Old hand operated sewing machine - i'm utterly clueless

[Hayley]

I recently decided I'd like to have a go at a few crafty things to keep me occupied during the long dark nights. I got a little carried away after a few episodes of Kristie's homemade home and such like and brought an old hand operated sewing machine.

The problem is I have never sewed anything in my life let along used a sewing machine. I've tried looking on utube but haven't managed to find anything of much use. Can anyone give me an idea how to set it up and make something simple just to get me started?

Many thanks in advance.

[alldigging]

You need to have a full bobbin and then thread the machine up.
Tilly and the Buttons: How to Thread Your Sewing Machine
How to thread a vintage round bobbin sewing machine - Singer 99K - YouTube
Having used both I think they're about the same enough to not make a huge difference BUT if you have a friend who sews you might find it loads easier to get some practical hands on advice.

[alldigging]

At school we sewed the machine empty along lined paper until we could do a straight line...

Then we did a hymn book cover (Oh yes! We knew how to .. erm rock and roll) and then a simple A line skirt.

[Dorothy rouse]

Oh, now this has brought back some memories, once you've got it threaded up, think a hand operated machine is probably a good one to start with, as you have more control, whereas an electric one speeds ahead until you get control. Just practice on some hems or similar. Think at school many years ago, we started with hand sewing! I remember having to make an apron, to use in domestic science, (as it was called back then,!)

[Two_Sheds]

I ... brought an old hand operated sewing machine.

Why?

whyohwhyohwhyohwhy make life difficult? when modern well-equipped machines cost around the £100 mark

[veggiechicken]

Why?

modern well-equipped machines cost around the £100 mark

Perhaps that's why!! £100 is a lot to shell out when you don't know what you're doing.

[Bren In Pots]

I love old sewing machines I've got 3 treadle ones, 2 of them are in working order and the third houses my electric machine.

Hayley what model is your machine if you tell us that we can help with info.

[Jeanied]

I have an old long bobbin hand crank machine - it is great for straight sowing - in fact it came on a canal boat holiday with me!

[Hayley]

I've always liked the look of the older traditional sewing machines and thought it would be easier to learn with. I have been looking at electric sewing machines but I'd prefer not to spend that much until I know if its something I enjoy or not.

I'm not sure that type I have, it looks like something Victoria (it also looks like it needs a good clean!)

Heres a few pictures

[Dorothy rouse]

I learnt by hand, then progressed to a hand one, then a treadle, then electric, think a cheap hand one is a good place to start, see how you get on, then progress, if you don't get on with it, then at least you haven't wasted lots of cash.

[Dorothy rouse]

Oh Hayley, it's really rather lovely. Hope you do enjoy learning on it.

[Bren In Pots]

Hayley that's a lovely old machine I've found the same model its called 'Original Victoria' :-

Mundlos Sewing Machine and here Mundlos - NeedleBar Picture Library Archive

then a youtube clip that shows you how the thread the machine:-

Original Victoria - 1896. - YouTube

[Hayley]

Oh wow thanks Bren! *runs off to study*

[Hayley]

Well I've managed to get the shuttle loaded and working just the top threading to master now

[Jeanied]

Mine was almost the same, Hayley - a 'long bobbin'. You have done the hard part which is loading the bottom bobbin - the top threading is fairly easy from pictures.