Which machine would you buy?
 

I have the bug to buy a working vintage straight stitch machine and on the weekend visited a local shop that carries lots of used items and a few machines . One that caught my eye is a Singer 227M , in excellent condition but I did not try it out so not sure how it stitches . The second one is a Singer 15-91 in not as good condition , it would need to be rewired and a new pedal as that was quite bad . I did try this one and the stitches were horrid so obviously needs attention . Any feedback would be appreciated .I have tried to add photos but this is my first time posting here . Hope it worked .

I like the looks of the second one best, but you get the one you like best and what works best for you, and good luck

I keep a test kit with me at all times. Denim square that you can fold over and over and thread to test the stitches and small pair of scissors . I would go back and test the stitches. Good luck!!

I don't know anything about the first one (although it is "pretty") but the 15-91 is a nice machine. You can drop the feed dogs if you want to free motion quilt and assuming it just needs oiling or tweaking, it is a workhorse of a machine. Apparently most of those older machines need rewiring due to age. But then again, I could use some "rewiring" on myself personally due to age so I cannot fault an older machine that needs it done also.

Does the 227 use a vertical bobbin? I checked ISMACS and Singerco for a manual and got nowhere.
If the 227 is a class 15 bobbin I would go with it. It's in nice shape and I don't think it's a common machine compared to other Singers. At least I don't think I've seen many.
The 15 is a great machine and they do FMQ quite well. If the 227 has a vertical bobbin it should be good for FMQ too. If it uses a drop in bobbin I would go with the 15-91.
My indecisive answer,
Rodney

I just did a little more looking around. I think the 227 is a class 15 machine.
Rodney

i'd get the 15-91 because it looks pretty, and theres a very detailed blogged tutorial on how to rewire these beauties. i also liked the throat space of the 15.

My opinion is 15-91. I feel the 15s and their clones are second only to the 201. However, The 15 has advantages in FMQ and efficiently handling heavier threads. No question in my mind, the 15-91. But why limit to just one machine. ;-)

Are you saying get both? That probably is the correct answer around here. ;)
Rodney

227 would be an adequate machine but the 15 would be my choice. Rodney????????????

Yes Rodney, the Singer 227M (manufactured in Monza, Italy) has a vertical Class 15 bobbin. It also has a feed dog drop with a deck-mounted knob.

I’m planning on painting a 9-spoke handwheel tan or brown (if it will fit and work with the bobbin winder) and fitting the tan handcrank that I came up with a while back onto the one that I have. Or, I may just notch the existing disc handwheel to accommodate the crank finger. I did that with a Singer 185K a few years ago and liked how it came out, but then let a gal in Texas talk me out of it.....

I’d go with the Singer 227M.

CD in Oklahoma

I would have to have both of them too. They are both so pretty.

I would love to buy both but I don't have the room , will try out the 227 tomorrow but very tempted to buy the 15/91 . Would it cost much to rewire it?

I would get the 15. It is easy for me to refurbish, having done several. It is a good FM machine. It is easy to maintain with cleaning and oil and will last another couple of lifetimes with care. Everything you need is available at SewClassic.com. I just placed a big order with them today. Go for it and learn how to clean and refurbish machines along the way. A good project.

Depends on what you will be doing with the machine. If you just want it for piecing or general straight line sewing, you can't go wrong with either. If you plan to FMQ, then the 15-91 would be best mainly because of the throat space. My 15-91 will FMQ anything I throw at it with no tension issues, etc. I have several vintage (FW, 201, 328, 66, and more) and two modern Janome machines, but my 15-91 is by far my favorite.
Good luck, let us know what you decide!

I am sewing on a 1952 15-91 and the stitches are just perfect. The machine is quiet and hums when sewing. I have a second one we just picked up at Goodwill for $5.00 in perfect shape except it needs cords and foot pedal. DH will fix that. I would personally buy both machines but I don't know if that is best for you or the price.

Looking at your pictures you have a tuff decision, they both look like great machines. You know you might make them am offer for both machines at a price you can afford. You never know sometimes they just like to free up the space and you might get a really great deal.

Welcome to this board. You will find lots of facts and help from this great group of experts here. I would certainly try the Singer. They use to be pretty good machines.

I see a lot of 15-91s. I only rarely if ever see a 227. Unusual gets my vote almost every time.
Rodney

For me, it would be important to know which was the easiest to change the bobbin. My Granny had a sewing machine that you had to tip up and it was terrible. I change the color of my bobbin thread a lot as I like to match the blocks when I am in "quilting" mode. If you don't plan to use it, and are a collector, that would be a different story.

Thought I would let you know they both came home with me , very happy !

How much fun can you have????????

Haha -- good choice :p :)

You're going to fit right in.
Rodney

of course...

The 227 might have the needle inserted wrong and/or be threaded wrong.

I had a 227M a couple of years ago. It did a fantastic buttonhole, and was the only machine I've had where the second round of stitches went directly over the first! Excellent machine.

Yes I think it had both problems , it sews beautifully as does the 15/91 . We got a much better deal buying both but I have to say I didn't know where I was going to put them but I found a way to fit them in ��

Boy, isn't that the truth! Truer words were never said. So glad you got them and found a place for them. It's not the getting them that is the challenge but the "where can I put them" that is.

Enjoy your machines nice that you were able to get them both.

Bonnie Hunter is using the 227M on her quilt cam she recorded yesterday. You can find it on YouTube if you want to see the machine in action. She is treadling it. This is what the video is called:- Quilt-Cam 7/22/2015
It's a long video. Bonnie talks about the machine at the beginning and again at approximately 1hr 13 mins in.

I would just get both! Then no regrets.;) Having said that, the 15-91 is my love! I have two and those are my go to machine! OMG, just can't beat the 15! FM is a dream with it. Just a tuff and undemanding machine.. can't say enough!

You got to be thrilled!

Thanks Sophie , I did watch Bonnie treadling . Great little machine .