Use It or Lose It: Singer 319W
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
Comments
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?
-Erika
http://sewingmachine221sale.bizland.com/store/page37.html
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But I am thinking if I understood it better maybe I could get it adjusted and be very happy with it! hoping...
thank you!
Do you know a way I can tell if the previous owner had the timing changed on it?
I am ordering the correct needles and waiting until then to try it out. The sample stitches she gave me looked OK, but I noticed a lot of loose threads or zigs that weren't formed perfect.
I then started reading the manual and playing with different feet. I learned how to machine hem- something I've never done.
Everything went sour when I decided to use the ruffler; another presser foot that I've never used. I couldn't get it to work and what's worse, now the thread won't catch the bobbin thread, so no stitches are formed when I try to sew.
I do know that my machine was retimed for regular needles, which is what I was using. They worked fine at first and now nothing. Any advice?
I'm also thinking if the machine was re-timed (meaning the needle bar was moved from the original position in order to facilitate the needle meeting the hook under the machine at the right time to form a stitch), the ruffler may not work correctly anymore since it relies on the correct movement of the needle bar to help create the ruffles as the machine stitches.
It sounds like the machine was knocked out of time, which may have happened if the needle bar hit the ruffler when you were trying to use it. You may need to have it serviced and re-timed.
There are original needles still available for this model, which you can find by doing an internet search for the correct type/size of needle. I do know that it has been common practice to re-time this machine in order to use standard needles, but my personal feeling is that this model works best when using the original recommended needles and is timed as such. In this way, all accessories work normally in conjunction with the machine, and there's no chance of having an "uh-oh" moment like this one.
Good luck to you with your 319, they are great machines!
-Erika
Is it possible that it was knocked back to the original timing? And is it possible to retime it myself?
I just inspected it again, trying to see if I could figure our how to retime it. What I realized was that there was something that looked like a rock stuck in the needle bar. It originally looked like it was part of the metal machinery, but when I pried it out, the machine worked perfectly again! Hooray! It's a real green machine now!
Also, was able to get the ruffler going- that worked also!
Thanks so much! I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Anna
-Erika
Can someone please help me with an approximate value? I don't know how and don't like to sew.
Any help would be appreciated.
regcade@hotmail.com
Any help www regcade@hotmail.com.
Thank you.
While I can't help you personally with finding a value for your machine, the article above has lots of information to help you research to find a value on your own. Best of luck to you!
-Erika
Thanks for any info you can give me! bless you and what a lovely machine! :) Julia
My e-mail is scynthia255@yahoo.com
Erika
I was thrilled and surprised when I open the parts box to discover an original twin needle!! It also came with plenty of good size 16 needles, which I cannot find anywhere. I have ordered enough size 14 needles to last a long time. I wonder if the seller either did not know what he had, or did not know how difficult (impossible?) it is to find size 16 and twin needles for this machine. This also came with a complete set of fashion discs, so I am going to have a lot of fun trying the different stitch combinations.
I have 8 other older Singers, and two modern machines, but this one is going with me to a quilting retreat next week. I think this machine will be my new favorite.
My green machine 319k has an aftermarket bobbin case that allows use of 15x1 needles without re-timing. Bought through Cindy www.annebonnyslocker.com.au
I really like the large harp space these machines have 8 x 5.5 inches as I sew bulky things like sail covers. Some things I don't like:
1. Short 4mm stich length. This was increased to 5mm by modifying the stich length indication cover plate. This allows full throw of the lever.
2. Synthetic fiber belt - my belt is showing wear and will need replacement in the near future. Sewing parts online sell an aftermarket version for $55; no where near as expensive as a Pfaff 130 belt. I am handy so prepared to fit this myself.
I inherited this machine from my husband grandmother in 2004. We had it cleaned for use but I didn't use it because I was scared, also I learned on a Bernina, and I housed my sisters machine for 10 years.
Now I had to give my sister back her bernina. I got out this singer, which now I'm in my 30's and i have a better appreciation for old machines and more patients to learn. So far I am figuring it out, but that belt pretty much disintegrated l, so now it doesn't work again.
Two solutions to the unusual needle problem.
(1) Buy a modified bobbin case (for example, from Cindy Kitts Productions in Australia - on the internet) whcih allows normal 15 x 1 needls to be used. I did, and they work perfectly on my 319 and 320.
(2) DBX1 industrial needles, a common type available in all sizes, are the same as 206 x 13 needles but have a round (cf flat) shank. if installed the correct way around, I read that they work perfectly too.
One of the best domestic machines ever made.
Mark Smale (New Zealand)
I love my girls: a superb offering of a commercial machine to the industrious domestic sewer..RE bobbin cases and needles; the DB1 series is industrial and rnd shank possibly problematic to the home sewer, so the 206x13 flat shank solved that issue (somewhat)..plenty sweet DB1's available, yay. Go crazy!
In my experience the only way that the bobbin cases CAN POSSIBLY be damaged in the way your images describe is IF THE BOBBIN CASE IS NOT PROPERLY INSERTED ONTO THE POST AND LATCHED IN! END OF SERMON. I have seen repeatedly an accretion of dirt, thread detritus, oil etc in that rather small but critical space, and notice that the fine enclosed spring which pushes the latching part cannot properly move the latch into the groove around the post. No 'snap', bobbin unsecured..check it out. If bobbin is properly secured, the needle can only move into the 'half moon' area, any other result is faulty. Alternative bobbin cases are easy to source, but you still need to be aware of the above issue. Stay off the 'loud pedal' until you have proven the sweet running of your baby. Then FLOOR IT! LUVYEZALL,
STEPHEN, Australia
My beautiful 319W followed me home and with some cleaning, new bobbin case, and cord has run beautifully.
Except; when exploring the zigzag, including using the largish, screw in and out next to the stitch length, I must have put it into reverse. And it is stuck now in reverse.
The stitch length lever originally would move up and down but the length remained the same regardless of the setting. Got it adjusted with some heating and application of oil at the beginning of the lever.
I have tried heat, oiling again, also moving that big screw in and out, without succes
And advice, ideas? Many thanks!
A few tings I learned: this has a synthetic timing belt. Like cars use now, but this was 1954!Also, apparently Singer designed this first zigzag machine using Pfaff designs after they became public domain. Certainly Singer was an industry leader, so this is kind of a big deal. Mechanical things do not stop me, and I'm a retired electrician, so I'll not be bothered by such problems. A lot to like about these.
IMHO, they rival any contemporary European machine for being strong, smooth and quiet.
They are so good that I am willing to sell my Rocketeer and 401A machines!
I use DB 1 needles in my machines, they are the perfect length and are easy to buy from any source that supplies industrial customers.
I run 15x1’s in my 319 without issue, even with the Singer bobbin case. I installed the pfaff case just in case though…