Singer 191. Everything you need to know. Introduction to and threading a Singer 191. 1st time sewing
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- What is a Singer 191? When was it made and how do I set it up to be able to work with it (again)?
In this practical video I’ll show and tell you more about this nice and strong machine, a French 191b.
I have multiple vids online on Singer sewing machines. Feel free to watch more…
I have a lot of info in this video:
0:00 General info Singer 191
0:56 Needles
1:27 Bobbins
3:36 Threading
4:40 More info
6:20 Maintenance
Featured machine:
A fine French Singer 191b
Used royalty free soundtrack/music:
MydNyte - Noir Et Blanc Vie
Who Do You Think I Think You Are_ - Mini Vandals
Out On My Skateboard - Mini Vandals
#youtube #audiolibrary
Gear:
Camera: Sony PDW680 broadcast camcorder
Light: SmallRig RC-120b
Voice-over: Tascam DR60D-MII
Software: Final Cut Pro x
Note: English is not my native language. My sincere apologies for any mispronunciations! - Jak na to + styl
BRAVO!!! You are a Phenomenal Professional and teacher. I love my 191J from Quebec, Canada. Look forward to your future blogs.
Thank you so much Linda!!!
I'm glad you liked the video.
You made my day!
I have planned multiple videos - about the 319k, 221, 78-1, 20-10 and I'll reshoot the videos on the Singer 99 and 128. (But due to health issues I was unable to shoot for a couple of months.) So plenty more to come.
Enjoy your Singer and take care!
Thank you very much! I just inherited a black 191K1 from my Grandma.
This really helps a lot. It is rare to see videos about singer's 191 lineup. My mom had the 191U model
Glad to hear you liked this video! Thank you.
A 191U, from Japan. Nice machines!
Like the 191K, the 191U also has a different position for the needle (and threading through the needle) as my French 191b. Be aware of that!
I have multiple (short) videos on threading a 191b, winding a bobbin and cleaning and oiling your Singer 191. Maybe that helps too.
Take care and enjoy your machine!!!
Erik
Thank YOU , very well done .... I just restored a 191 R in Mexico.... Thanks again.
I enjoy watching your vintage sewing machine videos, specially anything about Singer 191J :D In the Philippines my vintage treadle Singer 191J is known as "de padyak" (the act of stamping one's feet on the treadle). Also since the insertion of the thread to the needle is from right to left it is known as "saliwa" (reverse)
Thanks, my 191k1 came from my mother. The minute 5:50 really help me.
I'm glad the video was able to help you.
Good luck!
Thank you for this video! There isn’t a lot of information or videos on the 191!
I'm glad you liked the video!
You're right, there is not much info on this heat machine. You have a 191 too? Enjoy your machine(s) and take care!
Hola Éric gracias por el video tengo una Singer 191B con motor externo cose perfecto pero se le dañó el devanador de hilo
روعة عرفت هسة
Hello Erik! Thank you for the video, super instructive! We inherited one from my grandma and are trying to get it to work. We have the needle in (top and bottom) but the needle does not go down and up when we press the pedal. Any tips on getting it to work? Thank you!!
Hi Melissa. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Your question: Why the needle does not move.
The most obvious reason (in my opinion) is the plate on the rear. On the balance wheel (on the rear) there is a round plate. You can loosen that plate in order to wind a bobbin without the needle moving. It that plate tight? It it is loose, turn in to your right. (3'03" in the video.)
The second reason I can think of has to do with the same plate. The washer inside can be mounted incorrectly. It's a simple task to refit it.
Let me know if the knob on the rear was the solution or not.
Good luck!
Merci beaucoup vous bien spikey
Nice vintage sweet like Belgium chocolate.
LOL!
Heartfelt thanks. I blindly bougth such a machine yesterday at a garage sale, and now, thanks to this video (and a little testing,) I feel confident in using it for good and long service. It feels great.
I still wonder though: Is there any special manipulation necessary to tilt back the machine in order to access its underneath? After having removed the stop on the right of my machine, I can only tilt it a little, but not "lay it on its side" as you do at 6:50, as is necessary to clean and lubricate the underneath parts.
Problem solved, I only had to apply more force than I thought reasonable, in order to overcome a resistance in the hinge that was probably due to age. Now that I've managed to tilt it once, it tilts without any difficulty.
Thank you so much for your message. I'm SO GLAD I was able to help you with your 191!!!
I LOVE the look and feel of the 191. It isn't a 201, but it's still a very good and capable machine.
Do you have a 191 with a hand crank or an external motor?
When I lay it on its side, I tilt it well over 45 degrees, even close to 90, BUT I have something beneath the machine holding its weight, to prevent it tipping over (because of the weight).
In every industry there is a 'magic' ... thing. In tv and video you have the Nichiban gaffer tape. When it comes to sewing machines: sewing machine oil (SMO). Apply SMO to get a stuck machine moving again, and/or to clean the inside AND the outside. But also to apply SMO to the hinges. It does the trick every time 🙂
Take case and enjoy you 191!
@@erikneek Mine has an external motor, no hand crank.
Underneath my machine is a metal device that holds it from tilting over 45° and allows it to rest so tilted. I can "deactivate" it to tilt the machine completely.
I won't fail to clean and lubricate the machine as it needs. I know that, just like for a bike and such mechanical devices, this is the condition for it's working smoothly, perfectly long.
The little testing I did made me wonder at the hemmer foot that came with the machine; and seeing your stitching through leather with this machine let's me expect great service from it.
@@simonguitton Nice, a motorized 191!
The system that allows you tilting the machine looks/sounds to me like the same mechanisme as being used in the Singer 206 and 306. Great to have that on your machine.
Although a 191 is a strong machine, if you want to use real heavy materials (like thick leather), you might want to keep your eyes open for an old industrial Singer. But if you do normal stuff the 191 will be a great machine.
Thank you for this video. I have this machine, mine does not like to hold its tension setting. Does mine need a new bee hive spring?
Hi Marie, Thank you for leaving a message.
The little bar INSIDE the tension unit can wear out, so in worst case scenario you can replace the unit or that little bar.
Personally I would start by disassemble the upper tension unit (piece by piece) and clean the discs first. Then put it back together and try again.
Start by doing that.
If that doesn't work you might want to order a tension unit online and replace yours.
Good luck, Erik
@@erikneek Thank you so much for taking the time to answer and sharing your knowledge.
Hi Eric, thanks so much for this video as it helped me figure out my newly acquired 191B operation. Do you know what the bobbin case part number is? I ask as my bobbin case doesn't have the tension plate for the thread whuch you show in the video. Instead it just has a 5mm straight channel leading into a 3mm? open hole, I think its the wrong case for my machine. Thanks in advance.
Hi Claire, thank you for for message.
The 191b is similar to the class 15 machines, like the 15k88 and 15m. Therefore the Simanco 125291 should fit. (I checked with my 191b.)
They are available online.
Good luck!
@@erikneek Hi Erik, thanks for this info. and for taking the time to check on your machine, I can order one now. My next challenge is identifying which feet are compatible as I'd like to track down a darning/ embroidery foot and some of the seam feet.
@@claireking1773 Good luck with that challenge. That shouldn't be that hard ;-)
Thank you for this video. I have recently acquired a 191U31. Information on this model is extremely limited. Hope you will continue to add videos for this specific model.
@@mcavila27 I'm glad I was able to help!!!
I have more videos on the 191 on my channel. At the moment I think I've covered most topics, including videos on threading and maintenance of the 191. I have no plans doing more videos on the 191, unless you have any ideas...
Take care,
Erik
Hi Erik, Your videos are a wonderfully helpful. How often do I need to oil the machine? (I have a 191B)
You will notice when you need to oil it - It will not run as smooth as it did before.
I read somewhere you can/need to oil it before every large project you're about to sew, or every 8 hours (continuously sewing). I do a quick oil check every project.
Hope this will answer your question.
Have a great Sunday, Erik
@@erikneek Thank you, New question, What type of light bulb does the 191B use? I know it uses a 240v and a 15w but I don't know what size of the bottom of the bulb so I don't know what to look for in order to replace it.
@@luv2bjustme392 Most vintage sewing machines bulbs have a bayonet connection, you know... with the 2 dots on it. Those are the ba15 type bulbs.
I did a video on replacing those bulbs in this video: czcams.com/video/Hz2FFSW_T6M/video.html
Make shure you have the correct voltage (220v or 110v). The LED bulbs have a MUCH lower power consumption (so a couple of watts apposed to the 15w on the older bulbs). The LED bulbs don't get hot! Real bonus!
My advise is to buy a daylight balanced bulb (around 5500 Kelvin).
((Note that some manufacturers make the bulbs in different ways, so you might have the luck they fit, or bad luck they wont fit.))
Good luck,
Erik
My question ? Do you have a video explaining the difference between the B model and the K i have a 191 but my hook is held in with a metal door not plastic like yours . Thanks
Hi, thanks for your message.
I try to illustrate as much as I can. Meaning: Showing what I'm telling.
Unfortunately I don't have a 191k. Only a 191b. So I cannot show the differences between those 2 versions.
The 191 is not the only one -- There are more machines far from similar to another machine made elsewhere. For example the 401G vs 401A. Those machines don't even look the same 🙂
Different factories had different manufacturing processes.
When I do have a 191k I will certainly make that video, especially for you! ;-)
Take care.
Is the 191j low shank, high shank or slant shank?
July 8, 2023 1:35 pm CST (Nashville, TN) Hi there! I have a Singer 191U. The upper thread is not catching and pulling up the thread in the bobbin.
-The needle is in with the flat side on the right. I threaded the needle from left to right (like I have since I was 5 years old. I’m 59 now).
-The bobbin is put in correctly.
-The release knob (that stops the needle motion when threading a bobbin) is tight.
-The needle does go up and down, but is not grabbing the bobbin thread.
Any ideas what’s wrong?
Thank you!
I enjoy your videos. I’ll keep watching. Hoping to find the solution.
Hi Cheryl. I'm glad you like the videos. Next video I will make is probably about the 319 OR the 78-1.
Your problem. I often have a slight idea what could be wrong. But in this case: I have no idea.
Have you tried a new needle. It's a long shot, but you might want to try that. I have to think about this one.
If you're in a hurry: There are some groups on Facebook on vintage Singer sewing machines. You can join such a group and post your question there.
I'll get back to you, Good luck
Erik
(2023July8th-22hr CET)
Hi Cheryl. Another day has passed and still I haven't had any (other) ideas on what the problem could be nor the solution. The only thing I would suggest is to replace the needle (and possibly another thread).
I'm sorry I cannot help you with your machine.
You might want to join a FB group on vintage Singers. Perhaps someone over there has THE solution.
Good luck!
(July10th2023, 09.30CET)
Sorry to dissapoint you, its in inches😂 but i love that oiler you used!
In inches? That IS disappointing hahaha LOL!!!!
Strange, since it is a French sewing machine.
Thank you for your message and take care
Hello,
I just fell for this model, and how you said, the hand cranked is not the ideal.
Do you know where and what kind of motor and pedal can I use to restore it ?
Thank you very much for your video that helped me a lot. 🙏
Hi Cecilia. Glad to agree: the 191 is a great machine. For some the hand crank is ideal because you can apply more force to the needle, compared to the bolt on motors. But I like to have both hands near my project, and that is impossible when you have a hand crank.
There are a lot of manufacturers of bolt on motors. I have a (new) YDK-motor on my 201 mark2 and it works like a dream. Doesn't costs much... 35 or 40 dollars or so. Be sure you buy the motor with the right voltage for you area.
Good luck!
So with this I can work with lether too I'm correct?
Hi!
These are domestic machines, made for fabrics (at home).
Yes, a manual domestic Singer CAN sew through thick materials but it is not made to do that. You can damage your machine.
For leather you need a machine which is made to sew through leather, so it needs power. You might want to search for a (vintage) industrial machine with an external motor under the table. Depending on the type of project you might want a walking foot or rolling foot/wheel.
There are A LOT of vintage Singer industrial machines on the market. Such as the Singer 31. Correct, that one was made for fabrics but it can handle leather without any problems.
Hope that answers your question -- Good luck!
@@erikneek ok maybe I missed something in the very good video, is this an other machine? 1:46
When I rotate the knob counterclockwise to decouple the needle well I wind a bobbin the needle still goes up and down and I'm not sure why this is a very great video thank you
Hi Richard.
Thank you for your message.
I can think of 2 reasons this happens.
[1] There is too much friction inside the machine. Solution: you might want to oil your 191. (Especially the rear/ oiling points near and on the balance wheel.)
[2] The washer INSIDE the decouple plate is not put together the right way. It is a possibility...
What you can do: Unscrew the little screw in the plate and then undo/unscrew that plate from your 191. Inside there is a washer with 2 of 3 pins. Turn it around and put it all back together. Test if it works. If not: Do it all over again until it works again. There should be a video on YT on this matter. It is not a big task and you cannot destroy your machine, so don't worry! You can do this!
Good luck!!!
@@erikneekThanks oil and a little run like new!!
@@richarda9961 job well done
Is there an explanation of why the 191K and the 191U have different needle orientations from your 191B?
That's an excellent question! But unfortunately I don't know why the French 191 is different to to 191 from the UK and Japan. I have no idea...
Funny thing: In the UK and Japan they drive ont he other/wrong side of the road, but that wouldn't be the reason 🙂
@@erikneek Thanks for the reply and the excellent video. I heard from someone that the 191K and the 191U have different bobbin case orientations. The K and U have the bobbin case positioning finger pointing at 1 o'clock, while all other models have the finger pointing at 11 o'clock.
I have a 191B with the belted motor but it's missing a bobbin case. Do you know the part number for the bobbin case for this machine. Here in Canada it's more common to see 191Js with the potted motor (and it has a different bobbin case).
My mistake, the 191B and the 191J take the same bobbin.
@@terrymcclean4582 Thanks for the clarification, but that doesn't answer the question you had posted.
If you look at the class 15 range, there are some sub models with a 11 o'clock bobbin case and 1 o'clock bobbin case. That I understand. But we agree on the question WHY. Why is a 191B different to a 191K/U?
It is a interesting topic.
Have a great day,
Erik
4:55: It´s probably stitches per inch (30 stitches per centimeter, imagine how tiny that would be!). This type of indicator plate was common on the British made machines. On my German made 215G the numbers are from 1 to 4 on the left, with the half steps (1,5 etc) on the right hand side.
Thank you so much for your message.
The machine in question is a French 191B by the way, so 30 stitches per centimeter would be possible... maybe.
Thanks again and take care.
@@erikneek Perhaps you could try it and look what it does?
@@zebulon9307 You're right - why not.
I will try it and leave a comment below my own video.
Thanks for the idea.
@@erikneek Erik, I did the Test on my machine ! (Class 215 G 4, outer appearance exactly like your 191, also with central bobbin. Same shape of the stitch indicator plate, only different numbers). The numbers go up to "4", and for a reason: on this point, the machine renders 4 stitches per cm (ca. 8 per inch, including first and last). On "1" the stitches are almost uncountable, I would guess 20 or so. I tried on cardboard.
By the way, the only visible difference between our both machines is the handwheel. Your´s is spoked while mine is solid material. It was sold as a treadle machine. Oh and I don´t have that black knob to lower the feed dog but a silver lever.
@@zebulon9307 Thank you so much for testing on your Singer 215G - Nice machines by the way!
I will do some testing with my 191b when I have the time. I'll let you know. It probably will have the same or similar results as your machine.
Again: Thank you for testing and sharing!
Neddle not moving up and down, can it be fixe
Absolutely Rachel. It takes some time but it can most likely be fixed. Use plenty of sewing machine oil and let it sit for a day or two. Check if it moves. If not: repeat what you’ve done.
I have a separate video on how to get a frozen machine running again. czcams.com/video/qAK4bjN7dgQ/video.htmlsi=j4KoVE1t916gWMl8
And a second video with another tip/hint.
Good luck!
I am having problems with the upper thread tension. Can you do a video of removing the upper thread tension and then reinstalling it. I have the manual but can't seem to follow the diagram and instructions....
Hi Shirley.
Thank you for the request.
I have to admit: A video is always better that written... stuff.
At the moment all filming is paused for a month or so. (Full schedule...) I'll put it on my to do list for late September.
If you can't wait that long: There are multiple videos that show you how to remove the upper tension unit on other Singer sewing machines.
The last time I replaced one is over a year ago: Simply unscrew (or loosen) the little screw that's hidden a little right of the tension unit. That should do the trick.
Good luck.
Take care, Erik
@@erikneek Hi Erik, thank you for your reply. I did follow one of the videos for removing and reinstalling the upper tension unit. I have the machine sewing now but every once in a while something happens and the upper spool of thread just spins wildly and wraps around the thread post. I am still trying to resolve that issue so will wait for your video unless you can suggest something else to look at. If you have any idea why the upper thread does that.
@@shirleytennant6783 To be honest: I have no idea why the upper spool does that. Seems to me there is too much friction which is then suddenly released. Are you sure you have threaded the machine as it should and the needle is inserted the right way?
If everything fails I turn to some facebook groups on vintage Singer sewing machines. There is a lot of knowledge there. And every problem has occurred to someone else before, so someone always has an answer to almost any problem.
You might consider joining a group, like the Vintage & Antique Singer Sewing Machines & Products group.
Good luck, Erik
@@erikneek I am a member of numerous groups, vintage & antique singer sewing machines being one of them. I think I am slowly gaining ground on the spool issue.....thanks
bang,mesin jahit singer 320k punya saya vanbelnya putus dan rusak seandainya di ganti vanbel karet tipe berapa bang?
I tried to translate your question to English and Dutch, but unfortunately I don't understand your question.
Bonjour
Jai la même machine et le levier pour monter et descendre le pied de biche est bloqué ? Comment reparee merci
I have a separate video on how to get a frozen Singer working again: Use sewing machine oil and have A LOT of patience (and apply some heat). Really... sometimes it can take days.
If you want a really fast method: Use kerosene and apply sewing machine oil immediately after that.
Hope this helps for you. Good luck.
Merci
Oui Jai mis quelque jour pour y arriver.
avec du w40. Jai dévisser et révisser les visses intérieurs du ressort et tige en remuant le levier de pied. Ensuite 1 jour après jai huilé avec huile machine jai attendu 1 journée et jai réussi à débloquer en insistant
Merci beaucoup.
Thanks so much
Par contre la manette noir pour faire descendre ou monter les griffes ne fonctionne pas sur ma machine . Peut-être cest a cause de l huile ???
😀👍👍👍
@@duryjuut7255 With WD40... oops... I hope you removed the WD40 after you applied it.
But I'm glad for you that you got it running again. Great job!
I have the same issue I have a 191B and the black plastic "claw" does not rotate to the 3 o'clock position to drop the feed dogs. If I find a solution, I will post here.
J'ai la même machine 191B. L'aiguille est cassé au niveau de L'aiguille le crochet et tomber (je n'arrive plus à la remettre...!)
Buenos dias mi máquina es es ese modelo y tiene los dientes bajos y no se cual es el tornillo que debo aflojar para subirlo feliz dia.
Buenos dias!
Turn the black knob on the bed. (Watch 5'50")
Good luck!
hallo Erik, ik heb model 191 M van mijn schoonmoeder. ik heb 30 jaar lang met plezier gebruiken. helaas ik kan niet verder met mijn project, het is zomaar kan geen steek maken de draden altijd stuk
Hallo Lucia. Wat vervelend dat je er niet meer mee kan naaien. Het eerste dat me te binnen schiet: Misschien heb je de naald verkeerd in de machine zitten? Heb je geprobeerd de naald om te draaien? Of misschien dat je oud draad gebruikt dat niet meer zo sterk is (en bij de minste tegendruk al breekt)?
Ik hoop dat je de machine weer werkend krijgt!
PS. Je hebt geprobeerd om in het Nederlands te reageren: Ik heb ook een Nederlandse versie op CZcams gezet.
I guess it is the 15C model we have in Brasil.
Hi Eliane.
Thank you for your message.
The C after the model number indicates the machine was built in Campinas, Brazil. So yes, a 15C is a Brazilian model 15.
But the model 191 is not the same as a model 15.
The 15 and 191 both have a horizontal placed oscillating mechanism. So that's similar. But the 191 is NOT the same as a model 15 for multiple reasons. For one, (the most notable): the tension assembly on a model 15 is on the faceplate, always. The 191 has it right in front of you, on the cast iron.
So the 15 and 191 are not the same, but they both sew perfectly.
Enjoy your Singer and take care!
@@erikneekIt is May 2nd, 2024 and only now I see your reply. I didn't know the C is for Campinas. Many thanks for the information. How do you know?
Hi again@@vaccavo.
Singer had a system: The letter after the MODEL number tells you where the sewing machine was built. The letter J stands for Canada, the K for Kilbowie Scotland and the - for Elisabethport NJ (USA). And the C for Brazil.
I have a separate video about this subject: czcams.com/video/qQeOLuanNtY/video.htmlsi=BHPuWbR0pLjUyFvj
Take care and have a wonderful day!
donelepartidune machine ame
Yo tengo la máquina singer 191L-21 pero rompe el hilo al coser
Hi. Thank you for your message. Have you tried replacing the thread for another thread? Does is also break with this other (new) thread?
This looks like a modernized class 15 machine.
Hi Roland.
You're not the only one. Some say it is a more modern class 15. But although it looks mechanically a lot like the class 15, the tension unit is not on the faceplate. ALL Singer class 15 models have the tension unit on the faceplate. So that's a big difference.
Take care!
The tensioner on faceplate is the only thing I don't like about the 15, so maybe I shoud get at 191! Max needle size 18 or 21 like the 15? THANKS! @@erikneek