If you remember your grandmother using a Singer sewing machine, you're not alone. This iconic brand has been part of the foundation of home sewing for more than a century and a half.
Although these machine are often found at garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales with very low price tags, there are several models of antique Singer sewing machines that are highly sought after by collectors. These beautiful pieces of sewing history are popular with antiques collectors and sewing enthusiasts alike.
Identifying Antique Singer Sewing Machines
Because of the many technological changes Singer introduced over the years, examining the serial number on any Singer will reveal the time period in which the machine was produced. To identify and date your sewing machine, look up the serial number on a chart like the free one in this article.
If you need help downloading this printable, check out these helpful tips.
Singer Sewing Machine Company: A Brief History
In the early 1850s, Isaac Merritt Singer invented the first really practical sewing machine of the time. Instead of a circular shuttle movement and a horizontally angled needle, the Singer machine used a straight needle that worked vertically. This made it comparatively easy to use and inexpensive to produce, and "Singer" rapidly became a household name in sewing.
Over the following decades, the Singer Manufacturing Company continued developing its improved sewing machine to include the following features:
- A traverse shuttle
- An eye-pointed straight needle
- A presser foot
- An overhanging arm
- A support table
- A slot for a roughened feed wheel
- Gear operation
- A treadle
- Lock stitching
Surging Popularity
By 1863, the Singer Manufacturing Company held 22 patents and sold 20,000 sewing machines yearly. Within eight years, the yearly sales reached 180,000 sewing machines, which included their New Family machines released for sale in 1865.
Introduction of Electric Motors
As the leader of the sewing machine industry, the Singer Company introduced the first practical sewing machine powered by an electrical motor in 1889. Within two years, commercial sewing machines were being sold powered by electric motors. By this time, the company also was producing commercial zigzag sewing machines.
Important Singer Sewing Machines
Singer sewing machines were constantly improved and updated. Since the first machines were produced in the 1850s, thousands were sold to eager consumers. The beautiful cabinets, well-made machines, and practical improvements made Singer sewing machines a must for the average household. In fact, the quality of these early machines is so good that there are still many Singer treadle sewing machines in use today. These antique Singer machines can be very valuable, as well.
1851 - First Singer Sewing Machine
The first Singer sewing machine was patented in 1851. It was the first rigid-arm model and included a table to support the cloth. A vertical presser foot kept the cloth in place during the upstroke of the needle. Most importantly, the machine was the first to have a foot pedal instead of a hand crank. These first machines were designed to be set up on the packing crate that they were shipped in.
1856 - Singer Turtleback
The Turtleback was the first machine designed for home use. It had a rocking treadle and a driving wheel.
1859 - Singer Letter A
The Letter A machine improved upon the Turtleback. The foot treadle was wider and easier to use.
1865 - Singer New Family
The New Family machine was released in 1865. This machine had a lockstitch and an adjustable feed. It was black with a gold scroll design on the machine.
1867 - Singer "Medium"
Singer made a modification to the New Family machine with its "Medium" sewing machine, released in 1867. It had more room under the arm, which made it easier for the seamstress to manipulate large amounts of fabric.
1879 - Singer Class 15
Collectors consider the Singer Class 15 the grandmother of modern sewing machines. With minor modifications, this machine continued to be produced through the 1960s.
The needle for the Singer 15 is the same style you can still buy in sewing stores.
1908 - Singer Model 66
The Singer Class 66 model was a treadle or hand-crank machine, but an external motor could be retrofitted later. Later Class 66 models had a motor and numbered stitch length control. One notable version of the 66 is easily identified by the "red eye" decals decorating it.
1911 - Singer Electric Model 99
Singer introduced the model 99 electric sewing machine. It was the first portable electric machine and included a bolted-on electric light so that the work was easier to see. Model 99 Singers also came in non-electric versions operated by a hand crank.
1933 - Singer Featherweight 221 and 221K
The Featherweight, model 221, was introduced at the Chicago World's Fair. This beautiful machine was black with a scrollwork faceplate and gold decals. It included a chrome-rimmed handwheel and a stitch regulator plate. If you can find one in its original case and with the accessories, it will be worth more than just the machine.
1935 - Singer Model 201 and 201K
In 1935, Singer introduced the 201 and 201K, and there's some evidence these machines may even have been produced a bit earlier. These are considered by many collectors to be the best machines that Singer ever produced. The machines sewed seams smoothly with little vibration.
1936 - Singer Model 206
Singer introduced the 206 model. It was the first domestic zigzag sewing machine.
1941-1950 - Singer Blackside and "Godzilla"
The Singer Blackside was manufactured during the years of World War II. It was called Blackside because all of the parts, including the cover over the light bulb, were painted black. Also during the war years, many Singer machines had a matte black crinkle or "Godzilla" finish. Some did not have all-black parts like the Blackside.
1949 - Singer Model 95 and Model 301
The Model 95 was introduced in 1949. This machine could produce 4,000 stitches in 60 seconds.
The 301, released the same year, was the first slant shank and needle machine. It had a vertical, side-loading rotary hook and an aluminum body.
Where to Buy Antique Singers
Because of their popularity and durability, finding antique Singers is relatively easy. If you're looking for a specific model, you may need to do some extra searching. Depending on the model and condition, Singer sewing machine values can vary dramatically from about $50 to upwards of $500.
Some of the best sources for finding a vintage Singer machine include the following:
- Estate sales - Local estate sales can be a great place to find good deals on old Singer machines. Get to the sales early for the best chance of scoring a great machine.
- Auctions - In-person and online auctions can be wonderful sources for antique Singers. If you need to ship a sewing machine, it can be very costly. It's usually best to watch for local eBay sellers who may be listing your dream sewing machine.
- Flea markets - Peruse your local flea market for antique sewing machines. These are large pieces, but some sellers bring them because they attract attention.
- Antique stores - Local antique stores often have vintage or antique Singer sewing machines, and they will sometimes negotiate on the prices.
- Classified ads - Classified ads online at sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can offer a wonderful selection of antique Singers. Because they are local, you won't need to pay for shipping.
Related: 5 Best Antique Sewing Machines, According to Sewers
Using Antique Singer Sewing Machines
Many of even the oldest Singer sewing machines are still in use because they were made to last. Unlike machines of today, these old machine were made of heavy-duty materials and easily replaced parts. If the instruction manual is missing, you can often get another at the Singer website.
Whether you treasure antique Singer sewing machines because they bring back nostalgic memories, offer a usable piece of sewing history, or represent a valuable antique, you're not alone. Many people still love collecting these machines today.
