Antique Sewing Machine Restoration

10/12/2026

UPDATE: this one was picked up by a young adult beginning to sew but others will be available as they are donated and cleaned up. Send me a private message if you have a machine you would like donated to young folks learning to sew…..(original post)I still have a free Singer 15-91 machine for a teen or young adult wanting their first sewing machine. Comes with a light, motor and manual and can stand on any desk without needing a base or cutout.

Send me a private message if interested and we can coordinate pickup.

Over 30 machines have been donated by folks in the area and given to teens this year and I’ll post more as they arrive and are tuned up and working.

10/09/2026

Lessons learned on putting a Singer 15 into a Singer 27 treadle table. This one came to me for restoration, including some modifications to the hinge mounts. The problem it fixed was to make the machine sit 1/4 inch back so it would clear the front of the hole in the table top. The problem it caused is it sat too far back to fold down completely due to the back of the machine hitting underlying layers of wood on the table top.

The correct fix is to use the model 15 table hinges which are 1/4 inch shorter, allowing the front to fit while still closing properly. I painted the replacement hinges to closer match the originals from the table and we will be ready for pickup this afternoon. Check out the restoration reel for more pictures: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JQXnN8VWv/?mibextid=wwXIfr@

10/06/2026

A customer up in Fayetteville TN wanted her grandma’s sewing machine restored for her mother. They are looking forward to reliving memories of when she first learned to sew! Several layers of old varnish darkened the table and hid the beautiful oak. It’s now restored with a final polyurethane finish so the glass of sweet tea doesn’t leave a ring (it’s a Southern thing, y’all…)😎

09/29/2026

Cleaned and adjusted Grandma’s serger for a teen who has her Grandma’s Singer 15-91. Keep these machines in the family when you can, the memories make them priceless vs common.

09/25/2026

These two donated machines were picked up today by a teen and her mom from down in Cullman. A new seamstress is now ready to start creating!

09/23/2026

This one is done and ready to go home! The machine was in perfect shape but the table top and painted edges had some scuffs and scrapes. All back to looking good and ready for another 75 years of sewing - now by the grandkids and great grandkids of the original owner.

09/22/2026

Working on the treadle table for a customer’s Singer model 27 “Grandma’s” machine. Once the finish sets and dries I will remount the machine and get it oiled and stitching.

09/21/2026

Working on a grandma’s model 15-91 in a cabinet. The machine is in excellent shape, but the top of the cabinet had some wear and scratches and the front painted edges were chipped. Standard Minwax refinisher and tung oil restored the top and new brown paint restored the edges. Once dry, we will put the machine back in and give it a full maintenance, oil and testing.

09/19/2026

3 free machines for teens or young adults learning to sew! A serger, a model 99 and a model 15. One mom and teen are coming by tomorrow to pick a machine, but that will still leave the other 2 needing a home. Send me a private FB message if you are interested.

09/17/2026

Here’s a website that consolidates information on the old Singer sewing machines, providing a good way to look up your serial number and find what you need! https://www.lrcrafts.it/find-vintage-singer-sewing-machine-info/?fbclid=IwdGRleAUYuvZwZG9mAWZkaWQWUOlD7gCZdL4vhB8cdofIWyokjLyJfmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHpQYcdUe6yehTn3XKOuJTjDzA5uaFJ8nHqxYZdtAhgBjN76Sq2EML01jFLcq_aem_NpzuUq2RMYFFEZyBnx9-eQ

Quick, documented, accurate identification, manuals and resources: insert Singer serial number to get machine model, year, decals or factory.