What to Do When You Can’t Find Data on Your Vintage Sewing Machine
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White model 477 is one of the most forgotten vintage sewing machine models on the market. The only thing I found online was a video. The video teaches users how to wind a bobbin and thread the sewing machine.
The information provided on YouTube is wonderful, but not sufficient for those looking for replacement parts or interested in learning other fine details about the machine. Today, I will give you a few tips about how to find information on vintage sewing machine models.
Tip#1: Start with a Google search, but don’t stop there.
We all know any search results will be found in the first two pages of a Google. However, when Google doesn’t retrieve anything, we get upset and are ready to give up. I’m here to let you know the initial search isn’t the end of the world.
Before giving up on google, click the images tab to find any sewing machines that match yours. If you find any matches, click them and see what websites they lead to. At times, you can get lucky and find a website with great information. Bloggers often give details about rare finds. At the same time, these bloggers don’t show up on the first few pages of google due to their low-ranking websites.
Next, click the videos tab in Google. Scroll until you find a relevant source. No relevant sources?
Tip #2: Try ISMACS for relevant information on your sewing machine.
ISMACS is one of the most popular places to find information on sewing machines. They don’t display all the information in the world, but it’s a great starting place. If you can’t find information here, as I wasn’t able to find information on White 477, your next best bet is to try…
Tip #3: Wikipedia
Search Wikipedia for information on the brand in question. Then, scroll down to the references section to find books about sewing machines made by the brand. A few times, I have gotten lucky and found relevant information about my specific sewing machine. This doesn’t always work because the resources aren’t always available.
Tip #4: When the door is closed to Wikipedia, open eBay.
eBay has lots of sellers looking to get rid of vintage sewing machines. These sellers are not always knowledgeable about the sewing machine they are selling. However, it’s worth the try.
Tip #5: When you’ve discovered your vintage sewing machine isn’t anywhere online, hit the forums.
The two most popular boards to visit are patternreview.com and quiltingboard.com. Search for your sewing machine on either one of these sites and ask any relevant questions about the model. There are always participants who will help you find the information you need about the sewing machine.
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Have a Rockford ZR-6A made in Japan 1950’s or 60’s and trying to find a manual I have tried everything and no luck
You won’t be able to find your exact model manual, but you can get something close enough to help you understand the machine better. Rockford was once called Free sewing machine company. Here is a link to a free sewing machine manual http://ismacs.net/free/manuals/freevs-c-e-ce-manual.pdf. The struggling company went thru multiple mergers before being bought out by the Japanese in 1954. Google says your model was made in 1956. Before the Japanese bought, they had a merger with Janome New Home. This means your sewing machine most likely has a New Home twin out there somewhere. I’d look at New Home machines for a similar match as its easier to find manuals for those. If an image search with New Home doesn’t work, go for a similar looking singer model. Hope this helps at least a little bit.
I can not find my American home model number 1910 serial number 5777 anywhere. Not even a picture or description. I’m newbie to old sewing machines and I can’t find any where how to use it. I can do a straight stitch but that’s it so far. Please can anyone help
Most Japanese class 15 sewing machines, like the one you’ve mentioned, are simply knock offs of Singer sewing machines. When none of the methods mentioned work, always do a google image search for sewing machines made during the same time period. You won’t find a sewing machine of the same color or with the same chrome details. However, you will find at least one machine with the same shape and button placement. When this happens,most times, you are looking at the same machine with different branding! For example, Janome Sewist 500 is identical to Babylock Zeal.You wouldn’t know that from typing in a serial number or product name, but could only see it from looking at both machines. Find a close match to your American Home and get a manual for that machine. I hope this helps! 🙂
I found a White 477-618B in a basement of a house I bought. Serial number 11066. Is it worth anything?
White 477 is worth more than its weight in gold. However, don’t expect to get anything more than $200 out of it. Since vintage sewing machines are so plentiful, most haven’t appreciated in value at all. Please check out my blog on White 477 https://thimblebook.com/index.php/2018/02/19/sewing-machine-white-model-477/. Thanks for viewing the blog 🙂
I have a Penney’s model 605 the only thing I can find close to it is a Rockford zr4 but I can’t find any manuals
Thanks for commenting because you have really inspired me to do a future review on JcPenny’s machine(s)! I am familiar with the Rockford zr4, which is almost identical to Capital Window-Matic Brother. However, I haven’t seen a JcPenny’s 605 before. I’m only familiar with the 6050A. Unfortunately, my only advice is to select a vintage Brother manual. Or, see if you can find a similar JcPenny sewing machine manual via this link that has quite a few vintage JcPenny sewing machine resources https://sewingiscool.com/who-made-jcpenney-sewing-machines/.