Singer 185 info please
#1
As I learn more about vintage machines, I am intrigued by the Singer 185. I think they are cute! The little green machine, lol. They do not seem to have much value as they can be picked up very reasonably, but in their case they would seem to be another great machine to take to classes, retreats, etc. What is the general opinion from the quilting/sewing/machine collecting world on these machines? Thanks!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I have one and it's a powerful, smaller, 3/4 size machine. Though still heavy. It wouldn't be a great machine to take to classes as it's a straight stitch only. It would limit you to piecing and quilting ONLY....no stitches for applique etc. And the throat is small for FMQ...so, they do great for piecing and quilting but again remember you're very limited for class techniques if you don't at least have a zig zag.
As for not worth much, if you see a low priced one grab it. They tend to fetch a high price. They are very collectible.
As for not worth much, if you see a low priced one grab it. They tend to fetch a high price. They are very collectible.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: My Sewing Room
Posts: 1,180
My sister has two of these little green machines and she absolutely loves them! She is extremely pleased with the lovely straight stitch it makes, along with the fact that it is so powerful for such a small machine. The manual is available as a download.
They are heavy, though, so you'll build up some muscle if you're toting one to classes.
They are heavy, though, so you'll build up some muscle if you're toting one to classes.
#6
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bikini Bottom
Posts: 5,652
I have had 6 or 8 of them run through my hands and I really like them, but they are a heavy machine! I like them because they are easy to use, parts are readily available and they are a really good looking machine. I have converted one of mine to a Handcrank and I have one I will use in a treadle. It is a 3/4 machine so if you do put it in a treadle or cabinet find a 3/4 treadle or a 99 cabinet (super rare) or make and adapter plate for the existing cabinet.
For one that needs servicing I would not pay more than $30 but it should all be there. Be careful of the original green case, they will rot through the years and if you pick it up by the handle the machine might fall out of the bottom. A good case is really getting harder to find with these machines, and sometime the case is worth more than the machine.
Here is a repaint I did for a little girl last year for Christmas....
Billy
For one that needs servicing I would not pay more than $30 but it should all be there. Be careful of the original green case, they will rot through the years and if you pick it up by the handle the machine might fall out of the bottom. A good case is really getting harder to find with these machines, and sometime the case is worth more than the machine.
Here is a repaint I did for a little girl last year for Christmas....
Billy
#9
Billy,
It is so wonderful to see you posting!!!! I love that pink machine! If I ever get lucky and run across one, I will get it and send it to you for a paint job like this one. Pink is my favorite color and to have a pink machine would be awesome.
It is so wonderful to see you posting!!!! I love that pink machine! If I ever get lucky and run across one, I will get it and send it to you for a paint job like this one. Pink is my favorite color and to have a pink machine would be awesome.
#10
I bought one a few weeks ago, but haven't had time to do more than wipe it off and sew a few seams. The machine was very clean, so I didn't have to do much cleaning. The case was pretty dirty, but it was in good shape.
The machine makes a very nice stitch, and it doesn't make a lot of noise. I think this is a nice machine, and I can't wait to break it in.
I haven't found a free manual yet. If anyone knows where I can find one, please point me in the right direction.
Darren
The machine makes a very nice stitch, and it doesn't make a lot of noise. I think this is a nice machine, and I can't wait to break it in.
I haven't found a free manual yet. If anyone knows where I can find one, please point me in the right direction.
Darren
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