Recommendations for a Hand Crank?
 

I love all the different decals on the many different vintage machines and was thinking that perhaps I should try to get a hand crank to fuel my passion.

I'm not very "vintage machine" literate yet but am trying to learn more. Any recommendations on which hand cranks are the better ones to search for and what features I should look/watch out for in one ?

I would like to find one locally if I can but there are quite a few on ebay that caught my attention - I wouldn't know the difference between them so am looking for suggestions as I start my search.

This seller has quite a few
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1895-SINGER-...50796809304%26

I have a 1926 Singer model 128 hand crank sewing machine that sews like butter. The crank is super easy to turn. All it needs is to keep it lubricated. You can put a hand crank on any old singer (crank can be purchased separately.) My sister and I just made a pillow on a 1800's german made Corona sewing machine which was all gears and it was really a lot of work to crank and it was a lot of work to turn the fabric under the foot......they sure made them industrial in those days! I was the cranker and she was the sewer. Ha Ha We sure have fun but my arm was tired. Happy shopping!

Of the collection of handcrank machines that i have, the "Naked Lady" is the best.
It is a 1925ish Frister & Rossmann Model E. (Egypt motif with a bare breasted woman on the front, quite scandalous for it's day)

Fully reversible Stitch length, Vibrating shuttle.

It sews easier than any other machine I have, hands down.

I have a Singer 201 hand crank that sews beautifully! One of my favorite machines. I did a presentation on sewing machine history for my quilt guild and took my vintage machines so the ladies could play. Everyone loved the 201 hand crank and a few of the ladies are now looking for a handcrank. These are ladies who thought nothing could replace their expensive computerized machines. The presentation also created one vintage addict whose hubby turned out to be an enabler!
Good luck with your hunt!

Hello Costumegirl,

Hand machines are gems to use. I'm not sure whether you are looking for a machine to sew with, for a machine to look at or to tinker with.

If you find a machine locally that is rust free and turns well and is not at a silly price, get it and clean it up. If you end up loving it and sewing with it, then you might just find another. Ultimately machines will find you.

Hi, my sister just suggested a Singer 201 handcrank......any idea where I should start looking for one? I'm in MN.

The only handcrank I own I purchased at an estate sale. I don't know what city you are near but www.estatesales.net is a good place to start. I still have to clean it up but it turns just fine. I bought it while my arm was broken and had to take my son with me to carry it to the car. Everything was there but it didn't have any attachments or a manual. The case locking mechanism is messed up but I'm sure I can fix that. I have plenty of attachments that fit other machines. I spent $50 for it. In my area, they are hard to find. It's the only one I've ever seen at any auctions or estate sales and I go to a lot. Good luck. I hope you find a beauty.