Mastodawn

mirbrewer Jun 5

Mx. Luna Corbden

My son is looking to get into sewing machine repair as a business. There's demand for it up here. But search engines in 2025 are shite.

Does anyone know any good resources? Things like old manuals, online communities, forums, wikis, YouTube channels.

For example, he's got a 1928 Singer that's binding. He seems to have good instincts about what's wrong with it, but he's been unable to find a manual. He's got several others he's tinkering with, and wants understand them and become the go-to person in this area with all the knows.

I've directed him to archive.org but I suspect it might not be organized on this topic and it won't offer much community.

Any resources would be appreciated!

[Tagging him: @bamboy ]

#AskFedi #Solarpunk #RightToRepair #sewing #RepairCafe

@corbden I look for user manuals on manualslib - not sure how far back they go,
on archive org there is this https://archive.org/details/singer-15/page/n2/mode/1up
sorry that I can't give hints to more useful forums - but best of luck!

Singer 15 sewing machine manual - English : Singer Manufacturing Company : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Instruction manual for the Singer 15 sewing machine. Dated September 1928. Singer form number K1797.

Internet Archive

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@ckohtala Forwarded along. Thanks!

Elias Probst Jun 4

@corbden even though this forum is mostly focused on old appliances like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers etc., there are also quite a few discussions about sewing machines:

https://automaticwasher.org/

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

The website and social network for experts, collectors and fans of vintage and brand new automatic washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and wringer washers.

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@eliasp Thanks!

crafty_crow Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy This blog post by a sewing machine mechanic looks potentially like a start, https://shesasewingmachinemechanic.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-did-i-become-sewing-machine-mechanic.html. It also mentions Quilting Board subforum for vintage & antique machine enthusiasts: https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/

How Did I Become A Sewing Machine Mechanic?

I am often asked, how I became a sewing machine mechanic. I got lucky! I've worked at a quilt shop that sells and repairs sewing machines ...

@crafty_crow @corbden This blog is really handy, thank you!

crafty_crow Jun 6

@bamboy @corbden You're welcome!

Felix 🏳️‍⚧️♂️🖌️🎨🔞🐓Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy Would this help? https://oldsingershop.com/collections/vintage-sewing-machine-manuals

Sewing Machine Manuals

maya_b 🇨🇦Jun 4

@corbden
@bamboy

quick search engine hack that may help - add "before:2023" to your query and it only returns stuff pre-AI slop and provides far more useful results in my experience

@corbden I have an 1887 Singer with its original manual. Whereabouts in the world are you? I see you are across the Atlantic from me. I wonder if I could scan it for him?

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@Janet_52square Looks like we're getting a ton of online resources with scanned manuals. I think we're covered. Thanks for the offer!

bluestarultor Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy ReplacementDocs.com is a good resource for many things, but depending on the age of the hardware, it may or may not have what you're hoping for.

Nine Oh Real Jun 4

@corbden
While wondering how this got into my timeline I think about tagging @ai6yr 🤔 Maybe he does have an idea.

@corbden @bamboy Hello. If you're looking for community, a place to check could be the #RepairCafe hashtag and the website https://www.repaircafe.org/ These aren't business but people who help each other, meeting periodically (for example once a month).

Radio Free Trumpistan Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy
He didn't try the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society? Okay--

ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machi…

Singer Sewing Machine Company Manuals for machines and attachments

Owner and operating manuals for Singer Sewing Machines and accessories, including the Model 221 Featherweight.

International Sewing Machine Collectors Society

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@claralistensprechen5th @bamboy Awesome, that's exactly the kind of resource I'm asking after, and that is hard to find these days. Thanks!

Paul McKone Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy

There's someone who comes to our Repair Cafe who specializes in sewing machines (you may have someone similar near you), and there's this YouTube channel that might be worth checking out.

Before you continue to YouTube

@corbden @bamboy @BlippyTheWonderSlug maybe @ai6yr might know? He knows a lot about old sewing machines…

AI6YR Ben Jun 4

@aburtch @corbden @bamboy @BlippyTheWonderSlug @mythlfrythtyg

Here's the resource I found for this, lots of digitized manuals and all. Definitely download them and save them, don't rely on them being there in the future.

There is MOST CERTAINLY a demand for sewing machine repair, although it's a local business. Apparently there was only one shop around here, and they were always backed up (so I hear from the extended female side of the family). I found repairing my machine really was simply keeping it clean and properly lubricated; most issues are gummed up old oil and lack of lubrication. 1928 Singer, it's just lack of oil in all the right places (IMHO).

https://ismacs.net/manuals.html

Sewing Machine Manuals from ISMACS

The International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society's online collection of vintage sewing machine manuals.

International Sewing Machine Collectors Society

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@ai6yr @aburtch

You know everything about everything! Yes, this was on the recommendation of my sister, who is a quilter, and the area has a huge sewing scene (lots of Mennonites, Seventh Day, LDS/FLDS). The old go-to guy died recently and sewers now have to travel an hour to get repairs.

Thanks for the link and the tips!

@bamboy @BlippyTheWonderSlug @mythlfrythtyg

AI6YR Ben Jun 4

@corbden @aburtch @bamboy @BlippyTheWonderSlug @mythlfrythtyg It seems like your son learning this would be a service to the community, for sure, even if only as a sideline, so people don't have to travel so far for repairs.

Weird Socks Jun 4

@ai6yr
Says the dude who has been humble bragging about repairing an old Singer for funnsies.

AI6YR Ben Jun 4

@ohmu LOL I try not to brag. I'd fix folks machines locally if I were in a similar situation, but not sure if fixing stuff for people for money is all that fun. (as a favor, sure). Don't think the extended family would trust me to fix their stuff, but that's not a me problem, that's long term suburban Consumer conditioning to Not Fix Stuff Just Buy New Fancy Stuff To Keep Up With The Joneses (probably) LOL.

Radio Free Trumpistan Jun 5

@ai6yr @BlippyTheWonderSlug @aburtch @mythlfrythtyg @corbden @bamboy
Yep, as I was saying.
Ya just can't beat ISMACS.

@corbden @bamboy a fair selection of manuals here: https://singerco.com.au/instruction-manuals/

SINGER® Instruction Manuals for Sewing Machines and Accessories

Find comprehensive instruction manuals for SINGER® range of new & old sewing machines, appliances & accessories. Get the guidance you need for seamless operation.

@corbden @bamboy A few links I found from https://www.mig-welding.co.uk (covers *much* more than mig welding, despite the name 😀 ) - https://singerco.co.nz/support/manuals/ and https://homeappliance.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/singer/29k72.html

Welding - The DIY Guide

MIG, Arc, and TIG welding tutorials with videos for beginner and intermediate welders. Also a welding and fabrication forum.

Jonathan Lamothe Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy The local library?

@corbden @bamboy Here is a forum on sewing machines used to sew leather https://leatherworker.net/forum/forum/50-leather-sewing-machines/

Lots of threads (haha) on sewing machine repair/restoration, and IME it’s populated by some friendly and knowledgeable folks.

Leather Sewing Machines

Lighter weight leathers can be sewn on home machines, but the tough stuff requires commercial or industrial sewing machines. They can be tricky to set up and operate, but can't be beat for production work.

Leatherworker.net

Ian K Tindale Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy my only contribution in this matter is to suggest a name for this enterprise

Make It Sew

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@u0421793 @bamboy 😂 🚀

WokStation Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy to get away from the ai summation and list of other questions, swear. I wish I was kidding.

End your search term with a swearword. The ai then leaves it alone, and the search engine acts more like it used to.

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@wokstation @bamboy lol nice trick.

WokStation Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy my other half thought I was having them on!

Heather Wilkinson Rojo Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy sewing clubs and especially quilters will have good ideas.

justmichelle Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy

@elfkin might have some ideas.

Chris 🏳️‍🌈🧵🧝🏼Jun 5

@justmichelle @corbden @bamboy I wish I had a great resource to point you to here. The best I can do is https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html for some operating manuals.

Singer Sewing Machine Company Manuals for machines and attachments

Owner and operating manuals for Singer Sewing Machines and accessories, including the Model 221 Featherweight.

International Sewing Machine Collectors Society

Dr Andrew A. Adams #FBPE 🔶Jun 4

@corbden @WastelandWandrr @bamboy
https://archive.org/details/singer-15

Singer 15 sewing machine manual - English : Singer Manufacturing Company : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Instruction manual for the Singer 15 sewing machine. Dated September 1928. Singer form number K1797.

Internet Archive

intersexprogresspride

@corbden @bamboy If it's also for older models I can recommend the channel "Andy Tube" on YouTube. Not sure if he's still active, but has very detailed repair videos and helped me when I fixed my sewing machine. As in: we chatted and he sent me a service manual (not owner's manual!) for my Singer 401 and I was able to get the job done. Could send you the service manual if it helps. Some pages are garbage from scanning though.

MARGARET D Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy IDK about this topic, but I think the idea of becoming an expert repairer of any number of machines is excellent, particularly as we buy less from corporate parasites

sb arms & legs Jun 4

@corbden
My mother was a Pfaff sewing machine tech for years. I'll bet she has boxes of manuals and such from the 80s and 90s.

@corbden @bamboy I can recommend r/vintagesewing (on Reddit). There are a LOT of folks there who can point him in the right direction--both hobbyists and pros.

Lisa Makes Stuff (she/her)Jun 4

@corbden @bamboy You've probably seen this a few times already, but dinner's about ready so I'll post it here anyway.

https://www.sewingdocacademy.com/ Completely online sewing machine repair instruction. Everything from antique/vintage machines to currently available machines. Go at your own pace.

I didn't personally take any of the courses (yet), but it looks like a good option.

Sewing Doc Academy

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 4

@lisamakesstuff @bamboy Thanks I don't think anyone sent this one yet.

pandabutter Jun 5

@corbden @bamboy Singer manuals tend to be pretty well-archived, as does a lot of other stuff. If your machine still has the original serial number plate, you can literally look up its birthday!

Also, when dealing with old Singers, it's good to know what model/class you're dealing with. Makes it much easier to look for manuals and compatible parts. https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-sewing-machine-models.html might be your friend here!

Singer Household and Toy Sewing Machine Models - ISMACS

Comprehensive directory of Singer's domestic and toy sewing machine models with detailed information, photographs, and historical context for collectors and enthusiasts.

International Sewing Machine Collectors Society

pandabutter Jun 5

@corbden @bamboy My Singer Class 66 is about the same vintage as yours, so here's some possibly-relevant stuff:
-Lots of machines from this era started life as treadles and were electrified on the aftermarket, often by a dealer who accepted old machines for trade-in discounts. This means their base/case won't be original.
-If you need a new base, there are folks who make them. Make sure you get the right length, this era had "short" and "long" Singers. (Class 66 was long.)

pandabutter Jun 5

@corbden @bamboy If you (or clients) are interested in genuine Singer carry-cases, this was the "bentwood" era. Cases were made of steam-bent wood, had a lovely domed profile. Most of them are for short Singers—long ones exist, but they're definitely rarer. Double-check the dimensions!
Also, ISMACS has lists of the various decal patterns used on those old Singers. Folks sell decal sheets too.

Jo with elbows up & chin up Jun 5

@corbden @bamboy you might check with some repair cafes…anywhere really, who if they don’t know, can send you in the right direction.

sleepfreeparent Jun 5

@corbden @bamboy

Maybe ismacs?
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html

Also z library has manuals for a few 20-? and 201-? models.
You'll need tor browser or i2p client. Wikipedia has authentic links to z library, don't trust search engine results.

Singer Sewing Machine Company Manuals for machines and attachments

Owner and operating manuals for Singer Sewing Machines and accessories, including the Model 221 Featherweight.

International Sewing Machine Collectors Society

@corbden @bamboy I'm living in the small town Wittenberge, Germany. Once upon a time it had Europe's biggest Singer manufacturing site.

The local museum has a huge collection of old sewing machines. I guess they also have manuals for these - or at least might point you to where you might find them.

https://www.wittenberge.de/verzeichnis/visitenkarte.php?mandat=50287&ved=2ahUKEwiYhN2VwdmNAxViQ_EDHVMLJeYQgU96BAgSEAQ (website is only in German but with their email address. hopefully someone might also speak English at the museum. Countryside Germany that's rather rare.)

Wittenberge - Uhrenturm Wittenberge

Bad Wilsnacker Straße 48 (Tor 2)19322 WittenbergeTel: (03877) 405266E-Mail: ...

@corbden @bamboy I started my business in France 2 month ago, started repairing as a hobby 7 month ago. For the moment, I get 2 customers a week for servicing or little help. At first it was kind of daunting as there was not that much resources. I was buying dead sewing machine from second hand market for 20 euros, manufactured from 1960 to 1990, to learn some specificities of implementation, and got some intuition from that. Most got dead gear, so I had to dissassemble and learn the hard way while reassembling.
Here some important resources I base my new knowledge from :
- the Sincere's Sewing Machine Service Book, it wrote down the most important theory to operate from,
- Most of Singer exploded view schematic https://www.smscanada.com/Singer_Parts/, this way you learn about which part you just dissasembled and get to understand the big picture.
- service manual, 10 buck for a specific machine so you learn through a dedicated example of servicing. It can be found by searching for the specific model you want from google, at least some times... never used them once you get some intuition
I would say that being self-taught is completely doable, instinct and intuition come along the way...
@ateliercanette is my pro account if you want to check

Directory /Singer_Parts

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 5

@sunestra @bamboy @ateliercanette Really helpful. Glad to see someone else is doing this. Thanks!

@corbden @bamboy

Archive.org has a Collection of manuals.

CatSalad🐈🥗 (D.Burch)

@Life_is @corbden @bamboy But the sewing machine is automatic not manual!

Mx. Luna Corbden Jun 5

@catsalad @Life_is @bamboy But I gave it a pattern and some fabric and it's still not sewn!

Kimberley Jun 5

@corbden @bamboy the patternreview website is a font of knowledge. Their sewing machine forum is a good place to start https://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/forum/21

Sewing Machines sewing discussion forum @ PatternReview.com

Sewing Machines. PatternReview.com forums and message boards let sewers share and discuss sewing experiences.

PatternReview.com Sewing Community

Inc Hulk 🧪Jun 5

@corbden @bamboy Much as I hate Facebook, it does have some great groups which are very helpful - I have an early Singer I restored. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/209328403025771 (The GREAT Vintage Sewing Machine Restoration).

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Rosemarie and Owen Kelly Jun 5

@corbden Bound to be someone in Clydebank….