What It Takes To Use A 1920s Singer Sewing Machine

The restoration of this antique 1900s Singer sewing machine was an awesome journey. Learning this unique skill has been a challenge, sewing with a treadle is definitely a difficult process, especially catching the rhythm! Step back in time with me as I try to breathe new life in this vintage classic, preserving a piece of textile history. From what I hear I can use this for leather stitching too which would be really fun, as I am mostly a leather craftsman.
I'm an engineer based in Europe. I made this channel to challenge my creativity and test my skills in all fields. Definitely building up some confidence in planning, definitely need more experience in execution.
Thanks for watching,
--One
The previous videos in the series:
100 Year Old Original Singer Machine Restored, so much rust removed !
• 100 Year Old Original ...
Restoring a 1920's Singer Sewing Machine Table, A World-Class Antique
• Restoring a 1920's Sin...
Other popular projects:
Sewing a bag for my Mother in law:
• Bespoke Leather Bag fo...
Sewing a backpack for my girlfriend:
• Sewing a Custom Leathe...
Woodworking like a pro
• How to use junk wood l...
Working with a super rare material:
• Making a Genuine Turtl...
Making an OP router jig:
• How to use junk wood l...

[@FlausFallitus]

Your content slays 🙏🏽🤩

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks ! More is coming soon!

[@williammaxwell1919]

As a teenager, I taught myself how to machine-sew with a treadle Singer sewing machine. 50 years on, I'd love to get one.

[@hefestodesign]

Its definitely an awesome experience, if your up for it you can restore one, its not that complex, just takes some time :)

[@1911olympic]

Why don't you? Just get one and start having fun! At our age, we don't have time to do things we don't like. The little time there is left should be spent on things we would love to do.

[@sharonoddlyenough]

There's lots of vintage Singers out there, they are very durable. Most consumable parts like belts are still available.

[@joannemcmillan9201]

I was 9 when mom taught me to sew on her treadle machine. I’ve continued to sew. I’m 67.

[@user-tq5lu1wp7e]

On such a Singer Maschine, i made my first Shirt and repaired my Jeans, wenn i was a Teenager. Its fifty years ago and the maschine works still.

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for sharing I plan to sew my first coat on this machine, stick around if you want to see that !

[@MRSFeeX]

You should make a video about it.. Show how to use them.. The manuals are hard to find, after all these years..

[@strangeplanet8313]

You should use clear machine mineral oil rather than whatever that was that you were using. Also, if you are going to run the machine without fabric under the foot, lift the foot so that the feed dogs aren't running against the foot. This keeps the feed dogs sharp and better able to feed the fabric.

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for the advice, it was machinist oil, a bit old though... Haha

[@AAD2698]

AAHHH memories. this machine is very close to the one that I used in 7th grade Home Ec class. Because I could already sew with an electric machine and by letting me use the treadle my teacher freed up a machine for one of the girls, yes we were separated at that time, to use the electric. I even used a treadle when I made curtains for my first born daughters window curtains in the mid 70s.

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for sharing

[@ManOfMonism]

I just bought a Singer 127k and after checking the serial number it's from 1873! Still sews like a charm. The only problem is I've run out of things to make!

[@maxinenall9950]

I own 15 treadle sewing machines, some in the cabinet and some are portable in a wood case 🥰 I love sewing on them, it's very relaxing 🥰 Thanks for your video showing how to fix things 😘

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for watching ! Havi g 15 of them is a bit too much, no, haha?

[@JesusisKing222]

I can’t decide if i want a Singer treadle or a Singer with a hand wheel next!

[@robinmeadows4758]

@@JesusisKing222 a treadle machine is easier to use than a hand crank machine (yes, I have both). The treadle leaves both of your hands free to work with while a hand crank machine uses your right hand to “power” it only allowing your left hand to guide your fabric, etc. Hope this was helpful 😊

[@vaccavo]

I own 50+ sewing machines.

[@robinmeadows4758]

@@vaccavo Wow! I thought I was bad owning 30, 26 of which are vintage Singer machines. My oldest is a 1923 Singer hand-crank 99 and my newest is a 2005 Brother.

[@zombiedoggie2732]

That machine you Have is a Singer 15. This should help you find bobbins. The knob you looped your thread around is the stitch length regulator. To "Back stitch" you turn the goods around and go over the stitches a few stitches. Good luck with your old girl! I use a Singer 66 that's the same era as your 15.

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for the advice !

[@ausnein7139]

Another method for the back stitch is to lift the sewing foot, move the fabric back to the beginning and start stitching again so that you stitch the first stitches twice. And please never connect two bobbin threads with a knot 😮.

[@zombiedoggie2732]

@@ausnein7139Yes most defnetly don't knot the bobbin thread! as for that way I need to try that too!

[@sharonoddlyenough]

I've had good luck lifting the presser foot slightly and pushing the material back while the machine still stitches.

[@annholmes9650]

Well done, I have an old treadle machine and a hand crank which need attention. Your video was most interesting, thank you.

[@luigi-1545]

ooh great work, Hefesto. congratulations!

[@carolinesmercantile4290]

Oh, and one more thing! I use both feet when I sew with my Singer!

[@hefestodesign]

Such a good point my leg got sore after 5 mins haha

[@sharonoddlyenough]

I have heard several people say that using both feet, one forward from the other, adds control and reduces tiring.

[@user-ql8qz9rh4u]

Как прекрасно, что поколение хранит религии родителей! Супер!

[@hefestodesign]

Its not just tradition its quality as well :D Nice to hear people are listening in from all over the world !

[@robinmeadows4758]

Great job! Glad to see a young man sewing. My grandfather did the sewing for his family from the time he was big enough to operate the treadle as his mother had health issues that made it difficult for her. I also had both of my sons (now in their 40’s) take home economics classes in jr high school so they could sew. Love your video.

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks ! Most useful skill ever, never buying a bag/wallet/jacket again haha

[@kogabear1]

I was lucky enough to find one of these fine girls from the original family that originally purchased it in 1917. It was well cared for and for the life of me I can’t believe they would part with it. I call the workings of it complicated simplicity. Luckily we have the internet to help us maintain and hopefully learn how to use these wonderful machines. It’s interesting the “how to sew,” books of this period show the main sewing was still showing how to sew by hand. Good luck, it will be fun to see your journey through learning how to sew with it.

[@gameloozer731]

Amazing how little has changed in layout and mechanism compared to modern machines.

[@hefestodesign]

This is true not many things are different, except the use of plastic, bearings and cogs the mechanism is the same

[@944gemma]

Ove that machine. They just don’t make them like that anymore. True quality. Made to last.

[@hefestodesign]

Spot on

[@m.a.nugent8278]

Looks like you did a good job on this restoration!

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks buddy !

[@RED-cy7ig]

Thanks for the demonstration. They don"t make machines like this one anymore.

[@hefestodesign]

Too bad right ? Thanks !

[@vad.s5341]

My grandfather was a sewing machine repairman. he left several working copies of 8 in working order and 10 more that he did not have time to put in order . the oldest one is 170 years old , it is not working . the oldest worker was born in 1890 . I was very tired when I tried to put it in working order after 30 years of downtime and considering that my grandfather did not pass on his skills. I can sew on them and can carry out basic repairs, but I can't compare with the master.

[@LFANS2001]

Hi, pretty good accuracy. Congrats

[@hefestodesign]

Cheers !

[@soneil7745]

It's beautiful! Your thread tension will be a lot more even if you put little pieces of felt(say, 2cm x 2cm) at the base of the spool pins. Just pop a hole in the center and put it over the pin.

[@brianchichi]

Great video and yes you did a great job! Thank you. I can't wait to restore my old 1920 singer now.

[@FiddleyBits]

You don't have it threaded correctly. The thread goes from the tension spring up to the take-up lever, down to the thread guide on face plate, to thread guide on needle clamp, then through the needle. Here's a really good video showing how to thread it in detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIWZfpZ7nLCqeJY You may also want to learn how to treadle with two feet, set at a diagonal on the pedal, for better speed and control.

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for noticing! Two feet is a good idea, I got pretty sore after a while with just one haha :)

[@michaeltexeira6185]

Good advice

[@JesusisKing222]

I’m going to add to the great advice others are suggesting- use a spool of thread that is straight wound, as opposed to being cross wound. Use a thread stand for the cross wound spools.

[@mazplants6689]

@@JesusisKing222can you please clarify what you mean by a thread stand? Does it sit on the table instead of the machine? What would I look up to find one? Perhaps there’s a video you can link that shows it? Sorry for all the questions-I just purchased an old treadle machine to restore and am excited to sew with it in hopefully just a few weeks!

[@bradleygavin2231]

You might also move the thread spool further bach toward the handw​heel & wrap the tread line once around the body of the machine. That way The spool will bounce less. And I only use my left foot, it's prescribed physical therapy for that leg!

[@un65tube]

Great job! You hit the lines on the paper best as possible 🙂. I just bought an old Singer sewing machine two days ago. Even it's a much younger one from 1965 and it's electric was much fun to get it from stuck and not working back to live. And the build quality is so much better than the modern cheap machines with lots of plastic in- and outside, thin sheet metal parts and stuffed with electronics! The old ones can easily last an other 100 years when getting some maintainance every now and than and they do a perfect job! I whish you much joy with your new, old machine! Many greetings from Germany!

[@hefestodesign]

Danke Schön, Ich hoffe deinen Nähmachine funktioniert gut ! Ich könnte nur ein bisschen Deutsch sprechen haha, Freundlichen Grüßen aus Ungarn :D

[@Sugarcherrylips87]

Your first solution solves my problem. Thank you so so much!

[@hefestodesign]

Glad I could help ! Thank you for watching !

[@carollucey111]

Well done lov 🙂

[@ClaudineiRomon]

I've got one just like that (1924). It belonged to my grandma. Termites have attacked the top lid. It didn't require any restoration though.

[@occarranza5176]

❤ Thanks

[@hefestodesign]

Thank You!

[@petercane6376]

Very nice video. When you use a treadle you have to use both feet. One foot is forward from the other so that you use the pressure on your toes of one foot and the pressure if the heel of the other foot. The feet do not stay together but are one forward from the other. This gives ultimate control. To stop the machine instantly pinch the belt! Hope this helps.

[@pelagiasutcliffe3859]

Oh this is really helpful! I've recently gotten my hands on a 1927 singer machine and this helped me so much in restoring it to functioning order again and i'm just in love with it :))

[@patrickbeam3288]

I learned in a treadle machine. I still like it at times even though I have a computerized model now

[@hefestodesign]

I too want to get a programmable machine, Since I learned how to program cnc machines at uni, it would be dope if I could us it in my hobby as well.

[@user-ug1hm1jw4j]

The stitches look like they need the tension altering. I have used my grandmother's machine since I was 7 and I am now 71, 61 years of use and my machine is still working beautifully.

[@hefestodesign]

Yeah, I need to do more experiments on the stitching tension for sure, thanks !

[@cindyfrye3026]

It looks like the thread tensions are a bit balanced tighter on the needle than the bobbin side. It might be because of using the paper. The stitches should intertwine between the two layers being sewn.

[@DavidLindsey-ie5yl]

Two places I didn't see you oil. One. A drop of oil on the bobbin carriage track. Two. The thread take-up lever bearing on the side of the main shaft. There's a groove it rides in.

[@caduceus33]

Very nice restoration, and neat sewing!

[@meganmills6545]

Please forgive me if I am repeating what someone else has already said... It is best to raise the presser foot when running the machine if there is no fabric between the feed dogs and presser foot - this prevents wear and 'rough grooves' developing on the underside of the presser foot. You will also find a 'felt' under the spool of thread on the spool pin helps it feed the thread better. The spool pin at the handwheel end is probably the better one to use if you can. A 'stack wound' spool of thread works better on a vertical spool pin. For a cross-wound spool of thread you might like to try something that allows your thread to feed off the top of the spool, or 'converts' the vertical pin to a horizontal one. As for the treadling and stitching - they both looked great, and the machine is running very nicely indeed!

[@hefestodesign]

Wow, thanks for the many tips, will be sure to use them !

[@krisyallowega5487]

I think the 6 months or so taken to refurbish this piece was time well spent. That should last you a very, very long time. A friend from school was taught to use one of these machines by his grandmother. He tailored his own shirts and trousers; he did a very nice job too.

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks ! For sure it is a machine that was designed for generations to use.

[@pwhite2579]

good job!

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks!

[@debbiebelian818]

Your top thread tension seemed to be too tight, but perhaps you would have better results on fabric. I use a 1910 Singer Red Eye and it sews as beautifully as the day it was manufactured. I’ve made several quilts with it.

[@annatoth7263]

cool work :)

[@hefestodesign]

[@ran2wild370]

LOL! I am not the first here... but the feeddogs are literally eating the presser foot!! 🤪🤪

[@hefestodesign]

Oh, thats not good, will pay more attention next time, thanks for the input :D

[@ran2wild370]

@@hefestodesign I thought you had already bought a real industrial machine for sewing heavy materials :-) THis one is good, but not mighty :)

[@anaziliodesign]

I'm struggling to have coordination and find the right pace with my machine that is a bit older than this. Any tips/advice?

[@nakedcampers512]

Top tension is back together wrong , belt knock off spring is broken or missing needs proper cleaning and use the correct oil you only need one drop at each joint not a flood. Most important thing never sew without shoes it will break your toes

[@b.c.2313]

Fixed my 100 year old sewing machine with my phone sim card tool. 🤣😂

[@kevinturner7903]

I think you did really well not an easy technique to master treadle sewing. I have a treadle, hand crank & electric sewing machines all have their own charms!

[@LemonTreeQuilts]

Using both feet on the treadle, one further forward than the other and rather than pressing up and down, you need to do a kind of rocking motion using your heels and toes. Once you get it down you will really feel it flow and your control will improve enormously, and you should never get the accidental backwards stitch that is so frustrating.

[@jdhtyler]

Anti Reverse for the treadle can be added, I have considered making something myself Search for = Adding a ratchet stop / brake to a treadle there is an article on Victorian Sweatshop Forum back in 2016 Brake Ball for most Willcox & Gibbs and Singer 24 Chain Stitch Treadle Sewing Machines Keeps machine from sewing backwards. Interesting how just a rubber ball can do the job I am working on a Singer 13k from 1882 and my other treadle is a 201k in a great looking cabinet all the best

[@bustrcat]

It appears that your bobbin is a flat faced one, based on the bobbin holder, the machine would work better with a curved face bobbin. To back stitch without turning your project, just lift the needle and the presser foot and physically move your project seam back a few stitches then continue as usual. Looks wonderful!

[@hefestodesign]

Thanks for the asvice I eill try it out !

[@andyruina]

says to @@hefestodesign : I disagree. The domed bobbins are for 66 class machines. This one is more like a 15.

[@davidjohnston4240]

@@andyruina Yep. Class 15 bobbins are flat faced. 66s are domed. They are not compatible. Switching is not an option.

[@girrrrrrr2]

For cheap practice fabric I go to goodwill and just pickup some old clothes. Ain't much you can't find there. That and vinyl or Eva foam for leather duplication. It won't get the resistance right, but it will get the rest.

[@pattic.9376]

Great job on this machine! One note: the old thread should be removed, and not layered.

[@jimmyjimenez7311]

❤❤❤❤

[@fukumoristar7176]

❤I have buy one too this one beautiful but I miss pedaal it can use electric and just foot manual\my other problem is the bobbins I have one which small classic but that don't fit too..and I dont know ? Type serial this Singer vintage sewing machine?? There is numbers but those for Parts...and to adjust stitches, I must discover that later if I buy the pedaal..thank you for showing and sharing..this sewing machine..🎉

[@tomgreene1843]

I have a certificate of ownership relating to a Singer machine dated 1901 which cost stg 8 -7-6d. the number is 14010318 style 7S HO J something D . Any views out there on where it may have been made ...it was purchased by a lady in midlands Ireland one Sarah J Harris.

[@anitamendelsohn9882]

Are the needles hard to find?

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

You are doing a good job, however it looks like the thread tension on the bobbin is too tight.

[@user-rc3lt5bc1e]

Are you familiar with a Baer & Rempel Phoenix 229? I can’t find any information on it.

[@rozaroza3197]

كيف احصل على ترابيزة ماكينة الخياطة مثل هذه

[@hefestodesign]

Quite difficult (and expensive) to get one in good condition I would recommend finding one that is not too bad and restoring it ! I have a whole series where I restored mine !

[@lydiaadriaensen3112]

I recently got a 1920's Singer treadle sewing machine from my husband; We re-oiled it and bought a new leather belt and put it on the sewing machine. But now my question is;How tight is this belt around the sewing machine? I get the feeling that I have to push the pedal really hard and sometimes it suddenly stops. Do you know what I can do?

[@johnrojas4282]

When i turn around clothes i got mess sewing cable

[@8ritt610]

I have one, but what I still don’t know is what are the holes underneath the drawer’s are? It’s not for a little key is it?

[@debbiebelian818]

Many of the cabinets do have a small key for locking drawers.

[@andyruina]

Small error with bobbin. Your bobbin case is different than the bobbin case shown in the manual that you show in your video. The slanted slot goes the other way. Thus the bobbin should unwind the other way. The bobbin thread always is to reverse direction when going through the slot. Thus your bobbin should unwind clockwise CW, not CCW.

[@aminatule2614]

Does the machine sew without electricity ?

[@SummaGirl1347]

Yes. The power is provided by the action of the Treadle.

[@michaeltexeira6185]

Good demo. Buy you should have replaced the the bobbin tire. ,,remove the hand wheel,,oil the bushing,,,the thread you are using. Use only 100 percent polyester thread,,,,,you did not show which side the flat of the needle goes,,in or outside,,,you must test a machine with fabric,,two pieces. And on the final chech. You must fold the fabric,,,to 6 plies,,as to make sure the machine can pass over bumps,,,,use SEWING MACHINE OIL CLEAR COLOUR ONLY,,,,to get the correct length of the belt. You have to install the belt around the flywheel. ,,over the top in the hand wheel,,pull tight,,then cut. For proper tension. Or you could have installed a Motor Kit ,with a light and make the machine to work by power. Don’t ask me how I know so much. All for your information and guidance,,,not many young people doing this Sewing Machine Technician job anymore. Good luck. Ask me anytime about repairing,,,Mike Tex

[@SummaGirl1347]

These machines were obviously not designed for use with artificial fibers. The Simanco company recommended the use of mercerized cotton.