THE NEEDLEBAR

BASIC IDENTIFICATION OF THE MOST COMMON

SINGER SEWING MACHINE MODELS

Model 15

Model 66 or 99

Model 127 or 128

front view

front view

front view

The Model 15 is the only model with the tension control dial (2) on the left side of the machine.
The Models 66 and 99 have a built-in bobbin case and are identical except for size of the base. See table below.
The Models 127 and 128 are the only models to have two bobbin access plates (1). They are identical except for size. See table below.

COMPARISON CHART

Note - some manuals in this section are in pdf format. To download your free Adobe Acrobat pdf reader Click Here

Model Number
Bed Dimensions
Tension Control Knob Location
Bobbin Access Slide Plates
Bobbin
Shuttle or Bobbin Case

Manual Source

(Click for Manuals)

15
7" x 14.625"
protruding from left side
one, to the left

Model 15 Manual

(pdf format)

66
7" x 14.625"
front
one, to the left

none - built-in

Model 66 Manual

(pdf format)

99
6.5" x 12.125"
front
one, to the left

none - built-in

Model 99 Manual

127
7" x 14.625"
front
two plates, one sliding to the front, the other to the back

Model 127 Manual

(pdf format)

128
6.5" x 12.125"
front
two plates, one sliding to the front, the other to the back

Model 128 Manual

(pdf format)


Still lost? Some Frequently Asked Questions


1. Where is the model number on my machine? Is it the number stamped on the right front corner on the flat part of the machine?

No. Singer didn't put the model numbers on their domestic machines before the early 1950's, hence the need for this chart. The number stamped on the bed of the machine is the serial number; both letters and numbers.

2. My machine isn't black.

This page is for identifying older black-coloured Singer machines.

3. My machine is black and has a carrying handle built into the top of it with a fold-down arm to the left.

That should be the Model 301.

4. My machine has a fold-down arm to the left but no carrying handle.

That will be the Model 221, commonly known as the Featherweight.

5. My machine doesn't have a fold-down arm or a handle and looks like the Model 66.

It's possible that it could be the Model 201 which has the Paperclip Decal Pattern. There is a lesser possibility that it could be the Model 191 or 206 but they can be identified at the same location and only one design was used on these machines.

6. The bed of my machine isn't rectangular but has a sort-of scalloped edge.

These machines are older than the ones identified here and less common.

7. I think I have a Model 127 or 128 but when the slide plate is pulled out, there's nothing underneath.

Either turn the wheel at the right end of the machine until you see the shuttle or look underneath.

8. How can I find out how old my Singer is or where it was made?

Check out the tables showing date of manufacture on the Singer Company site.

9. I've heard about machines called 15-xx. Where are they?

See the Singer 15 Comparison Chart

10. Tables are confusing, where can I find pictures?

See the NeedleBar Singer Identification Gallery. This full guide contains pictures of 104 different Singer domestic machines and many industrial models too.


© Helen Scarth 2003. All Rights Reserved

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