skip to main content

Info on antique singer machine

18 years ago

I bought an antique singer sewing machine at a garage sale on Friday (before "Katrina"). I would like to know if anyone has a book for it or knows the worth. I called Singer and the book would cost me $15. That is more than what I paid for the machine itself. I think I will keep it just b/c I love the look of these old machines. My mom has one from the 1800's I have been begging her for.

The model of the machine I have is 185K. It is the green one (you know how they loved that funky green color). Any help on this would be appriciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Charidy
18 years ago
I just got an old sewing machine. But I dont know were to find the "Model Number" its is also one of those lovely green ones :) Were did you find your model number.
User
18 years ago
Try this:

http://www.stonefisk.com/doc-arc/Sing185k.pdf

It not exactly an instruction manual, but it tells how to use it.
Related Discussions
Vintage Singer sewing machine equipment
Q
Comments (3)
You might check ebay; click on "advanced search" (or something like that), & request completed auctions. Best luck!
...See More
Good Find? Singer Sewing Machine 247
Q
Comments (25)
Depending on the age of the machine, it might be fixable. I would oil it well, and see if that helps. It might just be sticking because the old oil has dried up and gummed up the machine. When you turn the hand wheel, does the needle go up and down? The stop on the hand wheel might be on backwards. If you haven't taken it off, then that is not the problem. (That's the metal part that you unscrew to wind a bobbin.) I think about the mid 1960's, they started using plastic parts which would be dying about now. I have a Touch and Sew from the early 70's that still works, but it's been lightly used and always stored in the air conditioning. If you have a sewing machine repair shop, they should be able to repair it. I'm in Dallas, and I go to Mr. Sewing Machine on Harry Hines. They are a Baby Lock dealer, but repair all brands of machines. Just call around and see who will work on it. There are a couple of internet sites you might be able to get help. One is victoriansweatshop.com and the other is quiltingboard.com (vintage machine section). Both of these sites are generally good for finding info on older machines, but your machine might not be old enough to get help there. I don't do Facebook, but they should have some groups that might be able to help you. Look for Singer groups. Also, groups.io has some Singer sewing machine groups. Sorry I couldn't help more. All of my sewing machines are older than yours and I'm just not familiar with it at all. I'll check back and see if any of this was any help. bkay
...See More
Need advice for purchasing singer featherweight sewing machine
Q
Comments (9)
Evelyn - I suggest trying a couple of things. 1. Garage sales - some people have found featherweights there but you would be smart to try it out before buying. 2. Newspaper for sale ads - it will say something general like "Old Singer for sale"..follow up with a phonecall and ask the model which the seller should be able to tell you. 3. Ask if you can leave your name with places who sell used machines - tell them the model you want and your price range , they can call you if a machine comes in. 4. Tell everyone you know who garage sales or thrift store shops what you want and what you want to pay...more eyes out there the better. These are the steps I would take.
...See More
Singer toy sewing machine question
Q
Comments (17)
There is no bobbin to this little machine. It makes a chain stitch. In order to do this there is a lever underneath the catches the thread. The way it is designed the lever hits the needle and eventually over time the needle form a permanent bend. This will prevent it from catching the thread. What you need to do at this point is to replace the needle. The 24x3 is no longer manufactured. You can order a 24 x1 which is the replacement the size 11 works best. Remember that the flat part of the substitute is on the opposite side from the original 24 x3.
...See More
pooh
Original Author
18 years ago
I didn't know where to look for the model number either but when I called Singer they told me. On the right side where you (I guess) adjust the thread tension, there is a number. Mine was 185K. I believe there was a metal plate of some kind.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
18 years ago
If you plan on keeping it, I think $15 for the manual is a good investment - esp. if you paid less for the machine.

I paid similar for a manual for a Singer machine I picked up off the curb!

But I did shop around 1st: called the local dealer, checked more than a few sites online - to find the best price for a manual.

If you're searching the web, try keywords: "vintage singer sewing machine", & "vintage singer sewing machine manual" - I use Dogpile.com search engine.

& yes, on true singer machines, there should be a little plate w/ the model # - it's often on the front somewhere, but check carefully all over & you're sure to find it.

HTH
Charidy
18 years ago
I see the plate on the front but its really long. I thought it was the serial number. I just got this sewing machine on Friday and this is my first :) I also need a manual. Were have you all looked for them at? Thankx
April_Swinehart
18 years ago
Go oline with Singer and there is a possibility there might be one there you can download. There are also websites on Yahoo that are machine specific under groups, sewing, singer and so on. Since you were asking Singer, ask about the service manual for the machine. It contains alot more information and how to repair it if something goes wrong and how to really clean it.
joelke
18 years ago
I have bought quite a few "old" manuels for various brands including Singers. I have never paid over $1.00 for any of them and sometimes less. I look in antique stores, flee markets, yard sales etc. I also like to collect old attachments. The various books show how to use the various attachments I have found. I would try to find a downloadable one online first. Then I would check out the antique stores. If you have limited time, call them on the phone. I don't have one for your model, sorry.
pooh
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the info. I just wanted it cuz it looks cool. and it was only $10. I now have 4 sewing machines (one broken one is my daughters and the other is my good one plus this old one) I have my grandmothers serger (that i'm having problems with) but what I REALLY want is an embroidery machine.

Related Stories

VINTAGE STYLE Antique Sewing Machines: Tailor Made for Nostalgic Decor

By Tiffany Carboni

In full-on vintage rooms or contrasting modern looks, old sewing machines and tables are stirring up the past in a most stylish way

FURNITURE Great Vintage Find: Antique Sewing Tables and Cabinets

By Becky Harris

These history-rich pieces add unique style and function all over the house

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality

Pick the treasures from the trash without expert experience by learning how to evaluate antiques and what questions to ask

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating With Antiques: Chests, Dressers and Buffets

By Mike Dietrich

Pretty, practical and versatile, antique chests add history and character along with storage

TRADITIONAL STYLE Decorating With Antiques: Luxurious Linens

By Mike Dietrich

Bring quality, comfort and a sense of old-world romance to your rooms with vintage tablecloths, sheets, napkins and more

LAUNDRY ROOMS Clever Ways to Hide a Laundry Station

By Toronto Interior Design Group

When you don’t have a whole room to devote to the wash, use these solutions to tuck the machines out of view

REMODELING GUIDES My Houzz: Layers of Patina and an Artist’s Touch in a New York Colonial

By Rikki Snyder

Antiques and loads of found treasures mix with collections and art in a very personal home and studio

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Budget-Friendly Decorating Updates for a Great Room in Texas

By Sarah Greenman

Antiques rub elbows with new furnishings in this Dallas ranch, where the living and dining area got a $5,000 makeover

Houzz Interview: Brenda's Cozy Little House in Texas

By Becky Harris

Houzz Interview: Rebekah's Weekend Farmhouse Retreat

By Becky Harris

Sponsored

More Discussions

denim, our "mother fabric"

4

huck toweling, anyone?

3