Help identifying this singer
 

I am having trouble identifying this machine, I have looked at tons of pictures but dont see any just like it, some similar. I thought with all the knowledge here someone would know something!

sewingmachineaddict

If you look right above the stitch length lever there is a number. If I am right, that will be the Singer Model #.

I don't know what model it is either and we're watching two of them on GW auctions right now.

Joe

u were right it is a 328k those letters were so little i would never have seen them if u hadnt told me! thank you

328K, hmmmmm ... now I know too.

Joe

Yup - 328K - I have one just like it. It uses the flat black cams to do the "fancy stitches". Did you get any cams with it?

I'm not sure. Haven't had time to fiddle with it yet. Sews nice smooth stitches

The Singer 328 is special because it can be treadled. The cutout where the cord is in the picture is the place where the treadle belt can go. I bought one, but it is just too heavy, and I don't like the way it looks! Picky me, I know. I am just in love with older machines, and anything that looks this modern is not going to be a favorite of mine.

It looks like I have almost the same machine - I've been searching for the model 328P but then realised the P stands for machines made in Perth, Australia. They look very similar but mine is missing the slot at the top - is that for the cams? I never knew about cams until I read these vintage machine forums (excuse my ignorance). Very excited to learn about the treadling option (thanks georgiaclark!) as mine has the same slot below the power cord :) Would love to compare notes sewinmachineaddict, are you using yours much?[ATTACH=CONFIG]391016[/ATTACH]CCheers, Amelia

frudemoo, i don't have that exact model (mine is a little newer) but looking at the picture, i'm wondering if your cam location is under the thread holders. what's inside if you flip open that compartment? I mean the section right above "Singer" and the stitch width regulater (0-4) and the needle position (L-R).

I just realised I didn't look at the original image properly - it looks like the top compartment on sewingmachinecaddict's machine is open a little. When I open my top compartment it looks like this:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]391731[/ATTACH]
So I guess they are the same, apart from the place of manufacture. I'm not sure how difficult it is do get different stitch cams? The new Bernina 640-2 I just got has automatic decorative stitches and I only just got it back from the shop today so I have lots of playing to do! :) But I love the idea of having a treadle machine at some point. I'd be really interested to know what kind of table/treadle would suit a machine of this vintage.

frudemoo,

There are two basic and a couple of sub classes of Singer cams. The flat cam and the top hat cam.

Here is a pic of each on my 401:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...0pics/Cams.jpg

Some Singers require you to raise the needle out of the work, and move the stitch width lever all the way to the widest setting as you install and remove the cam. My 338 is like that and I think yours is too.
If you machine does not have any built in stitches it will need the #1 cam (if it uses flat cams) or the #O cam if it uses top hat cams in the machine to do ZZ stitches.
If there is no cam in the machine it's very easy to destroy needles. The cam keeps the needle bar from moving too far to either side.

The cams can be had from eBay and other on line sources.

Oh,and here's a site with lots of pics and descriptions: { http://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/pattern_cam_list/ }

Joe

I have a 503a and it has the "top hat" cams. they're super. with mine you move the width to straight stitch and remove/install a new cam. the stitches are just a little fun extra. i always have a cam in, but if one isn't in, you can only do a straight stitch.

the link in your last post didn't work for me, but i think you mean that your cams are under that little trap door i was referring to.