I'm up to machine #8 in the inventory of sewing machines in my collection. This is a c.1954 Singer 319W. I thrifted this machine long, long ago and far away, but it needed re-wiring and I just never got around to it - until now. The 319W was one of Singer's first "swing needle" or zig-zag machines ever made. It was equipped with 5 built-in specialty and decorative stitches, each engaged by flipping up a lever on top of the machine near the handwheel.
The 319W also has a 6th lever, which along with a knob on the front of the machine allows for the use of cams (Fashion Disks) to create additional stitch patterns. Although were originally 30 Fashion Disks available, I only have 8 of them.
This machine was in an old, broken down cabinet which I trashed after thrifting this machine. The previous owner had re-wired the machine to get it into the cabinet, and there were exposed wires sticking out all over the place. So, first order of business was repairing and correctly wiring the machine which we did a few days ago.
And it sews! I tested out all of the built-in stitches in the 319W. Looks pretty good, but I really had to fiddle with the thread tension. A lot. Ugh, I had a feeling this might happen, because this is what the bobbin case looked like:
This machine takes a very odd needle size, a 206 X 13 instead of the most common 15 X1 needles. The 206 X 13 is a shorter needle, and if you place the 15 X 1 in the machine, not only will it make a really crappy excuse for a stitch, but the needle may hit the bobbin case causing it to crack or bend. Which, obviously, someone has done here. So, second order of business was to order a new bobbin case.
And now it sews MUCH better! Here are stitches from some of the Fashion Disks I've collected. Not too shabby, and an ingenious way to create extra stitches for a machine. If you want more decorative stitches, buy more cams!
I think this is one of those machines that people either love or hate. Looking around, I saw some reviews on the Singer 319W that called it loud and clunky. But seriously, this machine runs quieter than the many other vintage machines, and makes just the smoothest stitches ever! Makes me wonder if those nay-sayers weren't using the wrong sized needle with their 319W's. I'm definitely loving this machine, and it is definitely a keeper. In fact, I have a cabinet from a broken down Pfaff 130 that only needs a few minor adjustments for the 319W to pop right in. Yay!
If you'd like to see some of the other machines in my collection, you can click back to read about these oldies but goodies:
#7. 1957 Singer 221
#6. 1934 Singer 99-13
#3, #4, and #5. 1922 Singer 66, C.1900 Vibrating Shuttle, and Singer 114K103
#2. 1919 Singer 128
13 comments:
You've done it again! These machines are lucky to have someone like you who is willing to lovingly restore and use them. Glad this one is a keeper.
I have not ever seen one of these in the thrift stores, but I love the levers. It reminds me of an old typewriter. Where did you buy your specialty needles? I'm glad you are keeping it!
What a beautiful machine.
How did you even know there was such a needle size and length? Your patience and attention to these vintage machines are amazing!
Where did you find the special needles at?
Thanks everyone for your comments! Donna, thankfully I found a copy of the manual which lists the needle size. Michelle, I bought the needles years ago through a seller on e-bay, I'd suggest looking there.
Hi, I just got a 306K from Goodwill for $21.65 with cabinet and extra feet. Mine is a beige color, I like the black one better. Do you know how to find the serial number on these models? Thanks. jim
Hi there Jim - I believe the serial number is stamped underneath the machine. That is where I found it on my 319W. Happy stitching!
i'm helping my grandmother in law clean out her spare bedroom, and we found her old Sing 319 W, its been collecting dust in its table since 1958, she forgot all about it until we found it, it works perfect, i'm not sure on the date it was made, she remembers buying it brand new Aug, 1956, she said they moved in 58 to Japan cause her husband was stationed over there and it went into storage, when they moved home to America, it became a night stand and a tv table and been ever since. I plugged it in today after cleaning off so much dust workes perfect, belt seems to have tiny cracks from old age most likely, but it looks brand new under the table top. i know she said she plans on using it now, but we were trying to figure out if anyone could tell me ruffly how much it is worth
Hi there Thomas Allen! That is a great find from your Grandmother in law. It is very difficult to put a price on a machine, especially without seeing it in person and sewing on it. There are many variables that go into pricing a vintage machine, such as overall condition of the machine, condition of the original case or cabinet for the machine, what original accessories still remain, etc. Sometimes I look online to see what similar machines have SOLD for as a good measure. Be careful, many people PRICE machines to sell online very high. Just because you see a similar machine listed for a high price does not mean that anyone would actually pay that amount, or that the machine is really worth it. Good luck!
I have a 319 W that runs fantastic! I call it the Sherman tank of sewing machines because it will sew through almost anything.
Your comments about the bobbin case are very accurate. If the standard needles lengths are used, the bobbin case will get all dinged up and the machine won't work very well. My bobbin case works but has a few dings.
Where did you find a good quality replacement bobbin case?
Hi John, nice to hear from you! Yes, this machine is like a tank, isn't it? I bought the replacement bobbin case through this online shop, and I'm including a link right to the page of replacement bobbin cases. I've been using this online shop for replacement Singer parts for many years with great results. Good luck with your 319 and happy stitching!
-Erika
http://sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/page37.html
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