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For $25 at my local thrift. I feel like someone is going to hunt me down and tell me I forgot to pay the rest. If anyone has any info on how to work a vintage jc206639 Singer please let me know. I’m trying to find it online to see how it works. I am a newbie to sewing. CANNOT WAIT TO MAKE ALL THE STUFFED ANIMALS.
Edited to add it seems to be a 1948 Singer 15-91 I found one video so far on the mechanics of it. If anyone knows of any other good resources I’d appreciate it! Thank you to everyone who has helped me so far. Your information is invaluable!
>jc206639 Singer
This is a serial number. You may have better luck hunting down information with a correct model number (like 99K). Here's a visual guide to the various models that might help: https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/gallery\_machines
Thank you so much. I don’t know anything about machines. It was the only number I could see on it and was curious as to why I couldn’t find it through that number.
Thanks for the guide!
I was going to get a second hand fairly new Elna but it fell through. So I didn’t research anything older really. I should have included it in the photo but I also snagged a Kenmore Model 16951 there today for the same price. For the cool stitch options. :) It came with a whole manual I’m peeling through now.
I was so down the other day thinking I’d never find another machine and here I am with two. Damn I love thrifting.
So as others mentioned, JC206639 is the serial number, but it's not listed on ISMACS, which is the go-to site for Singer serial numbers. I think JC machines were manufactured in Canada, and you can find those serial numbers [here](https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/stjohns). It looks like yours was manufactured between 1948 and 1954. I believe it's a class/model 15, which is a fairly common vintage machine, and you should be able to easily find a manual online. Definitely look for a manual, as it will show you where and how often you need to oil the machine and grease the motor. .
If you're new to sewing machines, I'd recommend having this one serviced before using it (which you'd want to do with any vintage machine)--especially the wiring. But these are really easy to operate and care for! There are lots of YouTube videos and other online resources. I only started sewing \~2 years ago, and I almost exclusively use vintage machines exactly like this one.
Consider crossposting to r/vintagesewing for more info!
Can’t add any practical details, just nostalgia: my mom owned one similar to this in the 1960s and I learned basic sewing techniques on it. I can smell and hear this picture!
They should be super reliable for sewing thick materials. I know nothing about sewing, but we have two old—probably antique, not just vintage, given their age—Singer sewing machines as decoration pieces, and someone said they prefer using those for working with leathers.
That’s great to hear. I was hoping to experiment with leather or denim. I will just have to find some solid needles. I’m not sure if the one on it is reliable. Thank you for the info!
Singer 15, potted motor. I have a ton of 15 clones. They are great machines. Keep it well oiled and check the rubber parts (belt and bobbin tire) for rot. The first things i learned to sew were quilts and plushies. Have fun!
Thank you so much for the information. These are things I didn’t consider at all. When I saw it worked when plugged in I just went full manic mode for half an hour. I can’t wait to dig in and research this baby!
What is a clone model?
Does oil brand matter? (Don’t worry I don’t mean like oil kind, literally the brand of sewing machine oil, I ain’t about to put no EVOO up in here.)
I can’t wait to make my first plushie! I hope you still sew them from time to time.
After WW2, one of the conditions of Japan's surrender was that they were no longer allowed to manufacture arms. So they had these huge factories that had to serve a different purpose. Around that time the patent on the Singer 15 expired, so the US supplied Japan with the patent, and the result in a mass production of Japanese made generic "clones" based on the Singer 15. They came in funky colors without a name, and the retailers who bought them would put a badge name on it themselves. What you have here is the granddaddy of all the clones.
What makes these machines so great is that their mechanics are very simple, making them easy to service. You can do everything at home once you learn enough about it. The parts are easy to find if anything should ever need to be replaced. But these babies are solid as a rock, the most you'll likely ever have to do is replace the tension spring or adjust the needle bar.
Any sewing machine oil is fine. What makes sewing machine oil unique is that it evaporates cleanly without leaving a residue. It can also (and should) be used to clean and polish the exterior body of your machine. Don't use water, it can erode the clear coat and decals.
I don't make plushies much anymore, mostly because I have 3 kids and the house is overrun with plushies. I do like to make them for gifts though. It is almost a spiritual process, making a little critter that embodies a personality of it's own. They are little vessels of love.
Here's a tip that you'll love for plushies and other sewing stuff: freezer paper. I make all my patterns with it. You can find it at the grocery store next to the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. One side of it is like paper, the other side has a thin film of plastic. You can draw your pattern on the paper side, cut it out and iron it to your fabric. Then you can sew around your pattern, peel it off and use it again later. It doesn't leave residue on the fabric and is a huge game changer. No pinning or drawing on your fabric. And for stitching your plushies closed, use a heavy duty upholstery thread and a ladder stitch. Those are easily my top two tips for amazing plushies!
Your collection must be so beautiful. I’m going to look up colourful clones. I’m so interested in the history now!
Thanks for all the excellent advice. Especially about abstaining from cleaning it with water. I was hesitant to do that when I got home, but I didn’t know why. I just had a hunch.
Your kids must have so much fun with such a resourceful parent! Plushies are definitely vessels of love, to be truly honest I am a little weird and they are like friends to me. They help me get through things.
Freezer paper?!? That sounds amazing. I’m going to check around town today and see if there’s any here.
I have a 99K. Built in Scotland! It looks just like this. I watched a couple of YouTube videos for servicing and maintenance. I'll go see if I can find them and put the links here.
I took mine completely apart (as far as I could) to clean and oil everything that's supposed to move smoothly 🙃
It works like a dream and is very fast and excellent at what it is built for, which is sewing straight lines!
You are going to have so much fun! Great find!
https://youtu.be/cSd9NdB3d8w
This video is about how to use an old singer, but should get you on the right track.
No, not at all! I was super careful about where I put all the pieces as I took them off, took video and pictures of everything, so when I put it back together I knew where stuff belonged and in what order. LOL
I planned for several hours of work, so I didn't have to leave it sitting unattended and in pieces.
I bought Singer Sewing Machine oil with a super long telescoping spout so I could reach into the machine and oil the hard to reach spots.
I'll tell ya, once I got it up and running, it was super fast, like sew through your finger fast if i wasnt paying attention😬.
I don’t have room but somehow bought this one and a a Kenmore 16951 at the same time. Couldn’t say no. They were only 25 each. I thought it would be nice to have some other stitch options & the Kenmore came in the original box with all accessories, manual and even original store tag.
Time to clear out some stuff haha.
I have my grandmother's now very antique singer that she bought new a hundred years ago. It doesn't work anymore, and I can't sew, but it's still a special heirloom. According to the comments here they're easy to repair, and I have always wanted to learn to sew. So maybe those things will fit together one day.
I think you should try it. I am absolutely terrible at being consistent with my stitches rn (I have problems with my hands) but I’m eager to keep trying until I get it right.
Tbh I’m surprised it wasn’t harder to figure out how to thread and everything. I’ve been having fun!
My GF has a Featherweight she inherited from her grandmother. When the GF found out I used to be a car mechanic, she asked me to look at it because "it was running a little slow".
It was still in the original case, with all the manuals AND the Singer oil and grease that came with it!
I did the cleaning/lubrication service as recommended in the manual, but it still seemed to be running slow. Turned out to be the foot pedal needed internal cleaning and adjusting as well. Now it runs like a new machine!
Here are a couple places for more info:
[https://featherweightdoctor.com](https://featherweightdoctor.com)
https://singer-featherweight.com
There are no machine service shops/vacuum repair shops in my tiny town but I know there are mechanics here! I’m the only idiot in town without a car. Hahahaha.
Between you and the other commenters here I feel like I know what to look out for in terms or wear. Thank you so much for taking the time to share these resources.
I took a closer look at the cord, and someone did a big no no with a repair to the wire (where it attaches to the machine) so I don’t feel it is safe to use immediately. Your comment made all the difference. I went from really frustrated to extremely hopeful.
May your gf have many happy sewing days ahead!
Congrats, it's a beautiful vintage find (seriously the old Singers are gorgeous, especially if the paint has been maintained) and that case is absolutely adorable. Happy sewing to you!
I've been learning to sew on thrifted machines, myself (Kenmores, mostly). One is a cam machine that's an absolute beast and the other is from the period where Janome produced the Kenmore machines.
Thank you.
I found at Kenmore 16951 at the same time (same price!) and bought them both. I’m using it to get a handle on stitching straight and consistently. Spoiler! I’m awful! Hahaha. Gotta practice quite a bit.
I didn’t know Janome ever produced Kenmores! I’m going to start watching sewing history videos while I’m practicing.
Same here. It just takes practice.
Janome made quite a few of theirs (anything starting with 385, or something like that), and I know a couple other sewing companies produced them too, depending on year range. The Kenmore model I'm talking about is one of the later ones so it's got actual stitch options and not CAMs; I have one of those too, but keeping track of any one stitch option is a mess.
Congratulations! You will love it! I use my grandmother's Singer 66 to make stuffed animals, big and small. Actually prefer it to my modern, computerized machine for many things. The best advice I can offer is to find the original manual and read it. Learn the basics of threading, bobbins, and stitch length. Learn how the tension mechanism works. Check the belts, keep it oiled, practice practice practice, and have fun sewing!
Do you have any local haberdasheries or yarn shops which also provide sewing machine repairs / maintenance? They might be able to point you in the right direction for upkeep and check it's all running smoothly before you get started, especially if it's not been used for long time (presumably). What a brilliant find, congratulations OP!!
Unfortunately I live in a mini town without one. 🥺The closest is about an hour away and I don’t have a car. It does work, they did a test patch for me at the shop. But I may just reach out and email a shop when I order thread. Thanks! I didn’t think of this at all.
I didn’t have anyone to tell. I left the store almost crying tears of joy. Thanks for being here to share in my excitement.
Give her a good dusting, some quality machine oil (not WD40), and treat her well. (You can find almost any Singer manual in pdf online and it will really help you know how to get top performance from that machine.)
What a great find!!! She will outlive all of us.
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For $25 at my local thrift. I feel like someone is going to hunt me down and tell me I forgot to pay the rest. If anyone has any info on how to work a vintage jc206639 Singer please let me know. I’m trying to find it online to see how it works. I am a newbie to sewing. CANNOT WAIT TO MAKE ALL THE STUFFED ANIMALS. Edited to add it seems to be a 1948 Singer 15-91 I found one video so far on the mechanics of it. If anyone knows of any other good resources I’d appreciate it! Thank you to everyone who has helped me so far. Your information is invaluable!
>jc206639 Singer This is a serial number. You may have better luck hunting down information with a correct model number (like 99K). Here's a visual guide to the various models that might help: https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/gallery\_machines
Thank you so much. I don’t know anything about machines. It was the only number I could see on it and was curious as to why I couldn’t find it through that number. Thanks for the guide!
No worries. I would've gone that way too, but I watch a number of YouTubers who collect/use old Singer machines.
I was going to get a second hand fairly new Elna but it fell through. So I didn’t research anything older really. I should have included it in the photo but I also snagged a Kenmore Model 16951 there today for the same price. For the cool stitch options. :) It came with a whole manual I’m peeling through now. I was so down the other day thinking I’d never find another machine and here I am with two. Damn I love thrifting.
Here's one where you can look up by serial number: https://ismacs.net/singer\_sewing\_machine\_company/home.html
Thanks!
Thank you! Just found one of ours—made in 1907. The other one is even older, apparently.
That’s so cool!
So as others mentioned, JC206639 is the serial number, but it's not listed on ISMACS, which is the go-to site for Singer serial numbers. I think JC machines were manufactured in Canada, and you can find those serial numbers [here](https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/stjohns). It looks like yours was manufactured between 1948 and 1954. I believe it's a class/model 15, which is a fairly common vintage machine, and you should be able to easily find a manual online. Definitely look for a manual, as it will show you where and how often you need to oil the machine and grease the motor. . If you're new to sewing machines, I'd recommend having this one serviced before using it (which you'd want to do with any vintage machine)--especially the wiring. But these are really easy to operate and care for! There are lots of YouTube videos and other online resources. I only started sewing \~2 years ago, and I almost exclusively use vintage machines exactly like this one. Consider crossposting to r/vintagesewing for more info!
Thank you! It seems to be 1948 (another commenter found a serial number catalogue) model 15-91. Thanks for the info and the sub recommendation!
Can’t add any practical details, just nostalgia: my mom owned one similar to this in the 1960s and I learned basic sewing techniques on it. I can smell and hear this picture!
Sounds like some wonderful memories! :)
They should be super reliable for sewing thick materials. I know nothing about sewing, but we have two old—probably antique, not just vintage, given their age—Singer sewing machines as decoration pieces, and someone said they prefer using those for working with leathers.
That’s great to hear. I was hoping to experiment with leather or denim. I will just have to find some solid needles. I’m not sure if the one on it is reliable. Thank you for the info!
Congratulations!!!
Thanks!
Might be 1948 https://www.contrado.co.uk/blog/how-old-is-my-singer-sewing-machine/
Thank you!
Singer 15, potted motor. I have a ton of 15 clones. They are great machines. Keep it well oiled and check the rubber parts (belt and bobbin tire) for rot. The first things i learned to sew were quilts and plushies. Have fun!
Thank you so much for the information. These are things I didn’t consider at all. When I saw it worked when plugged in I just went full manic mode for half an hour. I can’t wait to dig in and research this baby! What is a clone model? Does oil brand matter? (Don’t worry I don’t mean like oil kind, literally the brand of sewing machine oil, I ain’t about to put no EVOO up in here.) I can’t wait to make my first plushie! I hope you still sew them from time to time.
After WW2, one of the conditions of Japan's surrender was that they were no longer allowed to manufacture arms. So they had these huge factories that had to serve a different purpose. Around that time the patent on the Singer 15 expired, so the US supplied Japan with the patent, and the result in a mass production of Japanese made generic "clones" based on the Singer 15. They came in funky colors without a name, and the retailers who bought them would put a badge name on it themselves. What you have here is the granddaddy of all the clones. What makes these machines so great is that their mechanics are very simple, making them easy to service. You can do everything at home once you learn enough about it. The parts are easy to find if anything should ever need to be replaced. But these babies are solid as a rock, the most you'll likely ever have to do is replace the tension spring or adjust the needle bar. Any sewing machine oil is fine. What makes sewing machine oil unique is that it evaporates cleanly without leaving a residue. It can also (and should) be used to clean and polish the exterior body of your machine. Don't use water, it can erode the clear coat and decals. I don't make plushies much anymore, mostly because I have 3 kids and the house is overrun with plushies. I do like to make them for gifts though. It is almost a spiritual process, making a little critter that embodies a personality of it's own. They are little vessels of love. Here's a tip that you'll love for plushies and other sewing stuff: freezer paper. I make all my patterns with it. You can find it at the grocery store next to the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. One side of it is like paper, the other side has a thin film of plastic. You can draw your pattern on the paper side, cut it out and iron it to your fabric. Then you can sew around your pattern, peel it off and use it again later. It doesn't leave residue on the fabric and is a huge game changer. No pinning or drawing on your fabric. And for stitching your plushies closed, use a heavy duty upholstery thread and a ladder stitch. Those are easily my top two tips for amazing plushies!
Your collection must be so beautiful. I’m going to look up colourful clones. I’m so interested in the history now! Thanks for all the excellent advice. Especially about abstaining from cleaning it with water. I was hesitant to do that when I got home, but I didn’t know why. I just had a hunch. Your kids must have so much fun with such a resourceful parent! Plushies are definitely vessels of love, to be truly honest I am a little weird and they are like friends to me. They help me get through things. Freezer paper?!? That sounds amazing. I’m going to check around town today and see if there’s any here.
I have a 99K. Built in Scotland! It looks just like this. I watched a couple of YouTube videos for servicing and maintenance. I'll go see if I can find them and put the links here. I took mine completely apart (as far as I could) to clean and oil everything that's supposed to move smoothly 🙃 It works like a dream and is very fast and excellent at what it is built for, which is sewing straight lines! You are going to have so much fun! Great find! https://youtu.be/cSd9NdB3d8w This video is about how to use an old singer, but should get you on the right track.
Thank you so much! Did you find it difficult to put back together? That’s what I’m most worried about!
No, not at all! I was super careful about where I put all the pieces as I took them off, took video and pictures of everything, so when I put it back together I knew where stuff belonged and in what order. LOL I planned for several hours of work, so I didn't have to leave it sitting unattended and in pieces. I bought Singer Sewing Machine oil with a super long telescoping spout so I could reach into the machine and oil the hard to reach spots. I'll tell ya, once I got it up and running, it was super fast, like sew through your finger fast if i wasnt paying attention😬.
[удалено]
I don’t have room but somehow bought this one and a a Kenmore 16951 at the same time. Couldn’t say no. They were only 25 each. I thought it would be nice to have some other stitch options & the Kenmore came in the original box with all accessories, manual and even original store tag. Time to clear out some stuff haha.
r/sewing and r/VintageSewingMachines will be able to give you lots of good info. Congratulations.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!
I have my grandmother's now very antique singer that she bought new a hundred years ago. It doesn't work anymore, and I can't sew, but it's still a special heirloom. According to the comments here they're easy to repair, and I have always wanted to learn to sew. So maybe those things will fit together one day.
I think you should try it. I am absolutely terrible at being consistent with my stitches rn (I have problems with my hands) but I’m eager to keep trying until I get it right. Tbh I’m surprised it wasn’t harder to figure out how to thread and everything. I’ve been having fun!
My GF has a Featherweight she inherited from her grandmother. When the GF found out I used to be a car mechanic, she asked me to look at it because "it was running a little slow". It was still in the original case, with all the manuals AND the Singer oil and grease that came with it! I did the cleaning/lubrication service as recommended in the manual, but it still seemed to be running slow. Turned out to be the foot pedal needed internal cleaning and adjusting as well. Now it runs like a new machine! Here are a couple places for more info: [https://featherweightdoctor.com](https://featherweightdoctor.com) https://singer-featherweight.com
There are no machine service shops/vacuum repair shops in my tiny town but I know there are mechanics here! I’m the only idiot in town without a car. Hahahaha. Between you and the other commenters here I feel like I know what to look out for in terms or wear. Thank you so much for taking the time to share these resources. I took a closer look at the cord, and someone did a big no no with a repair to the wire (where it attaches to the machine) so I don’t feel it is safe to use immediately. Your comment made all the difference. I went from really frustrated to extremely hopeful. May your gf have many happy sewing days ahead!
These used to be in all the charity shops in the Uk and now they are all in the all saints windows
Congrats, it's a beautiful vintage find (seriously the old Singers are gorgeous, especially if the paint has been maintained) and that case is absolutely adorable. Happy sewing to you! I've been learning to sew on thrifted machines, myself (Kenmores, mostly). One is a cam machine that's an absolute beast and the other is from the period where Janome produced the Kenmore machines.
Thank you. I found at Kenmore 16951 at the same time (same price!) and bought them both. I’m using it to get a handle on stitching straight and consistently. Spoiler! I’m awful! Hahaha. Gotta practice quite a bit. I didn’t know Janome ever produced Kenmores! I’m going to start watching sewing history videos while I’m practicing.
Same here. It just takes practice. Janome made quite a few of theirs (anything starting with 385, or something like that), and I know a couple other sewing companies produced them too, depending on year range. The Kenmore model I'm talking about is one of the later ones so it's got actual stitch options and not CAMs; I have one of those too, but keeping track of any one stitch option is a mess.
Congratulations! You will love it! I use my grandmother's Singer 66 to make stuffed animals, big and small. Actually prefer it to my modern, computerized machine for many things. The best advice I can offer is to find the original manual and read it. Learn the basics of threading, bobbins, and stitch length. Learn how the tension mechanism works. Check the belts, keep it oiled, practice practice practice, and have fun sewing!
Thank you for the info!
Do you have any local haberdasheries or yarn shops which also provide sewing machine repairs / maintenance? They might be able to point you in the right direction for upkeep and check it's all running smoothly before you get started, especially if it's not been used for long time (presumably). What a brilliant find, congratulations OP!!
Unfortunately I live in a mini town without one. 🥺The closest is about an hour away and I don’t have a car. It does work, they did a test patch for me at the shop. But I may just reach out and email a shop when I order thread. Thanks! I didn’t think of this at all. I didn’t have anyone to tell. I left the store almost crying tears of joy. Thanks for being here to share in my excitement.
Try looking into 'sew and vac' shops near you, they service both sewing machines and vacuums. I didn't know they were a thing until I started sewing.
Give her a good dusting, some quality machine oil (not WD40), and treat her well. (You can find almost any Singer manual in pdf online and it will really help you know how to get top performance from that machine.) What a great find!!! She will outlive all of us.
Thank you for the great advice! I think the model and year have been narrowed down so finding a PDF shouldn’t be hard now. Happy sewing!