I make sewing machines tutorials about vintage and antique sewing machines, as well as some modern ones, and soon will begin a new series called Learn to Sew, so stay tuned.
If you find my videos helpful, please give them a like and share them with your sewing friends and groups, subscribe to my channel and leave a comment. These will motivate me to make more forever free videos. Thanks for your support ❤️
Thank you!! This is so helpful. I would LOVE to get an antique singer because they’re just so beautiful but I was worried I wouldn’t be able to make the things I want because it’s only a straight stitch! Now I’m excited to get one 🤩
That was really helpful. Thank you. That machine had a great ol tractor sound!. Do you sew clothes with it? I have a Singer 99 and I have converted it to hand cranker. Love it more!!! Thanks again.
Hi Peter, thanks for leaving a comment. No I do not sew with it, but of course I can. I would love to use it for my regular sewing but I have some issues with my hands that led me to buying machines that are more user friendly for sewists with hand issues like myself. I highly recommend using this machine, though, as it can sew both thin and thick fabrics. But sadly, as we age, our hands are not as strong as they used to be. I can still use it for hemming denim jeans, but not for projects that will take me a long time to complete. Btw, I have another video about a similar hand crank machine where I was hemming a denim jeans, if you would like to watch it, too. Thanks again!
Happy it helped you ☺️ I really hope more people will see my videos about these old excellent machines. If you can give it a like, it will help with more visibility of these videos and if you can also subscribe, it’ll help grow my channel. I really need motivation to continue making videos on this channel. Viewers like you help me to consider making more of these videos despite not getting any financial gain as my channel is not a monetised channel. RU-vid requires a minimum hours of views to get a channel monetised, sadly.
@@ckim5134 thank you! I find these machines with shuttle bobbins to have nicer stitches. Sad Singer discontinued them 😭 But we can still buy them from eBay or fb marketplace.
Wow. This was the best 7 minutes I've spent in MANY years! I've been sewing for ~70 years. I started on my mother's White treadle machine (which was 'electrified' so I didn't have to use the treadle part) and the only way I knew how to back stitch was to start sewing a half-inch in, then lift the presser foot and turn the fabric 180 degrees, then sew to the edge, then turn the fabric 180 degrees again and continue to sew. The amount of time I would have saved by knowing this tip would have saved me so much time!! My parents didn't have much money, so I made a lot of my own clothes. I have such good memories of going to J.C. Penneys with my mother and buying fabric from the sale fabric table and being so proud of my wardrobe when I finished sewing.
I have a hand crank but with some crab finger positions i was still able to pull off backstitching this way. No where near as smooth but it worked. Never even thought to try a zigzag stitch in any way on it. But there are old zigzag foots and i’ll probably get one rather than zigzag that way.
Yes, it takes practice to do this zigzag, but in the old days I only have that option or to slip stitch the raw edges. I didn’t like to slip stitch because it will take forever hehe. Apparently, they did the slip stitch with Chanel jackets in the old days. Seen someone review a vintage Chanel jacket recently. Not sure if they do that still. I have industrial and home overlockers now so I’m not fast and neat with my old zigzag method n anymore ☺️
The old Singer 99 and the larger 99 are truly great sewing machines. However old versions only stitch forward. Lifting the presser foot leaver opens up the tension disks which removes the tension of the top thread. It will may cause the stitches not to form correctly. Darning and free motion quilting works best when either covering the feed dogs or setting the stitch length to zero and using a darning/quilting presser foot. Lifting the presser foot while sewing is not recommended.
That's alright. You don't need to do that if that's what you prefer. I did however learned this technique from our neighbour when I was very young. She is a tailor working in a tailoring shop then. I learned how to sew from her when I was 15, and that's long ago, I'm 67 now. We didn't have overlockers/sergers then. I made mine and my clients clothes then using this technique. With this machine, it would be very hard to lower feed dogs to backstitch at the beginning, put it up again to start sewing forward, and then put the feed dogs down again to backstitch again each time. I could not even find where to lower feed dogs or how to do it with these machines. So I just did what the tailors of old do and share it to others who can then choose to do it or not. By the way, my machine was not harmed all those years that I have been sewing everyday, 6 days a week, for clients. I was quite a successful dressmaker back then. Nowadays we have overlockers readily available so one can choose to do this technique or not. Still helpful for those without overlockers, rather than slip stitching the edges of fabric to prevent from fraying, like they do before my time. But thank you for letting us know what you think. Btw, I still haven't found a way to lower the feed dogs on my singer 66 and 99. I checked the singer website and these machines can lower feed dogs. I tried to find where it can be lowered but no success. I can lower feed dogs on my singer 15 but still not what I'll do just to backstitch. I would appreciate it if you can comment here on how to lower the feed dogs with these 2 models, if you know how. Thanks!
@@learntosewwithmrsg The feed dogs cannot be lowered on the old Singer 66 and 99 sewing machines. Therefore Singer provided a cover plate for the feed dogs to be used for darning and free motion sewing. It was included with the purchase together with additional presser feet etc. Unfortunately, the box of attachments do not always come with the machine when purchasing it second hand. I have found that setting the stitch length to zero also works together with a darning presser foot, so I would consider that a more reliable method of darning to make sure the stitches are formed correctly. I understand why lifting the presser foot slightly and pulling the fabric against the feed dog motion is tempting as it takes more time to tie a knot on the back of the fabric. Opening the upper thread tension discs while sewing should not be presented as a best practice. I would recommend any new users of old Singer sewing machines to download the manual. They are very well written and it is a free download. I have been sewing for all my life just like you and brought many old machines back to life. These old Singer sewing machines are much better than most of the new machines so I hope you all enjoy using them. Adding a serger will make a really good combo. Happy sewing!
@@ChequersWoodturning thanks for this info. I have to check again because I have read long ago from the old sewing machine website that the feed dog can be lowered with these 2 models. I checked underneath the machines to find where to do it, but I couldn't move the feed dogs down. I'll let you know when I find that info at the singer website again.
Happy to know you have your mom's sewing machine. These old machines are excellent machines. I have several videos on some vintage and antique singer sewing machines. I hope they help you.
Yes, it’s a solid sewing and embroidery machine at a fraction of the price of an embroidery only machine. I sold it to a friend only because I already have few sewing machines so I only need embroidery only machine.
You’re welcome, Jolene. Thanks for leaving a comment and enjoy quilting with the Singer 66. It’s a pretty machine, the red eye decal singer 66. The red eye is not common here in Australia, but I’ve seen a few. Our singer 66 here were mostly made in the UK and has the lutos/Egyptian decals like that of my singer 66. And machines with the sphinx decals are also common here.
Hi Evelyn, you’re welcome. You can check my playlist all about that machine as well. And thanks as well for watching and leaving a comment. I appreciate it. And enjoy sewing with your machine!
I think a lot of people have the false impression that the old mechanical machines have more power. Comparing my old Janome 3018 mechanical with either my Dc1030 or 3160QDC is like comparing driving a manual transmission old car to a modern automatic. Yeah they both get you there but the new auto is so much better. I for one love the control the electronic machines provide. No more turning the wheel to finish the one stitch. Just a a great level of precision and so much easier and safer to use even for younger sewers.
I also use modern machines now because of injury to my right hand. I still love my old singers though as they're strong machines capable of sewing very thick materials like thick canvas, thick wool and denims and even leather. But I highly recommend the DC1030 to those who like ease of use but don't want to spend much as the DC 1030 have some features of more expensive machines at a more affordable price.
Just picked up one of these (Virtually new) as a second machine after picking up a used Janome 3160QDC. I have to say its a very capable machine and one I recommended to a friend getting started with their young daughter. Its really a great machine and so so smooth. I tried out the memory button hole the other night and actually prefer it to the automatic one in some ways as you get to decide exactly what size you want versus set my button size. I also have a mechanical machine that is now going to be sold as these electronic machines are far superior in use I have found. I must get used to winding my bobbin with the extra spool versus rethreading the machine each time.
Really clever idea. I never knew this was possible. I have just ordered a hand crank an 9 spoke wheel for my Singer 99. Mine has reverse but your method is less cumbersome. I think I will keep it electric as impossible to zig zag and backstitch with a hand cranker. How the heck did they manage? Food for thought. Also with a hand cranker you cannot stretch elastic on to a garment. Thank you mrs G!.
You're welcome 😊 I have to give credit to my tailor neighbor for that method as I learned it from her. In fact, I learned how to sew from watching her sew. I was 15 then. I can zigzag very neatly and very fast then, but eventually lost that skill when we, as time went by, acquired modern sewing machines with zigzag capabilities. Anyway, I'm happy that my video is helpful now. And btw, I also made videos about how to backstitch using a hand crank sewing machine and also how to sew dart without leaving thread tail in one of the videos. You are welcome to watch it, too, if you have time. And thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment 😊.
@@learntosewwithmrsg my thread keeps breaking when i zig zag on my singer 99. just trying to darn some wool socks. am i lifting the foot too high or something?
@@dirkchurlish4074 I only lift the presser foot just enough so it allows the fabric to be moved forward. It allows to 'free motion' when we lift the presser foot a bit as the feed dog goes lower. I recommend to practice darning with cotton fabric first. You can also lower your upper thread tension, pretty much like when doing free motion embroidery. Please let me know if these help.
I forgot to mention to use a small embroidery hoop to keep your darning area taut, especially when darning socks. If still doesn’t work, use a water soluble stabiliser on top of the area to be darned. Not everyone have water soluble embroidery stabiliser and small hoop lying around in their house though, so I hope you can get it done just with a little practice and by lowering upper thread tension a bit.
Yes they are, they have long lives compared to new sewing machines. My collection of old sewing machines are all older than me and they will even outlast me. They don't make machines like these machines anymore, because it's bad for their profitability.
Hi Casey, no I don't think it can sew leather. If you sew leather, some vintage and antique singer sewing machines can. Some are particularly made for sewing leather, but I've seen some videos on here where they show their old singer sew leather. Hope this helps.
Sow how do you actually do it? Are you lifting the presser foot and pulling the fabric forward to backstitch? Im new to vintage machines, just bought a 66K in terrible condition, so have to try and restore it first, but curious how to use it for when its working 😊
@@danilei6045 Hi Danilei, I haven't done a new video in a while. But I will definitely show your request on my upcoming video. I have videos on my much older machines, you can also check them out, but I'm not sure if I showed how to zigzag in my videos about them.
@@learntosewwithmrsg that would be so valuable. Many of us believe we need newer machines for certain stitches. I look forward to seeing your next video!
You’re welcome! Thanks as well for taking the time to leave me a lovely comment. It motivates us, RU-vid creators, to set aside time to make tutorials, despite our busy and sometimes challenging private lives ☺️
Your thread take up lever must be at its highest position before you lift your presser foot lifter to remove your fabric and cut the thread. If you try this tip, let me know if it helps
Thank you, though I am talking about the beginning of a stitch, holding on to the needle thread so it doen't pull out when begining sewing. @@learntosewwithmrsg
@@caduceus33 I'm talking about that, too. Sorry I didn't explain it clearly. When you do as I said above, your machine is ready to sew again and won't pull the thread too much when you start sewing. It may not work in some cases, like when your thread tension is too loose to keep the thread from being pulled up or when the presser foot lifter is up before you turn your handwheel to lower your needle to the fabric, but in general when the thread tension mechanism is working or at the right setting and the presser foot is down, you can start sewing without holding your thread tails because even if it pulls a little bit, you still have enough length of thread to start stitching. The top thread and the bobbin thread completed their cycle and ready to start stitching again when the thread take up is at its highest and about to go down again. Actually this is one of the subjects of my upcoming Learn To Sew series. Modern machines with auto needle up function does this automatically. With manual machines, we have to do it ourselves. Hope this helps and if you try this tip, please let me know if it works .
There are overlocker threads available. They are usually cheaper than sewing threads like Rasant or Gutermann. But some use overlocker thread for sewing and overlocking.
Thank you! Please share with your sewing friends who also use old machines, if that’s okay with you. I would love more people to learn it. Thanks again!
Hello Juanita, sorry I do not know what code C7 means. I do not have this machine anymore as I could not keep all the machines that I used in my videos for lack of space in my sewing room. But if you tell me the issue with your machine, maybe I can help you.
I start to sew well and then the needle seems to get stiff and slow and I get the C4 error. When I press the return button the same C4 error occurs. It is not thread wound on a bobbin or fabric stuck. Can anyone help?
My experience when this happens is that there are thread that are stuck in the bobbin area, and or under the needle plate. This is all I can think of. Another option is have it checked with a sewing machine technician. You can also reach out to the shop where you bought your machine, your machine may still be under warranty. Hope these helps you. Please let me know.
I'm loving your videos!!! Thank you so much for sharing!! Do you have the feed dogs up while doing this reverse stitching? I'm a total newbie to my vintage Singer 66!!
Hi Deanna, yes the feed dogs are up. The slight lifting of the presser foot allows us to pull the fabric forward and the machine can stitch the fabric as we pull allowing the ‘backstitch’. Like free motion embroidery, only we don’t lower the feed dogs, instead we lift the presser foot slightly ☺️Thank you for leaving a lovely comment!
I’m so grateful for this tutorial. I love my Janome but just couldn’t understand the button hole directions. I’m a visual learner and this was perfect! Thank you! I wonder, have you sewn buttons on sweaters?
I’m happy my video helped you ☺️. I haven’t actually sewn a button on a sweater but I have ready to wear sweaters with buttons, so it can be done. If sewing buttons on sweaters with this machine, you can try on a scrap of same fabric. But on sweaters, it is better to hand sew it - my personal preference. Thanks for leaving me a lovely comment!
