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Singer Embroidery Attachment 35505

6/2/2020

2 Comments

 
PictureSinger Embroidery Attachment #35505
Unexpected find in a sewing machine cabinet today.   Very hard to find Singer Two-Thread Embroidery Attachment #35505.  These are really scarce and are often not complete.  This one is in really fine condition with original box, instructions, AND low-profile attachment screw.  Stay tuned for a demonstration video and tutorial.  

2 Comments

Hemmed in - SINGER HEMSTITCHER

4/17/2020

9 Comments

 
PictureSinger Hemstitcher and Picot Edger attachment
Ahem...must confess I've never used a hemstitcher until now.   Time to rectify that little oversight.  So what exactly does a hemstitcher do?   Well, according to the box it "does real hemstitching."  

Hemstitching is a decorative sewing technique for embellishing the hem of linens, handkerchiefs, or garments.   It is often used in combination with drawn-thread work to create intricate designs.   

In the decades before zig-zag sewing machines revolutionized the industry, Singer offered a wide variety of attachments to add versatility and creativity to straight-stitch machines.   Hemstitching and picot-edging were introduced in 1934 and were a must-have accessory for the home sewing enthusiast. 

So how does it work?  Let's take a look...   

PictureBobbin case base positioning finger aligned with special throat plate.
I'll be honest here.  I've experimented with a lot of vintage machines and accessories and this one nearly had me stumped.  Bottom line?   You're going to need the instruction manual AND be prepared to do a lot of experimenting to get the top and bottom tension exactly right.  If you don't have everything just right you'll have intermittent dropped stitches that make for a really mess.  

After quite a bit of trial and error here are my key lessons learned:
  1. Throat plate.  Singer sold the hemstitcher with special needle plates (aka throat plates) to elevate the work above the feed-dogs and hold the work firmly in place.  So you'll have to make sure that the needle plate matches your machine.  I got lucky with a recent thrift store find because it came with a Featherweight needle plate (Part Number 121392).   If you have a different machine, check out page 20 of the instruction manual for throat plate part numbers.  
  2. Bobbin case.  Make sure the positioning finger of the bobbin case compartment is lined up with gap in the underside of the throat plate.   If not, you'll have a snarled up mess. 
  3. Needle.  Of course you'll need a brand-new, sharp point needle inserted with flat side to the left.   Basic, but we've all been there.   
  4. Top tension.   You'll want set top tension on the heavy side.   I landed somewhere between 6 and 7 for best results. 
  5. Feed regulator.  Set it to neutral - so the machine does not sew forward or backward.   This isn't intuitive because throat plate already lifts the work clear of the feed-dogs.  But I found that feed-dog motion of any kind resulted in dropped stitches. 

PictureFinished hemstitching and picot edging.
There are additional adjustments for needle position and stitch width described in the instruction booklet, but I was able to achieve good results without changing those. 

​And the results are well worth worth the effort if you're looking for a unique finish for garments or linens.  


So if you've got ​one of these nifty gadgets lurking in your sewing drawer, why not give it a try? 

Happy Sewing!
Barbara

OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear.   

9 Comments

401A Slant-O-Matic in Motion

8/25/2019

8 Comments

 
Over the years we've accumulated quite a library of photos and videos of 401A Slant-o-Matic machines and accessories.  Here's a collection of the best for your viewing pleasure.   
Check out our  400-Series Slant Needle page for more information.   

Happy Sewing!
Barbara

OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear. 
8 Comments

New and improved...coming soon!

8/19/2019

3 Comments

 
You've probably noticed some things moving around.   We're sorry for the inconvenience, but we're working to ensure our site plays nice with devices of all kinds.   And in the process I'm adding some expanded information on some of your favorite machines.  And there's a couple new research articles in the works too. 

Happy Sewing!
Barbara

OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear.  


3 Comments

Ruffles Have Ridges

3/31/2018

9 Comments

 
I'm finally back in the sewing room and my latest project calls for long decorative ruffled strips.   How tedious...sigh...

Hold on, didn't Singer make an attachment for that?

​I'm embarrassed to admit that after all these years of loving, refurbishing, and selling these machine I never actually took the time to learn how to use the ruffler.   Time to correct that omission.  So today I pulled out my sewing machine manual and learned something new.  

And let me tell you, the ruffler is a pretty nifty little gadget.  As always, I am amazed at how Greist and Singer found ways to make repetitive sewing tasks simple, precise, and fast.  

​Here's what it looks like:  
So now we've seen it, but how does it work?   
I could try to describe it, but it's so much better to see it in action. 
 

So there you have it - how to use a ruffler.  I'm honestly shocked that I never tried it before.  It's actually very easy to use and the results are beautiful.  

Why not give it a try!    


Happy Sewing!
Barbara


​OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear.  
9 Comments
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    OldSewinGear is the collaborative effort of retired repairman Gary and daughter Barbara.  We love old sewing gear and enjoy sharing what we've learned in our vintage sewing machine adventures.  We are located in Roseburg, Oregon. 


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