It's NOT Broken!! (Singer Vintage Darning & Embroidery Attachment)
I found this Singer Darning and Embroidery attachment quite some time ago. I wrongly assumed that it was defective because it wasn't spring loaded like the modern darning/free motion feet. I just didn't understand how it could work correctly without that spring action. So, I soaked it in Liquid Wrench and Break-Free hoping to "fix" it. Well, still no spring action after soaking for weeks! I had a hunch that I should just try it as-is.
SUPRISE! It works perfectly!. The design is actually quite ingenious. Instead of using a spring in the foot, it uses the spring action of the presser bar assembly on the machine. It's carefully designed so that it doesn't lift the foot enough to disengage the tension, but just enough to allow you to freely move the fabric about. Then it comes down and holds the fabric at the correct moment in the stitch formation process so that a nice stitch is formed!
| The part number is 160718. It appears to be the same foot that was sold in a set (no.160719). The set included the feed cover plate that is required for the 221 since the dogs don't drop on that model. But guess what?? the 160718 works great with the feed cover plate from the buttonholer too! It would probably work with just about any cover plate that fits on the featherweight. For the other low shank machines like the 201 or 15-91, no cover plate is needed- you can just drop the feed dogs. |
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Here it is installed on a Singer Featherweight model 221. The first thing to take note of is how it is not installed on the left side of the presser bar like most feet and attachments. It's put on the other side and as a result it uses a special attachment screw. |
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Here, the needle is all the way up. Notice how the bottom "loop" portion of the foot is up as well. This allows you to control the movement of the fabric, and the resulting stitch design. Below is the attachment installed without a feed cover plate. This is an option when you want more space under the foot or if the feed dogs drop on your machine. If the feed dogs don't drop, then make certain to set the stitch length to zero so that the machine doesn't feed the fabric and you can control the movement instead.  |
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Here you see that as the needle enters and exits the fabric, the "loop" is down. This holds the fabric down to insure proper stitch formation. This is designed alot like the cherished vintage machines- simple, sturdy effective and long lasting! You will find that this vintage foot isn't as plentiful as some of the other, more common feet, but if you find one, you've found a gem! |
I love your website! I check back regularly. One question I that always occurs to me and now I think I will ask is what kind of camera do you use? your photo's are fantastic!
Thanks for the compliment.
The photos on this bolg /site have been taken with a variety of cameras. They are: Kodak Z30, Panasonic FZ28, Pentax K2000 and Pentax K-7.
Interesting find and, likewise, I agree.
Nice photos..
I have a really stupid question about the vintage 301 singer: How does the zigzagger work if the needle plate just has a tiny hole? Is there a different needle plate to attach?
Thanks
The zigzag attachment doesn't and can't make the needle move side to side like a real zigzag stitch on a zigzag capable machine. With a zigzag attachment, the needle continues to go up and down through the straight stitch hole. The attachment works by way of moving the fabric side to side, not the needle.
Personally, if you want a slant needle, gear driven machine that can do zigzag, don't buy any attachment. Buy a Singer 401, 403, 500 or 503. They can zigzag on most any fabric. Meanwhile, the zigzag attachments for the straight stitch machines like the 301 only work on stiffer types of fabrics- nothing lightweight or stretchy.
Thanks for your reply. I actually have been looking for another older singer that does just a bit more than my 301.
Well, my blog has been lacking a review fo the rocketeer styled slant-o-matic 500 and 503 machines for a while, and I am getting one of each ready for photos and the reviews. As luck would have it , the 503 is almost done However, I've been debating about postponing listing it unitl after Christmas. Nonetheless, keep an eye on the blog and my eBay listings as it will be coming soon!