Ever since I bought my first vintage Singer machine (the Singer 201K) I have been checking eBay most days to see what other machines are around. You could say I have Singer fever. And I’m sure if you ask any other Vintage Sewing Machine collector they would tell you it’s a thing.
When this sweet little thing came up on eBay I jumped on it. It’s so cute! So much smaller than I thought it would be until I had it in my hands. I don’t have very big hands either! These were manufactured as kids toys, though I have read they were also marketed as portable machines for grown ups too. The Singer 20 was in production from 1910 until the 70s in various forms. From my research, I believe this particular model was built between 1914 – 1922. I know it was made after 1914 because it has the pretty 8 spoked wheel (before then they had a 4 spoke wheel), but before 1922 because at that time they started using a 7 spoked painted wheel. In 1926 they started numbering the threading points, so it’s definitely earlier than that. You can read more about the Singer 20 here.
It was in need of a little clean up…I guess if you’re 100 years old it’s ok to get a bit rusty. I pulled it all apart, gave it a clean and an oil and it’s now working surprisingly smooth. I expected it to be clunkier than it is. I’ve actually taken it to a sewing day and done some piecing on it.
This little toy makes a chain stitch, which means there is no bobbin, just the spool on top. Isn’t that cool! It uses a short 24×1 needle which has flat shank fitted to the right, so that the needle is threaded from left to right. (I’m putting that info there for me in case I forget.)
There is a little lever underneath which lets you change the stitch length and you can adjust the tension on top. It comes with a clamp to clamp it down onto the bench top. Originally, they also came with a seam guide and screw, though mine is missing. When I first got it, it was also missing the hook from underneath to make the chain stitch, but thanks to the lovely Graham (whose site is a wealth of knowledge and plenty of funny stories) I got a part and she’s as good as new. I told myself when I bought this that it would be fun for Roman to learn to sew on it…I haven’t been able to share yet.
I made a little bag to store and transport it in. I used the Noodlehead Open Wide Pouch as my base and added straps on it. The machine fits in perfectly! It’s hard to see but I did some free motion quilting on the bag using my treadle machine. It was great practice! I copied the swirl pattern of the fabric.
Did you ever sew on one of these as a kid?
Olga Becker says
This is seriously the cutest thing ever! 🙂
abby says
I know! I squealed when I saw it. So amazing that it works too!
Jenya says
Oh how cute! I had a cool soviet now vintage sewing machine. I have been wanting to get the same one for LM but they are now not cheap. Not too bad though, but shipping ins a killer!
abby says
That does sound cool! Hopefully you come across a reasonable one some day.
Jane says
That is sooooo cute. I want one. No I NEED one!!
abby says
Yes, yes you do! 😉
Cyndy Lacey says
I have been a collector of toy and miniature machine’s for about 20 years now. I have a little over 200 including 4 children’s treadle machines. My daughter informed me recently that she does not want “all that stuff” but maybe just keep 1 or 2 for my granddaughters. Looks like I’ll be thinning them out soon when I retire!
abby says
Wow! What an amazing collection! Children’s treadles sounds terribly cute! Feel free to adopt me 😉 I will gladly look after your collection.
len says
I have 3 201-2 machines and one is a centenial edition, also have 1 401A and 1 503B. They all have been professionally restored and are in excellent condition. Maybe time to sell one or 2 of the 201-2 and the 503B as I only use one of the 201-2 and the 401A
abby says
I love the 201, such a brilliant machine. I’ve been on the lookout for a zigzag machine and the 400 and 500 series are high on the list, such fabulous machines. What a great collection!
len says
Yes the 201 is my workhorse, the 401A is for all the other stitches, The 503B is very much like the 401A but needs to use more cams. I would sell the 503B and its value is $285 plus shipping which is around $50. Time to thin the herd. Consider any offer.
Anne says
I recently inherited one of these, still in the original box, from my Aunt. I think the only thing it is missing is the manual. I haven’t yet worked out how old it is, but it possibly belonged to my grandmother. I also haven’t had a chance to play with it yet but hopefully next week!
abby says
They are such sweet little things. After a good clean and oil I was really surprised how well mine worked.
Katherine says
Hi, thank you for your article. I have on of these but despite getting the manual online I cannot figure out how to use it! if i send you some pictures can you help me work out what is wrong with it? or show you on skype? I have tried local sewing machine shops and they don’t know about it. I just can’t figure how the bottom bit is supposed to make the stitch. I have needles to fit …. Many thanks! I hope you can help me as I can’t wait to start making little pouches for children to hold crystals in. Best wishes, Katherine 🙂
abby says
I’d be happy to try and help you Katherine. They are fairly simple. Have you watched any videos online? This one may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WI7OEAUHqk About 3mins in he shows the bottom hook working.
Jose Silva says
Hello, I would like to purchase one of these manuals, would it be possible to send it to me by email? thanks. josesilvagodinho@gmail.com
Anonymous says
I don’t have a manual for this machine. The best place to look for manuals is here:
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html
Good luck!