Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Singer 185 info please >

Singer 185 info please

Singer 185 info please

Old 09-27-2011, 06:50 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
traumaRN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 407
Default

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!
traumaRN is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 07:14 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Default

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.
Candace is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 08:01 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: My Sewing Room
Posts: 1,180
Default

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.
jlm5419 is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 09:57 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mesa AZ
Posts: 219
Default

I have two of them and love the stitch they make. They are heavy so they do not vibrate off the table. They are very fast.
hershery is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 02:41 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
traumaRN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 407
Default

Thank you for your responses. Now, what do you consider a good price? There is one listed now on ebay for around $50.00.
traumaRN is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 02:59 PM
  #6  
Banned
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bikini Bottom
Posts: 5,652
Default

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
Attached Thumbnails attachment-263284.jpe  
Lostn51 is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 02:59 PM
  #7  
Banned
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bikini Bottom
Posts: 5,652
Default

double post :oops: :oops: :oops:

Billy
Lostn51 is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 05:07 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
traumaRN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 407
Default

Billy, thanks so much for the info. I love the pink machine! So glad to hear from you, too. I've heard you have not been feeling well. It's nice to see you on here!
traumaRN is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 05:12 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
SherriB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Quilting somewhere......
Posts: 2,591
Default

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.
SherriB is offline  
Old 09-27-2011, 06:48 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
wesing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: East TN
Posts: 2,719
Default

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
wesing is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KathyC9511
Main
15
06-18-2014 07:42 PM
wuv2quilt
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
13
11-08-2011 12:52 PM
wuv2quilt
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
9
11-05-2011 10:56 AM
mea12
Main
4
11-02-2011 01:16 PM
Knot Sew
Main
6
10-23-2008 11:48 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter