Monday, January 3, 2011

Using A Handcrank Sewing Machine

Singer 66 Handcrank



One of my favorite sewing machines is also an unusual one.  It is operated by turning a handle.  They were many made by manufacturers in many countries with a lot of variety.  The hand crank sewing machine was more popular in Europe but there were many in North America and the world as well.  Many can still be found today.  My particular model is a Singer 66 from 1909 and decorated with a lotus floral pattern, part of a very popular Egyptian art style of that time.  I take this one out from time to time to use and to demonstrate how sewing machines work in slow motion.  It is not just show, however, and I'd like to point out that this type of machine can do more.

I feel that hand crank sewing machines do two things exceptionally well: Purse making and doll clothes making.  It's all about control.  The handcrank sewing machine is best when you need close control of stitching for best results.  This is handy when closing the edges of purses around handles.  The large harp area of the Singer 66 also helps.  The photo above shows rick rack that was inserted quite easily.

Projects that require precision, such as doll clothes shown here, are perfect for the handcrank sewing machine.  The small size of doll clothes make them a bit finicky but a great way to learn to sew.  This is especially true when combined with the slow speed of this machine.   So many great seamstresses started this way, as the clothes are made much like the real thing.  You can see that here, with the bodice of a Barbie dress. 
Barbie dress bodice with turn under facings and darts.


Beginning a seam
What's Different?
 There are some things about using a hancrank that take some getting used to.  One of those things is that the beginning a seam, for me, is handled differently.  Because you have one hand to control fabric and there is no reverse motion your normal routine will change slightly with a handcrank.  Keeping the thread from tangling at the beginning is one problem.  I prevent this by holding the thread with my index finger,  I also pin up close at first then remove it after a few stitches.  To keep the first stitches from unraveling, lock the stitch it is done by re-stitching the first two stitches  This is just what is done with treadle machines or those with no reverse.  To re-stitch, I simply give the fabric a slight tug while beginning the seam so the first stitches get stitched over. 

As an aside, I use this little tool a lot: the Clover Mini iron.  It can be used right next to the machine.
Connecting the bodice to skirt.  Just like a real dress.




All done!

How does it work?
One question I hear often is how can I turn the handle and sew at the same time?  It does take some practice but can be done with great success.  Turn the handle but don't look at it.  Keep your eye on the presser foot.    Keep your other hand on the fabric.  An advantage to this process is you can really look at what you are doing and slow or pick up speed accordingly automatically.  That is not as easy with electrics or treadles.

Feeding fabric through strait is the goal.  The machine should pull it fairly evenly.  If does not, the main issue is usually the tension with mine.  If your machine thread tension too tight, it will want to distort and pull the fabric off center.  With correct tension, proper needle, and slow speed you can lightly guide fabric right on through.   Presser foot pressure is also sometimes a problem.  Check to make sure you do not have it too tight.  This is adjusted by a top screw above the faceplate.  If you are not sure about this subject, check your manual.  It's good to know how it all works. 

If you have not seen a handcrank sewing machine in action, here's a quick view.

Can I Make My Own Handcrank?
Sometimes older machines are converted to hand crank.  There are inexpensive  modern kits to do this.  The machine needs to have a place to mount the handle.  Good candidates are the Singer 27, 28, 127, 128, 66,  99 and the Singer Spartan.   I have heard good things about the Necchi BU machines as well.  There are many reasons for wanting to convert.  I have done it for a Singer 128 that was in a broken treadle cabinet.  Finding another 3/4 sized cabinet for that model would have been tough due to rarity.  Not all machines can be changed but some can.

All in all, these are a great addition to anyone's home.  They are portable, beautiful, can be used by children and most important...they take up little space!

38 comments:

  1. Yarndiva, first of all thank you for sharing such a touching comment on my recent post. I'm so sorry about your terrible loss. I hope that you have happier memories that are a comfort to you.
    I am grateful for advice on using a handcrank. I have one I've never operated so this is wonderfully petrinent.

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  2. OOOH, I have one of these! I love the Lotus decals. http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1260344918043445438xNICZZ

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  3. I've been over to look - very nice, it's a beauty.

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  4. I have three hand crank machines now. I guess I need to learn to use them! =-) Great post!

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  5. I have 2 Singer 66 hand cranks and # 99k handcrank machines.
    I am a man and I love to sew with them. THe 66's I use to sew patches on leather vests and work on chaps etc. I am a motorcycle rider and know the value of having a machine that can do what these do.

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  6. Great to hear. I would not have thought a 66 or 99 would be able to do that type of work. The slow speed and flat bed would be handy and may try that next time. My husband is a rider, btw.

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  7. I have just accepted the offer of a hand cranked Singer sewing machine and have found your post to be very useful. Thank you. I've tried using a modern (40 years old!), electric machine and find the speed and noise very off-putting, scary even. I can't wait to receive my "new" antique machine and give it a try. Finally, aged 42, I am going to learn to sew!

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    1. Enjoy your machine! I do like using high speed industrials but always appreciate my old Singer 66 with her history and beauty. You may enjoy this group dedicated to all things treadle and hand crank|
      www.treadleon.net
      There is an email forum to discuss the use and care of machines such as ours.

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    2. Your post is heart lifting. Thanks for sharing your words.

      Cheers,

      Lyric
      Sobriety from electronic sewing since 2012
      http://www.sewcroandquilt.wordpress.com

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  8. Hi, I bought a Singer 99 off of eBay last week. The tension was way off, now it sews a nice stitch. My little granddaughter who is 6 just made a shopping bag for her mother. This was Ella's first sewing project. She did well. Delpha

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  9. Congratulations to Ella! Hand crank machines have a nice combination of slow speed and decent strength, with large enough size to make bags well. Here's to many more years of sewing for your granddaughter.

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  10. I have just used my 1916 Singer No 99 to make some armcaps for our sofa - my all-singing, all-dancing Bernina Artista 180 has decided to throw out its timing. I think I am in love with the Singer - so straightforward and such fun to use!

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  11. I understand completely. They are very underrated, and I think every sewing space should have one strait stitch only machine in it.

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  12. Just restored seized Singer 66 1913 RedHead. (Have been told Singer old guys hate Red Eye). It took three days of hard work. This machine was a treadle but with motor mount. I added a handcrank, adjusted the tension, and left the finished product threaded with material under the presser foot on my tv room stool to see what would happen. Husband came and when I got home from my meeting, stitches had been added.

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  13. Sew glad I found this post. I may add a link here from my blog: http://sewcroandquilt.wordpress.com/tag/hand-crank-sewing-machine/

    Cheers,

    Lyric

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    Replies
    1. Hello Lyric, thanks for visiting. I love your blog and can see you are very creative!

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  14. I love my Singer model 66 crinkle finish. I bought a reproduction hand crank for it. I like sewing slow and motor machines go faster than I like. I love it for piecing quilts and working on bags. Also nice, if I take it to sewing group days with a portable table from hone., I can set up anywhere in any room and not take up limited plug ins. I live in the country and sometimes the electricity will for a bit. I don't have to stop sewing. Would be great for camping too

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  15. I agree with all you wrote, and have even taken it camping. The only drawback is the machine is very heavy! Enjoy

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  16. I am used to the old hand crank one so wanted to know which one would be a good fit for me in the new automatic types. Appreciate your recommendation.

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    1. I am not sure I understand, are you looking for a new automatic sewing machine? Let me know and maybe I can help or point you in a good direction.

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  17. What do you use to make the black metal of the Vintage Singer machine shine.

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    1. I use two kinds of polish. One is carnauba wax for a machine with a clear coat in good condition. Sometimes it takes a few layers of was to geta good shine. The other is good old sewing machine oil. A light coat of it protects and gifes a little shine especially to machines that have a clear coat that is in very poor condition so as not to be albe to take wax well. There are many ways to do this but those are my two methods.

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  18. I included a hand wrench, balanced the pressure, and left the completed item strung with material under the presser foot on my television room stool to witness what might. Spouse came and when I returned home from my meeting, lines had been this blog.

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  19. Oh, please..."strait" should be s-t-r-a-i-g-h-t.

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  20. Fabulous, i'm converted, thanks Joy

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  21. Fabulous, i'm converted, thanks Joy

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  22. I just bought a Singer 66 for $5.00 in beautiful condition from a Yard Sale. Has a number of C0576873. Any idea when this was built? Kristine

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  23. I just bought a Singer 66 for $5.00 in beautiful condition from a Yard Sale. Has a number of C0576873. Any idea when this was built? Kristine

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    1. I am not sure about this one, beginning with C. Make sure about the numbers as sometimes they are hard to read. Here is a good reference - http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html

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  24. I just picked one up I thought it was a 99k handcrank but after seeing yours it is the exact same! Thank you for posting! Can you tell me what size bobbin to buy?

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    1. This is a Singer 66, so the very common class 66 Bobbins. Enjoy!

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  25. I just bought the parts to convert my Singer 99K. The bobbin winder was not working well and the stitch length paddle did not return to the original settling after backtacking. It makes for a perfect candidate for a hand crank and perfect for my RV! I just need a case and I am set!

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    1. I have a 99 also but with a motor. You can operate it both ways as I understand. For help with the back tack lever, bobbin winder and hand crank install visit Yahoo Group TreadleOn or Vintage Sewing Machines. Also some help there about what case will fit your 3/4 machine plus handcrank.

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