Sewing Machines - What you REALLY need for Beginner Upholstery

Aimee talks about her own vintage sewing machine, and describes what’s important to know before you purchase one

*I fully endorse the tools listed here, and am eligible to make a small commission if you choose to use my links to make a purchase from Amazon

[JayCWhiteCloud]

"...Vintage machines were built to last forever..." O.K....I just fell in love...Such a true statement in machines, houses, barns, bridges, and many people too...LOL...Love that I found you channel!!!

[OneAdamAdam]

I agree with you one hundred percent. Anything that was made back in the 1940s, even into the 1990s is better quality and with better materials. Unfortunately, corporations that farm out their manufacturing to other countries or third party vendors lose their quality control and there is no longer any pride in the craftsmanship nor love for the work or love for the employee. In turn, the craftsperson doesn't lovingly make good products. (Some German and some American companies still make some quality products)
Many things today are made out of chinesium, in forced labor camps, with parts from differing factories within China (to prevent worker theft) or in clandestine counterfeit parts companies. This is why you see batteries catching on fire inside homes or products failing after a year or two of use. It's THEFT. These companies used the trust that we had for them due to moral business practices during our parents' earlier years and during our formative years. Then, they shipped the work overseas, undermined our own workers and pretended the quality would be the same. Bad business and deliberate fraud.

[Karrun]

Thank you for information. I agree with you about machines. I have two old 201k singers. A slightly more modern work horse machine and a very vintage black ornate machine that I bought off an elderly lady who had been given it on her 18th birthday. It was untouched and still had the handwritten receipt from 1951 and the accessories untouched. I will keep them forever!

[markbratton]

thank you so much! I just bought a 1959 necchi na nora . "Heavy Duty" {printed above the name badge.} I am building a sailboat and thought how much money I might save being able to sew covers bags and cushion upholstery. one evening I saw this machine on Ebay it sewed through 8 layers of Denim and two layers of thick leather. It was significantly cheaper than a new machine especially one with a walking foot. I bought it and when I got it was very happy it looks beautiful as though it has been very well cared for for the last 60 plus years. Its clean. runs smoothly and sews powerfully with its 1.1 amp motor. I feared though that I made a mistake when I saw everyone saying I needed a walking foot machine to do upholstery. I have already bought my sails. I just need to make a cover for the boat. .covers for cushions and other light canvas work. I am new to sewing and have subscribed to your chanel. And thanks to you I feel much better about my classic old machine. Yes they don't make them like they used to.

[amygable]

Yes!!! ON your core belief! I am a VSM girl. I have far more than I could ever need (don't ask, we all have our vices). They are very easy to service and maintain as well.

[Marine-]

Amen! That is why those old machines are still around. Thanks for the video.

[jeremychorney]

cute smile, knowledgeable, useful information. My grandmother's singer was from 1911. my mothers singer was from 1936. I may have to take a second look at them now. Those vintage machines really are made to last generations. great video. Keep them coming.

[sarahlewis]

Commenting late but hoping you see it, thank you!! Very helpful video!!

[nancybooher]

I totally agree, especially since I use to sell sewing machine many years, I have a lot more insight then I did before on sewing machines on how they are made. . Now I open my open business in Celina, TX. I am adding small upholstery to my businesses, too! Looking for a long nose stapler. Enjoy your videos

[michellebrown]

I am in total agreement with you about all sorry machines. I have the same machine as you as well as A132K built light tanks.

[Thekarlskorner]

As a retired machinist, I can attest to quality machinery having a 1940's South Bend lathe and 1963 Bridgeport milling machine. Having just bought a Singer 660 A202 to learn on seeing new upholstery for our '57 Oldsmobile, (very long backorder on getting a company to do the work).
I will definitely watch more of your videos to learn more, as this video gets to the point with no idle chatter so often found on YouTube. Thank you.

[marseanmoore]

My Mom has 2 of these old faithful machines collecting dust. Guess, I start restoring one of them first. Great video.

[jeffhoye]

Just found you by shear coincidence, don't know how old this vid is but that my first singer 42 years ago, boy o boy girl I have since moved on, same goes for my first wife, I have been an ARTISAN for Over 40 years! You made my new year 2022! Looking forward to all your videos I will be checking them all out, such a cheerful and interesting person, you'll be hearing more in the future, KEEP UP the excellent work 👍👍😎 CAPTAIN JEFFS TRIM SHOP WEST MASS😎

[aurathomas]

Love the way you ❤ take the time to explain step by step making the process easier to understand. Thank you 😊 Gracias.

[smashsquatch]

Old Singers are the best. I learned on a 31-15 30 years ago, been using old iron Singers ever since. Currently using 16-188 walking foot. Love it!

[donnabieniek]

Thank you Aimee for all your great tips and knowledge !!!
You have helped me with my new found love of reupholstering !!
I do have my grandmothers Singer machine…it’s time to break it out and get it running !

[thebrokenbone]

absolutely agree about the old machines in almost any trade!. :D thanks for sharing! peter

[denisagosta]

Hey Aimee, you gave me valuable advice a few months ago when I restored my old Singer 31-15. By the looks of your machine I would guess your Singer could date back to the 1920s or 30s. You are right if you oil it and clean it you could pass it down to your grandchildren!

[lindsaygilmore]

I cant believe it, I've been researching Sewing machines, so this has come at the right time, Another great video.

[yrosjzr]

I can tell by the way you snip the thread off at the end of a pass that you are a professional :) I'm looking for a machine like yours.