Singer Sewhandy Model 20 Sewing Machine
*This post may include affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission off your purchases. The money keeps the website afloat and is earned at no additional cost to you.
I will be discussing Singer Sewhandy Model 20 Sewing Machine. So, buckle up 🙂 Note: At the end of this article, there is a parts list for Singer 20.
Where Did Singer Model 20 began?
Singer started production on Singer 20-1 in 1910. The sewing machine had a 4 spoken handwheel and no tension disks. In 1914, however ,they added tension disks and an 8 spoke handwheel. As time progressed, Singer continued to make changes to the sewing machine. And by 1922, they had changed to a 7 spoken handwheel painted black.
Singer continued to change it’s model 20 until it was discontinued in the early 2000’s. But, I won’t bore you with any more timestamps as these details can be found on so many other websites.
This is the machine before I cleaned it up. I think it looks pretty cool in its dirty state 🙂
Let’s talk marketing
Singer sewhandy model 20 sewing machine was marketed as a machine for children. In the early 1900’s, however, upper middle class and/or wealthy families were the only folks who could afford to purchase toys for their children.
Working class children had homemade toys and only received a bag of fruit and/or candy for end-of-year holidays. So, this means Singer marketed this machine to a very small group of affluent folks.
Aside from the rich, who was really buying Singer 20?
Many working class families purchased Singer 20 so women could mend cloths without having to sew by hand. This machine was used for mending because standard size sewing machines were too large for big families living in small homes. Furthermore, a standard Singer 27 would have costed more than an entire months salary. By contrast, Singer 20 was a more affordable option for most working class families. The machine sold for just $3, which is equivalent to $95 as of 2023.
If Singer 20 was affordable for working families, why didn’t more of them buy it for their children?
The sewing machine was a reasonable purchase for performing essential tasks. But, many didn’t think it was reasonable to spend hard earned money on a toy when their child was content making mud pies in the backyard.
Were there some exceptions to the scenario I just presented…
Of course! There were some working class folks who saved coins and purchased Singer 20 for their children. But, store bought toy giving wasn’t really a thing for most working class families until after the great depression.
What about performance?
Singer 20 is a chain stitch machine, which means it doesn’t take a bobbin and uses loops to make a stitch much like a serger/overlocker. The stitches are weak in comparison to lockstitch sewing machines most people are accustomed to using. However, it is much faster than hand sewing and will get the job done.
Where can I find a manual for my machine?
There were many different manuals throughout the years. Here’s the manuals I could find online. See Below.
What is generally broken and/or missing?
Most of the children machines have the seam guide missing. Also, the original handle and C-clamp are often missing. Since the machine is so small, there aren’t many pieces that get broken. A few folks have the screw to the seam guide broken off in machine bed. But, it’s an easy fix. Simply, remove the bed from your machine and use a punch tool to drive the screw loose with a rubber mallet. You may have to tap a new screw hole. But, you should be able to get it fixed.
Where do I find parts?
I’m not going to lie. Parts are very hard to find for this sewing machine because Singer initially considered this machine to just be a kids play thing. They eventually caught onto the idea of this being a machine workable for adults. But, parts are still equally hard to find. Likewise, there are so many different versions of the machine with many different parts in-between. My machine is the 8 spoke version from 1914. I was able to find a few parts and they are listed below.
Replacement Parts List (with clickable links)
- Tension Disks ensemble
- 24×1 Needle (Most child machines take this size)
- Needle clamp screw (from the 1910 to 1950s, 40K, or 50D machine)
- Spool Pin Rod
- This C clamp should be sufficient 🙂
*Do you want to know where I got my Singer 20? If so, check out the latest YouTube Video.
No Comments