Single Needle Straight Stitch Sewing Test on a Singer Model 338 Sewing Machine

[@fitting9132]

I bought a machine and it just makes noise but doesn't move at all. I was hoping to see this in this video, but your machine is a pure beast😅

[@andytubesewing1953]

Is your machine a model 338 then? A machine like this that has sat idle for years or decades usually has dried oil in all the oil points and bearings. It acts like a varnish or glue freezing the moving parts together. You can get a free copy of the Instruction Manual from Singer Support at this link: www.singer.com/search/support?title=338 Pages 70 - 72 show all 32 oil points. Just use sewing machine oil and be a little generous. You can let it sit until the old oil softens or you can apply heat to all those points using a hairdryer. Eventually, you will get some movement by turning the handwheel by hand (save the strain from the motor) Once it starts moving a little the new oil gets in there even faster, and when you can turn the handwheel fairly easily then try running the motor slowly. Do not force anything (damaged parts) It can take an hour or a day. I usually oil it and let it sit overnight but I'm in no hurry. The manual has 84 pages of info about using the machine which you might enjoy glancing through. I do have several videos about cleaning, restoring, adjusting, replacing motor belts, etc. Here is a step-by-step restoration of the sister model 337 with 32 videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJxbOOMKQPvmeTRqi0dhGa5 and here are 20 videos about a 338 I restored for my daughter: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKK4y8dsq3oMKJFTGsoNJWmi The 337/338 models are extremely versatile and can sew from lace to denim with no problem. They can be used as portables or mounted in over a dozen different Singer cabinets. Once cleaned and oiled it will sew for another 50 years with just normal maintenance which you can do easily yourself. Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel and saving a machine from the dump.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@fitting9132 Cleaning is always a good idea, even if it is just visible oil and lint. It's very possible you threaded the needle wrong, put the bobbin in backward, etc. That manual I mention has instructions for all that, too. Needle and thread size discrepancy can break thread. Be sure you are using a Class 66 bobbin, and not a Class 15. Needle thread can easily break when the thread won't move thru the thread guides or take up lever. I usually remove the thread completely and start over. That's where I would start.

[@fitting9132]

@andytubesewing1953 thanks so much! I'll do that. Hopefully I can make it work🙏

[@LaPatronaVlogs]

Andy I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR Videos I HAVE 2 of the machines you have showed here and I have learned how to restore them tanks to you

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you for ending my day with a smile. I always love a comment like this. Thank you for saving those machines and keeping them in service, Lindsay. Happy sewing.

[@catherinedilworth1363]

Very informative video, thank you, Andy. I ordered a straight stitch throat plate for my 337. It looks exactly like my throat plate in the photo on eBay. I should be receiving it soon. The straight stitch throat plate for that machine is hard to find. I hope it fits because it's important to switch to a straight stitch plate for fine fabrics and better control.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Singer model 337 came with two throat (needle) plates. Part No. 179608 multi-purpose and Part No. 161614 Straight Stitch. Those plates also came with models 327K, 328K, & 338K. It is a shame so many of the straight-stitch plates were never used. and got lost or discarded. I'm with you 100% that you get a better looking straight stitch when using the correct plate. Absolutely!

[@Thecreativecowgirl]

@andytubesewing1953 I just purchased this exact model, have it all cleaned up and oiled. I purchased it to sew some simple leather projects (4-5 oz. single layer veg tan, two layers deer skin, etc.) but I'm having issues with it grabbing the bobbin thread. I've meticulously watched your other videos on threading, etc. and not sure what else to try. I'm pretty new to sewing by machine still so not well versed on adjusting machines. I am using a Singer leather sewing needle, upholstery thread, and a #4 tension setting like in this video. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you for the great videos!

[@andytubesewing1953]

It's a wonderful machine, Desiree. The one my daughter asked me to restore for her of all other Singer models. "grabbing the bobbin thread", so does it grab (pick up) the bobbin thread at all, or just misses it sometimes causing skipped stitches. As a new sewist you may be trying to "help" the media along (in your case the leather) If you "help" push or pull the leather you can deflect the needle enough that the hook point misses the tiny loop of thread from the needle. We always want to let the Feed Dog move the fabric. That's its job and the dog is (should be) timed to the needle/hook movement to grab that bobbin thread. It is fine if you "guide" the leather but if you nudge it forward or hold it back, even a small amount, that can cause skipping. You can just use it on some scraps of fabric, like something woven, or even a folded paper towel. Just let the dog pull it along slowly and don't even touch the towel. If it still skips you know it is not you causing it. When sewing leather or deerskin layers (or any layers) it can really help to use an Even Feed Foot. This foot helps stop slippage of the media and prevents the needle from being deflected by the bottom layer. Here is an example of an even feed foot for a LOW SHNK model like your 338: www.sewingpartsonline.com/low-shank-walking-foot-singer-423242-451.aspx So then what? If it isn't something like you pushing/holding the media? Now that means it may be a timing issue. Timing is the needlepoint to hook point coming together at the exact split-second for the hook point to grab the NEEDLE thread and as it is pulled around by the hook that needle thread wraps around the BOBBIN thread (forming a cross-stitch). The first thing to look for with a timing problem is the height of the needle bar. There are some marks etched into the needle bar that is used to set the height of that bar at a certain moment. It's not hard to do and here is a video explaining the marks and setting the height: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpe3o3yaitWIbJo I have had skipping Singer machines that I adjusted the needle bar a tiny amount, up or down, and fixed the problem. It's a line-of-site of the mark to the bottom of the bushing so folks "eyeball" it a little off and have skipped stitches. Every machine is unique a little bit, especially at the age of yours. You can watch the video part about setting the height and check your machine without using any tools. If the height is off you loosen a screw, adjust the height, and tighten the screw, and test again. That's it for now; I'm missing the Chiefs Playoff game! 👀😀

[@Deathwingthedestroye]

I know this video is older, but maybe you can help me. I’m having trouble with adjusting the tension dial and the pressure thumb screw. It seems like no matter what I set each on, my lighter fabrics will bunch up, get caught in the machine, and/or the stitches are uneven. Since I’ve tried pretty much all settings, do you think it’s a problem with the machine itself? Could you maybe do a tutorial on setting the tension and the pressure thumbscrew? Thanks a bunch for your videos!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Older, but still monitored. Please take a look at this video series of a full restoration on a Singer Model 337. The 337 is the Sister to the 338. The difference is it has one "semi-permanent" pattern cam, the zigzag. All the other parts, motor, tension, shafts, needle bar, etc. are the same. My series will cover the presser bar and rebuilding the tension unit. I can't stress enough that cleaning a machine will fix many, many problems. kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJxbOOMKQPvmeTRqi0dhGa5 It is what the Singer repairmen did first when they serviced a machine. Cleaned it, including soaking in varisol, oiled it, ran it for 5 minutes then started testing. Many times there was nothing else to fix. If you'd care to see a little more detail about tension, here is a mini-series about it in detail >> kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJaeFB_GW97NsW5GYM7KD9U You can download a free copy of the original Singer Instruction Manual here >> www.singer.com/sites/default/files/product_manual/SINGER%20338%20Sewing%20Machine.pdf Please be sure you have threaded the needle and the bobbin case correctly. You'd be surprised. I don't know you. You may be the most experienced sewist on the planet. Please just check. You can also download a free copy of the Singer Parts Diagram with part numbers if you ever need to look for replacement parts >> parts.singerco.com/CPpartCharts/3_39999/338.pdf So there are 38 videos and some documents that may help with the problem. Homework, I guess. Thanks for watching my channel

[@jgsawka]

Hi Andy! Thanks so much for this series. So helpful. I just purchased a 338 that seems to run and all parts moving. My plan is to clean her up before I start sewing with it. Unfortunately the only cam that did not come with this machine was the zigzag cam...the only one that I would really use lol. Is it necessary to have a cam inserted to be able to use the straight stitch function? Or does a cam need to be in there even though its not being used? I see that you mention restoring the 337. I'll be having a look at those videos to help me with my 338. Thanks.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Congratulations on your new machine. It's a beauty. I think you can so straight stitch without any pattern. Cam being installed. I say that because when you move the lever to zero for straight stitch that pulls a follower away from any cam that you have installed. That follower works some levers that makes the needle swing back and forth for zigzag. So even when the zigzit cam is in there when you're sewing straight stitch, the follower doesn't touch the cam. I think you'll be fine. You can buy a new cam for four or five bucks online. Your machine takes the original cams which are flat and called type A and the zigzag cam is number one Cam there are about 20 more cams with different patterns. You can often find a vintage set of the original attachments in their box on eBay for about 40 bucks if you need more of the presser feet, etc. Yes, the 337 step by step restoration playlist can walk you right through your 338 the only difference is model 337 has one cam permanently installed and your 338 has the chrome knob. You can take off to change cams. Otherwise the mechanics are the same between the two machines. Good luck. You know where to find me if you have questions

[@jgsawka]

@@andytubesewing1953 thank you for your quick reply! Luckily all the other 8 out of the 9 cams were in the box as well as some extra feet and the needle plates. I ended up ordering a number 1 cam online. I look forward to watching the rest of your series! ❤️

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@jgsawka oh that's great! You're all set then! I think you're going to enjoy working on and sewing with that machine. A few years back I asked my daughter what machine she would like for her birthday pick any machine made by singer and I'll restore it for you and model. 338 was her choice in about 3 seconds. She's had it a few years and she enjoys it. Her friends are surprised at its strength and versatility. He found a really nice machine

[@amymmm]

You’re the best for showing us this! I know this video is old, but How the heck do you sew slowly on this machine? Mine only goes two speeds: 1. Not moving and 2. Light speed

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks, Amy. Some of it is cleaning and oiling the machine properly, but your problem is mostly that the foot pedal probably needs cleaning and adjusting. It's what; 50 years old now? Your 2 speeds are a classic sign it needs work, and you can do it yourself. When the pedal is adjusted properly you can sew from very slow to full speed. Here is a short series of videos about cleaning and adjusting the foot pedal: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71 I have about 50 videos for cleaning, repair, and adjusting your machine (yes, I think that much of this model) so if you have other issues they can help you. Model 338: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKK4y8dsq3oMKJFTGsoNJWmi and little sister 337; kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJxbOOMKQPvmeTRqi0dhGa5

[@lanegra-up2ne]

I want to know how to correctly place the coil please

[@andytubesewing1953]

Coil = bobbin? Watch this; kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ_Xi6mtrdlrias Bring up bobbin thread through needle plate to sew: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHVg2Obp9NsoaM FREE CIOY of the Instruction Manual from SInger USA: www.singer.com/search/support?title=338

[@mayamontemayor6987]

does this machine have a thread cutter attached?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Yes. There is an upsidedown smile cut into the bushing for the presser bar. When you end your seam you grab the fabric in your left hand and raise the threads up onto the bushing and pull them towards you and down against the slice in the bushing and it cuts the threads. It's about 1/4" up from the bottom of the presser bar bushing on the backside. So just above the back of the presser foot. This is shown and described in the Instruction Manual which is still available free from SInger at this link: www.singer.com/search/support?title=338 If you have any issues with the machine I have 2 playlists of videos that can help, Model 338, 20 videos kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKK4y8dsq3oMKJFTGsoNJWmi and sister model 337, 31 videos kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJxbOOMKQPvmeTRqi0dhGa5 Thanks for watching my channel.

[@alicearmen5601]

I want one of these!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hope you find one. It's a wonderful model. Thanks for watching.

[@Larchitcte]

please can you explain more clearly how to reverse? thanks

[@andytubesewing1953]

Great question Kriss; thank you. I did not explain how to reverse, or backstitch, well. At about 2:20 in this video I talk about the stitch length control, or feed regulator, lever. As you move this lever upwards the stitch gets shorter and shorter. When you get to the top of the "fine" area you actually get to a point of "zero" length. When you keep moving the lever upwards the feed mechanism starts going in reverse or pushing the fabric towards you instead of pulling it away from you. When you want to sew in reverse on this type of feed regulator you simply move that lever ALL THE WAY UP. You do NOT need to hold it there, but as long as it is up the machines sews in reverse until you drop it down to the numbered area, like 15, 10, or 6. You can sew a whole seam in reverse if you are inclined to do that. You can move the lever up "on the fly", like if you are coming to the end of your seam and move the lever all the way up and backstitch, or backtack, for 3 or 4 stitches to end the seam. If you are going flat out speed forward I would not throw it up into reverse. I don't think it would hurt the machine (it's too sturdy) but maybe break your needle. You can go here and download a FREE COPY of the original Singer Instruction Manual for this Model 338, or almost any Singer model. www.singerco.com/support/instruction-manuals Just type in the Model number, no alpha characters, and click on the search button. It takes you to a page with a list of every SInger that has that number in the model number. Then click on the "free download" button for your model. It is in PDF format. On page 14 of the 338 manual is the explanation of how to reverse stitch. Thank you very much for asking a great question. Hope you stop by again Kriss.

[@Larchitcte]

Andy Tube thank you for your detailed explanations,you gave me much more informations that I couldn’t find anywhere’ else,I’ll try them,practice,(sorry if my English isn’t correct I’m a native French speaker ),keep up your good videos,they are truly helpful,thanks🙏🏾

[@andytubesewing1953]

Very welcome Kriss. Your English is better than some Americans I've met, so don't worry. Take Care.

[@bakinpeach]

Hi, I don't use the machine often. However, I've tried a few times lately and I've threaded it correctly, bobbin is in correctly, but when I begin to sew, the needle becomes unthreaded. I don't know why this is happening. Tension 4, the other marker is on 8.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Unthreaded, like the thread comes out of the needle, or is the thread breaking, can you tell? FREE instruction manual available here, BTW; www.singer.com/search/support?title=338

[@bakinpeach]

@@andytubesewing1953 hi. It is very strange. It starts off through the needle. Sews very little and is outside the needle connected to material. Does not appear to have broken.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@bakinpeach Wait... so it comes out of the needle but is not broken and still the thread is connected to the fabric? What am I missing here, Angela? I apologize but am I understanding that correctly?

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@bakinpeach The only time I ever witnessed this was a person using a "quick threading" needle. My wife then tried them but they did not work well for her either, with the thread pulling out or the fabric getting caught and damaged. This is what I am talking about: www.schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/Quick_Threading_Needle_Info.pdf I don't know if you are using a needle similar to this or not, but that is the only thing I know of that can cause what you describe.

[@bakinpeach]

@@andytubesewing1953 I am using a needle threader. I'll try to thread from the other side. I'm going from to back with needle threader so when I pull that through the thread comes forward. I then push it around the needle. That might be it. I'll let you know. Thanks.

[@pamkazer2333]

I'm trying to sew masks to donate but unable to get the top thread from breaking

[@andytubesewing1953]

I don't sew but know many people who do and I've asked them about this. The most common reason seems to be the threading is wrong. No kidding. They all said they just pull out the needle thread and start over. If you need a copy of the instruction manual for a Singer machine just go to singer.com/support and enter your model number in the search box. It will have threading instructions. Now for the other dozen reasons it breaks! Yikes. Rather than type them all out here let me give you some links that may help. A youtube video with 522K views and 1.3K likes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipnXqIptot2poM0 A popular blog's top 10 reasons: blog.treasurie.com/sewing-machine-thread-keeps-breaking/ A thread manufacturers info about it: www.superiorthreads.com/education-thread-shredding Finally, I can tell you why this old knucklehead breaks needle thread. I have a tendency to "help" the fabric go past the needle. I know! That's what the feed dog is for, right? I still try to help and it can bend the needle a little bit, just enough to scrape the needle on the side of the hole in the needle plate and that breaks the thread. I hope that helps you out, Pam. Best of luck with those masks and thanks for watching my channel.