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Need information (Moderated by Sharon1952, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 9/12/09 9:07 PM ET
I just bought a Singer 15K treadle machine with cabinet (made in Scottland in 1949) through Craig's list from the original owner's son. It's very good condition, with RAF decal and centennial mark, and with some presser feet. It didn't come with an instruction manual, and I looked up on internet, but I couldn't find a manual for 15K, but for older 15-30 or 15-88. Mine doesn't quite look like neither of them. It's more like 15-88 with 15-30's stitch length adjuster (a nob, not a lever).
Does any of you have this model or know anything about them?
Also, it's my first treadle or vintage machine. Looks like it's working condition, but I'm afraid to mess it up. Where should I start? Checking the belt? Cleaning it? Oiling it? Or find a manual?
I appreciate your help.
Does any of you have this model or know anything about them?
Also, it's my first treadle or vintage machine. Looks like it's working condition, but I'm afraid to mess it up. Where should I start? Checking the belt? Cleaning it? Oiling it? Or find a manual?
I appreciate your help.
Posted on: 9/12/09 10:06 PM ET
In reply to gymcats
Congratulations on your purchase.
.Sandman will help you identify the model of your machine.
Find exact info on manufacture dates at singer serial numbers
Yahoo Groups have some sewing machine groups. Wefixit and VintageSingers come to mind. There are very experienced sewists/mechs including some sewing machine mechanics on many of the yahoo groups. They have lots of files full of information, photos and manuals and the people there can walk you through anything you need help with.
Treadle On has a wealth of information. You should be able to find what you're looking for there.
Ismacs and Needlebar are also full of info.
About.com has general sewing information, including sewing machines.
Good luck and you realise, of course, that vintage sewing machines are addictive. You just can't stop at one
was coming back to add Jenny's site but see BeeBeeSew beat me to it.
-- Edited on 9/12/09 10:11 PM --
edited to add clickable link Sew Classic
-- Edited on 9/12/09 10:12 PM --
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.Sandman will help you identify the model of your machine.
Find exact info on manufacture dates at singer serial numbers
Yahoo Groups have some sewing machine groups. Wefixit and VintageSingers come to mind. There are very experienced sewists/mechs including some sewing machine mechanics on many of the yahoo groups. They have lots of files full of information, photos and manuals and the people there can walk you through anything you need help with.
Treadle On has a wealth of information. You should be able to find what you're looking for there.
Ismacs and Needlebar are also full of info.
About.com has general sewing information, including sewing machines.
Good luck and you realise, of course, that vintage sewing machines are addictive. You just can't stop at one

was coming back to add Jenny's site but see BeeBeeSew beat me to it.

-- Edited on 9/12/09 10:11 PM --
edited to add clickable link Sew Classic
-- Edited on 9/12/09 10:12 PM --
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Melbourne
Posted on: 9/12/09 10:07 PM ET
You just about can't mess these up. But I would start by oiling it. Everywhere medal touches medal. Any instruction book will get you started with where to oil. Just a drop or 2 in each spot. Then manually turn the wheel slowly to move the oil around. If it's really dry, do it again in a couple of days to loosen it up.
Then check the belt. You can buy new ones, and probably will need to do so.
Then clean her up. Sewing machine oil works well for this. Cuts the grime and adds a shine without damaging decals.
These old machines are tough, so don't worry about messing it up. As long as it's oiled and nothing is forced you can't go wrong.
Look here: http://blog.sew-classic.com/ for free pdf's of old manuals.
Then check the belt. You can buy new ones, and probably will need to do so.
Then clean her up. Sewing machine oil works well for this. Cuts the grime and adds a shine without damaging decals.
These old machines are tough, so don't worry about messing it up. As long as it's oiled and nothing is forced you can't go wrong.
Look here: http://blog.sew-classic.com/ for free pdf's of old manuals.
Posted on: 9/12/09 10:57 PM ET
Thanks Chris!
I looked at sandman's website, and found out that my machine is 15-96. I ordered the manual. I also joined treadle on.
Also, thanks BeeBeeSew. I'll start oiling the machine.
I looked at sandman's website, and found out that my machine is 15-96. I ordered the manual. I also joined treadle on.
Also, thanks BeeBeeSew. I'll start oiling the machine.
Posted on: 9/13/09 1:01 AM ET
Where can I buy leather belt or bobbins?
Do regular low shank feet fit?
Do regular low shank feet fit?
Posted on: 9/13/09 8:43 AM ET
You may be able to find a belt at JA's or Hancock's. There are so many of these machines around that supplies are still around. If not, look on line. I've used http://sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/index.html (sorry, I can't link anymore) with great success (NAYY). Same with bobbins. And yes, short shank feet are correct. Even the buttonholers will work.
Posted on: 9/13/09 3:15 PM ET
Thanks!
I also found treadlelady.com through treadle on website. She has the leather belt, but I'd need to email her to buy it.
In a drawer of the cabinet came with the machine, I found a pack of weights for fishing. I wonder what these are for.
My treadle was owned by a lady who was a daughter of French tailor. Just thinking about it makes me feel like I'm getting sewing lessons from her through her sewing machine.
Chris, I know what you mean by addictive...I already started looking at Craig's list again for another machine...maybe 201-2.
I also found treadlelady.com through treadle on website. She has the leather belt, but I'd need to email her to buy it.
In a drawer of the cabinet came with the machine, I found a pack of weights for fishing. I wonder what these are for.
My treadle was owned by a lady who was a daughter of French tailor. Just thinking about it makes me feel like I'm getting sewing lessons from her through her sewing machine.
Chris, I know what you mean by addictive...I already started looking at Craig's list again for another machine...maybe 201-2.

Posted on: 9/13/09 5:55 PM ET
In reply to gymcats
you could try Cindy Peters at [email protected] for parts. She also has an ebay store Stitches in Time. If you want something thats not in her store, email her, she's bound to have it or know where to get it. Cindy is a member of many of the Yahoo groups, very reputable and is great to do business with. You will not get ripped off.
The lead weights were possibly used as pattern weights. Many of us use tuna cans, river pebbles or manufactured pattern weights rather than pins when cutting out.
I know what you mean about the history of the machines. That's one of the things I love about them. I love finding the bits and pieces that so often get tucked away in drawers or in the manual.
A 301 is next on my wishlist. They are very hard to find here in Australia, but I'm looking
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The lead weights were possibly used as pattern weights. Many of us use tuna cans, river pebbles or manufactured pattern weights rather than pins when cutting out.
I know what you mean about the history of the machines. That's one of the things I love about them. I love finding the bits and pieces that so often get tucked away in drawers or in the manual.
A 301 is next on my wishlist. They are very hard to find here in Australia, but I'm looking

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Melbourne
Posted on: 9/13/09 11:19 PM ET
Thanks Chris, I'll email Cindy. : )
Posted on: 9/15/09 4:23 AM ET
In reply to gymcats
Since no one's mentioned it, you won't find a manual for a 15K. The K simply means that the machine was manufactured in Kilbowie, Clydebank Scotland. Any Singer 15 manual will suffice for the purposes of threading and oiling and the use of attachments. There will be some differences in changing stitch length and the use of tension release in the older manuals because those systems evolved over the years, but an older manual will still help you get her up and running.
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