Singer sewing machines: models and selection tips

Singer sewing machines are a true legend that marked the beginning of mass popularization of sewing. These reliable, convenient, functional units are easy to set up and manage, suitable for a wide variety of sewing operations. Fans of the brand are often interested in: are Singer models different from Zinger and what is the history of the company. In fact, a brand with a century of experience has never changed its name, and its technology is still as perfect today as it was a century ago.

Modern sewing machines Singer 8280, Tradition 2282, Fashion mate 2290 allow you to perform dozens of necessary operations. Devices can easily cope with the overcasting of the edges of matter, connect it curvilinearly or in a straight line.

The creators of technology have long thought about the mechanization of manual labor. The first sewing machine was patented back in 1790, but did not gain much popularity. Following it, the Frenchman Timonier released their prototypes, whose factory was defeated by rebellious tailors, fearing the depreciation of their labor, and the American Hunt. Elias Howe, another enterprising engineer from the USA, also played a role in the mechanization of sewing. It was at his enterprise that the young Isaac Singer once came to be hired by an employee.

Howe's sewing machines, although they had a patent as an invention, were too “raw” in technical terms. Despite the acceleration of the sewing process, the technique tore the thread, confused it and, on the whole, turned the life of any dressmaker into a series of problems.At the same time, the unit cost $ 40 - a lot of money that an enthusiast Singer once invested in the purchase of a sewing machine. In a short time, he came up with many innovations, finalizing the prototype of the technique so that it allows you to sew with comfort.

In 1851, Isaac Singer officially patented his designs. His sewing machine received:

• additional table for convenience;
• foot pedal to speed up the sewing process;
• thread tension adjustment;
• horizontal shuttle mechanism that did not confuse the line.

At first, the inventor was forced to pay Howe royalties on every machine he sold. Subsequently, Singer managed to resolve this issue and did not give anything to the prototype manufacturer. The first Singer sewing machines appeared on the market in 1854 thanks to Isaac’s partnership with a lawyer named Clark. The investor invested in opening a plant in New Jersey, but the ambulance was in no hurry to flow into his pockets.

A rather high price - $ 100 - scared away potential buyers. Employers were not ready to mechanize the work of tailors, and only representatives of the poor social class thought about independent sewing at home.

Everything has changed, it was only necessary to introduce a few innovations.

1. Hire a manager to solve business issues.
2. Offer installment payment to customers.
3. Competently present a novelty. The product was advertised with leaflets in churches and other crowded places. At fairs, the work with the machine was demonstrated by stylishly dressed beautiful young women. We talked about Singer products.
4. Create a franchise scheme. Singer provided the name and technology. His network partners produced and sold the goods themselves.
5. Supplement the mechanism with instructions with a detailed description of the rules for sewing, setting up, adjusting, caring for the sewing machine.
6. Organize warranty service and create the first network of service centers.

Singer also came to Russia through a franchise. From 1887 to 1902, the Singer Manufacturing Company operated in the country, importing all goods from abroad. Subsequently, an own enterprise was created in Podolsk, which over 11 years increased production volumes to 600,000 units of equipment per year and developed a sales network of up to 2,500 stores across the country.

In 1918, the Podolsk plant was nationalized. In 1923, based on its spare parts supplied by the German branch, equipment was manufactured under the brand name "Gosshveimashina".

Today, the company, founded by Isaac Singer, is called SVP Worldwide and has subsidiaries in 180 countries.

The persistent myth that Singer is not original machines, but Zinger is a real manufacturer of sewing machines, it's time to debunk it. The equipment produced by Isaac Singer under license in any of the countries of the world has never changed its name. The first production models in the USA were labeled as Si Man Co or Simanco - such a mark was put on the details. The surname of the brand founder is read as Singer, and this pronunciation has always been a priority.

Among the obvious advantages of Singer machines are the following points.

1. Wide price range. You can find an option for any budget and for any needs.
2. Reliability and build quality. The company is responsible for each released model, constantly monitors all production processes.
3. A wide network of service and dealer centers. Getting warranty service is easy.
4. Attractive design. Sewing machines justify their status as sales leaders.Each line has its own differences.
5. Easy setup and maintenance. Modern cars require little attention.

There are also disadvantages. Against the backdrop of competitors' offers, Singer today is confidently among the top 10 manufacturers, but does not set quality standards. Without tuning, machines sew worse than you might expect. Branded accessories are quite expensive. Electromechanical models are quite noisy.

By antique models of Singer sewing machines can be attributed all the equipment released before the advent of electromechanical versions. They can be recognized by the Russian "Singer" or Singer Latin letters on the case. Moreover, the marking of equipment in those years was determined not by the model, but by the enterprise and year of manufacture. The letter “A” testified that the equipment was produced at the Podolsk plant of the brand. Latin "B" marked American cars from New Jersey, the Scottish got the designation "Y".

Antique models of Singer machines are equipped with an elongated shuttle similar to that used in spinning wheels, with the corresponding spool. When moving the needle in them forms a loop 2 times. Later models have a horizontal or vertical swing shuttle - a device that automates the winding of a thread.

Old Singer models had a manual or foot type of drive. In the first case, the stand table served for comfort, and in the second it had a practical function, since there was a foot pedal at the bottom.

Singer's current range of products includes electronic and electromechanical models. Devices are presented in compact and full-size versions. The lightest machine weighs no more than 5.5-6 kg. Dimensions of fully functional units are noticeably larger.

A full foot pedal is available in devices with an electromechanical drive.

But it is not in all models and is usually quite massive compared to the technology of past years.

In this category, the company produces sewing machines of the following lines:

• Patchwork for patchwork, with microprocessor and button;
• Starlet - budget microprocessor machines for 60, 80, 100 lines;
• Confidence - a series with microprocessor control, a different number of options;
• Quantum - for embroidering letters and complex patterns, there are 150 operations.

The simplest and most affordable models of mass demand. Singer has several episodes here.

• Compact cars. This includes the smallest and lightest models in the Promice, Studio series. This is a convenient solution for beginners.

• Heavy duty. Cars of this series with numbers 4423 and 4411 are equipped with a horizontal shuttle, a steel needle plate, a powerful motor and a metal frame. They differ in sewing speed from 1100 stitches per minute, have a presser foot with an extra lift, and needle positioning is provided.

• Tradition. A classic series of machines that perform 10, 19, 23 or 33 lines. The older model has auto-looping and an extended set of options.

• Supera. The models in this series are a good solution for thread sewing. Even with a minimal set of operations, you don’t have to worry about the speed of the needle - it is 1100 stitches per minute. Models are suitable for all types of fabric, including heavy.

• Simple Models in a stylish design, with a vertical shuttle, needle threader. Designed to work with light and medium tissues.

• Talent. A series of machines with a needle threader, horizontal shuttle, working quite quietly. The models have a recognizable design, the number of operations varies from 21 to 23.

• Fashion Mate. A series with an original platform design, a wide range of functions. There are both very simple models, and more expensive.

The most popular budget model. Electromechanical machine with a swinging shuttle, backlight, reverse sewing button. The machine performs a total of 7 operations, including a presser foot, a sleeve platform, an accessory compartment.

Budget model with a minimum set of options. The machine uses a vertical shuttle, there are 10 available operations, simple adjustment of functions. A good choice for beginners.

A more functional model of the classic series. Performs 33 operations, there is auto-throwing loops, the shuttle is vertical, the coil is horizontal. In the presence of an auto threader, reverse, hose platform, raising the foot in 2 positions.

Electromechanical machine in a stylish case. There is support for 10 operations and a minimum set of necessary options.

Machine with microprocessor, built-in black and white display. Performs up to 60 lines, 4 types of loops. A power of 650 watts is enough for sewing medium-density fabrics.

One of the brand’s most powerful sewing machines.

Horizontal shuttle included, 23 operations supported. The loop is swept in auto mode, there is a needle threader.

A simple machine with a minimum set of functions. A convenient solution for home use. The equipment weighs little, is equipped with a backlight, a sleeve platform, can sew in 2 threads. Budget cost and reliability are its main advantages.

Inexpensive sewing machine with reverse function, pedal. The model weighs 6.5 kg, performs 8 operations, equipped with a sleeve platform. One of the most highly regarded models in terms of price and quality.

A simple model with a horizontal shuttle, performing 21 operations. The set includes a needle threader, a sleeve platform, a bed made of metal.

Model of the Tradition series, a classic electromechanical machine. Performs 10 lines, equipped with a vertical shuttle, there is a sleeve platform. This model is already capable of performing darn and embroidery operations, sewing on buttons. Includes 4 legs, thread cutter.

Budget sewing machine for home use. The model is only 5 kg in weight and supports 23 operations. The set includes a sleeve platform, lights, needle threader.

Electromechanical sewing machine capable of 9 operations. A simple home model in a budget version. Equipped with a vertical shuttle. Sewing speed is limited to 600 stitches per minute. The kit includes a switchable lower conveyor, pedal, hose platform, compartment for accessories.

Technical characteristics of the model correspond to its status. The set includes a vertical shuttle, a lifting foot with 2 positions of height, a sleeve platform, a reverse. The machine supports 29 sewing lines, sweeps loops in the semiautomatic mode, there are decorative operations.

Today, Singer manufactures a wide range of related products for its sewing machines. Separately, you can purchase additional legs - in a set or individually. Among the current additions are the transporters:

• for a slanting inlay;
• for sewing in secret zippers;
• for darning;
• overlock with a brush;
• undercut;
• bending;
• Teflon.

In addition, you can pick up needles, needle threaders, spools, belts (they are best purchased in workshops), and supports for increasing the useful area of ​​the platform to the machines. You can also find HEPA filters for the most high-tech models, branded bags for transportation.

When choosing a Singer sewing machine, it is important to be guided by the following points.

1. The size of the budget for the purchase. If it is small, you should choose a model with a minimum set of functions, but not from an unknown manufacturer, but from a company with a name. Then the spending will definitely not be in vain.
2. The purpose of the acquisition. If a sewing machine is needed to perform the simplest basic operations, there is simply no point in buying a computerized model with hundreds of functions. To solve specific problems, it is often better to choose a flat-seam technique or an overlock than a classic model.
3. Frame type. The metal is heavier, but it guarantees that the equipment will work for a long time and will be repairable.
4. Shuttle Type. If you do not need to sew a zigzag stitch and other decorative seams more than 6 mm wide, then there is no point in a horizontal shuttle.
5. Build country. All Singer equipment is assembled in Taiwan, Vietnam, China at factories producing equipment for most sewing brands.

To adjust the machine before starting work, just follow the simple instructions.

1. For sewing thick fabrics, machines with a 2-position position of the foot are used. For the matter to pass, it is enough to raise the foot to the upper position until it stops.
2. Pressure control in modern machines is usually not required. If you still need it, electromechanical machines have a special screw for this at the top of the case. To increase the pressure, rotate it counterclockwise.
3. The clutch of the foot with the holder is automatic. It is enough to press the lever and release the end to install a new part. Electromechanical models may require additional locking notches.
4. Upper thread tension should be in the standard position «4» regulator. To increase or decrease it, just turn the control.

Before starting work, after a long period of inactivity, you must lubricate the machine. Then you can configure it.

1. Set the needle correctly. Loosen the needle clamp screw. Place a new needle with the flat side away from you. Push all the way in and secure with a screw.
2. Wind up the bobbin. Fix the spool on a horizontal holder, pass the thread into the disk responsible for the winding tension, make 2-3 turns by hand. Put the bobbin on the mount, move the rod to the desired position (to the right until it stops). Hold the thread by hand, depress the pedal, wind up.
3. Insert a shuttle. More precisely, the bobbin case. To do this, the needle rises to the upper position, the shuttle compartment opens. The cap tucked with the spool is installed with the lever up.
4. Thread thread on top. The needle is in the up position, the presser foot is raised. The bobbin is mounted clockwise on the holder. The thread is passed through the thread guide, disc, attractor and other elements to the needle. If there is an auto threader, the operation will be performed automatically.
5. Insert the thread into the needle. Always in position from the operator back, pull out 10-15 cm.

Among the most common problems in the operation of Singer machines are the following.

1. Noise at work. It may indicate a clogged shuttle compartment, damage to the needle or lack of lubrication. If there is no debris inside, it is enough to lubricate the equipment or replace the oil in it.
2. Do not sew horizontal shuttle. The reason is thread tangling. The part must be removed, manually rotate the flywheel, take out scraps of pile, thread.
3. The stitches are uneven. It is necessary to replace the threads, check the threading of the lower thread or check that there is no additional pressure on the material.
4. The lower thread breaks. It is necessary to check its tension, pay attention to the accuracy of refueling and installation of the bobbin case.
5. Upper thread breaks. It is possible that the threading procedure is violated or the thread tension is changed, the thickness of the needle does not match the thread.

When working with a sewing machine, it is strictly forbidden to leave it plugged into the network without control. For any maintenance, the unit must be de-energized. Before shutting down, you first need to select the appropriate controller position, then remove the plug from the outlet.

Do not use abnormal parts - this may damage the mechanism. An improperly sized needle plate will break the needle. When sewing, it is necessary to exclude contact of fingers, hair with moving parts of the technique. Periodically, it is worth checking the ventilation holes and the shuttle compartment - they are easily clogged, accumulate lint and dirt.

Learn more about sewing machines in the next video.