Today I purchased a Johnson Ruffling Machine at a garage sale for $20.00. The seller said she had bought it new about 20 years ago for about $300.00. She said that she did a craft that utilized miles of ruffled lace and this was just the ticket for her. According to her, it never gave her any problems. It has been stored in her garage for the past 5 years. I asked the seller if it sewed straight stitches also or just ruffled. She said it did both beautifully.

The machine is very attractive. Aside from easily washed off garage dust on the case, the machine is a beauty. It comes with a 15 page manual.....in very tiny print that describes the essentials of the mechanisms but does not really give a clue as to how to ruffle with it. As a matter of fact, the manual reads very similar to the manual on my 1971 Kenmore.

I have been searching the internet on information about this machine but there really is not a lot. It looks like it is ready to go, and maybe I will just jump in and give it a try tomorrow. It is very clean internally so I think I at least scored there.

Some of the info I read on the net is that this machine can be cantankeroous......yet others say it is a dream. I am so hoping I bought a 'dream' and not a cranky ol' gal.

Oh....what am I ruffling?!? Haven't a clue! Just liked the machine.....LOL

Help!
 

Hi! I saw your quote and wondered if you would be able to share your manual with me? I do pageant dresses and had been looking for a Johnson Ruffler for a long time - finally bought one from eBay and it came with NO instructions. I don't even know how to thread it!!!

Many ruffler attachments are over $75, so I would jump on this machine!

I would kill for one. This is a machine made by a man named Sam Johnson. And no body else has ever came close to this. It is a tutu makers dream. Been looking for one for years

good question...how many ruffles are you going to make and also how much storage space do you have for the machine and will you keep it in operating condition? I have to keep on myself to use all my machines at least every 6 months so they don't freeze up....I have a wonderful serger....that I use seldom...and I really got to remember to pull that one out for it's "exercise".

If you want this a a collector , then the price is great for a vintage machine. If you want it to make ruffles, you can buy a ruffler attachment for almost all machines for about 20 dollars! You need to find out if the machine you want to use it on is high shank or low shank, then just do a search..

https://www.google.com/search?client...a-7CtQQ4dUDCAw

There is a pretty one on eBay right now, but also pretty pricey at $399. But perhaps it has adjustability or does volumes beyond what an attachment would offer, so maybe someone will give this one a good home and a good workout.