Old Singer Sewing Machine Repair Manual No Bobbin Case

The Old Singer Sewing Machine without bobbin case is a classic mechanical sewing device featuring manual operation, cast iron construction, hand-crank or treadle power, straight stitch capability, tension adjustment, presser foot, needle clamp, feed dogs, and shuttle mechanism. This manual covers safety guidelines, machine features, setup instructions, operation procedures, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair techniques for vintage Singer models missing bobbin cases.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Cast iron body, hand wheel, tension discs, presser foot, needle bar, feed dogs, shuttle race, bobbin shuttle (no case), stitch length lever, reverse mechanism.

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines when operating vintage sewing machines.

1. Keep fingers away from moving needle and shuttle area during operation.
2. Unplug or disengage power source before cleaning or maintenance.
3. Use proper lighting to ensure clear visibility of working area.
4. Store machine in dry location to prevent rust and damage.
5. Handle sharp needles and tools with care to avoid injury.

WARNING! Never operate with loose clothing or jewelry that could catch in moving parts. Always turn hand wheel toward you only.

Machine Setup

Proper setup ensures optimal performance of your vintage Singer.

1. Place machine on stable, level surface at comfortable working height.
2. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle with flat side toward back, tighten securely.
3. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension, engage winder mechanism.
4. Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into shuttle race with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
5. Thread upper path: Follow numbered guides from spool pin through tension to needle.

CAUTION! Ensure machine is clean and lubricated before first use after storage.

Specifications

• Machine Type: Vintage Singer straight stitch
• Power Source: Hand crank or treadle operated
• Stitch Type: Straight stitch only
• Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
• Needle System: 15x1 household needles
• Bobbin Type: Class 15 bobbin, no separate case
• Thread: Standard sewing thread up to size 40
• Weight: Approximately 30-40 lbs (cast iron body)
• Materials: Cotton, linen, lightweight wools, synthetics

Controls and Components

Understanding your machine's controls ensures proper operation and adjustment.

Main Controls: Hand wheel, stitch length lever, tension dial, presser foot lever, reverse lever, bobbin winder disengage.

Adjustments: Upper tension (higher numbers = tighter tension), stitch length (higher numbers = longer stitches), presser foot pressure (spring-loaded automatic). Needle position: Centered for straight stitch. Feed dog height: Fixed position for fabric feeding.

Threading Procedure

Correct threading is essential for proper stitch formation.

1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
2. Place thread spool on spool pin.
3. Follow threading path: Through first thread guide, around tension discs, through take-up lever, down to needle.
4. Thread needle from front to back.
5. Pull bobbin thread up: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel to lower and raise needle, pull bobbin thread up through needle plate.

Tip: Always thread with presser foot raised to release tension discs.

Basic Operation

Mastering fundamental sewing techniques with your vintage Singer.

1. Position fabric under presser foot, lower presser foot lever.
2. Hold both thread tails toward back of machine.
3. Turn hand wheel toward you to make first few stitches.
4. Continue turning hand wheel at steady pace for consistent stitching.
5. Use reverse lever at beginning and end of seams to lock stitches.
6. Adjust stitch length for different fabric weights and sewing purposes.
7. Guide fabric gently - let feed dogs move fabric automatically.
8. Raise presser foot to remove fabric, trim threads close to fabric.

WARNING! Never force fabric or pull while sewing - let machine feed naturally.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance preserves your vintage machine's performance.

Daily: Brush out lint and dust from bobbin area and feed dogs. Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil. Monthly: Clean tension assembly and check for worn parts. Storage: Cover machine when not in use, store in dry location.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil - never household oils which can gum up mechanisms.

Common Repairs

Basic repairs you can perform on your vintage Singer.

Parts Identification

Key components of vintage Singer sewing machines without bobbin cases.

• Head: Main casting containing working mechanisms
• Bed: Flat work surface with needle plate
• Arm: Vertical section holding upper mechanisms
• Shuttle Race: Housing for bobbin shuttle mechanism
• Bobbin Shuttle:Oscillating shuttle that holds bobbin directly
• Tension Assembly: Spring-loaded discs controlling thread tension
• Take-up Lever: Moves up and down to control thread flow
• Presser Bar: Holds presser foot and applies pressure