The Singer 66 lock-stitch sewing machine and how to use it.

1924 Singer 66, formerly a treadle head, now in a Chinese-made bentwood case with one of the Chinese hand cranks.
I'm sure the original treadle stand is now a table somewhere....
Thank you to whoever donated the head to the restore instead of throwing it away with the rest of what was removed from the stand.

[@carlthornton3076]

I have a Singer 66 similar to the one shown. I bought it a yard sale for $15.00 about 20 years ago. I had a sewing machine mechanic clean, oil & repair it. My machine was knee control, I had a foot control and new motor installed. I have used it for 20 years with no trouble. I have sewn letter and all sorts of material. This is a great sewing machine. I also have an old treadle machine that I need to order a shuttle & bobbin for. Y'all take care & have a great day!!.

[@ronalddaub7965]

I have a 66 and a Minnesota with a shuttle

[@surfearth1]

It’s interesting to see it work and then think “well that makes sense” and it’s “fairly simple” but to be the first one to create and actually engineer and then produce the machine is really quite an amazing feat!

[@conesbymaggie1469]

I was almost going to toss ("or gift") the Singer 66 "Red Eye" that came attached to a treadle table away. (I purchase the bases and attached a table top to them - yes, one of "those people".) I'm so glad I took a few minutes to look at her and decide she needed to stay together with her base. She's well used, hard working lady. The wear and tear on her decals indicate she did a lot of sewing in her day. She was born in 1921 in Elizabeth, New Jersey and was treadle driven. Her cabinet is in pretty good shape - a little veneer is missing, but good, sturdy and well built. It was one of the fancy ones - lots of decoration and ornate drawer pulls. Later in life she was electrified with a motor and a light. The electrical cords were once covered with cloth - exposed and frayed was how I found them. Having watched A LOT of You Tube videos and being somewhat mechanical, I think I'm going to get her back into the tasks she was built for. Thanks to you and all the other enthusiast's You Tube for being part of her story.

[@donaldlampert331]

I just found one of these 66’s in a treadle cabinet, in my alley.... needs a good clean up, but it runs! I can hear the 20’s music, and the clocks in the background - cool! I also love the Emerson fans..... great units! You’re a man after my own heart, thanks!

[@Bayan1905]

I just picked up a Model 66 this week for $50. It still has the electric motor on it and it was rewired but I plan on it converting it over to a hand crank because I want to be able to control the speed better. I have to admit though watching it run the way it is now is a thing of beauty. It's a wonderful machine back when things were made to last.

[@WindsongHearstrings]

Thank you so much for this! I just bought a model 66, and I'm so grateful to find videos like yours, showing how to use it. Very much appreciated!

[@jaimevazquez7289]

Thank you very much for this great video, I bought this beautiful jewel today and have no idea how it works, your explanations are neat and simple for a beginner like me, and by the way, I love that beautiful music you have during the video, it's wonderfu!! Thank you!

[@MirasaurusRex]

This looks exactly like the one I just brought home, just with the paint much fresher, awesome! So excited to he able to sew on the road off grid now!

[@iheartscaryclowns]

There is one for sale in my city right now. Selling asking $300 OBO which is a bit pricey for me. But looking at your video makes me very tempted to get it. Thanks for the video. UPDATE: Bought one for only $75. Needs tune-up but otherwise great condition. I will follow your vids to help me use it.

[@meatsmudge5349]

Thank you for this. My mother has a 66 that someone motorized. I'd like to get it running and use it for heavy materials modern machines just won't do, so this video is invaluable. Thank you.

[@donaldlampert331]

Just found the treadle version in my alley... needs lots of clean up, but runs ok. I can hear the 20’s music in the background, and the clocks! Love the Emerson fans, too.... I have several also! We’re like minded.... thanks!

[@bethshibleyquilts]

Very nice video. I just purchased one and appreciate your detailed information

[@elizerothner2353]

I've inherited a SINGER from my great grandmother. Had it for 5yrs 'coz i never knew how to work it. Now i do, thanx to your video. 💜🙌

[@PatriciaSpayd]

I am exceptionally impressed! This is the best video I've seen - and clearest - on how to work the bobbin and thread and run the Singer 66. I have just bought a Singer 66 Red Eye & treadle, so this is exceptionally helpful. Thank you! I look forward to the maintenance and oiling video!

[@ljwilliams755]

beautiful stitches

[@aliceforestwitch1939]

This really helped me get going! I have this same machine and your video was the most instructive i have found on actually using the machine, great video!

[@BJFilbin]

Wonderful instructions to thread this grand old machine.

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Beautiful 66. Helpful video.

[@bananaking8904]

This was so satisfying to watch.

[@elainebye9090]

Thanks! I just purchased a 1923 red eye 66. Niw I'm more confident to use it, without harming it.

[@ChristopherRuthVDO]

Fantastic. Thanks very much!

[@petercane6376]

That was a great video I and very detailed and thank you. It's best not to use plastic bobbins in a Singer 66 as they do not have the weight the original metal ones have.

[@ronalddaub7965]

Now that's cool to make it do that I wouldn't watched mine after I saw that

[@barbaradashfurgiuele2583]

Hi. Thank you for this video ! I just got my Singer 66 Red-Eye treadle last week. I cleaned it and i hate to say, now I've messed her up. I took apart the tension, and now having problems. The stitch regulator and the pressure bar tension may also be contributing to the problems. If you could please do a segment on tension, I would be very grateful.

[@okbridges]

I've put up a video that explains a lot that should help you out.

[@Jessica-mq3mm]

:/ I'm glad I saw this: I tried tearing that red wick thing out--i thought it was thread gummed up in all the dust. Glad I failed in "cleaning" it.

[@okbridges]

That red wick is the oil wick for the bobbin case race, you don't want to run the machine much without it and make sure to oil it occasionally, or wear to the bobbin case race and hook will occur.

[@ronalddaub7965]

Same with me only I taught myself how to use the machine.. I'm kind of new how to sew anyway..

[@tinaosburn1958]

Better than any to talk ladies

[@anthonyskilton8634]

Great detailed video, thank you. Any ideas on how to increase the stitch length beyond the machines maximum length for leather auto sewing?

[@okbridges]

Here are a couple: 1)Increase the tilt of the channel that the sliding block operates in. The channels is the part that is adjusted by the stitch regulating knob. When it is at right angle to the stitch length connecting rod the stitch length decreases to zero, as the angle is smaller than 90 degrees the stitch length increases to to some maximum point where the mechanism will likely jam. 2) at the bottom end of the connecting rod it attaches to a crank arm. Make this arm shorter to increase max stitch length.

[@anthonyskilton8634]

@@okbridges excellent, thank you. I'll let you know how I get on

[@okbridges]

Good! I plan on making a vide explaining how the stitch length mechanism works because this question actually come up often.

[@jordanwhite1420]

So, when you talked about bobbin winding, I never saw you actually put on or take off the bobbin. Understand that the bobbin had to be on the winder, but WHERE did you put it on?

[@seniorLu48]

Very well presentation, I just came across a 1926 (year) treadle and I'm enjoying the heck out of it. I have looked online for a crank wheel (original) and they commence pretty penny. The once from China are very affordable; what is your take on the quality of these hand cranks?

[@okbridges]

The new handcranks are not that bad, if the dimensional differences are not an issue kzbin.info/www/bejne/iF68lKB4gp1_odk The quality seems fair for the price too.

[@inannashu689]

What are those two holes on the right side of the needle plate for?

[@markchriestenson3257]

So it's safe to assume the the lower bobbin holds less thread because less is needed during the sewing operation or do you need to change out the bobbin more often because of size restraints?

[@okbridges]

Yes, the bobbin holds less thread than the spool, but it holds enough to do quite a bit before it needs refilled. It really depends on what you are doing.

[@markchriestenson3257]

@@okbridges thanks for the quick reply. I just got a 1922 model 66 singer with an electric motor and lamp. G9246192 s/n. It's been sitting for years. Haven't plugged it in yet to try the motor, speed control and lamp. The wires look to be in good shape.

[@enriquetorres2173]

Just curious, do you recall the type and size of the white thread used in this video (looks pretty thick)? Also, do you recall the needle size? Looks like you would be able to sew leather on this machine, maybe.

[@okbridges]

It's cheap thread for Dollar General. Really horrible stuff to use. The 66 is only suitable for light to medium-light leather sewing.

[@gilleslairaudat8830]

Tu peux mettre un moteur electrique dessus , pour cela ,il faut deposer la manivelle , l'empreinte du support moteur est sur la partie machine , j'en ai achete un sur le site aliexpress , ils ont des moteurs puissants , un bonjour de la France , Gilles .

[@davidanddavidstrading]

How are those chinese hand cranks??? I was thinking about grabbing a few/.

[@okbridges]

They are rugged and they work. And if you don't mind the sloppy feel of the crank they are a great value over finding an original. That said, once you've used an original crank, you'll want at least one to go on your favorite machine.

[@davidanddavidstrading]

@@okbridgesgreat to know!! I will look for the originals!!!

[@ronalddaub7965]

Yeah do a shuttle machine

[@okbridges]

Here is a recent one that is easy to watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b32qe4iZibt6kKs

[@gwenmatthews5016]

Where can you buy these machines? Are there any reputable restoration places that you know of?

[@okbridges]

I know of nobody specifically that restores them. I buy these at antique shops, flea markets, the Habitat Restore and repair them myself.

[@capedoryus]

You can try Goodwill auctions on line. I find eBay a bit steep with shipping. Best of course is local. C List, Offer Up and Let Go are also great options. It seems like everybody wants a machine when you are looking. I spoke to a woman who owns an antique mall and she said she will not take them in because they just take up space. You will find one. I have been shopping for machines for over 20 years and it really is luck and perseverance. Good luck. Check out my video of Necchi unboxing from Goodwill.

[@ronalddaub7965]

I've bought up several in my area for very good prices all the way from the Minnesota treadle for 50 bucks to a 66 for $35 electric that I rewired the motor and the light cord nobody else wanted to tackle it so perfect then I bought a 1970s r i c c a r that is a really good machine then I bought a brand new singer start just to say I had a new one. That little new one worked pretty good if you know how to work one and troubleshoot when they go haywire which isn't very often

[@ronalddaub7965]

@@okbridges same thing here I caught myself how to repair them already knowing how to work on motorcycle engines helps but kitchen and bobbin and lubrication thread needles all of that then I collected a bunch of chain stitchers I love all of them the 1970s Japanese machines are amazing in a weird way but the 66 is the old standby along with the Minnesota vibrating shuttle I call it a flying shuttle

[@4486xxdawson]

When it comes to bobbins i always use the originals just seems like thing work better when its all vintage , thats why when i get my machines and it has all the origanal stuff and extras from that era i keep it all together , its like having a vintage car and putting a new stario in it , dont make sence to me ...

[@LoganMedeiros]

Hi I have the same sewing machine with a motor on it and I press in the pedal and it smokes I have no idea what’s wrong with it since it runs fine do u have an idea?

[@okbridges]

The motor smokes? Thake the belt off and make sure the motor turns easy by hand. Have you oiled it? If you over oil it, oil will get on the commutator and will burn. To fix, with machine unplugged, remove motor brushes and clean commutator with alcohol using q-tips and clean brushes. Allow alcohol time to dry (1 hour) and reassemble and try again. Motor may smoke slightly if it hasn't been used in quite a while, but if it smoke and doesn't turn, or hums and smokes, the insulation may be bad. Check brushes first and make sure they are clean and free moving in their holes.

[@jordanwhite1420]

Not all products made in China are inferior: not all products made in other countries are superior.

[@afafmwahed]

بكم سعرها بالدولار؟؟؟ ثم بالدينار الاردني؟؟

[@franalcala8893]

How do I adjust stitch length?

[@okbridges]

Use the knob under the bobbin winder. Turn it CCW to shorten, CW to lengthen.

[@lucymar122512]

I have my mother sewing 🧵 machine. But my bobbing is a Long like a little shuttle but the machine I have a looks just like this one it’s not electric you crank it

[@m.a.trenary7293]

what if you don't have the hand crank??

[@okbridges]

Then hand-cranks are available for sale on ebay, and other sources. Other options are a treadle stand and electric motor, or just turn the wheel with your fingers, though the hand crank is the best way to run one by hand.

[@rociobach4642]

Hello, I bought the 66 sewing machine, the hand wheel doesnt turn. Please help!

[@okbridges]

Someone in the past has probably used detergent motor oil, or the machine has stood idle for a long period of time and the oil has gummed up. Put some kerosene in a small oil bottle and oil the machine with the kerosene at all the oiling points (if in doubt anywhere where a part moves against another part). Let it stand for 1/2 hour and oil again with the kerosene and try rocking the hand wheel. As long as the machine wasn't stored underwater or severely rusted, it will free up. An important place to watch and apply extra kerosene is the needle bar, on stuck machines this is usually where it is stuck at. Once it is free enough that it makes a complete revolution, apply another dose of kerosene to everything and run the machine rapidly for 5 or 10 minutes. Afterwards wipe the machine down with a clean cloth and oil with 10 weight non-detergent. You will also want to take the bobbin case out and clean the thread and lint out of this area and oil the red felt wick that rubs against the hook.

[@rociobach4642]

@@okbridges thank you very much for your fast answer.

[@rociobach4642]

@@okbridges now i have another issue, the nedle bar doesnot move, some idea?

[@okbridges]

Does the rest of the machine turn over normally, or does the hand wheel turn, and nothing else operates?

[@rociobach4642]

@@okbridges the hand whell move, the motor run, but the needle bar not.

[@willablake9284]

How do I know if my bobbin is complete on my machine. It’s a treadle and otherwise looks like yours.serial. Number said it was made sept 15 1910. I have 2 featherweights 1947 & 1950.they run good.

[@okbridges]

Does it look like parts are missing compared to what you see here?

[@jordanwhite1420]

Never mind my idiocy; I just didn't watch far enough!

[@okbridges]

Don’t worry about it. I hope you found the video useful.

[@choppergirl]

I like how on the machine they provide you absolutely no instructions at all. Class act design. But they got plenty of paint or ink for frivolous decoration.

[@alopez7465]

You're angry the machine has no directions written on it?

[@SeliahK]

Once you know the correct model number of your machine, you can find the old instruction manuals for these online. You are dealing with antique machines. Like anything else, they came with instruction manuals when they were new. They are likely to have NOT been kept with their original manuals after 100 years! If you're going to use these, you have to be willing to do some legwork, and put some effort into locating either reprints, or digitized copies of the original manuals. They can be found in numerous places online. Sheesh.

[@daniellesnyder1244]

You DO understand these are antiques, and we are getting to work with something folks used 100+ years ago??