Vintage Sewing Machine: Singer 319 W

This is a short history about the Singer 319 W. This video is meant to be informative and educational if you are not familiar with this model of Singer sewing machine. I also introduce the next quilt project that we are going to sew with this vintage machine.
Thank You for watching.
Here is a link to the facebook group mentioned in the video: / 247170942871398
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[@artillerybuff2000]

Love the 319 & 320 machines! A Cutex #173058 bobbin case allows the use of any standard class 15 needle. Replacing the loose & noisy cloth/staple timing belt with a nice tight quiet running rubber belt is next. Then replace the weak/tired 1/2 amp motor with a 5,500 rpm 1 amp motor with a high-quality electronic foot controller (avoid the cheap super high rpm chinese motors & contollers as they are garbage) and you end up with a smooth, versatile, powerful, and reliable machine that will sew circles around any modern plastic piece of junk made today. We actually use the 320 more than any machine in our vast collection. The freearm is indispensable when you need it, and the bobbins are accessible from the front without having to tip the machine back. Our 319 & 320 run so well that we sold our two 401's and hardly ever use our 201's anymore...

[@myersdesignstudio]

Yeah the 319 really sews fast. I love that machine too! Thanks for watching!

[@marksmale827]

@@artillerybuff2000 Where does one find high quality motors and controllers?

[@artillerybuff2000]

@marksmale827 Alphasew's are really good, but a little too fast at 7,000+ rpm's. Feitsew makes a really nice high power motor that is rated at 5,500, which I think is perfect; they are made in Taiwan. The cheaper controller pedals are like on-off switches with little to no variable speed. The electronic controller give very precise control.

[@marksmale827]

@@artillerybuff2000 Thank you. I got a more powerful Alphasew motor fitted to a S201, which I always think are a little underpowered given how robust they are. It works great.

[@melenelewis2955]

I learnt to sew on this machine when I was 10 years old (I am now 69 yrs) and inherited it when my mother died . Super machine !

[@myersdesignstudio]

That is so nice. I love the way that sewing machine sews. It is one of my favorite sewing machines. I agree it is a super machine built to last.

[@artillerybuff2000]

Awesome! My wife has her childhood machine as well, a 1965 Singer 337. She also has her great-great aunt's 1919 Singer 66 Treadle that she earned a living on as a professional seamstress. Even though it had decades of hard use (paint & decals worn off in places) it still sews beautifully! Her great-great aunt added a Hamilton Beach electric motor at some point in time. Since the wiring was shot we just removed it and use it as a treadle; so fun!

[@lisalu910]

I have this same machine - a green 319. I agree it's not a "starter" machine if you're new to vintage sewing machines - it is funky and clunky and there is a learning curve for using it. (The manual for it is like 50 pages long, if that gives a clue!) And in addition to an obscure 206X13 needle it also takes obscure L-bobbins. You can buy aftermarket L-bobbins but they don't work in the bobbin winder on this machine nor can you wind them on any other machine (you have to resort to a Sidewinder.) Even so, once you get past those hurdles, and get used to using all those dials, knobs, and levers, the machine really sews beautifully. It just takes a little getting used to - there are definitely easier models to introduce you to the joys of vintage sewing machines.

[@myersdesignstudio]

Yes my Sister really did a great job getting her 319 back in shape. It was worked on by someone who didn’t realize how difficult that machine can be. I really love sewing with it. It has a solid feel and really sews fast. It is one of my favorite machines! Thank You so much for watching!

[@arthurtucker1951]

I just got one of these machines and I'm really looking forward to using it but can't seem to find a manual for it. Could you help me a link or pdf?

[@myersdesignstudio]

ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-319k-sewing-machine-manual.pdf@@arthurtucker1951

[@arthurtucker1951]

Thank you!!!

[@1953childstar]

I bought one from a "Singer store" years ago and the bobbin case was either modified or changed, I never had to use the expensive, rare and hard to find needles. The placement of the bobbin case ( The Pfaff system - purchased by Singer ), and the heavy weight of the machine are issues. It is best used in a cabinet ( the user can then reach under and deal with the bobbin ).. The "real issue" is the hemp cleated timing belt.. Often oil will saturate the belt and cause it to stretch and then the timing is shot.

[@terrigelbaum8066]

I collect........what do you mean,"get over my head"? You cannot have too many, my dear. I have this one in black and green.

[@myersdesignstudio]

I think my sister is referring to the restoration of a complicated cam system and restoring a sewing machine. When she found this machine, it was in very sorry shape and it looked like the previous owner got in over their head in restoring the machine. Nice you have both colors. I think the 319 is a very nice machine to sew with. It is one of my favorites. You will see this machine again on my channel because it is a very reliable sewing machine and is a truly a joy to sew with. I agree you can't have too many sewing machines.

[@artillerybuff2000]

I've never seen a black and green one. Sounds like someone swapped parts from two different machines lol...

[@artillerybuff2000]

​@myersdesignstudio We used to think that too until we ended up with over 45 machines after several decades of collecting, many in large space hogging cabinets. We literally ran out of room in our house. We finally decided when we moved into our dream retirement house (which is actually much larger than our previous house) to sell off some of the machines. We still have way too many,, but at least we're not tripping over them any more lol. We were very discriminating/particular collectors as well. Anything we brought home had to be mint or near mint condition to make the cut. Even our 1865 Singer New Family model 12 looks like brand new, like it was stored in a time capsule! My wife would like to sell a few more, me as the sewing machine mechanic of the house, is having a hard time letting them go...

[@Teodoro49]

Is there a difference between the 319 and the 319W ?

[@myersdesignstudio]

My Sister says there isn’t a difference between those two models. The W may signify where it was manufactured. Like the 401A and 301A was made in Anderson NC.

[@1953childstar]

The "W" was manufactured in the Bridgeport Conn. Singer Plant ( Previously the Wheeler and Wilson factory )...

[@myersdesignstudio]

Thanks that clears up what the W means. Interesting that Singer took over the Wheeler and Wilson plant.

[@CurlyAnji11]

Help! My bobbin winder is not engaging. Now what?

[@myersdesignstudio]

Sorry, I don’t know. I would just get a separate bobbin winder. As long as the machine sews fine, I would just wind bobbins on some other machine or with a separate bobbin winder. Thank so much for watching!

[@artillerybuff2000]

Probably just needs a minor adjustment.

[@frankjanvari737]

hello Pam very beautiful videos and very beautiful sewing machine please kindly film how to operate the sewing machine electric foot pedal how it's used to sew please kindly let me know OK?thank you very much 😂

[@myersdesignstudio]

Sure I will do a video on that in the future. However, a quick explanation would be that when you press on the foot pedal with your foot. The needle bar on the sewing machine will go up and down depending on how hard you press the foot pedal. Some sewing machines allow you to sew slow or fast depending on how hard you press the foot pedal. I hope this helps answer your question. Thank You for watching!

[@marksmale827]

A shame they used shorter than normal needles. You can buy bobbin cases that use standard needles. A machine of industrial quality.

[@myersdesignstudio]

I think my sister changed the bobbin case so it would take regular needles.

[@artillerybuff2000]

I'm guessing it was a proprietary decision to sell special Singer needles? Easy to fix with an aftermarket bobbin case. The Cutex #173058 worked perfectly in our 319 & 320...

[@momsberettas9576]

beautiful all metal machine. Too bad everything now is just made of plastic and cheap garbage materials, yet still cost an arm and a leg. XD

[@myersdesignstudio]

I know plastic isn't a forever material to last. Some of the machines I use are over 100 years old. What today do we use as a machine still works after a 100 years? I am still amazed that when I use such an old sewing machine and it sews as it did when it was made. Thank You so much for watching !