Old Sewing Machines - instruction manuals and performance benchmarks

A prerequisite for deciding on whether to repair any sewing machine is to first establish that it is in fact, actually broken!

To do this you will need to understand how the machine should normally perform when in use and its limitations when set up and operated correctly.

In the first instance the manufacturer’s user manual should be checked for operating instructions, specifications and indications of what the machine is capable of achieving.

If the machine performs as intended by the manufacturer then it does not need to be repaired.

If it doesn’t perform as intended then:

• it’s very possible that the machine has not been set up properly and/or is being operated incorrectly
• unsuitable threads or materials have been used
• incorrect needles, presser feet, bobbins, bobbin case or hook are being used
• the machine needs routine care/maintenance (cleaning, lubrication etc.)

If these factors can be ruled out then the machine is probably malfunctioning and may need servicing, adjustment or repair.

The videos hosted on the linked youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCTWl_z...

Show the normal performance of more than a hundred old and vintage sewing machine models in terms of:

- their stitch type capabilities

- their ability to sew different materials e.g. denim, sailcloth and leather

Posts in the comments section to each of these videos often provide hints and tips for repair and also links to free instruction manuals.

NOTE: These videos are not sewing machine tutorials, sewing machine tear-downs or ‘how to’ repair guides, they are merely performance bench marks for a number of old sewing machines. Sewing machines which have been fully refurbished and are working as intended.