#singer 66

[easternwoods]

So a while back, I was working on getting some singer 66 sewing machines running, and here is the test run on the motorized unit using a new needle and a new bobbin

This is #12 tent/tarp/sail canvas folded to 8 ply, because I couldn't fit 12 plies under the foot. She took it like a champ. Gonna make a tent, baby!

[junijwi]

on march 2025 i obtained a singer 66 sewing machine from my university's auction...

i've just finished repainting, cleaning, and reassembling it...!

First, I christened her. I chose her name based on her serial number :)

Here's pics from rewiring the electrical components because the rubber housing for the wires was crumbling. This includes the lamp, motor, and knee pedal.

Before and after polishing the pieces

Cleaning and reassembling the bobbin winder was its own whole ordeal

Drew some paint design mockups.

I decided to use foil transfer decals... essentially, you print the design in black with a laser printer, run it through a lamination machine with foil, the foil adheres to the toner... and there are certain vendors who sell adhesive sheets specialized for this kind of application. I opted for foil for full opacity, but in the future I probably would use water slide decals instead because the foil had a lot of problems transferring fully.

First I had to make the patterns. I wrapped the machine in masking tape, drew on it, cut the tape off, and scanned it in so I could create a digital file. I printed and cut out the final result and taped it back on to adjust the fit.

No pics from me stripping the paint... but I coated the thing in citristrip and sanded the rest off. It was laborious, and if I were to do this again, I'd try to figure out how to do it using an electrolysis tank instead.

Then... spray painting. I used spray paint cans lol. If I were to do this again, might get a paint gun, but... this was okay!

Aaand applying foil transfers... One thing I noticed is that the white foil was SO fragile, but the gold and red were really sturdy and easy to use. Also, I had to wait a full day for them to dry before peeling off the transfer paper, otherwise I got a lot of partial transfers.

Still, the imperfection was charming and I'm satisfied with the overall result.

By the way, those foil transfers I used were sunnyscopa transfers. They take a bit of practice to get used to, so if you use them, I would 100% PRACTICE before applying to the real thing.

Here is with the paint cleaned and coated!

And then I had to put all the pieces back inside it. It took a full evening of just trying to get the "timing" right (this is the synchronization between the needle action and the piece that loops the bobbin string).

Fun fact, I designed the snake so that its body follows the path you need to take to thread the needle: down the arm, around the hook, down to the tension, up into the arm thhingy, etc. The decal on the bed of the machine is also a measurement for a couple inches to the left and right of the needle.

And now tumblr is yelling at me for the image limit so I'll put the cabinet reno in another post, when I've finished it!

[ painting | wood work | comparison ]

[pumpkinpaix]

I bought this singer 66 at goodwill like 2 years and several states ago and it’s been collecting dust in my room without space for me to work on it but now!!! Is the time!!!!!

There was. A lot of grime removed so far and there is so much more to go but it’s a good start :’) wish me luck I am learning through the school of YouTube and hubris as usual

[dyatloveyou]

long shot here but is anyone familiar with/able to give tips on how to use a singer 66 from 1910? I’m trying to sew a low-plush velvet skirt and the thread keeps catching in the tensioner and snapping

the thread is new glacéd cotton from Americana quilting, the machine is threaded correctly, I serviced it myself this morning (thread was snapping before then too), and I have tried every single tightness of the tensioner multiple times. is it just the velvet? I feel like a 66 should be able to chew through it

[wandaluvstacos]

I hath acquired a treadle machine! Not the cheapest one either, but the table was fully refurbished with carvings in perfect condition, and I'm more interested in rehabbing a machine than I am a table. The machine also has lotus decals, which are pretty rare in the US, at least from what I've seen thus far. Unfortunately they aren't great on the bed, but they're at least in tact on the machine itself. Much of everything is hidden under many years of varnish.

However, she rotates still-- just VERY dry, and the belt's too big and will have to be adjusted. The coolest thing is that the seller had the original manual, as well as the original bill of sale in 1907. This cabinet and machine would have cost $35-$45 in 1907.

She was commissioned in January of 1905, making her my oldest machine as of right now. For now, she's going to live at my parents' house, and I'll work on her whenever I'm over there. I was able to convince my mother to keep it because she can still use it as a table, as the people I bought it from did. At least with this one I don't have to mess around with a motor or rewiring.

[thatknittinglady]

Did I ever tell anyone I own a vintage machine?

Because I do. I finally set out to learn exactly what model it is so I could buy parts. And clean it.

The clear finish is flaking off in spots and it likely needs to be oiled but hey! It WORKS!

The motor on it has a frayed wire that needs to be fixed and I and gonna make sure I can just used electrical tape. If not I'm sure there are online people that can actually you know. Rewire it.

Since... it is the original wires. I'm not joking about that. Fabric/tar stuff all the way back from the 50's!

I got a hand crank for it and hopefully I'll win a bid for another machine like it for the case. Otherwise.... electrocution! Heh. Motors and lights are cheep however. So?

Well I can make a case for it too. There are plans online. But I want the upper case too. If this one I might win works I can always donate it to my local thrift shop. They'd love it.

[lark-in-ink]

Reblog if you thing the girl on the left and the girl on the right are both equally beautiful uwu   (◡‿◡✿)

[junijwi]

I still have to finish the top coat on the little drawer but LOOK AT HER!! the glow up!!

[ painting | wood work | comparison ]