What is it REALLY like using a Vintage SINGER 16-188 Sewing Machine?

[@HeikeWoolard]

I have a soon to be 99 year old 16-141 and yes, this girl sat for about a year, and got a servo motor installed before I could successfully sew on her. Since then, she has rewarded me with beautiful stitches and whenever she acts up, I quickly find that it is user error. I am super happy that she has a simple tension unit. I don't want complicated machines. Yes, I also have back-up machines, a 111W151, and a 31-15, but mostly use them for other things. BTW, I have $100 in each of the machines, plus $100 in each of the motors, so definitely good deals.

[@viadango]

Sounds like we have a lot in common. I have never heard of a 16-141, so I will check that machine out. When the older machines work, they really are great., plus very affordable. I think the oldest machine I have is the Union Special 15500 Overlock stitch machine. I have a very old restored Leather Bell Skiver machine that is probably 100 years old. Do you work with leather or mainly fabric?

[@HeikeWoolard]

@Viadango mainly fabric, but I have a 245-4 also, just not set up yet. I'd like to get into leather sewing and am looking for an affordable 29, my unicorn.

[@mnmartin73]

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the honest review.

[@viadango]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChrisSmith-tw1mo]

I used to use a 16-188 everyday in my uncle’s Upholstery Shop…it’s a very primitive Walking Foot; definitely a few classes below the 111W. From my experiences, The Singer 16, 17 and 18 all could’ve used an extra pre-tensioner to comfortably use #92 and #138. They seem to get inconsistent results with those gauges with just one beehive spring to run through.

[@viadango]

This explains EVERYTHING. I never thought of that as the problem but it makes total sense to me now.

[@mollycasey39]

I just serviced one and added a small tension so its tension would do better with heavier threads (Theory; if you spread out the tension you aren't crushing the thread at one spot, then it shreds at the needle.). I also have made spool holders that sit on the table with an auxiliary tension. Works great! The simple way is; I bought this Juki part that looks like a spool holder with a small adjustable tension on it. It taps nicely into an oil hole on top. And it pulls back out, or you can reach what needs to be oiled from the access door in back. Works great.

[@melotone3305]

I wonder if modern threads, say any after, oh, 1980, simply produce less friction especially when using 18+ gauge needles compared to the linen threads that were common when these stalwarts were produced?

[@astheru]

Your tension needed adjusted and may need to use a different needle with the heavy thread. That glue may have messed things up too. Everything has to work together.

[@antoniocarlos5955]

Máquina de costura maravilhosa parabéns pelo canal ótimo conteúdo.

[@EmeLightheartArtisanDesigns]

Can you quilt with this machine curious? I’m a quilter.

[@rndea100]

what machines wuold have made levi denim jackets in like the 1950s

[@henrilebovic5229]

Well thanks for being honest. Where do you buy your leather? I want to get more into this hobby but don't know where to purchase affordable leather suitable for small projects like wallets and other small bags/cases

[@viadango]

I live in North America, so I get leather from a few different suppliers, including Tandy Leather, Maverick Leather, and a few others. It all depends upon the type of leather that I need for a project.

[@henrilebovic5229]

@@viadango thank you! I've never heard of Maverick leather store. It seems like they don't have many stores. Do you order from there and if so do you think it still comes out cheaper than Tandy? Thanks so much for your help. Your videos are also very informative.

[@viadango]

@@henrilebovic5229 I order from Maverick for a few reasons. One, much of the Horween stock is upcycled or unique short orders that were canceled or rejected. Second, I order because I can get very unique leathers from them. The price is about the same as Tandy, but prices vary depending upon what you order. Not all leather is the same.

[@sujan7365]

Very nice

[@kierstenridgway4634]

Is it because it's a Wednesday!? 😂 I feel your pain!

[@edwardtagg]

I don't agree... those old singer engineers were geniuses. They didn't make junk. They just need more time and care to understand

[@Lilahsfigsewingstudio]

Mine sews better than my walking foot juki.

[@viadango]

Wow. I think mine has some kind of small problem. You have inspired me to give it a another chance and service to see if I can get it to work more consistently.