How to Use a Vintage Singer 328k Sewing Machine

[@lyndamelnicove8896]

FINALLY! A demonstration on dual sewing with the 328K. Appreciate it.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I was given a 328K Singer Sewing Machine by the owner of a Consignment shop (who had sold it; but, it was returned with demands and very unkind words). I was very happy to be given this machine; and, I did offer to pay for it. This machine looks very much like the one you used in this video. It has been stored wrong and has some dings. It is missing the extra cams, the feed dog cover with the wide hole (to do zigzag with), the manual, extra feet, tools, one spool holder, and it's carrying case or table. The one given to me is the same color as the one you used in this video. I love the look of this machine and the fact that the head is all aluminum (which is much lighter for me to pick up and carry, I'm 73 years old). You just gave me another reason to get this machine into the repair shop and serviced. I want to keep it; because, I can do twin needle sewing on it without buying those expensive twin needles. I love the old Singer Sewing machines. Plus, I was told that this model was the last to be designed to fit into an treadle cabinet and ran with a belt from the foot treadle. I was also told that the little motor inside this machine is open and air cooled. Thank you for this video.

[@mahuampy]

Hi Steve!! I really like your teaching style. I love your voice and pace. I want to say thank you because you gave me the confidence to repair a serger that I purchase by craiglist. I am very proud that I fixed. I follow your instructions... I have before and after video if you want to watch it. Thanks a lot..

[@SewSaveMe]

sure hit us up on facebooks ill take a watch. I like watching machines work.

[@lougoocher6227]

I'm going to pick up this machine for $50, in a nice little cabinet. Your great video made up my mind! Thanks!

[@dianaripepi]

Thank you for your videos! I have a 328k, 401a, and 503a. Thanks to you I have gotten my 401 in awesome working order, and I know what to do with this machine too. You are awesome!!!

[@carolynbuck-gengler3077]

I have one of these; got it from my mom when she updated. (It's my age or older; I've had it around 30 years.) Fun to see it in a video! (Actually, my owner's manual says "style-o-matic model 328" -- but the box that the attachments are in says 328J, but for the most part it seems quite similar. The owner's manual mentions 9 fashion discs, and I have all 9, plus a lot of very strange attachments that I will never use :-) ). FWIW, about 25 years ago I made window treatments that at their thickest were ~ 24 layers of fabric thick (gathers). More recently I have been making quilt tops and, in the beginning of covid, masks of varying types. She does get a bit cranky with multiple layers, but usually can get the job done. She is quite touchy about her tension after not being used for awhile. She's in mostly great shape except that one of the spool holders on the top is long gone, so I guess I'll never do two needle sewing. Oh, and for the nonce (if you ever are working with one of these again), when threading the upper thread, the thread guide on the side does not need to have the thread threaded through it (video around 3:13-2:20, you can just gently slide it in (from front to back) -- not sure how to describe it. Certainly what you did is still easier than the part where we all have to thread it (through the actual needles), which I find difficult to do these days (eyesight; have to get REALLY close to see it). Thanks for the great video!

[@dansimonson3716]

Thank you! I have a 327 that I've been struggling with. Your video helped me figure out what I was doing wrong.

[@SewSaveMe]

Glad I could help!

[@marilynt1]

Would love to see a video for restoring and cleaning up the 328 as you did for the 401a. Love the videos. Thanks.

[@terrifastify]

Great ,informative video.I just got this machine so this was really helpful as I am still learning about vintage machines.I have about ten various vintage machines now.

[@SewSaveMe]

Not a horrable machine. Less expensive and All Metal. Makes it a bonus. But the Twin needle option on Low shank is very appealing. It does draw back on sewing leathers How ever. My Opinion it wouldnt be a great machine for sewing Light Leather Purses, Walets, Or coats.

[@shadestradingpostcom]

thanks for the video , I just got this same Machine , It didn't even run, but I got it running and it does a pretty good job of sewing . For anyone learning to sew it's a work horse that will do the job . I have a ton of old machines , and boxes of small parts , plates etc. if you need any . Thanks .

[@SewSaveMe]

Thanks for the offer but I got all the machines I wanted :D Glad the Video was helpful.

[@shadestradingpostcom]

@@SewSaveMe I hear yeah there, I just sold mine today , along with a pretty Blue Fleetwood Zig Zag

[@wilkbor]

Thank you. I was just gifted this machine and am trying to learn how to use it.

[@TheBobelly628]

Your hair is beautiful! 🤩… I digress- back to the sewing machine ☺️

[@yirinas9210]

Thanks! been looking at one secondhand and didn’t know if it would work for my needs until I watched this. Very informative!

[@SewSaveMe]

You're welcome!

[@joantest]

Love Stevie’s brutally honest takes on the machines on this channel. Lol. But that means if there’s a video about a machine, it’s gotta be at least decently good, even if Stevie’s feedback is kinda meh LOL.. I just got this machine and it’s a sturdy little stitcher that will last my fam a long time. Nice straight stitch, not the best zig zag ever, but it came with a handful of cams and I’ll definitely try the twin needle. Thanks again!

[@SewSaveMe]

The 328k Isnt Aweful. I like it can twin needle using two needles so thats a bonus. And for its day it was really good machine. But by the 70's there are better smoother machines in my opinion. Course the 328k was relatively cheap too compaired to say a 403 or even a Kenmore 158.1802. If you were on a budget back then 328k made a quality machine for the money. If I seen one in a thrift store for 10-20 dollars I would snach it up even today. Still way better machine then any walmart special plastic garbage.

[@avelsgard78]

Love your videos Stevie!!! Thanks for all you do!

[@eh84eh]

You do a great job of explaining things, thank you!!

[@SewSaveMe]

You're very welcome!

[@manheber]

Great video! Loved the vibe. Just picked up a near mint one. Wish it worked better with leathers seems to chew through the thread with leather. Much more reliable than the low end modern Brother I have so far otherwise and cost $16.

[@leecopp8012]

Hey Stevie .. another nice job .. I also greatly enjoyed your 401a clean/oil assembly.

[@leecopp8012]

Manual available at Manualslib.com for free. Manual listed 8 fashion disks . . it uses the same disks as Singer 319.

[@SewSaveMe]

Thanks 👍

[@pena-video]

I have a Singer 328K and it is a very good and reliable workhorse. :)

[@dawnwarren9671]

Just bought this machine, great information. I would try a leather needle, or 2! Love your hair!

[@SewSaveMe]

Not a awful machine. Should sew purse leather and soft coat leathers with decent ease.

[@fitzou34]

Hey from France. Thanks for your information video. I have this machine and I want to try to do something with it. Thanks a lot. Yours videos are great!!!

[@SewSaveMe]

You are welcome

[@tompahdea5799]

Oh, I LOVE the MUZAK time-lapse entertainment rather than most anything else as you really do not have to pay attention to it being such an unnatural sound but then when it stops you know the program is continuing. Don't get rid of it--EVER.

[@egeau]

Do you have a video on troubleshooting a sluggish Singer Style-O-Matic 328?

[@TheVineyardFarmhouse]

Very informative. I think you sold me on getting a singer 401A. It would be very helpful if you could do a repair job on a Viking 6460..they are well-known for their cam stack issues.

[@tompahdea5799]

I use my machines on those heavier TV dinner stands so that I can move them around depending on space needs. When I work against the "bookcase/brick-lumber" shelving I work off my cones resting them on a lower shelf and pound a 4 in. finish nail in the face of the shelf at a slant to catch the thread from belore then thread it into the machine as usual bypassing a separate cone thread holder. I can have all my thread cones on the shelf for continual storage/access, too. I was just thinking that you could use those picture frame screws on the face of the shelf to put the thread through before going into the machine but I didn't have any at the time. That way people will not get caught by the head of the nail if they pass too close. SCIZZORS-To clear space on the sewing surface I have been in the habit of putting my scizzors in my back right pocket so that I don't have to go hunting for them all the time. PINS--I have been meaning to make up a magnetic pouch to drop my pins as I take them off my projects while sewing. Will the magnet have any effect on the motor since I would like to hang it to the right of the machine. With the way electronics go I would not like to screw up a motor because I have magnets nearby?

[@eh84eh]

I have one of these that is an absolute wreck, miessing the bobbin cover plate, bobbin winder, its rusty and dirty but it runs good and im determined to get it in working order.

[@SewSaveMe]

Good luck hope you get it running again.

[@khanscombe619]

Great video tutorials. u I have some wiring questions for motor & pedal on a Singer 403A upgrade. I have a T&S 750, 776, & 640 (:

[@powerfuldot]

Wow, this is such a great video, thanks so much! I have had a 328k for a couple of years and had no idea the twin needle setup would allow me to stick two needles in the holder. I thought it was just to allow you to install a twin. XD

[@SewSaveMe]

Part of the Reason why some of the singers are so popular.

[@lauracruzrosario7569]

Hi Steve love your videos.

[@SewSaveMe]

Hey, thanks! Glad you like them!

[@sheep1ewe]

I hawe the table wersion of the older wersion (not sure about it's number now...) of the Singer. The swedish manufacturer was named "Husquvarna" it's pretty similar to the singer (it's not a copy it's intestines are different (for example the inner spool work with a round axle that twist instead of that back and forward lever the singer had, etc), but i guess the function is pretty similar in all those machines) in the earlier models, but later models are more advanced and could be programmed with some plastic gears. A hawe a few of the very old ones of those too, i still use one of them wich are converted with an electric motor i guess somewhere in the 50s.

[@sunflowersnbluebirds7362]

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

[@chrisyzuccaro1767]

how do you backstitch on these machines?

[@chrisyzuccaro1767]

You just lift the stitch length bar up all the way??

[@SewSaveMe]

when im just demoing a machine I dont even bother. When Im making clothing it depends on what stitch im using and what im doing. If its just a SS I back tack.

[@TheVineyardFarmhouse]

Is there a machine from that era that you would suggest to be better than the 401A.

[@hadamerryweather577]

You are awesome!

[@matthewblalock4916]

I have my grandmother's 1961 Singer 500A sewing machine. I've had it for a few years now. When I first got it I cleaned it up and oiled it. It sewed perfectly! So, I took the motor apart to service it. After a few months of constant use I noticed the top tension was getting way too tight. So, I took it apart and followed a few videos on the top tension on a 500A. That seemed to solve the problem for about a few minutes of sewing but, the upper tension becomes extremely tight. Even with the presser foot lever in the up position. Have any ideas what could be causes the problem? Thanks, Matthew B.

[@anitavarela8850]

Do you do repair videos on 328k?

[@cathyadams3409]

do you have to have the cams to sew? I have one it is # 6. That is the only one I have. Do I have to have all the cams for this machine to work properly?

[@SewSaveMe]

You need the other cams to do fancy stitches. Im not sure what #6 cam is but I dont think thats the normal ZigZag cam. You might wanna poke around and see if you can get a set. Flat singer cams are fairly cheap to buy in most cases.

[@ExcelsiorElectric]

Hi, question, there are two videos of "328K's" this one, and a brown/tan one. I'm confused.

[@SewSaveMe]

Because there are two of us running this channel. And there are two different colors of singer 328k machines. I was board one weekend and made another video and Just serviced this machine to sell.

[@lbustamante1329]

I purchased a sewing machine like this and am trying to replace the light bulb. Every bulb I purchase will not turn and lock in. Do you have any suggestions for me?

[@SewSaveMe]

I honeslty dont since I dont own the machine no more and honeslty dont remember what the bulb socket looks like.

[@leahjansen2620]

Hello! I am trying to start using my grandma's old machine for my first sewing adventure :) Your video has been so helpful but I can not insert 2 needles - I've tried every which way and it seems that only one fits! My machine looks just like yours. Any advice?

[@SewSaveMe]

Is it a 328k exact model? Im not a singer expert by all means but I think there was a few flavors of this machine. And I seem to remember only the K model could twin needle with two actual needles bolted in the bar.

[@tompahdea5799]

The face difference of a singer 328K maybe due to the "straight" needle shank, which is the one I have, does not have a separate plate on the face; but the slant does.

[@tompahdea5799]

Some of my older bobbins have gotten a bit darker as the original finish has worn away. Can they be mixed in course sand to remove some of the "color" to brighten them not to original as the finish is gone but not as "dull/dirty" looking?

[@SewSaveMe]

I bet that would work, but you may want to use walnut shells instead just to be safe.

[@tompahdea5799]

Is it possible to change the power pedal from those "button" ones such as that on the 328K to the whole flat pedals on the touch n sews types because they are hard on my big toe!

[@SewSaveMe]

You bet as long as you dont use one from a golden touch and sew those were electronic and have 3 wires. But all the others were .7a two wire type and should work fine just verify the motor on your 328k is the same or lower amp rating then the pedal you wont wanna burn your pedal up.

[@annmargaret6992]

Dear Lad, hello. I have a 1960 Rocket 327k and no one is making a film on mine. I have not used mine since 1970. I got it serviced. But misplaced all my discs, I am in my late 90s. I do still sew and love it. Please Lad could you do a class for people like me who have a 327k? I apologize I have forgotten on to use it. I had a beautiful 1975 Blue Riccar and my serviceman said they can no longer fix it because there are no more parts. So I am back on my 327k. I just need some help and I need all my discs and does my machine sew with a double needle too? I also would like a used sewing tabLe for my Rocket were it lays flat for better sewing. something used, and I can fix it up. Do you have any suggestions for me Son? Thank you for your film, I have subscribed and please do some for my 327k . God Bless, Ann

[@SewSaveMe]

I dont own the machine no more so I cant do much more with it. I sold it a long time ago.

[@tompahdea5799]

So, for needle installation regardless one or two, it is flat side to the front on both?

[@SewSaveMe]

Yes they both go in one way far as I remember they can only insert one direction.

[@corriecrazy]

Hi! Thanks for the great video. I have a 328J. I don't know why it's a J rather than a K, but that's what it says on the front. Otherwise, it seems to be identical to the K. Would all the parts (i.e., feet, needles, cams, etc) that go with the 328K fit my model? Thanks so much for your assistance!

[@SewSaveMe]

Hit us up on Facebook that def a Crystal Question. Im better at using and fixing them. As far as what needle systems they use feet accessories Crystal is way better at that stuff.

[@ladygardener100]

K is made in Kilmarnock , Scotland

[@clarisedarling7284]

Great video I have just purchased a 328P sews great but is it meant to sound like a tractor

[@SewSaveMe]

Yes. Ahaha these things were very clunky sounding.

[@redoak3809]

How does this compare to a 403A?

[@SewSaveMe]

If I had to choose between a 40x machine and a 328k I would take the 40x machine. I think the 40x series is a better less clunkey machine. But thats my opinion.

[@tompahdea5799]

Your machine is in a teal color. Mine is tan. Is there a reason for the color difference and your name plavte area seems to be sepatrate and mine looks more like it is all one piece?

[@SewSaveMe]

You know im not real sure. My partner in crime can tell you the reason for the color difference but im personally the mechanic and user not the history.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Will this handle thin leather? I want to make a wallet and a tool roll.

[@SewSaveMe]

Thin leathers I dont see why not. I would probably go looking for a Vintage 148 or 158 kenmore though I think they handle leathers a bit better.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

@@SewSaveMe Ok. I saw a 328k on Craigslist so that's why I'm asking. I do recall seeing Kenmore models also once in awhile. Thanks.

[@autoliv4]

Were can get the fashion discs?

[@SewSaveMe]

Ebay, Etsy, Thrift stores. You just gotta hunt for them.

[@autoliv4]

@@SewSaveMe found then on Ebay thanks for the tip

[@sonya2968]

Stevie, where on the machine does it say 328 the better question is k or j?

[@SewSaveMe]

I dont have the machine no more so im not 100 percent but. If I recall I looked it up by serial number.

[@lonnagabbard2584]

Where are you located?

[@SewSaveMe]

Why do you ask?

[@tonyhuy686]

You got a beautiful hand with nails polish ❤😂

[@SewSaveMe]

Thanks.