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Everything is bigger in America, I'm sure, but a portable electric or hand crank is much the same size. The 201 was one of the top models, it probably wasn't a cost issue for the buyer. Motors and light became much more affordable around 1930 too. I'm guessing a lot of factors played in, and at the time a lot were used to hand cranks and knew what they chose.
I have only test sewed with hand cranks, I did not find it difficult it went a long very nicely, perfectly even seams, but I know there are advantages to holding pieces and seams together with two hands, and control the stitching with a pedal or knee lever. There are a few I know who keep a hand crank for particular jobs, the swear to them (one has a 28, another a 99). Topstitching and buttonholer being two of them. |
Whoa, I have a chance to amend SteveH's post. " I'm not worthy" Singer HC's give 3 revolutions per one crank of the handcrank. Many other HCs only turn one revolution per crank so you have even more precise control.
Love my HCs Love teaching with them. |
Availability of electricity made a difference, especially in remote rural areas. Handcranks always worked
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Good point leonf, we have managed to gather a few reasons already :- )
It's not related to the 201, but I have wondered about the older type hand cranks, large heavy weels and the gearing looks different. This picture is from Sew muse http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/gritzner%20saxonia.jpg |
I haven't checked the ration on mine. Prolly should check it.
https://www.quiltingboard.com/member...653-574918.jpg |
You are correct leonf, I was referring to Singer!
The only ones I know of that do not are the ones with the handle mounted on the Handwheel directly. If you know of units with a handcrank mechanism that is something other than 3:1 please let me know! |
Originally Posted by SteveH
(Post 7883275)
in regards to sewing with a handcrank...
With an electric machine or treadle most folks use one hand in front, and one hand behind the stitch. You have NO feel for the "pull" that the machine has, that is why folks use the second hand, to gain that control. With a handcrank each rotation of the handcrank cycles the machine 3 times. You can literally feel in your right hand the feed dogs pulling the fabric through. You only need your left hand to steer and provide some resistance to the pull. You have WAY more precise control of stitch location. I have yet to find a person who does not find hand crank sewing easier than electric or treadle, once they have practiced it a bit. |
Enough? LOL I have 15 handcranks and 25 treadles set up in an 950 sq ft house.... (all pre 1900 machines, all work)
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Originally Posted by SteveH
(Post 7883580)
Enough? LOL I have 15 handcranks and 25 treadles set up in an 950 sq ft house.... (all pre 1900 machines, all work)
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Originally Posted by SteveH
(Post 7883275)
in regards to sewing with a handcrank...
With an electric machine or treadle most folks use one hand in front, and one hand behind the stitch. You have NO feel for the "pull" that the machine has, that is why folks use the second hand, to gain that control. With a handcrank each rotation of the handcrank cycles the machine 3 times. You can literally feel in your right hand the feed dogs pulling the fabric through. You only need your left hand to steer and provide some resistance to the pull. You have WAY more precise control of stitch location. I have yet to find a person who does not find hand crank sewing easier than electric or treadle, once they have practiced it a bit. |
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