Is anyone familiar with "White" sewing machines? I ran across one this evening at goodwill but am not familiar with that brand name. Do you know who the manufacturer might be? It was rather generic looking - kind of cheap, in fact, I don't know if even had zigzag. It was priced at $29 and since I don't have a backup I'm looking for something to have on hand in case of a catastrophe.

Many years ago my grandmother had a White. They aren't a new company and used to have a very good name. The wrought iron treadle I have under my FW table (for looks) has 'White' on it so they were around for many years. Sorry I can't help you with quality or price.

I started out on an old White machine that my MIL gave to me. It only did a straight stitch, as the other functions didn't work, but the FMQ on it was beautiful!! That is the one I regret the most as far as getting rid of it. Would make a decent backup, IMHO.

White Sewing Machine Co has been around since 1865 - Cleveland, OH.

I was just reading a book called White Rotary Sewing Machines...it had some history and the art of sewing in the book.

I think they are good machines

That's what I grew up with. Good (heavy) machine and old, old company.

My first sewing machine was a white. Liked it for just basic quilting but then it started acting up - so i got Sally ( a singer with a few extra stitches!) I still have the white and I did take it apart and give her a good cleaning but sadly she just sits in her case. I know she is a good back up if I need her!

I had one that I purchased in the early 80's. Did the basic straight/zigzag stitches, could make it do buttonholes, etc. Was a good heavy-duty machine and really would sew through just about anything. Kept it as a backup after I got my Viking several years ago. Then I got a FW and having very little space to work with decided the FW was enough of a backup for me so I sold the White to a friend's neighbor for $45. You would probably want to send it in for a tuneup. Around here that's $75-100. So if you're good with that kind of investment, I'd say go for it.

We have several White machines that are used for charity sewing workshops at Church. One day one of them stopped working - I said I would take it home and see if I could figure it out -- it was FILTHY! I cleaned it well, gave it a drop of oil and she purrred like a kitten!

Definately worth having as a backup!

My mother had a White, probably from the 40's or 50's. Not sure if she got it new or not. I still have it in the stand in the attic right now. It's kind of a brownish color, very heavy duty. My brother sewed wool WWII Army uniforms on it. My dad sewed naugahyde on it. It was well used and loved. The belt broke but I wanted to finish my blazar so I just hand turned the wheel to finish most of the blazar. Then daddy decided he would fix it.