Singer 115 Overview, History and Sewing Demonstration

[@tangofools]

OMG, I have this machine. Been carting it around since the early 60's. Not sure if it was originally my grandmothers, but I know my mom didn't do a lot of sewing. It is being restored by someone as we speak. I also have many attachments and the manual, all stored in the drawer for 60+ years. It's a treadle

[@sandymckellar1667]

Thank you for this excellent video. You are a pleasure to listen to and very well spoken! I recently picked up a 115 (for $15). It doesn't have a cabinet, but fits on the treadle base I use with my 15-88. I've just completed the restoration - it was so gummy and dirty! The seller said it didn't work and was only good as a display piece! Those are the best ads! I spent lots of time taking it apart and cleaning everything. I didn't have a bobbin case, but as luck would have it, in a misc bunch of stuff I picked up for free on Marketplace there was a bobbin that works, and in a thrift store I picked up 20 bobbins for $1! Yesterday I reassembled it, wound a bobbin, threaded the machine and turned the handwheel - AND - lovely stitches! I don't think I have the right take-up spring, and it isn't keen on sewing basting stitches, but at the middle stitch length the stitches are fantastic. Just need to play with it a bit more, and after watching how you did your threading, I might not have had the thread set correctly - so Thank You!

[@lenaceleste]

I am picking up one tomorrow. I would love to restore it and appreciate and tips you could give me. I have never done it before but am in love with this machine.

[@SuperModerngranny]

Lovely machine! You could darn or free motion stitch with this machine without feed dog cover. All you need to do is to shift the stitch length to zero and stitch without the presser foot or with a darning foot, that means the feed dogs will only move up and down instead of feeding the material. You also need to push the bobbin case in, into the shuttle housing till it clicks so that it doesn't rotate. For locking stitches, you don't really need to reverse. All you need to do is, after stitching the first 2 or 3 stitches, lift the presser foot and pull the fabric about 2 stitches toward you, put the presser foot down and begin again from the first stitch. Either that, or you could simply start with a few tiny stitches by shifting the stitch length lever, and then continue to stitch with normal stitch length after that, and finish with the same tiny stitches. This was how tailors in the past do it, to prevent bulk created by the thread (if reversed stitched).

[@robbiesperry5492]

Thank you! Those were some good tips!

[@raezdanowicz434]

Great Overview!! I've been restoring my Gr. Grandmothers (in my attic for over 30 yrs), and thought it was a 15-30! Your demonstration answered the last questions I had on this beautiful machine! I did find out that the patent for these started in 1910 (part of the buyout), and they started production on March 27, 1912 with serial #G1905601. Only 500 were produced in the first run. By the end of 1912 around 4500 were ready for purchase. My bed slide has a patent date of June 14, 1910.

[@PKEDRM]

My hubby just brought home this machine 5/1/24! I thought it was an older 15 model. Mine is fully seized up, filthy, missing the slide plate next to the needle plate (name?), rusty, and has some sort of green putty like substance in various places. I immediately took a paint brush and vacuum cleaner to it, since AZ has critters I don't want in my bedroom workshop! Thank you for the information in your video. Oh! I think the balance wheel is from another machine. I wish I could attach a photo.

[@robbiesperry5492]

I just picked one of these up! Found it in Marketplace. Got it as I love the Gingerbread decals, looked up it's serial # & learned that it is a model 115 from 1913! AnD, I had a collection (9) of bobbins that came with other Singers but didn't seem to fit anything. They fit the 115! Yea!

[@postpunkmmma]

OMG, I realise this is a 9y/old video but dude, you saved me from going crazy. I just spent 10-15 hours cleaning up my machine, which is exactly like this one, right down to the decals. I also made the same mistake when dating my machine, I think i missed a digit 😂 ANYWAYS thank you for showing the full rotary hook and explaining it and what parts to get! Ive been driving myself crazy looking at model 15s and being like...ok mine doesn't do that! Thank you thank you!!

[@thesergeant3524]

Thank you! Glad it helped out. The 115 is an an awesome machine for sure. Enjoy yours!

[@rubybenally167]

Thank for sharing the bobbin information. I have been looking for a long time.

[@Tunneldreamer]

To clarify your rating of this machine, you may be interested to know that the serial number of each Singer machine was issued when the body casting was made. The castings could then remain on the shelf for a year or so until they were needed so that could easily account for the 1910/1912 anomaly. Hope that helps.

[@albinocavewoman]

Also, Ismacs database has the 115's all wrong. Mine came up as a 66 form 1910. This is a better place to go to date your 115: www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/115/

[@melanierowley6918]

@@albinocavewoman how many numbers following the letter? May need to scroll down if it has 7?

[@tiffanyyost3064]

Great video, very informative! I just ordered myself a 115. Thank you

[@Mpompadour]

Learned form a seamstress that you can do a pseudo back stitch with machines that do not have back stitch capabilities. All you have to do is put your fabric under the foot, sew forward a few stitches, then lift up the foot, move the fabric back to where you started stitching and stitch over your initial stitch. Voila! you have what looks like a back stitch!

[@milesofhope-sn1ty]

Can't wait to try out my new to me 115. Great info in all your videos. I'm sure you've reminded yourself to put your phone on silent long ago!!! My OCD compelled me to make that last part of the comment haha!

[@alicebee4768]

I got this machine in March 2024 and put a handcrank on and gave to my granddaughter. It came in a treadle table with no irons. So now it is a portable.

[@pimjikens]

I ended up in this video trying to figure out what model my mom's old sewing machine was. This is so cool!

[@monapause]

I know you added a motor to yours, but just to clarify, the electric sewing machine for home use came out in 1889, so many brands of machines made the electric machines in addition to the treadles and hand crank machines.

[@loriannpayne4483]

Neat demonstration. Interesting bobbin case. Love the decals.

[@jocelynzahn1896]

I have a 115 with electric motor and almost no decals. I will be refurbishing it and may add the hand crank. Thanks for all the info!

[@fourthchute]

Beautiful machine!

[@thehumblepeach9018]

I just got one of these I believe, in a treadle table at a thrift store. It’s missing the bobbin case and the top spool pin. You answered the bobbin question, would you know where I could find a spool pin for it?

[@DenBoschgal]

Wondering if you could provide some guidance on re-assembling thread tensioner. Picked up one for FREE in a very nice cabinet. The condition warranted some buffing on metal - shiny parts to remove oxidation/ minor rust. Took the Thread tensioner apart to polish off oxidation. Having some issues with reassembly. really appreciate your very well done discussion on machine and variances.

[@thesergeant3524]

H3 is standard and H4 is high lift with a considerably stronger foot pressure.

[@jocelynzahn1896]

I have a 1914 115! Thanks for the video! Mine is not ornate but it is so wonderful!

[@RDA_Life_Adventures]

I looked up the serial number from my grandmother’s machine on the ismacs website and the chart says it is a 115 from 1921 but I thought the 115’s were earlier machines.

[@SmallGameHunter]

Hi there, you unspired me to got one of these to restore! The info on the class L bobbins and cases was very helpful. My machine is missing the thread tension assembly...do you know which model of singer will fit? Im trying to source one. Thank you.

[@tangofools]

when using the treadle, pretty sure you an reverse by making the wheel spin the other way. I seem to remember doing that as a kid. I might be wrong of course, that was al long time ago

[@chantellehollingsworthplow4695]

We have my husband's g-grandmother's 511. It was made in Germany or Poland area before the factory stopped due to WWI.

[@kellievann]

I was able to pick up one of these machines yesterday. I had the hardest time identifying it until I came to your video. I have the serial number issue as well. Do you think it doesn't match because it's actually a C? The database doesn't have the Cs listed.

[@marcelonetto9235]

Muito obrigado pelo vídeo , pela generosidade e pela competência. Comprei uma Singer 115 bastante danificada para recuperá-la durante a quarentena do Covid-19 seus vídeos muito ajudaram. What does the expression "LOCK STITCH" appear on the cover of this machine's manual?

[@thesergeant3524]

Lock stitch is the type of stitch. You'll see two common stitches in sewing, one is a "lock stitch" the other is a "chain stitch".

[@tmoore1144]

I got very lucky and stumbled across a 115-1 treadle last year. I knew nothing except I wanted a treadle with pretty decals. The seller had only used it as decoration for the previous 20 yrs and didn't even sew, she knew nothing about it and wasn't even sure if it could sew.

[@sameoldmphymel]

Your machine is fine! I have a 115, and I used it a 6 months ago with a few problems. It had not been used in 40 years. I bought bobbins and did manage to sew some heavy webbing. I spent some time and oiled the machine according to the Singer 15 manual. I tried using it again yesterday and it seems like the timing is off as it will not pick up the bobbin thread, and the needle thread gets wrapped around the hook. Do you have any idea what my problem may be? Could you post a video of a close up of the hook slowing picking up the bobbin thread so I can see what a correctly working machine does with the needle thread? Any help would be appreciated. These machines are cool, I am amazed at the number of people still using them.

[@brenttrom5147]

Can you please tell me where you found the manual for your 115. I just got my machine and am trying to restore it. Have you bought bobbins/needles. I checked a site and his bobbin case # 20U he mentioned did not list as a replacement for the 115. I have a bobbin case and one bobbin that came with it but I don't know how to wind it with more thread yet. Needs a new belt too. Still learning how to use it

[@darlenenelson215]

I have this 115 singer. My problem is it will sew fine for about 1/2 hrs than start skipping or not catching at all. Any ideas. I've oil and cleaned it well.

[@beaconbus]

Excellent video! I appreciate the information as I am looking at one of these for sale in my area.

[@rosieporras102]

What is the model number for this same machine but a treadle

[@jant375]

I just got my mom's 115 treadle. She passed away almost 25 yrs ago so it hasn't been used in a long time. The top of the cabinet is delaminating and the decals are faded. You said they clean up nicely. What did you use to get them looking so nice? I don't want to ruin them. I'm so excited to have found your video. Could you show where to oil your machine and mention where I could get a manual? Thanks for the great info.

[@jant375]

I did get mine cleaned up with Dawn Soap and VERY light washing. Still looking to find a manual. Any ideas?

[@albinocavewoman]

Old post, but in case anyone else is wondering: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-model-115-sewing-machine-manual.pdf

[@rubendario3768]

Just found one in great shape... all original , attachments and original manuals, for 60 dollars.. treadle cabinet in great shape.

[@thesergeant3524]

Congrats on a great find at a great price! Enjoy the machine :)

[@4486xxdawson]

So if i can get one for 125 thats good ? I found this machine in a tredle table in good condition , im going to go see if its complete , and maybe buy it now ...hmmmm

[@4486xxdawson]

Bought it 😁😁

[@SpargurYarnCrafts]

Just grabbed one of these!

[@darlenenelson215]

I just was given one. Do you know where to get decals for it?

[@lomelidominick]

hey man i really hope you’re still on this channel, i recently pulled out my dad’s grandmas moms vintage 115. the problem we are having is the light smokige coming up from the motor, we are gonna let it sit for the night and kinda soak up the oil. just wanted to know if there is any other things that could cause this? thanks man

[@thesergeant3524]

It's likely oil on the carbon brushes. There should be two little bakelite screws 180 degrees from each other on the motor. Remove these screws and the brushes will come out. They'll be attached a spring. Note the orientation by marking them with a sharpie. You can clean them with isopropyl alcohol but ideally would heat them up with a torch until all the oil has burned off. Goodluck!

[@1911olympic]

Sooooooo smooth!!

[@jesshothersall]

Gorgeous machine, which you threaded wrongly? You've completely missed out the groove at the top of the faceplate at the front? Probably sew even better if that were included :)

[@thesergeant3524]

You don't use that guide when sewing. There are two guides on the faceplate, one at the front and one at the rear. You use the one in the rear for the top thread when sewing and the front guide, that you mentioned, when winding the bobbin. Thanks for the comment!

[@chevydude658]

@@thesergeant3524That totally makes sense to me now because the tension assembly is in the rear. I wondered about that when I was looking at it. Your videos are the best on KZbin about these machines.

[@rich-f-in-tx6388]

What happened to you? It's been a long time since you've made a video. Hope you're doing well.

[@thesergeant3524]

Still around! My interests expanded from sewing into leatherwork, then to woodworking, to welding, then machining, then restoration of vintage woodworking/machinist tools. My wife and I also have a 3 year old and a 1 year old now so my time is more limited.

[@rich-f-in-tx6388]

@@thesergeant3524 Glad to hear all is well. Y'all take care. 🖖🇺🇸

[@poche660]

The 115 is quiet and compact but I like the other Singer models for their larger through put capabilities.

[@jimmd83]

Hey, if I send you a pic of my Singer can you please help me to identify the model number?

[@coolchange1973]

James, Ismacs has a website you can go to

[@brenttrom5147]

Look for the engraved number at the front right of the machine. Go to sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com and they have a list by plate number (some in ranges so look at the list, search won't work), date and manufacture location.

[@احمدالصوفي-ح5ث]

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