Singer 1120 Mechanical Sewing Machine - Page 6 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Download a free manual at this site - http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html

Look on ebay, I have seen leather tyreadle belts on there.

Set the tension to the number recommended in the manual for the type of fabric you are sewing.

The manual will also indicate the needle size according to fabric. Make sure when you change needles that the flat side is toward the back of the machine.

Always thread a sewing machine with the presser foot up.

This opens the tension and lets the thread "seat" into the tension and then the thread can be properly feed to the needle according to the tension setting.

You do not remove it, but you can disengage it. I cannot address the particulars without a model number.

I would un-thread and remove the bobbin and then try the foot control.

If the needle does not go up and down, check the bobbin winder to be sure it is not engaged.

If the machine works with out string/thread, re-thread with the presser foot up.

Check the insertion of the bobbin into the bobbincase to be sure the thread is feeding from the bobbin spool in the correct direction.

Sometimes it is better to open the manual, lay it next to the machine, read and apply each step as you go through the pages, especially bobbin winding and threading.

I hope something will work this out for you.

http://www.singerco.com/resources/operation_basics.html

You have a model 221 which was made on May 24, 1938 at the Elizabethport factory in Elizabethport, New Jersey. There were 20,000 of those made during that particular run which may have been over a few days.

Its value depends on its overall condition and what someone is willing to pay for it. Sight unseen, I would estimate market value for that machine in good running order at between $250 and $400.

Hi! Oh, I just love old Singers! If you wanted, it would be fairly easy to get your grandmother's machine up and running again. . . .Talk about saving energy! (Plus the workout is great!)
Anyway, back to your question: Serial number AF652997 was made sometime around 1935 - 1938 at Singer's Elizabethport factory. To find out the model, you can email Singer at [email protected] or call them at 1-800-4-Singer. They've always been very helpful.
Happy Sewing!!
Robbie

Hi! There are thread stands for the big cone of thread that you can buy. They stand off to one side or behind the machine, with a hook or guide at the top. The thread feeds through there and then onto your machine.
If you're a crafty-type person, one could probably be made from a dowel rod, a square base (for stability) that the dowel rod would fit into with some sort of hook or eye at the top. I haven't made one since I don't use cones of thread except on my serger, but I think it would be fairly easy to made. .
Hope this helps.
Robbie

It sounds like you have a burr on the hook that picks up the thread. You would have to take out the bobbin case and file it off with a very fine sandpaper

The top tension dial is usually standard set on #3. The rest have nothing to do with tensions but make sure that your foot that you put the fabric under is up before you start threading the top

All of the stitch catagories with color coded so the stitch color has to match with the stitch length color and the stitch width color.

Singer sells manuals on their site (a few you can download for free) at http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html.

unfortunately not really available in the Uk, you need to work for a sewing machine retailer.

Try here:

http://safemanuals.com/user-guide-instructions-owner-manual/SINGER/1120-_E

(The download link is over on the right hand side of the page)

Normally there are a bunch of metal parts that rub together to make the up/down motions from the spinning motor. These are located on the top (near the red thread in your photo). The whole top of the case has to be removed with a few screws. Use very little oil so it doesn't splash/spray onto your fabric. Just touch the oiling bottle to the metal and squeeze slightly until you see some gloss appear on the metal. Move the parts by hand to work the oil in.

The bobbin area also has to be oiled. Remove the metal frame that holds the bobbin. Oil the outside curve (away from the thread). Wipe off excess so you don't get your thread oily. Keep your hands clean so you don't smear oil on any thread or fabric. I like to wash before putting it back together.

It should should very smooth. Oiling the bobbin frame (I don't know the real name) makes the biggest difference in sound - it should be much quieter.

found a joker who actually repairs these machines. Have a good day

Deep breath and start at the beginning, make sure the presser foot is up before you thread the machine, top tension should be about 4 or 5, make sure the thread has gone between the discs, make sure the bobbin is turning anti clockwise in the bobbin case, you should only just be able to pull the thread through with slight resistence, if it is too tight loosen the scew on the bobbin case about a quarter of a turn and test, repeat if you have to, remember that Singer machines do not work well with thread that is not mercerised, if the thread is not being pulled through at all then the chances are the machine will need retiming.

You canb only oil the moving parts that you can see very lightly with WD40

The belt may have come off or may be slipping and the only way to check is to get inside the machine which will be very difficult if your machine has a two piece body