1955 Singer Model 20 Booklet Info

The 1955 Singer Model 20 came with a booklet that was only pictures, and does not have all of the information from the earlier booklets.  It also has an "international look" to the cover.

Please see the video HERE

Singer Model 20 and Commercial Flannel Batting

I recently was making some quilt squares for a quilt with a lockstitch machine, and decided to do some of the squares on a Singer Model 20.  At first I had some issues, and after upgrading the thread I was using, was able to sew some squares.

However, I did find that Singer Model 20s do not like the tightly woven commercial flannel batting.  Please see 2 videos, Here and Here.

Polyester batting works much more easily. Video Here

BUT! I don't like giving up, and knew I had sewn flannel before with a model 20 - see this video here

Using a Singer Model 20 to make a Basic Tied Quilt

Using a Singer Model 20 to make a Basic Tied Quilt

This quilt will end up being approximately 40 inches by 54 inches.  Please see the video here

The playlist for the Basic Tied Quilt is here . The quilt I am making has some piecing done with a Singer Stitch Sew Quick Hand Stitcher, as I had decided to use that as I was piecing.  My quilt top actually has four different machines involved with it, as that is how I sometimes work, using different machines at different times. I am planning on doing the binding with a Singer Model 20.

Sewing and Tension

Sewing and Tension

One of the beauties of the Singer Model 20 is that the only adjustment you make is to the tension.  This does give you a skill set that you can take to a larger machine, as in this video, but also, it is a simpler method of sewing. If you know how to make a few different types of seams on a model 20, it is the type of seam you are learning or using and not an attachment. That puts you closer to "tailoring" or "upolstering" or "mending", and will expand your sewing. Less is more.

Singer Model 20 Mannequin Set

The photo below belongs to Wolfgang's Collectibles. This seller always has unusual and beautiful antique sewing machines, often complete sets.  He currently has a listing for a complete Singer Model 20 Mannequin Set.  (3 days left to the auction as of today) .

That listing ended at a price of $466.00 with 54 bids!!! Yikes!  Bill Holman, with TreadleOn told me that his Singer Salesmen's Handbook from November of 1959 lists a Singer model 20-10 at $8.95 !

Singer Model 20 and 12 Inch Blocks

It may seem that a 12-inch block is a large block to maneuver on a Singer Model 20, but it's isn't difficult.

Singer Model 20 and 12 Inch Blocks

Singer Model 20 SewHandy Lunchbox Case

Video:  Singer Model 20 SewHandy Lunchbox Case

Recently I had to get a wheelchair for an injury.  The Singer model 20 is a wonderful machine for taking with you, but also for use while in a wheelchair.  It will fit in a lunchbox, a video I will upload shortly.  In the meantime, I have come up with a platform in order to use the machine more easily while in a chair or wheelchair.

Singer Model 20 Platform

Replacement parts

There is a seller on Ebay who carries many replacement items for the Singer model 20 machines. Seam guides, needle tightener, needles, needle clamp, handle knobs and brochures.

Birddance-Enterprises (stereoscope-singer20)

You can buy the correct needles by the hundred at CTUSA

Sweater Quilt 2 - Smaller

As part of my knitting and quilting patterns, I have a pattern called "Sweater Quilt 2 - Smaller".  The pattern is for a 30 inch square quilt that can be a wall quilt, a baby blanket, a lap quilt. It is made by sewing fabric rectangles to pot-holder woven wool squares, then sewing the rectangles together.

I tested this out by sewing some of the quilting with a Singer Model 20 from around 1953-1955, and this smaller quilt is now a Singer Model 20 project!

Please see this Playlist of my YouTube Videos - Sweater Quilt 2 - and look for the "smaller" videos (Videos 5 and 6).  

Singer Model 20 - style released in 1926