The Nest’s social enterprise, The Nest Haberdashery, regularly receives donations of old sewing machines. Many customers hesitate to buy a secondhand machine, but we wanted to explain why older low-tech models outshine their newer computerised counterparts.

The mechanisation of craft – a brief history of sewing machines

The Industrial Revolution (late 18th to early 19th century) marked the transition from an Agrarian, handicraft economy to one of industry and machinery. During this time, sewing became mechanised with the invention of the now-famous Singer sewing machine.

Not without controversy, the Singer made a bittersweet impact on women’s sewing. British author, banner-maker, community textile artist and textile curator, Clare Hunter discusses the social, political and emotional significance of sewing in her book “Threads of Life”.

Until the invention of the sewing machine, sewing had been companionable. Whether grouped with other women or sitting with the family, a woman could sew and still converse. The advent of the sewing machine changed how and where sewing was done. It became a solitary occupation at home, the silent chore of home workers or the toil of factory workers sewing in places where, amid the clang and clatter of machinery, conversation was impossible.

On the other hand, the Singer also liberated women because it offered them “independence and financial freedom” to develop their own industry and earn income from home as a seamstress.

Low-tech VS High-tech sewing machines

But how has the humble sewing machine fared in the modern world where simple mechanisation is being replaced with artificial intelligence and electronics.

Recently, a beautiful 1956 Singer model 319K machine was donated through The Nest Community’s Textile Recovery Centre. It was in working condition, complete with sewing table and accessories. Due to its size, we needed a quick sale and it was snapped up the same day we posted a photo in our haberdashery Facebook group.

Intrigued to find out how it was going to be used, we contacted Kat, the purchaser. Turns out, she is something of a vintage machine enthusiast. So, we asked her what she found so interesting about them.

“I’ve had a modern sewing machine for the last 20 years and it never even occurred to me to consider vintage machines. But, my daughter found a     in an op shop and asked if we could try to restore it for her birthday. Although apprehensive, I found some information online, so I decided to give it a go.

These machines were simply built, sturdy and everything is metal. I managed to get the old girl sewing, but in the process started getting more machines – first for parts but then because they were beautiful and I wanted to make them sing again”.

Within her collection, Kat has a Singer 201k treadle, a 1970s JUKI Baby Lock, a 3/4 size Singer 99K, two Singer 411G (a fancy zigzag machine from the 1960s) and a yet to be renovated Pfaff 30/31 (free from Marketplace). 

Why old machines are built to last

Robyn, a Nest Haberdashery Co-ordinator, used to sell sewing machines. Like Kat, she’s equally smitten and says, “Unlike newer models, older machines are usually all made of metal not plastic, making the mechanisms more durable.This allows for better needle penetration and the ability to sew through a variety of different fabrics. Older machines tend to have a standardised technology among brands, which makes machine parts much easier to obtain”.

Kat agrees.

“What I love about these machines is how well they were made and built with the view that they should be able to be maintained at home. Modern machines have plastic parts that wear out and break, and are designed with built-in obsolescence that condemns them to the rubbish tip once they reach a certain age”.

And how is the Singer 319K going?

Kat says that even though she hasn’t done a full service on her yet, it is sewing. Only the light needs to be rewired. Unsurprisingly, after 60 years, the cord’s insulation has crumbled.

The verdict on buying a vintage sewing machine

So, buying an older machine is not only a more sustainable choice, but it can also be an heirloom investment that you can pass on to future generations. When you buy a preloved machine you may not even need to renovate it. The Nest Haberdashery volunteers test all the machines before an electrician inspects them.

And a final word from Kat.

“Old machines are not just functional, they’re also beautiful and with maintenance, they can even outlive us!”