HISTORY & HERITAGE SERIES #5: Singer's 15 & How The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same

[@robinbrooks3794]

You make me want to buy all the older Singers I can find. I am so glad I have kindred people who love the look and the power of those old machines. Thank you for what you do. Now if I can just get my husband interested in learning how to repairing sewing machines, I would be most happy.

[@boxgirl51]

I have my mothers Singer 15-K I am trying to learn about. It has been unused for over 30 years. Made 1949. External motor and belt, in a cabinet with knee lever. Thank you so much.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very cool!

[@cocasio7190]

Hello! I appreciate that you share your knowledge about the Singer sewing machines. I have learned so much from you. I recently took out the motor belted that was install to my 15-88 25 years ago and installed a treadle belt. Now, I'm learning how to use the machine this way. Yes, there are people that need a hand cranked and/or treadle sewing machine. Thanks for sharing!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thanks for the tips!

[@chachadivine2505]

So enjoy your detailed videos. Appreciate your time and sharing the history behind the Singer 15. Will (eventually) add one to my collection❣️

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Please do!

[@MR-di5hh]

Excelente video. Podrías hablar de máquina 191J izquierda, tengo una y no hay videos acerca de ella. Gracias

[@SuperBellezza1]

I appreciate your videos. You explain everything so well. Good information.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Glad you like them!

[@robbiesperry5492]

I enjoyed this video, having recently restored & kept both a Treadle 15 & a 15-91. I found it interesting that the bobbin case from the 1914 treadle was the mirror opposite the 15-91. They have such beautiful lines!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very cool!

[@nmjerry]

I am pretty sure Singer still makes cast iron sewing machines, but not for the Western market. They definitely make a mechanical zig-zager.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi. Actually, the Singer company does not exist, but Singer is still around as a brand/label owned by a conglomerate that sources multiple legacy brands out of Asia. Any metal sewing machines produced today are knockoffs made due to the original patents having expired. These modern versions are not built to the same quality as original Singers were.

[@nmjerry]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage The one's i saw were for some Asian internet business. They had Singer branding and the marketing was not to Westerners. I know it isn't the original Singer, but they go by it,

[@jbbolts]

thanks for sharing... any idea where the 15j fits in? Ill be picking one up this week and im trying to figure out where it fits in and if it shares the same parts... thanks

[@brokenrecord3523]

I looked up my serial # AK640102 and the ISMCS database said it was a 128, but I definitely have a 15-91. I started a project with heavy canvas, hoping it would do it - like butter.

[@josephpadula2283]

I have a 15-97 like a 15-90 but it comes with a cabinet and stool. The foot pedal can be put on the floor Or it fits in a bracket and you can use your Knee to change speed. 15-97 does not do reverse stitch.

[@GerriBauer]

Yup. I have my grandmother's 15-30 treadle. It's 101 years old and still sews beautifully.

[@juditzombo45]

Just came across this youtube site for Singer. I own Berninas and Phaffs both are around 50 or plus years old. Work great. I found a singer that looks like the one on the left. Now that I am a great grandmother of 6 girls I like to sew just for the fun of it. I want to make a jean quilt for kids to throw around outside. I caught the point you mentioned that this machine will sew heavy material. I would like to see if I could for the fun of it actually fix it up to work for me as a workhorse, How can I send you pics of what I have and possibly have your suggestions on how to begin? if this is some thing that you even do. I would appreciate you perhaps pointing me in the right direction at least. judit

[@r.duroucher225]

Actually, Singer is still making these machines in India and selling them in electric and treadle versions as well as hand-cranks. So it's a design that well over 100 years and still going strong!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thank you for sharing. I had not heard of this. I'm not surprised if these are still in production although I wonder if it is some other company than Singer making them. The patents on these ran out a long time ago and the first "clones" were made in Japan after WW II. Later, production moved to Taiwan and eventually to China.

[@Mamasofian]

I have a singer 15k ,made in 1938 its very very noisy i mean loud to make the sewer deaf,,,it worked really hard all these years how to lower this loud noise ,is it a part worn off or what ? Appreciate your reply and thx for sharing about all lovely vintage singer machine.

[@josephpadula2283]

My similar machine is very quiet. Your is damaged in some was Or it badly needs to be completely oil ed.

[@josephpadula2283]

And greased

[@jerrykayeparker6313]

I really appreciate your videos and have learned so much. I am searching for parts for my 201. Specifically a stitch length screw. I have search on eBay and other sites but can’t locate one. You mention on one of your videos (what’s missing) that you often keep these in stock. Can you help me locate one?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Jerry. Try other places such as Etsy or Bonanza. I've found vintage parts at those sites.

[@sandybarr3094]

Thank you for your videos. I have two 15-91. One is a 1955 and the other is a be 1936. The older one is frozen. The needle rod and the pressure tension rod will not move with the balance wheel. I have used SMO and kerosene to try to loosen the the gunk. I am trying my hair dryer for heat. What else can I do or is this the “death nail” for her. I will break her down and sell parts if I can not get her moving

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Sandy. It sounds as if you have the right approach to old machines as I too never throw anything away. All machines can be salvaged for parts which are quite valuable to folks needing them. Before you go that route, try soaking it in Marvels Mystery Oil. NOTE: Make sure there are NO electrical wires, sockets (light) or motor on the machine when you do this. Its a messy process but it can work. When I got my frozen Singer 185J to unfreeze, it took over 2 weeks of soaking along with intermittent heat applications. Then, there is the necessity of getting all of the oil off the machine before attempting to reuse. Alternately, you can try Penetrant oils such as Liquid Wrench (Careful as it smells REALLY AWEFUL and I would not use it indoors ). Also, FYI, hopefully, your needle and presser bars are not warped from dropping as that could make it permanently inoperable without replacing those. But it sounds more like rust/corrosion. Also, note that drivetrain components below the machine can also corrode and stop the needle bar from moving.

[@sandybarr3094]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage thank you so much!

[@douglasbruce1417]

I have a 1927 15. I've been repairing a few things on it since I picked it up this weekend. One of the items that seems to be missing is the thread guide on the front face plate (can see on the machine to the right, not on newer, clean, on left side). Anyone know if this part is available or how to get it (can you just buy?). It is center of face plate at same level as the tensioner.

[@reginaromsey]

I wish you would do a hand crank on a machine. I want one and can’t find one on any brand old machines. I have a Jones and ordered it’s hand crank from England but I’m scared to ask for a machine to be drilled and tapped.

[@miguelruizlopez]

Hi,,,From Spain,,¿¿the machine of de rigt is from 1905 ??' I habe one similar ,, I,m repair that sewmachine,,thans

[@Coolingfin]

Your 15-30 looks just like mine, no drop feed. My serial number 16010983 leads me to believe it was produced in 1899, but the lack of a drop feed has me thinking it's a 15-11. Perhaps you have access to more accurate information than I? Mine was rebuilt by Great Eastern who repainted it and put on their own decals, Singer sued them for copyright violation so I view this machine as 'rare'.

[@ronalddevine9587]

As always, another great video. I have a 201-2, which love 💘, but it won't go through very thick fabrics. My kenmores with dual belts will go through them. Stitch quality belongs to the 201. None better in my opinion 😌. Thanks

[@lifeisbeautiful3378]

Hi... This machine can work without an electricity???? Please let me know..... If yes, then please please let me know from where I can get it.... Thanks

[@lifeisbeautiful3378]

As I live in japan so please let me know.... Thanks

[@Coolingfin]

@@lifeisbeautiful3378 I live in the U.S. and recently found a 15 class treadle on my local craigslist online classified. After WW2 the Japanese produced many versions of the class 15 machine, I would think you could find one. Have also seen videos from India showing the USHA company's BRAND NEW model 15, They may even be producing a treadle version, pretty sure they are selling hand crank models. If you are at all mechanical you should have no problem putting an inexpensive used machine into good order.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

The base of the pillar on the older one looks much bigger - is that the case or is it the angle it's filmed at?

[@dianehall5345]

Hi. I am new to your channel. Was given a family heirloom. A Faultless. I understand that was a rebrand from National. So the age is between 1895 and 1920. Cannot find the model #. The machine is currently in the repair shop for a cleaning and check -up. It is intact. The original owners manual is in tatters. There are random pages I will slip into a plastic page protector and attempt to copy. The pages almost feel like cloth! Do you have an email address where I could send a photo or two? It has a bullet shuttle. No derailer for the belt. Also has a box full of assorted feet! I'm looking forward to following your channel and learning to use this machine. Thank you. ~Diane

[@denisebernidino2561]

I have a Wheeler Wilson #9 treadle which I inherited from my aunt wonderful machine Thanks for the video

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Very cool!

[@jameswyatt5859]

Thanks for another informative video. Do you know anything about a machine called a Bob McDougal? It looks like a Singer, but the plate just says "Deluxe". Where the Singer name normally is, it says, in cursive writing, "Bob McDougal". The serial number is B46490. Any help identifying this would be very appreciated.

[@autoliv4]

Hi I got a vintage white sewing machine the belt is broken, what size do I need?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Zella. The size can vary slightly depending on the White model, but I would take your old belt, lay it out, and measure. This is the size you would use to order a new one. They should be easy to find online if not locally at a Sewing-Vacuum service location.

[@judyvaughn4002]

I have just bought a White sewing machine that I need to know how to thread

[@belindaleighfrazier8165]

Do I need to email you for your website? Or will you help me on this comment page. Thank you.

[@benjermanvanderburg8500]

Dear vintage sewing machines.. Two machines i have. One is about a 1924 national in a portable case bought it for 100..really good shape.just bought the last two short bobbins out locally. Want to find a original petal for power. The second question is i have a singer g model with seriel number. Needing to finish unfreezing main shaft. To run needle up n down this is a biggie because i need a large plate rounded for the one side. .and i would like to find a sewing cabinent for it .point being it is a coffin sphinnx model. Assuming it was a treadle converted to a electric...in the twentys. Can i email you with pics so i can get fully functioning so it could be a 1908 converted in 1924 1920 or so. I can email you my number privatly. Any assitance will be appreciated..looking at a necci italian pretty sure its a bd nova machine good spects i researched. So far

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

I wonder how the 15 compares with the 66 in heavy duty abilities. ????

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Both are tough. The 15 comes out a 'bit' ahead due to its Side Loading Bobbin, but the 66 is the toughest Top Loading Bobbin domestic machine I've ever seen1

[@cherylnewell9806]

I love mine

[@cre8vedesign]

I was sold a singer 15-91 but I am not sure what it is. It says made in canada. Serial number is JC761776. Has minimal decoration. potted Motor on back. How can I tell if its a 15-91 which is what i wanted as its considered the strongest of the home vintage sewing machines.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Daniel. Can you tell me what color your machine is?

[@cre8vedesign]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage black with minimal gold trimming

[@cre8vedesign]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage It threads like the 15-91 with the tension on the side towards back.