OK, y'all, what puzzle box goes with what machine?
 

I have a Singer 128, a Featherweight, and a Japanese 15 clone. Will one of those old puzzle boxes with attachments work with any of these machines? I've seen a few with those long bobbins which fit the 128, so that's a good sign I think?

I guess a puzzle box for an early 27 or 28 should work for your 128, and I think there were for the early Singer 15s too. I don't think there were any puzzle boxes made anymore by the time 128 was introduced. I have seen various attachment boxes with the later machines ca 1910-1950; green cardboard box; green metal box with singer logo; and there's a black crinkle finish metal box with a purple inner lining. The trick with the 128 is mostly the fittings for the bed and feed dog covers; the feet are general low shank. You don't have to "over the top" accessories a 128, but a box with attachments and bobbins is nice, some use the ruffler foot, and I love the buttonholers for the old straight stitchers.

Very cool - thanks. Have you tried those zig zag attachments for the straight stitchers? I'm always interested in toys!

Do you have another 15 clone, besides the Johnson Ruffler? Can you use regular presser feet on the Ruffler?

You might want to check out the following links regarding puzzle boxes:
http://needlebar.org/main/puzzles/index.html
https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/singer-style-box-one-do-i-have-t292263.html
http://www.victoriansweatshop.com/post/singer-puzzle-box-info-7974353?&trail=50
Pay particular attention to any by Macybaby, who started the one on victoriansweatshop

Since the 128, 221 and 15 clone are all low shank feet, you would be able to use the feet on any of them. There is a better narrow hemmer for the 221 and 15 clone. I don't remember which one it is. The narrow hemmer will work on all of them, but I think that the stitching is closer to the fold and more in the middle depending which machine you use.


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

GREAT links! I do have a 15 clone - that's what got me started. Fell in love with the table (needed an end table) and the machine was a great bonus!

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OK, totally weird that I got two images

Those old puzzle boxes were made for short shank machines, and they will fit on newer machines if you want to use them. But I think Singer went to other box types in the very early 1900's. There were some early 66's that took some very similar attachments that were back clamp. Singer never issues a back clamp for the 66's though.

The puzzle box sets were primarily for the early 27 and 15( IF) machines. But the good thing is that much newer short shank feet will work fine. The only stuff that is more specific is the underbraider and shirr plate (works with the ruffler if you want to do gathering in the middle of the goods).

I have three types of zigzaggers; the first I got was a very simple one I can't remember where I got; the second; black Singer version with large knob shaped cams. They work, but it's hard to sew straight along edges. If you have a bit of fabric on both sides of the foot it's easier. Some have done better with these than I have, I guess my technique could be better. The best one is the Swiss zigzagger, it's easier to to use, but the main feature I like is the walking foot action. There is a Greist zigzagger that looks nice, and one for decorative stitches called "Ruby", but I never ventured beyond the Swiss zigzagger.

I don't zigzag much on my straight stitchers, it's easier on my Bernina or Elna. You can't get a neat satin stitch on a zigzag attachment, but a bit of utility zigzag or blind sitich is with in reach. Among attachments I can recommend are the buttonholers, they do a good job, are easy to use and give a nice result. There are sought after attachments like the Penguin walking foot, but it's just too expensive; and I have a Swiss zigzagger; on straight stitch setting it is a walking foot. There is a picot - hemstitcher that caught my interest, but so far I haven't bought one.