Difficulty

Very easy

Steps

1

Time Required

                          1 hour            

Sections

  • Old Sewing Machines - instruction manuals and performance benchmarks
  • 1 step

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Introduction

To do this you will need to understand how the machine should normally perform when in use and its limitations when set up and operated correctly.

In the first instance the manufacturer’s user manual should be checked for operating instructions, specifications and indications of what the machine is capable of achieving.

If the machine performs as intended by the manufacturer then it does not need to be repaired.

If it doesn’t perform as intended then:

  • it’s very possible that the machine has not been set up properly and/or is being operated incorrectlyunsuitable threads or materials have been usedincorrect needles, presser feet, bobbins, bobbin case or hook are being usedthe machine needs routine care/maintenance (cleaning, lubrication etc.)

If these factors can be ruled out then the machine is probably malfunctioning and may need servicing, adjustment or repair.

The videos hosted on the linked youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCTWl_z

Show the normal performance of more than a hundred old and vintage sewing machine models in terms of:

  • their stitch type capabilities

  • their ability to sew different materials e.g. denim, sailcloth and leather

NOTE: These videos are not sewing machine tutorials, sewing machine tear-downs or ‘how to’ repair guides, they are merely performance bench marks for a number of old sewing machines. Sewing machines which have been fully refurbished and are working as intended.

Video Overview

Step 1

              Old Sewing Machines - instruction manuals and performance benchmarks               
  • Check to see if your machine works as intended before attempting repairs: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCTWl_z… There are approximately 350 videos of old sewing machines at work on this channel showing stitch types and performance when sewing denim, sailcloth and other materials
  • Many perfectly good sewing machines end up as unusable or are scrapped purely as a result of owner attempts at “repair” that are unnecessary.
  • Check out the instruction manuals below to see if your make and model are included

Check to see if your machine works as intended before attempting repairs: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCTWl_z… There are approximately 350 videos of old sewing machines at work on this channel showing stitch types and performance when sewing denim, sailcloth and other materials

Many perfectly good sewing machines end up as unusable or are scrapped purely as a result of owner attempts at “repair” that are unnecessary.

Check out the instruction manuals below to see if your make and model are included

1024

It is essential to determine whether your sewing machine actually needs to be repaired before you attempt disassembly or other repair actions.

See attached instruction manuals and links to bench mark videos for information on how your machine should work.

Most problems that arise on domestic sewing machines - e.g. skipping stitches, puckering material, needle breakages, thread jams etc. etc. are a result of incorrect user actions.

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                                                                                      5 other people completed this guide.                                             

Attached Documents

  • Singer-samba-4-model-6202-6212C.pdf
  • PDF - 5.62 mb
  • View
  • Singer-futura-1000-parts-list.pdf
  • PDF - 1.15 mb
  • View
  • Singer-Merritt-162—167–168.pdf
  • PDF - 7.26 mb
  • View
  • Singer-Merritt-187-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 8.36 mb
  • View
  • Singer 12K New Family
  • PDF - 3.16 mb
  • View
  • singer-futura-1000-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 7.15 mb
  • View
  • Singer-5144-7-instruction-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 3.61 mb
  • View
  • Singer-5102-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 2.67 mb
  • View
  • Singer-413-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 7.52 mb
  • View
  • Singer Slant Needle 404 Sewing Machine
  • PDF - 3.75 mb
  • View
  • Singer-6105.pdf
  • PDF - 26.21 mb
  • View
  • Singer-4522-4525-6605-6011-6012-6211-6212-7011-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 27.71 mb
  • View
  • Singer 401 Instruction book
  • PDF - 14.05 mb
  • View
  • Singer-247-547-L47-876-966-3102–instn-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 1.79 mb
  • View
  • Singer-191K-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 704.23 kb
  • View
  • Singer-160-Capri-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 8.16 mb
  • View
  • Singer-216G-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 11.07 mb
  • View
  • Riccar-9600-electronic-Owners-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 3.17 mb
  • View
  • Riccar-9160-super-stretch-Owners-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 3.31 mb
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  • Riccar-3500-Owners-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 2.78 mb
  • View
  • Riccar-706-806-Owners-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 2.56 mb
  • View
  • Singer-316G.pdf
  • PDF - 32.16 mb
  • View
  • Pfaff-Kayser-44-46-sewing-machine.pdf
  • PDF - 609.41 kb
  • View
  • PFAFF-KAYSER-45-47-IN-GERMAN.pdf
  • PDF - 4.36 mb
  • View
  • Pfaff-Dorina-72-75-77.pdf
  • PDF - 1.38 mb
  • View
  • Pfaff-947-Hobbymatic.pdf
  • PDF - 2.84 mb
  • View
  • Pfaff-350-382-422-Hobby.pdf
  • PDF - 1.80 mb
  • View
  • Pfaff-340-521-541-721-741-Hobby.pdf
  • PDF - 1.50 mb
  • View
  • Pfaff-90-instruction-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 2.77 mb
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  • Novum-new-mark-IX-sewing-machine-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 3.63 mb
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  • Pinnock-Threadmaster.pdf
  • PDF - 18.08 mb
  • View
  • Necchi-zig-zag-Sewline-20-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 5.57 mb
  • View
  • Novum-zigzag-deluxe-Mark-IX.pdf
  • PDF - 29.25 mb
  • View
  • NECCHI-584-586-SILVIA-MULTIMATIC-MAXIMATIC.pdf
  • PDF - 6.25 mb
  • View
  • Necchi-512-Lelia-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 9.02 mb
  • View
  • Necchi-Supernova-Automatica-full-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 39.37 mb
  • View
  • Jones-model-k-sewing-machine.pdf
  • PDF - 3.44 mb
  • View
  • SEMI ZIG-ZAG DZS-3100.TIF
  • PDF - 3.25 mb
  • View
  • Jones-Brother-VX940-electronic.pdf
  • PDF - 2.85 mb
  • View
  • Necchi-Lycia-522–524–manual.pdf
  • PDF - 53.51 mb
  • View
  • Jones-1681-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 4.17 mb
  • View
  • Janome-New-Home-657.pdf
  • PDF - 4.78 mb
  • View
  • Mitsubishi-MAZ4-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 27.98 mb
  • View
  • Janome-NEW-HOME-XL-II.pdf
  • PDF - 8.76 mb
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  • Janome-NewHome-539-en.pdf
  • PDF - 1.89 mb
  • View
  • Janome-Newhome-551-552–instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 3.60 mb
  • View
  • Janome-NEWHOME-609.pdf
  • PDF - 6.35 mb
  • View
  • Janome-New-Home-COMBI-DX-MODERN.pdf
  • PDF - 5.61 mb
  • View
  • Janome-New-Home-Combi-DX-502-(En)[1].pdf
  • PDF - 5.04 mb
  • View
  • Janome-New-Home-131-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 3.90 mb
  • View
  • Janome-New-Home-691-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 22.76 mb
  • View
  • Instruction-Manual-Frister–&-Rossmann-503.pdf
  • PDF - 23.12 mb
  • View
  • Husqvarna-Viking-2000-model-6030-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 20.36 mb
  • View
  • Husqvarna-viking-610-620-630.pdf
  • PDF - 6.84 mb
  • View
  • Helvetia-portable-sewing-machine.pdf
  • PDF - 3.34 mb
  • View
  • Husqvarna-viking-95-105.pdf
  • PDF - 5.76 mb
  • View
  • Gorringe—Vickers-Modele-De-Luxe-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 7.75 mb
  • View
  • Frister-rossmann-900-range-900–902–904.pdf
  • PDF - 5.63 mb
  • View
  • Harris-sewing-machine-type-15-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 15.99 mb
  • View
  • Frister-rossmann-400-range.pdf
  • PDF - 5.56 mb
  • View
  • Frister+rossmann-504.pdf
  • PDF - 2.97 mb
  • View
  • FRISTER-Rossmann-MODEL-G.pdf
  • PDF - 2.35 mb
  • View
  • Frister+rossmann-1080.pdf
  • PDF - 10.95 mb
  • View
  • Frister-Rossmann-model-E-vibrating-shuttle-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 6.57 mb
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  • Frister-Rossmann-Cub-5-super-stitch.pdf
  • PDF - 8.19 mb
  • View
  • ELNA-TX-class-57.pdf
  • PDF - 6.81 mb
  • View
  • Frister-Rossmann-Beaver-2-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 32.02 mb
  • View
  • Frister-Rossmann-Beaver-5-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 36.17 mb
  • View
  • Elna TSP Top Special type 52
  • PDF - 276.62 kb
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  • Elna-ZZ-type-17-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 26.94 mb
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  • Elna-SP-etc.pdf
  • PDF - 9.97 mb
  • View
  • Elna-Lotus-sewing-guide.pdf
  • PDF - 12.80 mb
  • View
  • Elna-Lotus-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 11.31 mb
  • View
  • Elna-special-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 29.51 mb
  • View
  • Elna-2002-2004-2006-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 1.04 mb
  • View
  • Elna_500_Club
  • PDF - 15.63 mb
  • View
  • Elna-500-electronic-class-45-46.pdf
  • PDF - 3.97 mb
  • View
  • Crown-point–Sanwa-SZA-645f.pdf
  • PDF - 5.98 mb
  • View
  • Elna-air-electronic-class-58-59-68.pdf
  • PDF - 24.48 mb
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  • Bernina-930-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 7.42 mb
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  • BERNINA-730-731-732-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 4.09 mb
  • View
  • Bernette_410_420_430_440.pdf
  • PDF - 1.19 mb
  • View
  • Bernina-644-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 4.69 mb
  • View
  • ALFA MODEL 1050 AUTOMATIC FREE-
  • PDF - 4.32 mb
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  • Alfa-233-236-333-336-sewing-machine-Instruction-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 4.03 mb
  • View
  • Toyota-Z572-Z500-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 1.16 mb
  • View
  • Winfield-janome-zigzag-FW-161-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 7.34 mb
  • View
  • TOYOTA-EC-1-EC-1B-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf
  • PDF - 4.87 mb
  • View
  • Bernina-707-717-manual.pdf
  • PDF - 33.82 mb
  • View
  • Toyota-9060-9600-9960-Instruction-Manual.pdf
  • PDF - 17.38 mb
  • View
  • Toyota-5001-&-501S.pdf
  • PDF - 3.82 mb
  • View
  • Toyota-4031-4041-490-series-in-French.pdf
  • PDF - 1.65 mb
  • View
  • Toyota-2700.pdf
  • PDF - 7.49 mb
  • View
  • Toyota-200–221-222-instructions.pdf
  • PDF - 5.87 mb
  • View
  • Toyota-6400–6402–manual.pdf
  • PDF - 28.54 mb
  • View
  • New Home Janome Inst Book 109 110
  • PDF - 1.75 mb
  • View

Singer-samba-4-model-6202-6212C.pdf

PDF - 5.62 mb

Singer-futura-1000-parts-list.pdf

PDF - 1.15 mb

Singer-Merritt-162—167–168.pdf

PDF - 7.26 mb

Singer-Merritt-187-instructions.pdf

PDF - 8.36 mb

Singer 12K New Family

PDF - 3.16 mb

singer-futura-1000-manual.pdf

PDF - 7.15 mb

Singer-5144-7-instruction-manual.pdf

PDF - 3.61 mb

Singer-5102-manual.pdf

PDF - 2.67 mb

Singer-413-instructions.pdf

PDF - 7.52 mb

Singer Slant Needle 404 Sewing Machine

PDF - 3.75 mb

Singer-6105.pdf

PDF - 26.21 mb

Singer-4522-4525-6605-6011-6012-6211-6212-7011-instructions.pdf

PDF - 27.71 mb

Singer 401 Instruction book

PDF - 14.05 mb

Singer-247-547-L47-876-966-3102–instn-manual.pdf

PDF - 1.79 mb

Singer-191K-Manual.pdf

PDF - 704.23 kb

Singer-160-Capri-instructions.pdf

PDF - 8.16 mb

Singer-216G-manual.pdf

PDF - 11.07 mb

Riccar-9600-electronic-Owners-Manual.pdf

PDF - 3.17 mb

Riccar-9160-super-stretch-Owners-Manual.pdf

PDF - 3.31 mb

Riccar-3500-Owners-Manual.pdf

PDF - 2.78 mb

Riccar-706-806-Owners-Manual.pdf

PDF - 2.56 mb

Singer-316G.pdf

PDF - 32.16 mb

Pfaff-Kayser-44-46-sewing-machine.pdf

PDF - 609.41 kb

PFAFF-KAYSER-45-47-IN-GERMAN.pdf

PDF - 4.36 mb

Pfaff-Dorina-72-75-77.pdf

PDF - 1.38 mb

Pfaff-947-Hobbymatic.pdf

PDF - 2.84 mb

Pfaff-350-382-422-Hobby.pdf

PDF - 1.80 mb

Pfaff-340-521-541-721-741-Hobby.pdf

PDF - 1.50 mb

Pfaff-90-instruction-manual.pdf

PDF - 2.77 mb

Novum-new-mark-IX-sewing-machine-manual.pdf

PDF - 3.63 mb

Pinnock-Threadmaster.pdf

PDF - 18.08 mb

Necchi-zig-zag-Sewline-20-manual.pdf

PDF - 5.57 mb

Novum-zigzag-deluxe-Mark-IX.pdf

PDF - 29.25 mb

NECCHI-584-586-SILVIA-MULTIMATIC-MAXIMATIC.pdf

PDF - 6.25 mb

Necchi-512-Lelia-instructions.pdf

PDF - 9.02 mb

Necchi-Supernova-Automatica-full-manual.pdf

PDF - 39.37 mb

Jones-model-k-sewing-machine.pdf

PDF - 3.44 mb

SEMI ZIG-ZAG DZS-3100.TIF

PDF - 3.25 mb

Jones-Brother-VX940-electronic.pdf

PDF - 2.85 mb

Necchi-Lycia-522–524–manual.pdf

PDF - 53.51 mb

Jones-1681-instructions.pdf

PDF - 4.17 mb

Janome-New-Home-657.pdf

PDF - 4.78 mb

Mitsubishi-MAZ4-manual.pdf

PDF - 27.98 mb

Janome-NEW-HOME-XL-II.pdf

PDF - 8.76 mb

Janome-NewHome-539-en.pdf

PDF - 1.89 mb

Janome-Newhome-551-552–instructions.pdf

PDF - 3.60 mb

Janome-NEWHOME-609.pdf

PDF - 6.35 mb

Janome-New-Home-COMBI-DX-MODERN.pdf

PDF - 5.61 mb

Janome-New-Home-Combi-DX-502-(En)[1].pdf

PDF - 5.04 mb

Janome-New-Home-131-Manual.pdf

PDF - 3.90 mb

Janome-New-Home-691-instructions.pdf

PDF - 22.76 mb

Instruction-Manual-Frister–&-Rossmann-503.pdf

PDF - 23.12 mb

Husqvarna-Viking-2000-model-6030-manual.pdf

PDF - 20.36 mb

Husqvarna-viking-610-620-630.pdf

PDF - 6.84 mb

Helvetia-portable-sewing-machine.pdf

PDF - 3.34 mb

Husqvarna-viking-95-105.pdf

PDF - 5.76 mb

Gorringe—Vickers-Modele-De-Luxe-manual.pdf

PDF - 7.75 mb

Frister-rossmann-900-range-900–902–904.pdf

PDF - 5.63 mb

Harris-sewing-machine-type-15-manual.pdf

PDF - 15.99 mb

Frister-rossmann-400-range.pdf

PDF - 5.56 mb

Frister+rossmann-504.pdf

PDF - 2.97 mb

FRISTER-Rossmann-MODEL-G.pdf

PDF - 2.35 mb

Frister+rossmann-1080.pdf

PDF - 10.95 mb

Frister-Rossmann-model-E-vibrating-shuttle-Manual.pdf

PDF - 6.57 mb

Frister-Rossmann-Cub-5-super-stitch.pdf

PDF - 8.19 mb

ELNA-TX-class-57.pdf

PDF - 6.81 mb

Frister-Rossmann-Beaver-2-manual.pdf

PDF - 32.02 mb

Frister-Rossmann-Beaver-5-manual.pdf

PDF - 36.17 mb

Elna TSP Top Special type 52

PDF - 276.62 kb

Elna-ZZ-type-17-manual.pdf

PDF - 26.94 mb

Elna-SP-etc.pdf

PDF - 9.97 mb

Elna-Lotus-sewing-guide.pdf

PDF - 12.80 mb

Elna-Lotus-instructions.pdf

PDF - 11.31 mb

Elna-special-manual.pdf

PDF - 29.51 mb

Elna-2002-2004-2006-manual.pdf

PDF - 1.04 mb

Elna_500_Club

PDF - 15.63 mb

Elna-500-electronic-class-45-46.pdf

PDF - 3.97 mb

Crown-point–Sanwa-SZA-645f.pdf

PDF - 5.98 mb

Elna-air-electronic-class-58-59-68.pdf

PDF - 24.48 mb

Bernina-930-manual.pdf

PDF - 7.42 mb

BERNINA-730-731-732-manual.pdf

PDF - 4.09 mb

Bernette_410_420_430_440.pdf

PDF - 1.19 mb

Bernina-644-manual.pdf

PDF - 4.69 mb

ALFA MODEL 1050 AUTOMATIC FREE-

PDF - 4.32 mb

Alfa-233-236-333-336-sewing-machine-Instruction-manual.pdf

PDF - 4.03 mb

Toyota-Z572-Z500-manual.pdf

PDF - 1.16 mb

Winfield-janome-zigzag-FW-161-manual.pdf

PDF - 7.34 mb

TOYOTA-EC-1-EC-1B-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

PDF - 4.87 mb

Bernina-707-717-manual.pdf

PDF - 33.82 mb

Toyota-9060-9600-9960-Instruction-Manual.pdf

PDF - 17.38 mb

Toyota-5001-&-501S.pdf

PDF - 3.82 mb

Toyota-4031-4041-490-series-in-French.pdf

PDF - 1.65 mb

Toyota-2700.pdf

PDF - 7.49 mb

Toyota-200–221-222-instructions.pdf

PDF - 5.87 mb

Toyota-6400–6402–manual.pdf

PDF - 28.54 mb

New Home Janome Inst Book 109 110

PDF - 1.75 mb

Author

                                      with 1 other contributor 

                    Ronald Drysdale                     

Member since: 08/04/2021

193 Reputation

                                      1 Guide authored                  



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j.c.alexander - Dec 3, 2022

Reply

hi, please could you tell me the model number of the Singer shown in your photograph ? Many thanks ! John

Ronald Drysdale - Dec 3, 2022

Hi, it’s a Singer 215G - quite a rare model nowadays.

Regards