Taking the Singer 28 K Handcrank Sewing Machine for a Spin: It Sews Thick Fabrics Easily, as I Thought It Would

 

Do you recognize the tablet-woven band? Yes, it’s done!

Yesterday I took the Singer for a first spin. Had already spent some time making sure it was pristine-clean and oiled well. While it wasn’t dusty a bit, it sure was thirsty, and a little more oil went on to help get the bobbin winder humming.

Knowing by experience that antique and early vintage Singers are good at handling thick or dense fabrics, I expected no less from this machine, and wasn’t disappointed. The tablet-woven band wasn’t the issue, as you can poke a needle through the twisted and woven threads easily. It was the manufactured guitar strap, which is two thickish layers. As I hoped, the machine didn’t blink or hesitate as I cranked it. Oh, it makes a pretty seam. Just as precise as the Wilcox and Gibbs, which by the way you can see on video below, too, and many times in blog posts.

I’ve demonstrated the foray into sewing on the Singer 28. You can hear its version of purring - relative to a motor, anyhow, it’s pretty quiet, but not as quiet as the Wilcox and Gibbs, which is nearly silent.

Listen to the Wilcox and Gibbs here, for a comparison.