A lot of people who sew at home know the name Singer when it comes to sewing machines. Your mom or grandma might have used an old Singer machine when you were a kid, or you could own a contemporary Singer machine yourself! Explore the history, value, and models of Singer sewing machines to gain more insight into this well-known brand!
Singer pioneered its first electric sewing machine and vibration shuttle in the early 20th century. The Singer Company has been one of the world’s largest sewing machine retailers for over a century, and there are still popular Singer machines on the market today.
In this article, I explain how this famous brand began. Moreover, it reveals which Singer models are still popular today and how much it costs to buy old Singers.
The Singer sewing machine company has a long and fascinating history, founded in 1850 and still popular today. Isaac Merritt Singer founded I.M. Singer and Co. in 1850. A common misconception is that he invented the first domestic sewing machine, which is untrue.
Singer modified an Elias Howe-invented patented design instead. In addition to the accepted design, Singer designed and patented excellent modifications. He made the company a success by implementing a successful business model.
What made him so different was what he did. He introduced the first popular installment payment plan to make his machines more affordable. As a result, a sewing machine like this became affordable to the average person. Sewing machines were previously owned only by factories and companies.
Additionally, Singer promoted the need for sewing machines in every home. As the company developed more portable and accessible models, it became more accessible. To keep customers buying new models, the company ran a heavy door-to-door sales campaign and updated the models frequently.
Singer seized upon a radical business model at the right time. The industrial revolution and sewing machine innovation peaked in the middle of the 19th century. In addition to his business ideas, Isaac Merritt Singer had a vivid personal life!
Originally a Shakespearean actor, Isaac was the son of an immigrant. Although he succeeded as a businessman later in life, his extravagant personality did not fade. Later, to show off his wealth, he designed and drove a bright yellow carriage that could seat more than thirty people.
Actors often simultaneously entangle themselves in multiple relationships, as he did during his itinerant life. His ostentatious behavior as a businessman became even more pronounced after he became famous and wealthy.
After a scandal over his affairs erupted in the 1860s, he resigned from his leadership position at his company. Twenty-two children were born to him through five different relationships during his life. The world of sewing machines is so scandalous. Who would have thought?
The company Singer founded continued to thrive even after he died in 1875. Over the years, I.M. Singer and Co. became the Singer Manufacturing Company and then the Singer Company. Between 1851 and 1950, the company dominated the global sewing market.
In the years leading to World War I, the company outsold all sewing machine manufacturers combined!
There are three major wars that the Singer Company influenced, which is fascinating to note. The company supplied machines for sewing uniforms as part of its support for the Union Army during the Civil War.
The company temporarily ceased sewing machine production during both world wars. Instead, government contracts were used to manufacture their products. Bombs and munitions were among these products!
Despite the war efforts, a surge in innovative sewing machines was also witnessed during the early 20th century. Electric-powered domestic machines were among these innovations.
Featherweight 221 featured aluminum parts and was famously displayed at the 1934 Chicago World Fair. Singer sewing machines of this era were known for their innovation.
As a result of the Second World War, overseas competition for sewing machine manufacturing became more intense. The market was flooded with new machines from both European and Japanese manufacturers. In the face of such unprecedented competition, Singer lost its top position.
However, Singer remains one of the world’s most popular sewing machine manufacturers.
| Sewing Machine Model | Production Year |
| Turtleback | 1856-59 |
| “Letter A” Family | 1859-65 |
| “New Family” or “Fiddlebase” | 1865-1902 |
| Industrial ” Flying Dutchman” | 1880-1890 |
| Class 15 9W1, 9W2, 9W3, 9W4, 9W5 | 1895-1957 |
| 9W7, 9W8, 9W9 , 9W10 | 1906-1908 |
| 127 Class | 1909-1913 |
| 101 Class | 1912-1941 |
| 221 Class | 1920-1937 |
| ” Featherweight “ | 1933-1960 |
| 201 Class | 1935-1964 |
| 221K | 1947-57 |
| 306 | 1954 |
| 320K | 1956-62 |
| 401 ” Slant – O – Matic “ | 1958-60 |
| 401A | 1957-60 |
| 221K7 | 1968-1970 |
| 160M | 1974 |
Singer has patented and sold thousands of machines since Isaac Singer sold his first in 1850. Some antique models are popular with collectors due to their rarity and collectability. However, the high quality of vintage models continues to make them famous for actual sewing today.
I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular Singer models, so let’s dive in!
If it was made before 1900, it is considered an antique sewing machine. Singer models span hundreds of years and cover a wide range of times. Consistent deliveries of new and improved machines characterized this era.
One of Singer’s first machines with a vibrating shuttle was sold in 1885. Electric sewing machines were produced for the first time in 1889.
It’s surprising how difficult it is to locate a complete Singer sewing machine model list. The Turtleback and Fiddlebase were among the most popular models during this period.
What is the reason for the cute nicknames given to Singer machines? As time progressed, the names evolved organically. A machine’s appearance is often the cause of these problems. “Fiddlebase”, for instance, features a beautiful violin-shaped metal plate holding it in place.
Singer’s Turtleback, sold in 1856, was the first machine designed specifically for domestic use. For the first time, the treadle was made of iron. Due to its rarity, the Turtleback remains a sought-after antique despite some flaws.
Despite its long-lasting success, the Singer 12, also called the Fiddlebase, is a sought-after antique! This machine could sew multiple layers of fabric together, and it was the first lockstitch machine on the market to be reliable.
The world was stunned by these innovations at the time. This model was sold during the Civil War and the early 19th century.
The Fiddlebase is highly sought after in the antique community, just like the Turtleback model. Thousands of models are on the market now, so it’s easier to find than before!
Many Fiddlebase models are still functional today despite their age. Excellent design and durable metal construction make them a great choice.
The Singer company manufactured hundreds of sewing machines between 1900 and 1960. Today, these models are considered vintage.
The interiors and construction of vintage Singer models are usually made from solid metal and are usually very reliable. Vintage models tend to run for a long time, as anyone who owns one can attest!
Many vintage Singer sewing machines remain popular today, but the Singer 221, 401a, and 66 models are perhaps the most famous.
In the early 20th century, the Singer Featherweight was its most successful product. The Featherweight, technically known as Model 221, once again wowed the world with its innovation. Originally made from cast steel, this model was made from cast aluminum and weighed only eleven pounds!
Several other unique features are also present in the Featherweight. Bobbin case access is easy with a hinged and flippable bed extension. In addition, the Singer 66 has a distinctive lighting placement that distinguishes it from later models.
Featherweight was launched between the two world wars in 1933. In addition to the 222K, Singer’s factory in Scotland also produced and marketed the same model. With its incredible popularity today, the 222K has earned the additional title “Queen of the Singers! ”
Don’t let a Featherweight slip through your fingers if you ever find one! Although these beauties are old, they still work like a charm. Modern machines cannot stitch through thick fabrics like these, which is why these models are so popular with quilters. The collectibility of Featherweights also makes them quite pricey today.
Let’s jump ahead a bit and look at 1950s models. Because of their solid steel components and zig-zag stitch ability, the 401a and 403a remain popular today.
With an angled needle and easier access to the needle plate and presser foot, the 401a is called the Slant-O-Matic. This machine also has discs called cams, which allow different stitch patterns to be achieved.
You will most likely value the 401a and 403a in the future because they are rock-solid and will last a lifetime. It is hard to find a better vintage sewing machine than the 403a if you enjoy vintage sewing machines. Despite its lack of actual use, it remains a popular collectible.
Collectors and sewers generally pay less attention to 1960s models. As a result, Singer remade several old favorites to compete with overseas manufacturers.
For instance, a 1960s Slant-O-Matic 500 model has a streamlined, space-age appearance. These pre-computer machines are expected to have various stitching patterns; they generally still use mostly metal gears and cams.
You may be disappointed with models from the 1970s. During this decade, the Singer Company and most sewing machine manufacturers began transitioning from metal to nylon and plastic parts. Despite this, it’s still possible to find all-metal models from the 1970s running great fifty years after they were made!
The plastic components in Singer models made in the 1980s and today typically degrade and cease functioning after five to ten years (even if they are heavily used). There is just no way to make modern sewing machines last forever.
Even so, there is still a lot to like about new Singer models.
In 1994, Singer Company introduced the Quantum XL1000, the first computerized sewing machine. Today, most sewing machines are computerized! Singer machines are usually considered mid-line quality, perfect for home sewers, but perhaps not as good as Janome or Bernina machines for professional sewers.
The Singer models will provide you with the quality and affordability you need if you sew only a few hours a week. However, if you run an Etsy business, you may need a machine capable of handling large amounts of sewing.
Several Singer models are perfect for beginning sewers. Three of these machines are in the lineup: the 7363 Confidence Machine, the Start 1304 Machine, and the M1500 Machine. Modern models offer an affordable price, a wide range of capabilities, and a simple, easy-to-use design.
Finding your machine’s model number is the easiest way to determine its year of manufacture. This number is inscribed in several places on the machine. For more information about finding the model number, Singer has a great website you can visit!
The model numbers on your machine can usually be found in one of the following places, depending on the year it was made:
On Singer’s website, you can easily find the sewing manual and lots of helpful information by typing the model number into the search bar. Alternatively, you may be able to find out the model’s year of manufacture by Googling the model number.
You can also use its serial number to determine when your machine was manufactured.
Read our complete guide on how old my Singer sewing machine?
A serial number and a model number are assigned to every Singer sewing machine. There are times when you can find these numbers together. In older machines, these numbers are usually etched on a small metal plate on the front. Serial numbers are commonly found near the power switch or beneath newer models.
Using the serial number, you can identify your machine’s model, year of manufacture, and value!
Serial numbers of Singer sewing machines can be found in a database maintained by the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society. Finding your number in this database can determine your sewing machine’s age.
The price of Singer sewing machines depends on the model and their collectibility. Some rare collectible models sell for more than ,000! Vintage and antique sewing machines are generally valued according to their year of production, rarity, and condition.
Some vintage models can be purchased for as low as fifty dollars. While it is not uncommon for collectible antique sewing machines to sell for more than ,000, they are usually priced between 0 and ,500.
eBay or antique stores usually sell the Featherweight for 0-0, making it an attractive model for sewing and collecting. Although the 222K is equal in model and construction to the 222K, it was manufactured in Scotland, therefore its value is higher today.
Rare models often become collector’s items because of their limited production. Today, Turtlebacks are extremely valuable because of this.
It is also essential to consider the machine’s condition. Antique dealers assess the appearance and working order of sewing machines using a rating system. Buying a machine in like-new condition will cost more than a rusted clunker found in someone’s garage.
Last but not least, older items are generally more expensive. Machines made in 1851 have a higher value today than machines made in 1980.
The average value of your sewing machine can be easily determined by comparing its prices with those of other sellers on eBay or Etsy.
Whether you purchase an antique machine online, from an appraiser, from an antique store, or a library book, you can find pricing information about it! An excellent way to estimate buyers’ pay is to check eBay or Amazon to see what the model sells for regularly. You will need to find an official appraiser to assess your machine if you need a price for insurance or other purposes.
Antique sewing machines, for example, can also be found in books that provide historical prices. If you consider these factors, your investment will be worth more in the long run.
A local antique store may also be an excellent place to chat with the dealer. These experts may have insider knowledge about a specific Singer model.
Most vintage and antique sewing machines sell for less than 0, so don’t get too excited. You probably won’t make much money selling sewing machines if you don’t have a Featherweight.
On the other hand, buying quality, workable vintage machines for a reasonable price is possible.
Singer models can be sold online, typically at affordable prices, in various antiques and vintages. Since Singer began manufacturing machines, hundreds of thousands have been made. So pretty much every antique store you visit will have a vintage Singer!
Yard sales, estate sales, auctions, and thrift stores might be able to help you find one. It can be difficult to know what type of condition a thrift store sewing machine is in if you find a low-priced machine there. Buying a machine from a verified seller online or an antique store will increase your chances of getting a working machine.
What is the best way to determine whether the machine will run? You can always plug it in and test it if you’re shopping in person! If it makes strange skipping sounds or loud noises, listen to it.
If you’re shopping online or are not allowed to touch the machine, ensure it is free of cracks or rust. If the antique machine is housed in a wooden cabinet, inspect the wood to see if it looks smooth and well-maintained. If the machine contains decorative touches like painted flowers or gold leaf, its condition also impacts its value.
If you use the machine for personal use, you are less concerned about the decoration than you are about its operation.
Singer sewing machines in wood cabinets vary in value based on their model number and condition. Despite this, wooden cabinets tend to hold older machines, which can increase their value.
In addition to the cabinet’s condition, age determines its value. A wooden cabinet was almost always the case with Singer’s early treadle machines. This means that most antique and vintage wood cabinets date from the second half of the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century.
The rarity of sewing machines, however, determines their collectibility. Due to Singer’s sheer number of machines, most don’t sell for much money.
No matter its model number, a machine that runs smoothly and still sews will increase in value! Today’s average price of vintage machines with cabinets on eBay is between 0 and 0.
Singer has been a trusted brand in the sewing machine industry since the 1850s, renowned for its quality and reliability. Initially focused on industrial sewing machines, Singer has expanded its range to include machines for personal use, maintaining a reputation for innovation and excellence in the sewing community.
Singer offers diverse sewing machines catering to different needs. These include mechanical sewing machines for traditionalists, quilting machines equipped with advanced features for intricate projects, and computerized sewing machines that offer automated options and convenience for various sewing projects.
Singer’s mechanical sewing machines are valued for their durable craftsmanship and manual controls. They are ideal for basic home sewing projects like alterations, seam repairs, and hemming. Key features include buttonhole options, quick threading guides, and easy stitch selection, making them suitable for beginners and experienced sewers.
Singer’s quilting machines are designed to enhance the quilting experience with features like lowerable feed teeth for precision, LCD screens for easy navigation, stitch sequencing memory for complex patterns, and Fast Drop and Sew bobbins for convenience. These features make Singer quilting machines a top choice for simple and complex projects.
Computerized Singer sewing machines represent a leap in sewing technology with various automated options. They feature programmable needles, built-in thread cutters, multiple buttonhole styles, LCD screens, built-in fonts, and a wide range of stitch applications. These machines are ideal for sewers who want to efficiently keep up with complex stitching ideas and projects.
Choosing the suitable Singer sewing machine depends on your specific sewing needs and skill level. A mechanical machine might suffice for basic tasks. A machine with specialized quilting features would be ideal for quilting. A computerized machine would best suit more advanced and varied projects. Assess your sewing projects and preferences to find the Singer machine that meets your requirements.
For more information or to purchase a Singer sewing machine, you can contact GoldStar Tool, which offers a wide range of Singer sewing machines. Their expert team can assist in selecting the right machine for your needs. You can reach them at 1.800.868.4419 or visit their website to browse their selection and find additional resources and customer support.
It took Singer more than a century to dominate the sewing machine market. Several early models of the company are collectible, including the Turtleback and the Featherweight.
The durability of vintage Singer machines makes them popular even today. A few vintage machines, such as the Singer 221 and the Singer 403a, are top-rated for use today. Many home sewers have their favorite Singer models!
Donna Richardson is a passionate and experienced seamstress with a profound love for the art of sewing and quilting. With over two decades of experience, Donna has mastered the intricacies of sewing machines, sewing patterns, and embroidery. Her journey in the world of textiles began in her early teens, inspired by the rich traditions of quilting and sewing in her family.
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