If you are a collector, or if you just like vintage sewing machine, then you should have been with me when I reviewed the Singer 99 at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center.
Singer 99
This is one of those sewing machines that when new, came either with electric power or a treadle. The machine I reviewed was portable and wired for electricity.
At A Glance
I knew I was in for a treat when I saw the distinctive wooden case. I was certainly not disappointed when the cover was lifted to reveal a true sewing classic.
The distinctive wooden case
If this sewing machine were an automobile, I would have to put it in the class of Ford’s very popular Model T. Like the Model T, the Singer 99 continued the Singer tradition that made it possible for every home to have a sewing machine.
The bobbin winder located on the right
Although the chrome on the balance wheel is practically all worn off, the Singer 99 that I reviewed still has the original Singer gold decals and shiny black patina.
It also has a drop in bobbin and works with size 66 bobbins. The bobbin winder and stitch length control are located on the right side of the machine.
The tension adjustment dial, which is located on the left side of the machine and the tension discs are situated just above the needle.
Features
The Singer 99 is a barebones sewing straight stitch sewing machine. There is no on board needle threader, no thread cutter or ruler… none of the things we are accustomed to seeing on newer sewing machines.
It doesn’t even have a foot pedal or a seam guide. What it does have is a knee control and the ability to make some of the most beautiful stitches I have ever seen.
Working on the Singer 99
The bobbin winding mechanism on the Singer 99 is quite interesting. There are several steps involved, in the process, but when you get the hang of it, I discovered that it really isn’t any different from the bobbin winders on newer sewing machines.
The tension adjustment dial located on the left
I sometimes marvel at how efficient they were when they were putting these antique sewing machines together. The owner’s manual is written in extremely basic language. While there are diagrams, you aren’t forced to rely upon them to figure out what to do next.
Threading the Singer 99 is a little complicated for those people who are accustomed to modern sewing machines that come with detailed step by step threading guides.
If you are not familiar with the way vintage sewing machines were assembled and how they operated, you would definitely have to refer to the owner’s manual to thread this one.
But like winding the bobbin, once you get the hang of it, it all makes perfect sense and you will be able to thread the Singer 99 as quickly and easily as you thread any brand new sewing machine. Since the Singer 99 is a straight stitch only sewing machine, there were no stitch patterns to test.
I did, however, play around with the stitch length dial and discovered that regardless of the length of the stitch, the Singer 99 produced some of the prettiest, best formed stitches I have seen in a very long time.
Pretty, best formed stitches
Fabrics
- Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
- Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
- Knits(Medium to heavyweight only)
- Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
- Upholstery
- Leather/suede
- Fur
- Reptile skin
- Canvas/Twill
- Plastic/Rubber
- Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers
Accessories
The Singer 99 that I reviewed had no accessories with the exception of the knee lift. A review of the owner’s manual downloaded from the singer site showed that the accessories included with the original Singer 99 included:
- 6 presser feet
- Standard straight stitch foot
- Hemmer foot
- Binder foot
- Zipper foot
- Gathering/shirring foot
- Ruffler
- Seam guide
- Lint brush
- Oil dispenser
- Screwdrivers
- Feed cover plate
Optional accessories, which could be purchased separately include:
- Buttonhole maker
- Blind stitcher
- Bias gauge
- Edge stitcher
- Quilter
- Adjustable hemmer
- Tucker [for making pintucks]
Maintenance
| After each use | Monthly* | Once Each Year** | As Needed | |
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | ||||
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | ||||
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | ||||
| Lubricate | ||||
| Service by sewing machine repair professional |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
There is no way I would recommend the use of a vintage sewing machine for a beginner… that is unless they are interested in working with vintage sewing machines.
There are a few places like Think Outside the Store in Silver Spring, Maryland, where students actually prefer to work on antique sewing machines.
If you are one of those people who like to collect vintage sewing machines, you absolutely must get your hands on the Singer 99. It was one of the very first portable sewing machines ever produced for home use.
It not only revolutionized home sewing, it also made it possible for people who did not have space in their homes for a full size treadle sewing machine to have the convenience of sewing in the comfort of their own homes.
Although vintage sewing machines are not for everyone, I strongly suggest that everyone who is truly interested in sewing at least sit down and spend a few minutes working on the Singer 99, or one of the other sewing machines of this era.
Having the experience of sewing on an antique sewing machine will not only be a fun experience, it will also give you a greater appreciation of the workmanship that went into those old machines. In addition, you will be better able to appreciate the sewing machines you have at home.