How to Find Parts for a Vintage Sewing Machine

In the sewing machine arena, vintage doesn't mean obsolete. In fact, numerous sewing machine companies responsible for the vintage machines are still in business. If you have a vintage sewing machine in your possession and are in need of parts, don't despair. Finding and narrowing your search for vintage sewing machine parts is easier than you think.

Instructions

1. Consider the age of your vintage sewing machine. A vintage machine is one manufactured between 1920 and 1970, give or take a few years. Antiques were manufactured prior to that and as far back as the 1860s.

2. Evaluate an older vintage machine to determine what model you have if the manual is missing. Note where the tension is, if the machine is nonelectric (operates by treadle, hand-crank or pulley) or electric (belt-driven or gear-driven), and out of what materials the knobs are made.

3. See if the overall body construction of the vintage sewing machine is purely metal. Most companies began phasing out machines fully constructed of metal for home use in the 1960s.

4. Look for labels or metal tags affixed on the machine that denote a manufacturer's model number. Accessory boxes, cases or sewing cabinets may contain identifiable numbers as well.

5. Compare manufacturing numbers on parts. Some parts for machines may have shared the same series of numbers.

6. Research the numbers to find the actual year of your vintage sewing machine. Consult with a reseller of vintage sewing machine parts if you need assistance. Identifying your specific machine makes locating parts easy.

Tips & Warnings

• Find similar parts between models manufactured close together if you can't find a part made specifically for your machine. Most parts are interchangeable.