Photo: Chiot’s Run / Flickr

Any serious seamstress will tell you how important it is to have a great sewing machine, but for those who really love these pieces of equipment, collecting sewing machines can become a hobby in itself. Well-made sewing machines from the time of the industrial revolution were made out of steel for ease of use and maintenance, and their quality has allowed them to last well enough to still be functional today.

Using a vintage sewing machine

One of the best things about collecting vintage sewing machines is that they’re collectible items that you can still use. It’s true that the process might not be as easy as simply using a modern, light machine, and older sewing machines certainly aren’t portable, but if you enjoy creating beautiful things using a beautiful, old machine, this is a great hobby for you.

The test of time

Photo: sassycrafter / Flickr

Of all of the original, iconic sewing machine brands – among them Jones, and Frister – Singer is the only one still manufacturing machines today. You can see for yourself that modern Singer sewing machines are a very appealing option, while their vintage models are also among the most desirable collectors’ pieces.

How much is my sewing machine worth?

This isn’t something that’s especially easy to determine – unlike many other collectibles, early sewing machines don’t carry model numbers. If your vintage sewing machine is made by Singer, you could try contacting the company, who have a fair amount of historical information about their machines. If it isn’t, try asking a professional for a valuation. On the topic of asking for advice, this is what you’ll need to do if you’re buying a machine: gather as much information as you can, so that you can make a good choice about a sewing machine that’s really grabbed your attention.

Tags: sewing