SETTING UP MACHINE SERIES: How to Thread a Vintage Sewing Machine

This is a review of how to thread a 15 Class Japanese Clone vintage sewing machine. Although the machine shown here is a White Brand Model 455, this threading instruction can apply to many machines which were engineered with similar if not exactly the same thread paths.

[@nightone9139]

I saw a video of how these machines work, and I wanted to try one that I had around the house, it is older than this but my god, how well you explain, you understand everything in the tutorial, you made this first time understanding the machine much simpler.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad I could help!

[@alexkay3677]

Threading round the tension is exactly what I needed. My manual is hopeless - you did a brilliant job of explaining it. Thank you.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@pamelathornhill8650]

Wow, thank you for this video. You did a wonderful job of describing how to thread that particular machine. You sound like a teacher. Wonderful job.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Wow, thank you!

[@josiejose]

Thanks! Helped me thread a vintage White 944 from 1970 that found its way to me

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Excellent!

[@DavetutsAcademy]

All the way from Lagos, Nigeria. I'm the 26,430th viewer and the 362nd like. I just want to say a big "THANK YOU" for the instruction on threading around the tension spring. I've been battling with that on a JH308-2 machine and you just came to the rescue. Thanks a zillion times!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You are so welcome

[@mikerodriguez1963]

Bought a machine on Craigslist and struggled to get the threading right. This was a lifesaver, and helped me to troubleshoot tensioner which was assembled wrong. Only figured it out because of this video. Thanks!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped Mike!

[@standepain]

Thank you!!! It's been 30 since I last used a sewing machine. Thankfully I never got rid of my late mothers sewing stuff in case of an emergency.

[@QuirkBored]

This was the most helpful video I've found online on how to thread a vintage sewing machine, I can't thank you enough! I picked up a 50s viscount zigzag machine at a thrift shop a few years ago but could never figure out how to properly thread it. This tutorial did the trick! Thank you so much!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Wonderful!

[@ItsTheBreezyShow]

I have this exact machine and have since I was a child. Absolutely love it! Thanks for the refresher!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great to hear!

[@bobburns3311]

thank you so much on showing how to thread the top tensioner. Bought a White 1455 for $5 at Goodwill.

[@DexRobinson]

This video is required viewing for anybody with an older machine and no manual. I just picked up a Kenmore 158.15150 in mint condition (for $23.00) with all accessories including feet and cams...but NO manual. It's got the same tension device shown here. There are other well-intentioned videos claiming to show the process but they don't. They are blurry, fast, and usually shot from a bad angle. This video truly explains it.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

There are many sites to download PDF's of Kenmore manuals. Here is one I've used before. Not that costly and you can always print and reprint paper copes as needed. Scroll down about 2/3 of way down on this pate and you will see your model. It wont have the zero on the end of the model number but this should be it: kenmoremanuals.com/Kenmore_148-158_Models.htm

[@famasmaster2000]

I loved this video....i have a White 477. I love it !! Same colors and its mint as well. Thanks for your efforts to make these videos. Plenty of fun to watch !!

[@barrybirnberg1034]

Your clear and amazing tutorial on threading, awakened my desire to bring to life my designs again, through sewing. Having closed my Haute Couture clothing business, in New York City, , many, many years ago, I found my White 455, 1960s machine and want to get going in my present Home, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Thank You, Thank You. I also hope to find your video on White Machine Maintenance.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You are so welcome!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Barry. We are in the GTA area so not far from you. Feel free to say hello at my email address. You can find the link under the "About" tab which shows if you are subscribed to the channel.

[@delceelynnramos1716]

Extremely helpful video, I can’t thank you enough! Would you possibly be able to post a guide on how to do the bobbin?????

[@kevon_edits]

Have you found a video for bobbin? I’m stuck on it

[@Alessastarz]

I'm stuck on the bobbin too fml

[@sewfab7805]

Ashley Easton What’s the problem with your bobbin? I’ll try to help.

[@Alessastarz]

@@sewfab7805 I figured out what happened. The bobbin and two other parts that hold the bobbin were both separated from the machine I was given so I had to reattach all 3 parts. I really appreciate you offering to help though. Thankyou.

[@NickWomackTBC]

Me too guys help!! Lol

[@annavoth3211]

THANK YOU!! I’ve been searching for tutorials for my mother’s 1970’s machine and all the others are new machines and the instructors blow right through it so quickly! Love the zoom-in sections and you repeating it several times. Ver much appreciated!!

[@faeryb0mb517]

we just dug up my great great grandmother bell's sewing machine. except my mom's pretty sure it's from the 70s. its the same brand but the model number is 940

[@sugarluv2]

This was so very helpful, Thank you so much!

[@kathleenanderson33]

Thank you have now been able to thread my Capri 414 machine after watching this tutorial Thank God as it was driving me crazy xx from UK

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped

[@meghanmcdougall9412]

Thank you mah duuuude!! Helped me thread my vintage Janome!

[@experiment7317]

Thank you so much for this lovely video! It was the first time I ever had a machine with the tension assembly like and had no idea how to properly thread that part, but this video helped me out perfectly!!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great to hear!

[@uzoamakaogeah4362]

This tutorial was really helpful to me. It's sure going to work for my white 3355 model Zigzag sewing machine. Thank you very much... 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Wonderful!

[@rogeryost6149]

Great instructions. Thank you!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You are so welcome!

[@alee42579]

Thank you! Bought a white machine at the thrift store and wasn't sure I threaded it correctly

[@alexzharrison2834]

thank you so much for this video!! super helpful!!!

[@corymalinoski909]

Similar to my 431. Your advice is useful.

[@TheSameYellowToy]

Would love to see more videos on the 455! My grandma passed last year and left me her zigzag 455 from 1973, and though my mom always said it was never a very good machine and couldn't do much, my minimalist grandma kept it all these years so I guess she liked it, lol. I'm currently trying to figure it out, the manual isn't very helpful.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thank you for sharing and how great that you have this heirloom from your grandmother. I have found that vintage manuals can be high on information, but the illustrations for such things as threading can be a bit "approximate" in showing how to set up a machine. That is one of the reasons I made a video using this White 455 to demonstrate upper machine threading. Sewing machines vary in how people bond to them. Similar to how some of us prefer to drive certain vehicles over others, your Mom may not find it as useful as your Grandmother did, but that is not unusual. Its not so much a reflection on the machine, but more due to variations in how we all find one machine more helpful over another.

[@antoniagreb1495]

My husband bought me the 455 in 1973. We were engaged back then I still have it and use it. I also have a new singer, but the White is my go too machine. The White 455 was built to be sturdy and last and so it has. The White 455 is also sentimental for me.

[@Eunnie1209]

Thank you so much for your clear demonstration. I now know how to thread correct with my 30 year old Sonata by Joan.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Wonderful!

[@theresafama4tlc]

Thank you this was a great help, I appreciate the guidance.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@connectedhappy2951]

You made my day!😍thank you infinitely!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You are so welcome!

[@seaglass8150]

this was extremely helpful! I'm new to using sewing machines, and this helped me so much with my White 734 machine! thank you!!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ramonalee392]

Me too!

[@eldersandim3008]

Remembers a Brother Sewing Machine at the controls. The tensioner of this White Sewing Machine is similar to the Brother Tensor. Beautiful White sewing machine.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Its great that its siimilar. And its not surprising given that Brother was one of the early Japanese machine makers that built machines for Private Labels which the White brand was at that point in time.

[@fivebluelakes8948]

Thank you so much. I finally hauled out my Mom's White and can't find the manual and couldn't remember how to thread it but with your video it came right back to me just like riding a bike. Excellent video. Do you have more explaining the knobs and buttons?

[@ca6177]

Thanks another good video!

[@AudreyFavre]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@kaivabreu3579]

Thank you so much for this video. The thin check spin wire (not sure if that's the name) was actually over the flap so I couldnt figure out why it was so tight! I fixed it! Thanks again! For reference I'm using a dressmaker zigzag which is slightly different.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@asmileisspecial]

this is so helpful, thank you. could you also do a video on how to wind the bobbin and how to change the feet?

[@sandinajda-beck8251]

Hello! Thank you so much, you've been so helpful especially with my newly inherented White Model 43. I'm looking for a source for the motor wicking. Its the thinner cord but any will do. I also just was gifted with a Dressmaker Model S-2402. The threading guides are a little different and was wondering if you have that model. The tension wheel in front seems to be very tight and in order to move the thread thru, I have it all the way open at "0". Not sure if this will be a tension stitch problem and may need to watch video on correcting top to bottom tension. Thank you for your help!

[@elizawaters7682]

Most helpful. Thank you.

[@shirleyjordan7490]

Very helpful video. I have the same model 455. Could you do a video on how to wind the bobbin? Your videos are so thorough.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great suggestion!

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

I have a White Zigzag model 265. I'd love to see a feature on it!

[@slashnburndotcodotuk]

This an almost carbon copy of My Necchi Sewline 35. Gorgeous machine

[@caroahc]

you saved my life. I always wanted to learn how to sew and today bought an old machine and no manual, and no idea how to do anything. All-day stressed asking myself how to start. Thank you!!! you got a new suscriber! now I just need to know about the bobbin, lol

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

That is so great to hear Carolina. May I ask what Machine Model/Brand you found? Many manuals are available online either for free or for a small fee in PDF form. Let us know and we can try to find a link for a manual for you. I won't know until I have the model number if one is available but its always possible!

[@jacquelynjefferson1245]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You're welcome!

[@Peppermint1]

Thank you for the information. My 499 is exactly the same but with zigzag and buttonhole levers. Also, it's a 1972 - the date is stamped inside the machine on the motor. It's an extremely heavy machine at 36lbs (only a Necchi is heavier). Very quiet machine. A copy of the manual is available on the Singers site as 499 but it's not good quality and only persons from the US can see the pdf file.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thanks for the info!

[@b.b377]

I love this video

[@AdityaDheer94]

Hi there! Thank you for the lovely video. Really helpful for a novice like me. I recently got my mother's childhood toy, a Bandai sewing machine from the 1970s. I was wondering if you could shed some light on it for me. It seems to be in working condition (not sure about the battery operated bit tho). I'm missing the needles. It would be really great if you could help me! I'd love to get it running and gift it to my mother for her 60th birthday. Thank you in advance!

[@shilinfrankyu]

Thank you for your video I got an answer from it.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad it helped

[@rastailil2726]

You're amazing thank u

[@piorism]

Hello VSMG - I just got a zigzag machine similar to the one featured in this video (Riccar Excelsior JA18, which seems to be a rebrand of an Adler Belvedere). It is working well but the takeup spring was damaged. I managed to bend it back into a semi-working state but it isn't great. Were can I find the part ? I am having difficulties finding a matching one.

[@78Krisa]

I have a white model 967. Anything you can show me on how to use all the features would be helpful. Learning to sew!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I don't have that model in front of me but you can search online for a PDF of the user manual if you don't have one. User manuals are the best for learning a new machine.

[@noravs2456]

Thanks for the video! My husband picked up a White 530 (very similar to this) but the rubber ring on the bobbin winder is missing. Also, it looks like a different presser foot is needed for zigzagging. Do you sell parts?

[@chantellebreen6124]

Any chance you could do a video on the bobbin?? I have the exact same machine, but i am absolutely beyond stuck on the bobbin. This video was also very helpful, thank you!!

[@rebeccahill2575]

Thank you 🙏

[@shirleyjordan7490]

I have a white model 455 as well. The videos are very helpful but I am in need of the manual also. How do I know if the needle is correct? I had to replace it.

[@debbiegeorge5880]

Great job. Found White 782 in new homes attic. Had trouble with those pig tails so thanks ! Maybe try red thread?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great idea!

[@yewtree2722]

Thank you so much

[@patramorningstar3161]

So happy I found your channel #newsubscriber I recently brought a vintage white sewing machine with the table included from a seller on Etsy. Believe I located the model number in back of the machine which is a 44111 I can’t seem to find much information about this particular model. Just want to make sure I threaded the machine and the bobbin correctly. Do you have any information you can share it would be most most appreciated🙏🏾💕

[@daneetalorettajackson]

This was fantastically useful! Thank you. I have a White Vintage. Where is the Demonstration? Would love to see that!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Here is the final video demonstrating some of the machine's features once the overhaul was completed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3yqlZKFqtl9bcU

[@shirleyjordan7490]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarageI have a white model 455. There isn't a manual to help with threading the bobbin. Could you do a video on threading the bobbin. Your video are so helpful and so detailed.

[@rosegulab1164]

Hi Very useful video, I thank you for that. I have vintage white model 609 zigzag sewing machine and I have problem adjusting (feature # 14) Stitch Length Control knob , it seems to be stuck or jammed and can not find any release button. Please guide me how to adjust it. Thank you Rose

[@katiaitzelguillenbosquez9190]

Gracias señor tengo una idéntica a esa que me acaban de regalar y no sabía cómo enebrar el hilo

[@kristenwatts6686]

Is there another video of how to wind the bobbin on this machine?

[@allengina1091]

Thank you I got it

[@jennhernandz3912]

I recently just got a 2134 and I’m struggling to thread the damn thing any advice I’ve got the bottom bob and worked out fine it’s getting the other bag needle to through those threading needles and getting it to stay in the needle and not fly out

[@lenette7089]

The pressure foot lever droppef off. How do I reattach! I have a White vintage. Looks exactly like the one in this video.

[@rosaliemom2]

I need help with my sewing machine White 967. Thanks for your videos.

[@antoniagreb1495]

I have the White 455 and pulled the last thread guide off when my fingernail got caught in it while I was sewing as I was trying to remove my fabric. Is that that coiled silver guide sawdered to the shank? Is this going to be easy to replace or attach? Your video was great by the way!

[@patricia32580]

I just inherited a White 571 and the last thread guide is missing, is this something I can easily get repaired somewhere? Or is it possible to fix it myself?

[@eileenwarren1]

Thank you !

[@barbaracardarelli1160]

Hi I was given a white 1365 model sewing machine. No manual and I don’t know what the all the nibs and levers do. Can you help me?

[@harryperez8080]

thank you so much ...

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Happy to help

[@Dell_ILJ]

Do you know how to thread a vintage Carl’s manufactured by Koyo Machine Industries in Osaka, Japan for Dial Sew?

[@williamdelong6712]

I have an Old Koyo sewing machine. It was my moms. It's been a while since I have had to thread it and don't remember exactly. Any help would be appreciated.

[@chazsteadman5020]

I really need to see how to thread the bobbin. This is the first machine i ever owned (just bought it) and can't find the mfg name. (made in Japan, model 4000, J-C2 (stamped). Vertical bobbin, not drop in. Thanks.

[@Andrea_Rodriguez]

Quick question and it may even be a stupid one. But I have a sewing machine from the same brand. My thread keeps slipping. In this video, you thread or appear to thread the needle from the back. Should I be doing that? Im not sure what model I have but it's an older one like in this video. I love sewing and can't get a new machine right now and I get discouraged when that thread slips. Any suggestions??

[@zelmadoolaard4626]

How do I get my needle to be in the middle it is sewing on the left? Thank you

[@cherylpollard1522]

I need help with my White #1477, treading and loading bobbin. My stop motion knob gets stuck.

[@bsugarman1]

A friend of mine recently bought a White 265 with a broken tension assembly. He's purchased 4 different assemblies but none fit (though they were advertised as such). Does the assembly go directly into the casting or is there a "collar" that perhaps we are missing? Do you have any advice for us? This video looks to have the same tension assembly as my old Dressmaker! Great video - thanks! Bill

[@pamelamiller2672]

I have a White machine model 173 do you know anything about it. I bought it at the Goodwill a few years ago and never looked at it until today. I can’t find anything about it.

[@sewingmistakesunlimited]

You may have just fixed my problem, I hope. I had it threaded wrong. And to be continued....

[@sandyone3256]

I need to learn how to thread a White model number 1315. Can you show me? Thank you so much!

[@francescabowman5478]

Hello, I am new to sewing and have a White Model 455 Sewing Machine, but it is missing the lower needle bar thread guide and I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction of a replacement...most of the ones that I see online look completely different and I am unsure if the screw will be the correct fit. Thank you so much for this video!

[@francescabowman5478]

Still wondering...if anyone knows it would be extremely helpful.

[@kayautrey3955]

Hi - Can you demonstrate how to thread a White LWC-2 machine? Bobbin, too?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Kay. I would be happy to do that but I don't own one and that is really needed for me to demonstrate. I would try finding a manual for the machine which would guide you for what you are trying to solve.

[@ronluft8987]

I am 65 years old. I have a White Model 940. I haven't sewn in years but I want to make some coronavirus masks for the local nursing homes. I'm trying to wind a new bobbin. I think I'm doing it exactly how I used to and exactly by the manual. Not working! Help!!

[@sewndebisdream6953]

I have the White 940 too.

[@TheSkyhazFallen]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou😘

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You’re welcome 😊

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

I have a 960, can't figure out how to load bobbin into the machine

[@kathleenanderson33]

Been trying to thread my Capri 414 but still getting problems with it Hopefully this tutorial will help My machine IS driving me nuts xx from UK

[@cherylwarren6208]

P nnk

[@CharChar876]

I bought a House Keeper machine that looks like it has a matching tension assembly that you White machine has. I would like to know what replacement I would be looking for/brand type that could be used in this machine?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You can search online for used replacements (Bonanza.com is a good site for this) or there are new reproduction generic replacements. Some of these have varying levels of quality. You can also attempt rebuilding the one you have if it is malfunctioning due to a broken check spring for example.

[@shakeshi]

Hey does this machine take regularly home sewing needles or industrial sewing machine needles?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Regular Home sewing needles thankfully. Most vintage machines you see on this channel all take those.

[@TheOlivecat]

I was just given a White sewing machine, model 346. I can't find any information on it. I would love a video on that machine.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Noted!

[@TheOlivecat]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you!

[@robertanderson4763]

I have a dressmaker sewing machine I think it’s a 2404 I think I got it threaded but I can’t get it to stitch what am I doing wrong I haven’t used it since my mom died 25 years ago

[@gabinom3359]

Can you explain please what is the purpose of the little arm just beside the stitch lenght button which you can put on "m" or"r"??? Thanks.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Sure. That area is used for setting the 'Stretch Control' for when stretch stitches are used. When this machine was new, knitwear was VERY popular and this feature made is a bit easier to sew knit fabrics.

[@gabinom3359]

Thanks. But if I want to sew in normal mode, do I put the lever on M or R? (M = manual???)

[@71jmead]

We have a White 477 we got from my mom. The belt is stretch and tattered on the edge. Any idea what belt we could replace it with?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Jason. If you still have the old belt, hold onto it for measuring. You can find new replacement belts online or at some local Sewing-Vacuum centers. The belts are generic and so that makes it easier. The amber colored lugged style belts work just fine.

[@randyc8171]

Sold new in 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975.

[@baire702]

is the needlebar broken?

[@thentherlawrence6553]

How can I get information on white 2000 machine

[@robertonavarro2825]

Buenos días, donde puedo comprar máquinas de esta marca White

[@theresageorge5796]

Nice video! I am a veteran and have 4 machines (Berninas, Singer and an Elna serger), and a professional seamstress. Just last week I picked up a White 599 ($35, which I thought was pretty good). There are a few things about this machine that I'm trying to figure out. Firstly, it is called a "zigzag" machine, which I'm assuming means that in its time, zigzagging was new and that this is the focus of the machine. It only has one foot, but I believe I have found a number of universal feet that will work with it, and I have tried my 1944 Singer feet - they work, so I've used them as a model to find other used feet. The machine, by the way, is for my 26 year old daughter who is just now learning to sew. I have a few questions I'd love some help with. Is this the only forum where I can ask you questions? Do you have a contact section? The needle shaft on the White is set to the right. I can't figure out if this is because it's a zigzag machine and this is permanent, or if something is off kilter inside the workings. Thanks for any feedback!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello Theresa. Many sewing machines from that time period had default needle positions that honed either to the right or left. This may be due to the desire to have machines that would be ready to make 1/4 inch seams or it can also be due to the sewing fashions/trends of the time. Sewing machines often reflect features that were in demand at the time. And yes, ZigZag was a very important innovation at that time since people did not have Sergers to secure raw edges. If you don't have the manual, you can purchase a PDF of one for very little cost. That machine should take Low Shank feet and so as you have found, its not too hard to find feet/attachments that work with it. I prefer vintage feet since they are made with better quality but new feet can also work fine. If you would like to send me additional questions, you can email me here by subscribing if you have not and then on the "ABOUT" tab on my home page, you will see a link at the bottom of that page which will show my email. Its not a good idea to post my or anyone's email on comments sections due to spam bots that can find and use them.

[@theresageorge5796]

Hi again! I do have some more questions and would really appreciate being able to ask you through email. I went to the "about" button and could not find anything on the page except the little synopsis you have written about your experience. I could not find a link. Is there another way I can get to your email address through the subscription? I'm surprised I can't find a link. Thanks so much again. @@VintageSewingMachineGarage

[@kentonsokoloski536]

well thank you- I've come into possession of a Baycrest 520...any info you have would be most appreciated...where could I get a manual or instructions etc. Thank you

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello. Baycrest was the 'House brand' or store brand for Canada's Hudson Bay department store chain. While that chain is still in business, I'm not aware of whether they still sell machines. Yours would have been made in Japan like many others from that era and likely made quite well.

[@kentonsokoloski536]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you for the reply on the machine, now all I need to know is how to run it. I threaded it and bobbin'd it and promptly broke a needle?...any suggestions?

[@TheKatie287]

How the heck do I change the needle position? Mine is off center and it’s killing me. This is almost identical to mine. The same threading and the top button that appears to adjust the needle position but I can’t figure out how to make it change the needle from left of center to center. It’s a domestic white, probably made in the 70’s. I have the generic manual but it doesn’t have the instructions.

[@judithcastilla5778]

I need the tensions please ,where I can buy??? Please help me thank s so mucho

[@brucebeamon5460]

You were pretty good at explaining until it came down to the very end and out of nowhere that extra white thread appears and you said something about the bobbin .. I was given a sewing machine a couple years ago put it in my basement and never really investigated how to work on it and the idea popped in my head to look on line so here I am I’ll look for my brand when I get home to try my luck