The Sewing Test of Bennie my Singer Model 353 Genie Sewing Machine

[@mattmiller5994]

Hi Andy. “McMaster-Carr” has been around since 1901. They primarily sell supplies for industrial purposes. They pride themselves on next day delivery.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for sharing this, Matt. Pinned to the top of comments. Happy New Year.

[@fannyfayvintage7668]

900 stitches per minute! That's amazing! Great video. Thank you.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hi, Fanny. Yes, as listed in the Service Manual under General Features; 900 stitches per minute minimum. A tough little machine. Thanks for watching my channel.

[@abelincoln95]

Great restore, Andy!! I used your "4 quarter" technique to set my old 50's era Precision Deluxe pressure foot. Sews much better now.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Abe. Also, nice to know some adjustments are OK for other brands of machines. I had not considered that. Andy Tube; a channel for all brands! Well, maybe "some" brands ...

[@bradsweat]

Well done! Thanks for the tip on the feet. They look like they have many types that might be useful on other machines as well.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Brad. See you next time.

[@JCEpps]

I love this machine and enjoyed your video.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks very much 😊

[@annettehachey7909]

Hi Andy, I'd like to know how to clean this machine, I'm hoping mine isnt going to skip stitches or have any issues but it will need cleaning and lubrication.

[@andytubesewing1953]

kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJvzcqn97Yh8lvx-tbdFl2p

[@maria2400]

I impressed with all the fabrics Bennie can go through. I have a heavy duty singer 4423 and I am very disappointed that it can’t make it over the seams of the jeans I’ve shortened. I used a heavy duty needle & adjusted the tension properly. What machine do you recommend for working with jeans?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hi, Maria. I'm trying to think of a vintage Singer Sewing machine that COULDN'T hem jeans. They should all be able to do that. Singer Models 99K, 101, 201, 237, 337, 338, 327K, 328K, 301A, 353, 354, 401A, 403A, 404, 500A, 503A, 600E, etc. I actually can' think of a good reason your 4423 can't hem a pair of jeans if it is working properly. Most of the vintage machines have a presser foot that hinges in the middle that lets the "toe" or "toes" flex up onto the hem instead of smashing into it. I think maybe you just need a JEAN-A-MA-JIG. It is like a little slanted ramp you place before and then move after the seam to guide the presser foot up and then down from the seam. They are usually about $5 or so but I've seen them in sewing stores for $1.99. I have even seen homemade ones too. Here is a link to a 30 seconds video showing it it use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGOzcqaGq5uBjZY See how easy it is to use? Here is one brand that makes it: www.dritz.com/product/jean-a-ma-jig/ There are probably other brands with other names for the same device. If you want to just sew right over the hem without anything special get a nice Singer Slant-O-Matic model like a 403A ZIgzag or 404 Heavy Dury straight stitch only. They are stronger than the 4423 and the needle is forward and the node is higher so it's easier to see your work plus the presser foot is 1/2 inch taller too. You can find playlist for those models on my playlist page: kzbin.info/door/USPDsHaFtRoz1VA2U1xJ4wplaylists?view_as=public

[@JCEpps]

There is a little plastic piece sold for this purpose. It elevated the low side of a seam like a flat felled seam on jeans so the needle doesn’t pierce the fabric at an angle. Most machines need this. It costs less than $5 and I have 3 of them.

[@mjsews]

Hello Andy! Great series on the Genie, really enjoyed it. Hey, maybe you can cover little Bennie's little "blemish" with a colorful 70's looking sticker that matches the Genie's flower power vibe! :-) As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge and troubleshooting methods!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I actually like this idea! My daughter is a painter, and when she visits I ask her about painting a "flower" like on the front plate in a matching color. Thanks so much for the idea.

[@jisgr8ful]

Andy, I really enjoy learning more about my machine. Unfortunately, my hubby lost a few screws that hold the exterior on. Do you know where I can buy some replacements? Also, it seems to 'slip' when I sew. I thought maybe i needed a new belt, but the belt looks good (so my hubby said). Do you think it is the motor? I love this machine and refuse to buy the junk they sell nowadays. Please, let me know if you can help me :) Merry Christmas!

[@andytubesewing1953]

In my experience, it is easier to find the lost screws than to find replacements. Many SInger screws are proprietary sizes and can't be found at a hardware store. (some can) so I would have to buy them from someone selling parts from the machine. I end up searching eBay for the model number and find a seller who has parts listed from model 353 or 354. They almost never would list those little screws for sale, but if I email them thru eBay email and explain what I need, even sending a picture of where the parts go, I sometimes get lucky and the seller will have them and list them for sale so I can buy. They are usually at a premium price to compensate for their searching time, but if you need the screw, you need it. It is a lengthy and discouraging process when they do not or will not find the parts. As an example, here is a seller I have used many times, and he has a 353 motor for sale www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Genie-354-353-Sewing-Machine-Motor-Light-Socket-On-off-Switch/173856217512?hash=item287aa359a8:g:22QAAOSwPWtb~VLg So you know he took the machine apart to get to the motor. Maybe he kept the covers and parts and has the screws for you, or maybe he already sold them, or maybe he threw them away, who knows? It can be easier to find the lost parts, on hands & knees, opening a vacuum cleaner, dragging a magnet around the house, haha, then to buy them sometimes. There is a seller online who has the parts diagram for the machine, which shows the screws and has their part numbers. It is $6.00 to download, but he will give you 20% off using my coupon code of andy-h-yt store.tandtrepair.com/353-354.html I have bought those and made copies to send to eBay sellers with the parts I need circled. About your machine "slipping" when you sew. I can't really diagnose a problem like that with a comment & reply. A brand new belt, let alone an older one, can slip if the belt tension is not adjusted properly, or oil got on the belt or pulley. Here are my videos for working on the machine if you are anyone else is interested in them: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJvzcqn97Yh8lvx-tbdFl2p Hesitating and slow & go problems can be caused by a binding gear or dirty, out of adjustment foot pedal too. If you'd like to post a video of the slipping problem somewhere I could view it I'd try to help with the problem.

[@shelleyhenry336]

I really appreciate your thorough explanations of the systems with this machine. I am having trouble getting the tension adjusted properly...bobbin is too tight and upper is too loose even when the tension is set at nine. Should I take apart the tension or is it a bobbin issue do you think? Thank you for your help.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Greetings, Shelley. Don't take anything apart yet. Let's try to isolate the problem first. Since I don't know if you've been sewing for many years or this is your first machine I'll recommend you pull the needle thread all the way and rethread the needle. Even experienced sewists miss something sometimes. Here is a video for threading the needle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWiuaKN3npuVnLc If the video doesn't help (it's old and one of my first attempts on KZbin) you can download a free instruction manual from Singer at this link: www.singer.com/search/support?title=353 Once you rethread the needle try to sew again. If you still have the same problem then grasp the needle thread just BEFORE it goes into the TAKE-UP LEVER. Set the tension dial to 3 and with the presser foot down, start pulling the thread straight up in the air above the machine. (you will probably pull the other end out of the needle, no problem) The thread should have some tension on it as you pull. Keep pulling the thread up slowly while also turning the tension dial to a higher and higher number. Now you should be feeling more and more tension on the thread. If you don't get more tension or any tension, then something is wrong at the tension unit/assembly. Remove the needle thread from the tension unit and try cleaning the unit. Turn the tension to zero and lift the presser foot. Try brushing out the unit as best you can, especially the small discs. There may be a build-up of lint/dirt that prevents the discs from squeezing the thread and putting tension on it. Lower the foot and keep brushing the unit. If you have canned air or some kind of a blower (hairdryer on cool) try blowing out the lint from all around the discs. Now rethread the unit itself and try the thread pulling up method again to see if you have any or more tension. If the unit is working normally by the time you have dialed up to 9 it should be very hard to pull up the needle thread, to point the thread can even break. If you're getting good tension now then try sewing again. If, after cleaning, you still do not have tension, then now is the time to think of taking the tension apart for a more thorough inspection and cleaning. You may have seen my video for that? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aavdcpeMqMRridk It is a long video so if you like you can click on the settings (small gear, bottom right of the screen) button and increase the speed to 1.5 or 2.0 times normal. If you like, you can download a free copy of the Singer Instruction Manual at this link: www.singer.com/search/support?title=353 The manual has instructions for proper needle threading. Oh! If you have upper tension but still have bad stitching, then the bobbin may be wound wrong, installed wrong or the bobbin case could have super tension on the spring (that's rare) if you feel the tension unit/assembly works normal and you have way, way too much tension on the bobbin case tension spring ( you can pull on the bobbin thread) then let me know. Good Luck, and thanks for watching my channel.

[@shelleyhenry336]

Andy Tube Thank you soooo much...will give those a try and I’m sure that will solve the problem. God bless you and have a wonderful evening!!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Welcome. Good Luck.

[@angelahatfield5683]

Where is a good place to get the rubber feet? Is it still available? What about oiling?

[@andytubesewing1953]

LUBRICATION: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5aodn6NjKh2pas ALL 23 MODEL 353 VIDEOS: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJvzcqn97Yh8lvx-tbdFl2p

[@sharondavidson7072]

Groovy baby!

[@andytubesewing1953]

To the Max! I can dig it ✌☮

[@sphinxios]

hmmm thats whas not the music i expected,sounded mode like some sad love story. should have been the star wars intro or something similar. like my dad once said when i was going to change the camshaft on his car, man was he supriced when i came back with the car. the machiine looks great, i wish i did not fear to take my machines apart. but so far not really any of them were really dirty or had lots of of dirt inside. the most common area where dirt is the bobbin area. i got even one more brown alu 201k in great shape. most of my checks are the needle position the thingy under the foot if it is missalinged, clean the tension unit, check needle positioning in zig-zag, and greasin and oiling it up doing some sewing tests to see if it is working. if machine works i don't feel the nessecity for taking it apart. the only machine that i bought that was really atuch was one 700 searies machine but it was to much of lint in the gears under the bobbin area. i need to get some rubber feet to my machines costs 4 bucks each, i need to find a cheaper source for them. bying those for 5-8 machines is not really cheap. i think i am going to try and make a video for of my 2 favourite sewing machines for you with my phone. i will bring down a husqvarne series 12 to show you it a bit in more detail compared to the videos i found on youtubre. great work, keep the informative videos coming. best regards to you

[@andytubesewing1953]

The song title is "RUMINATE", so you're not far off. Wait until the slideshow for love music. As mentioned in the video at 3:19 you can buy the feet in bulk starting at $0.15 and up depending on size. www.mcmaster.com/catalog/125/3948 I've been told they will only ship out of the USA to companies, not individuals. At $4 per each, maybe you should form a small company and buy these to sell at 0nly $2.66. It is fairly easy to post videos to your KZbin Channel. IF you ever do (of a sewing machine) let me know and I will put a link on my channel if you like. Also, you can deep clean a machine the way I do without taking too many parts off of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGOngXyYh5efgdk

[@cynthiadettner4533]

Thanks! Super helpful

[@andytubesewing1953]

Glad it was helpful! 21 more model 353 videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJvzcqn97Yh8lvx-tbdFl2p Thanks for commenting.

[@fangchick93]

How do you back stitch on it though? I have this machine but have no clue how to backstitch

[@andytubesewing1953]

Watch this video at 18:40 for an explanation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJDKlKWEac9naaM Push & Hold the button next to the stitch length. Don't forget to download the manual I mentioned in your other comment.

[@JCEpps]

What needle did you use while sewing in leather?

[@andytubesewing1953]

www.schmetzneedles.com/products/leather-sewing-machine-needles Thanks for watching my video

[@ley_la9554]

Hey, please do you have any tips to slow it down a little bit ? I'm just starting to learn and i find it too noisy and fast

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hi!. Do you mean my video or your machine?😉 You should be able to control the speed of your machine from very slow to very fast using your foot pedal. If you can NOT do that you can clean and adjust the pedal. It's about 50 years old and perhaps no one has ever adjusted it. I have a playlist of videos about cleaning and adjusting it here; kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKItPLWcK24FBoMdHK8vTXNi It is very common on a vintage Singer machine that the pedal needs adjusting b/c of the stack of carbon discs gets worn and dusty and the springs get a little weaker after 50 years. It usually shows wear by pushing and pushing and nothing happens and then the moment it revs up and runs very fast. A properly adjusted pedal can operate the needle as slow as less than one stroke per second.

[@ley_la9554]

@@andytubesewing1953 l'm my machine of course, your video is perfect 😉 Okay thank you for the advice, l will try . Any tip for the noise ?

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@ley_la9554 Oh yes, sorry I forgot the noise. It's a mechanical machine and they always have some noise, but it sounds like yours is pretty bad. I don't know the history of your machine, but at the very least you should clean and oil as shown in chapter 7 on page 45 of your instruction manual. If you need a manual you can download it for free from Singer Support on this page: www.singer.com/search/support?title=353 That is very basic service. Thinking about the condition of your pedal maybe your machine is new to you? Maybe it was in storage for months, years, or decades? I have a video about where and how to oil the machine properly. In fact, I have 22 videos in a playlist for the 353 Genie showing how to clean, service, repair, and replace parts if needed. You can find the videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJvzcqn97Yh8lvx-tbdFl2p The playlist include a step-by-step how to remove the plastic covers to service the machine. You could start with oiling the places shown in the manual to see if that helps and go from there. Use a sewing machine oil, not a household oil or WD40. SInger oil, or Lilly sewing oil for example. Remember this machine has two belts, two steel pulleys, and many moving parts. The cleaner they are and a light coating of oil on the metal parts can make all the difference in performance, speed, and sound.

[@ley_la9554]

@@andytubesewing1953 Yes it's pretty knew to me, l've bought it in a flea market but it has been very well preserved. It looks pretty dirty inside so you are probably right, putting some oil and cleaning some parts could help. I'll watch the videos and check the manual . Thank you for the advices. I will come back to share the result when it will be done (if l don't forget lol) . Also, hope Bernie is still doing good haha ! 😉

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@ley_la9554 Good luck, and yes Bennie is fine.

[@eldersandim3008]

Sewing leather and fabrics in several layers. Super machine and looks weak on the outside. Singer is an excellent brand of sewing machines.

[@andytubesewing1953]

It's like a Clark Kent/Superman machine! Plain outside, strong inside. That solid cast aluminum frame helps. Why I said my favorite PORTABLE ZIGZAG Singer machine. Thanks for watching my channel again. The 327K Spartan Singer coming soon.

[@JCEpps]

@@andytubesewing1953 Aren’t there some Singers that don’t perform well? I’ve heard this often.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@JCEpps I guess you'd have to ask the people you heard that from. I never cared for the model 319 because it was kind of clunky. I am not a fan of the touching so machines because the wind in place Bob and only holds about 10 yards of thread and for me the bobbin winder parts below the hook are kind of finicky in the 70s they went to a lot of plastic gears which I'm not a fan of but the years all lasted at least 30 years and all of them machines that I just mentioned still. Sew a beautiful stitch. Around the 1980s they started going to plastic bodied machines and a metal frame inside then later just all plastic. Those machines are not very strong. Any machine that only costs $150 to $200 is just not going to perform very well people who sow for a living. Tell me you need to get up into $500 and above to get a decent machine of any brand. I apologize for the spelling. I'm using voice typing

[@ivelissetorres7805]

I like to know why my runs but it dont sew ? She was sewing just great n mow i dont know what to do

[@andytubesewing1953]

Sorry to hear that! Let me look in my crystal sewing machine ... hmmm... oh, yes I see the problem now. The plastic top gear on the vertical shaft has worn out and the teeth are broken so it can not turn the vertical shaft to turn the timing belt to turn the hook. Here is a video about a broken gear in another model kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2TFd6eii5aMbNU Sadly, on the model 353 you have to take the old gear and shaft OUT THE TOP of the machine and it is a big project, like 12 steps each way out and in with the new. It can be done but takes time and patience. You can buy the Service Manual for $9.00 at this link and download it in PDF format: manualsoncd.com/product/singer-353-354-genie-sewing-machine-service-manual/ it has all the instructions with pictures and the sequence to do the work. Here, we can find the gear or gear and shaft for sale for $10 to $20. I'm sorry for the bad news, Ivelisse (lovely name) and wish you good luck.

[@kokobouziane7311]

what is the nember of the needl

[@andytubesewing1953]

Singer originally called it catalog or style 2020. This is now known as style 15 x 1. This machine can use sizes 11, 14, 16 + 18.

[@kokobouziane7311]

@@andytubesewing1953 i was using 16 but it dot sew the polar cind of fabrik its start to make gaps in the sewing when i chang it to 12 it steel the same and the atention its so hard i didn now what to do

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@kokobouziane7311 Sorry, I don't understand a few parts of this comment. Here are all my 353 videos in a playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJvzcqn97Yh8lvx-tbdFl2p The videos include removing covers, changing belts, setting needle bar, setting hook/needle timing, working on the tension assembly, setting the thread gap, and even the NB Pendulum movement settings. Hopefully, one/some of the videos can help you. Please feel free to use your native language when you comment and I will use the Google Translate page to convert to English. Good Luck.

[@kokobouziane7311]

@@andytubesewing1953 am sory am from algeria my english is not that good thenks for reply ❤

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@kokobouziane7311 It's OK. لا تتردد في استخدام لغتك الأم عند التعليق وسأستخدم صفحة ترجمة Google للتحويل إلى اللغة الإنجليزية. حظا طيبا وفقك الله. la tataradad fi aistikhdam laghatik al'um eind altaeliq wasa'astakhdim safhat tarjamat Google liltahwil 'iilaa allughat al'iinjaliziati. hza tayibana wafaqak allh.