine he does boots and purses on the street for business but he uses a wax in the tray , The machine he has is ancient I`ve got some thread here that`s way to big for my machines it looks like the kind that can use wax too just sshy of carded thread .But your bang on for a center knot best way .

[@laineywilcox]

I have just purchased a 29k-62. Its wheel is very difficult to turn so from that point forward I would guess that cleaning and greasing is in order. I just don't know where to start.

[@TheRealEshay]

what type of needle is this can you send a link please? thanks

[@eacle5496]

Thank you so much !

[@ironwrx]

Thank you Harry. I got a beautiful 1960’s singer 29K71 in a basement clean out. I love the machine, and find your videos very helpful. It would be great, however if you, or one of your viewers could go into more depth on the other settings of the machine such as walking foot tension, take-up-lever tension, and take-up lever travel. Also, one discrepancy I found in your video is when you claim that the tension discs on the front of the machine are for bobbin winding. Singer clearly states in their manual that those are to set up the machine for darning.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks and good to know about the darning.

[@ironwrx]

Mind you, I’m not disputing that you could use the front discs for bobbin threading on your machine. I’m sure they would work quite happily. Except mine has the hand wheel on the end, and it wouldn’t work on mine. Do you know where I can get the flange and shaft to change it round to the front? I would like that better. Keep up the good work on your videos.

[@harryrogers]

@@ironwrx Worth looking at College Sewing Machines UK...they will know and I think they post internationally.

[@mo2039]

Hi Harry. My daughter has bought a 29k15. She's got a problem as the bobbin won't fit in the bobbin case she's bought. Any info greatly appreciated thanks

[@JU1C380X]

Im having difficulty with the take up. Not enough thread is being pulled back up and its loose. Tried to adjust the take up lever, but is not doing much. Any suggestions? Its an Adler patcher.

[@Sage-qd6tf]

Cool! I have a 29k55, and it has a few... mystery parts in the drawer. I have what I think is an edge guide and I cant for the life of me figure out how to use it lmao

[@greggaronballing9526]

I have a 29K53 which my grandfather bought new in 1919. He sewed cowboy boots in New Mexico until the early 40's. I have recently tried to sew with it, but it keeps breaking the thread. I have loosened the top thread by degrees and I'm pretty certain this is not the problem... Any suggestions from anyone? I have not been able to figure this out! Thanks so much!

[@ronnieadams7951]

I have a problem with the foot not lifting up when I raise the lever to lift the foot, it also doessn't rise when stiching.. any ideas anyone. thanks

[@rasmusfridstrom2651]

Great video! I was wondering about the industrial bobbin. Do you need any additional parts or will the bigger shuttle and bobbin fit right in without any modification ?

[@harryrogers]

Hello I don't think there is any way of adapting this machine to take bigger bobbins.

[@rasmusfridstrom2651]

@@harryrogers i mean the one you showed in the video while talking about bobbin issues. You showed a small and a big shuttle ? :)

[@corinnakelley5794]

Can anyone help with the screw and lever at the top of the needle driving bar and pin is it for setting the depth of needle when entering the leather or for how tight it pulls the thread back up its the one thats closestto the machine pin holding the lever on top i. Had taken the machine apart to clean and re-oil it k(it was etremely dirty )and i dont think i have it set back tge way it was also my leather patchers sews very small stitches and the leather wont move thru by itself it must be pulled is this normal ?

[@harryrogers]

Hi If I am understanding your questions and my memoryis still working...its how tight the thread is pulled back. Needle penetration is adjusted by a screw collar halfway up the needle bar. You should be able to vary stitch size by adjusting the little collar up and down its the collar about 1 inch above the needle. It's worth downloading a manual from the Web...say off of ISMACS website. Good luck.

[@akleemasherriff8376]

If I should buy one of these machine how much will it have to pay

[@daveball7571]

Hello Harry, I enjoy your videos. I am having problems with mine in that I believe the timing is off as the thread is not being picked up from the bottom. Any help would be much appreciated

[@harryrogers]

Hi do check your bobbin has a sharp point.

[@daveball7571]

I put in a new one and still the same problem. I will check a few things out again tomorrow

[@annelston3673]

Thank you Harry, so helpful! Just a question though. Can you tell me what the small tension disc located at the front, left, below the upper tension adjuster ( and tension discs where the thread goes ) is for? One person said it is the tension for winding the bobbin, another that it is for darning? I cant find any other information for its purpose ... but its not for bobbin winding I think. :O) ???

[@harryrogers]

A couple of people have found in a manual it says it is for darning.

[@annelston3673]

@@harryrogers Thanks Harry. My son just pointed out the take up lever was seized... now wiggled with oil and left to soak in more oil. Every step forward is a positive. The machine is full of dirt and congealed fluff. Just working my way through it all and learning all the time. :O)

[@automotivedyi1984]

Thank you

[@FeelgoodThreads]

What should you do if the bobbin threading and the needle thread are not catching?

[@harryrogers]

Hi I suggest you start by changing the needle as it may be bent or damaged, then check you have a sharp point on the bobbin. Rgds Harry

[@Al-ui4zg]

Hi Harry, I would like sometimes to stitch thin fabric with K29. I was wondering if there is a way to reduce the clearance between pressure foot and needle plate. Mine is approximately 1/16 inch when the foot is in its lowest position that it doesn't feed work piece at all. I don't have any problem to sew thick leather.

[@harryrogers]

I don't know if a leather plate on to of the needle plate would help?

[@Al-ui4zg]

@@harryrogers Thank you for the idea!

[@plazro]

Hi, Harry. I have recently purchased an old Singer 29k53 and it is fantastic. There is however a fault when the machine is running, and I'm hoping it isn't anything too serious. Could you please see the machine running in the latest video I have uploaded on my channel to see if you can identify the fault. Many thanks in advance.

[@harryrogers]

Hi is the handle wheel fully on its axle???something looks out of true.

[@plazro]

@@harryrogers thanks for your reply. I shall check on that. Could it be that the shaft may be bent? (that may sound a daft question), everything seems to be running fine other than that 👍

[@kt9402]

Hi Harry, I purchased a shuttle case that I was told would work but doesn't, do you have a website you order cases from?

[@harryrogers]

Hi College Sewing Machines UK would be worth trying.

[@tachidito8441]

Me podría decir porque mi giratoria está tronando mucho mis agujas gracias saludos

[@GeoffreyScheid]

Hello Harry, I am looking for the pulley and shaft for the 29 k 70. Can you help with my search. I'm in the US.

[@harryrogers]

Perhaps try College Sewing Machines UK?

[@klaussiekmann8081]

Dear Mr. Rogers, Thank you very much for your informative, well produced, and very helpful videos. I'm looking for spareparts for my SINGER 29 D 62 (produced in Wittenberge, Germany). May you have an address for me to buy parts as mentioned in your video? Thank you very much! Kind regards, Klaus Siekmann

[@harryrogers]

Hi try College Sewing Machines UK they are on the Web and post internationally

[@marthaharris6937]

Please help me! My 29K70 will sew about 5-6 stitches then nothing. What am I missing? I have replaced needle, shuttle, bobbin case and thread. I don't know what to do next. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@harryrogers]

Try a bobbin drop test...Google it..just to check your lower tension. Then check your thread path on yhe top thread to ensure it is smooth.

[@judybeatty972]

I love these machines, Hum my machine is a master piece

[@rogelioortizv3562]

Un favor como se ajusta la barra de la auja no esta centrada y rompe muchas aujas como se corregi ese problema gracias

[@lepro-uu4jt]

super de belle vidéo meme en francais c est tres bien comprenable merci

[@harryrogers]

Merci bien

[@SuperM0th]

Hi Harry love your patcher videos 😁 Where is the best place to get needles & thread? Thanx 😁

[@harryrogers]

Sally Proe college sewing machines

[@SuperM0th]

Harry Rogers Thank you so much 😊

[@mirzacomic344]

Hi Harry i have the same machine, my problem is that after some good stitches the machine starts to leave out stitches i.e it doesnt grab the bobbin thread anymore. I dont know what the problem is i tried to adjust the tension but it seems like it doesnt work. Sorry for my english Best Regards

[@harryrogers]

Blunt point on shuttle perhaps...needs to be sharp to pick up the thread consistently.

[@rescueservicedogprojectlim5456]

Where would you get the industrial bobbin and shuttle for the 29-4 if you will. I just got one of these machines, and am wondering about a source for that and other parts, with shipping available to the USA?

[@harryrogers]

Hi I think College Sewing Machines UK might post internationally...they have parts.

[@harryrogers]

PS Have you tried the likes of Toledo Sewing?

[@MrTundratrotter]

Thanks Harry :-D

[@VictorOnyegbado]

I am about to get this machine (used one) How do i adjust the stitch length on this machine

[@murmaiderx3923]

the thumbscrew on the walking feet bars. move the clamp assembly up and you a larger stitch.

[@annonibags4595]

Hello Harry, I live in Argentina and I am going to buy one of these machines, I would like to ask you if there is a quality difference between a Tank 2972 brand and another brand Taking the tk 2971. In my country I want to charge almost a thousand dollars difference between one and another and I do not know if it's worth it or both are of the same quality. If you can help me, I thank you!

[@harryrogers]

Sorry I do not know.

[@sheilasimm9822]

Hi. I am constantly getting the lower thread looping on the top, I have loosend the top tension as far as it will go to no avail. Can anyone help , only had the patcher a week

[@harryrogers]

Try a bobbin drop test to see if your bobbin leaf spring is too loose....please google bobbin drop test.

[@aidenfogarty3333]

Hi all I'm new to all harry's videos....there brilliant....I've been struggling for years with my patches....tread needles etc....where can I buy singer parts please....I also have a 133k8 singer that I need parts for....help please

[@harryrogers]

Hi Aiden...college sewing machines are good for 133k parts etc

[@marjieannetaylor15]

Hi Harry, I bought a singer 29 k 2 patcher and the timing is totally off. It will not pick up any stitches at all. I've spent hours trying to figure it out to no avail. I've probably screwed up the timing even worse playing with it... Can you help? Thank you kindly!

[@harryrogers]

Do you have a sharp point on the bobbin?...it needs to be good.

[@marjieannetaylor15]

@@harryrogers thank you...I cleaned up the edges of the bobbin plate and now it seems to be working better

[@dimitartodorov1352]

My machine doesn't pick up the bobbin thread. What do you think may the problem be?

[@harryrogers]

Maybe a blunt bobbin point, a bent needle, or thick thread?

[@Astrobiologica]

How much does the Singer Patcher 29K weigh (Kg) if you were to post one without the tredle satand ?

[@pyryhillosalo]

25 kg

[@bryanlawless1858]

Hello Harry. Can I put a hand wheel on the front of my 29-4 from 1910. Or my 29-4 from 1920? I would like to add that to one of them if possible. Thanks a lot from Montana. USA.

[@harryrogers]

Yes I believe you can switch the wheel around Bryan.

[@jamesdixon7459]

yes

[@harryrogers]

@@jamesdixon7459 thanks

[@jamesdixon7459]

@@harryrogers I just purchased a 29k71 and have reseached most models of the machine trying to understand what it can handle and what the difference between them are.

[@boldy6065]

What sizes for the needles do you need for this?

[@harryrogers]

Sorry but I can't remember, I do show the needle cases in one of the patcher videos. College Sewing Machines UK will have them if you look on their website.

[@badzioch64]

Thanks

[@tuamigavirtual6056]

Por favor alguien puede ayudarme a saber por qué mi máquina 29k171 no cose lo grueso? Ya he buscado solución y no la he encontrado :(

[@ronrouse1746]

I have a patcher but the walking foot doesn't raise enough to move the material I am sewing. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance!

[@harryrogers]

Hi..change stitch length and release top screw tension...download a free manual from ISMACS. Rgds Harry

[@ronrouse1746]

@@harryrogers Thank you the reply. I looked the up manual, fiddle with the adjustments and still the foot didn't lift higher. No matter what way I moved the block to control the lift, or tightened and loosened the screw on the long arm to change the pressure on the foot, or moved the stitch adjustment, the leather wouldn't feed and the the movement of the foot didn't appear to change in any way.

[@ronrouse1746]

Its a 29K71 if that helps.

[@harryrogers]

@@ronrouse1746 Let's hope someone else can help Ron.

[@cobblerq1]

I might not be the first to ask. But can you make a video to adjust the timing if all fails?

[@harryrogers]

I am sorry but I no longer have this machine

[@leonardohernandez119]

Hola a todos una pregunta como haset si nesecito mas precion en el pisa telao como se hase para poder coser materisles deldados o finos grasias por su respuesta

[@reinamabelurizar5565]

Hola que bueno!! Encontrar una persona que hable español los vídeos están súper buenísimos !!! Deseo saber como se le alarga la puntada a la maquina singer patcher 29k51