I picked this up in a thrift store for $24, including the cabinet. I had some fixing up to do on it, since it was dusty, creaky, and barely sewed. The swing needle mechanism was seized up and none of the levers would even move. But I used the HOPE method (Heat, Oil, Patience, Effort) and guess what - this is one fine machine!
The 237 has a belt drive, and a vertical oscillating hook. It is pretty basic, with just a few features:
- Zigzag with four stitch widths
- Three needle positions
- Presser foot pressure adjustment
- Some later models have a feed dog drop, but this one doesn't
Between the oscillating hook and the belt drive, I didn't expect this to be a particularly fast or smooth running machine. It was a "bargain basement" model, I think it sold for only $88 brand new. But hey - this has all metal gears and the hook system is similar to the exquisitely engineered Class 15 machines. Once I got it running, I was blown away by how beautifully it sews; so fast and smooth, with perfect stitching. In fact, it does one of the best satin stitches of any machine I've ever seen, and it's almost worth getting it for that reason alone. For the first time EVER, I've found myself making manual four-step buttonholes just because I can!
Here's a quick step-by-step video of how I do it with a buttonhole foot. (And pay attention to what a smooth-stitching machine this is!)
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| Beautiful satin stitching, second to none |
What's ironic, is that these machines are literally everywhere, but no one pays them much mind. Every thrift store, every Goodwill auction, every garage sale in town, you'll see the humble Fashion Mate 237 getting picked over. Mostly they are ignored because they're not glamorous and don't have a gimmick. Who gets excited about an old bargain basement machine from 1970?
Well, if you sew on one of these, you'll find out. Out of the many vintage Singers I've sewn on (see a partial list to the right of this page) this is among the best. Surprise, surprise!
I'm not kidding, next time you see one of these at the thrift store, get it! I'll warn you, it weighs a ton (it's NOT portable) but it sews like a champ. I thought I'd fix it up and sell it, but this machine isn't going anywhere, it stays with me!
PS...If you're not used to threading a removable bobbin case like this, I guess it can be kind of tricky. If you're used to threading a 15-91 or 221, you'll find this the OPPOSITE of what you're used to.
Some of us have never seen a 401, nor until recently seen a slant machine....never have seen on either.
ReplyDeleteHowever, these machines were very popular in the 1969s because they were available thru S&H green stamps.
I like the fact they are simple, yet have zigzag, therefore you can do buttonholes, with any more accessories.
I never knew there were specialized presser feet until last year!
They are found pretty well more everywhere cheap, take cheap bobbins, if you need a bobbin case, have even ordered one from overseas.
My mom sewed all my clothes on this and I have sewed household furnishings on this, upholstery, curtains, you name it, she a hefty gal!
That is some interesting information, I didn't know they were available through green stamps!
ReplyDeletehi, my 85 year old mom has the same machine as you do. she's encountered a problem . your video might help. could you share us the machine setting you used to make the running stitch? she wants to make a wider straight stitch and could not figure it out . hope you can help. thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what you mean by the running stitch, but I guess you mean the longest stitch length like a basting stitch. If you just move the stitch length lever down to the lowest point you will get the longest stitch which is probably 6-8 stitches per inch.
DeleteAnother nice thing about the Singer 237 is that it can be treadled. My MIL had one given to her, so I serviced it, put a 9-spoke hand wheel and stop motion knob from a junk Singer 15-88 on it (repainted to match), and put it into a 1940s Singer straight-leg treadle for her. I had to widen the top cover opening for the bobbin winder for contact with the different wheel, and had to leave out the stop motion washer (needle must go up & down when she winds a bobbin). She lives out in very rural Colorado and is subject to regular power outages, sometimes lengthy.
ReplyDeleteCD in Oklahoma
Nice review! But if the Singer 237 was $88 in 1970 I don't think it was a bargain basement model. Just did a search - in 1970 $100 was equivalent to $647.18 in 2018 purchasing power. The average salary was $491 a month, so it cost about 1/5th a month's salary, more than a fifth for lower income earners.
ReplyDeleteSo how much is the model 237 in cabinet worth?
ReplyDeleteFor any vintage item (not just sewing machines) it is "worth" what someone is willing to pay for it. That is why items like that often end up at auction because there is no hard and fast value, it is subjective. I bought mine for $24 if that gives you a clue what the value was for me, personally. Someone else might pay more, and someone else again might not want it for any price!
DeleteBased on bleakos comment, the machine costed about $570 originally
DeleteDoes anyone know the year the model 237 was made and what the approximate value is?
ReplyDeleteThe 237 Fashion Mate M-A was made in Monza Italy around 1965-1968. The 237 is the last machines to have all metal innards. My dad bought one (unknown cost) had it cleaned and re-timed once (again unknown cost) I have recently had the machine cleaned and re-timed for $100.00 locally. I remember Dad bringing it home somewhere in the mid 70's. Original store cost was $88.00 and when you factor in the wages made during that time period, it was not a bargain bin buy. Today's prices that would equal around $654.00. I have read many articles where a lucky few managed to pick one up a flea markets and a Goodwill for $25 or less. On eBay you can find them for $100.00 to $170.00.
DeleteThere were two machines labeled Fashion Mate Model 237. One with a knob to lower the Feed Dog and the other without. I hope this helps.
Hi thanks for your review. I am looking at this machine and was going to purchase the 338 also. I don't quite understand what you mean by not even in the same class as the 237? Is it not as powerful or fast or quiet the stitches are not as nice? Thanks in advance thought for sure the 338 would be better for some reason
ReplyDeleteAll of the above! The 237 is faster, more powerful, quieter, and makes better stitches. The 338 (at least the model I have) is pretty but kind of a clunky mess.
DeleteI Have the 237. I haven't used it for quite a while until recently. I just encountered a problem. The need has frozen in the up position as I was sewing. I have read the manual cover to cover, and it does not give me any "hints" on how to fix it. I have taken the needle out and cleaned it. Still not working. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDo you mean that the needle bar itself won't go up and down? If you haven't used the machine in a long while, there could be hardened grease that has gummed up the works. You can oil it as show in the manual, remove the covers, and gently move the hand wheel while applying the heat of a hairdryer to the places where it appears to be hung up. 99% of the time, that will loosen it up. If it's truly broken, though, I'm afraid I can't help, that is above my pay grade!
DeleteCan someone please post a video on how to properly thread the bobbin? My 18 year old daughter is trying to alter some of her clothes on our Singer Model 237 and the thread is constantly getting wrapped around the crescent shaped part that holds the bobbin. I have never seen anything so difficult to thread and the manual is very poor. I am unsure if I am doing it right
ReplyDeleteThanks, MSG
I'm sorry I haven't been home much in the past month so unable to make a video clip for you. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm adding the sketches from the manual showing how to thread the bobbin case. Is this the same manual you are looking at? It looks pretty clear, what part are you hung up on? HTH!
DeleteWell, I got a really good deal on my Singer 237ma, who I named "Jeep"! A couple of guy friends and I were dumpster diving several years ago, and one of them pops his head out of the dumpster, and is holding an old square sewing machine box. Inside was a 237, a very good find that night! I am doing some maintenance on it and need the correct motor belt, and a plastic part to the tension control. I love this machine, it came into my life when I was going through hard times, but funny thing is, looking back now, it was one of the best times in my life. Anyway, just thought I should let you know, you never know where you might run into a 237!! Happy sewing! Denise H.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a diagram to put the bobbin case into this machine? I have Singers, White , And Viking machines and I just can't get this bobbin case to get in right. It runs, and I just don't know if its' worth the labor to have it gone over. Any advice Thanks Andria Loving to sew in this weird time in Ohio.
ReplyDeleteI added a diagram of how to insert the bobbin case. You have to pull the latch back, put the bobbin in place making sure the finger goes into the notch and then release the latch and it should click into place. You can also download a manual Here: https://www.manualslib.com/download/869916/Singer-237.html
DeleteThe thread is loopy on the bottom. Top looks great.
ReplyDeleteI know this is late... but...
DeleteLoopy on the bottom means the top tension (the knob) is set too loose. Conversely, if it's loopy on the top side of the fabric, your bobbin case (the thing the bobbin rides in) needs to be adjusted because it's too loose.
The reverse is true if the top or bottom tension is too tight or snapping threads, you need to loosen the tension of either the bobbin case or the tension knob.
From what I've picked up various places online, Usually if your thread is loopy on the bottom it's a problem with your top thread. Rethread or check your tension.
DeleteIs a Singer 237 as strong as a 15-91?
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say either Yes, or "pretty close to it."
DeleteI picked up a 237 whose feed dogs do drop and now I'm curious to master its ability to do free motion work -- esp quilting and darning, but I can't find any videos to demonstrate. Do you have any links to videos that demonstrate how to free motion quilt on this baby? I've been straight-stitch quilting my blankets, but I'm curious to try FMQ on something... and my kids are constantly putting holes in things, so mastering darning would be amazing!
ReplyDeleteI have watched videos on FM work the same as anyone else, by doing searches on YouTube! I can't think of any particular ones offhand to recommend, but the principles are the same no matter what machine you are using. Basically, you drop the feed dogs, set your stitch length to 0, and use a FM or darning foot. You put the work in an embroidery hoop to hold it taut and move the work under the needle. With the feed dogs dropped, you can move the work in any direction. It just takes some practice to get the hang of it, to get a steady speed and good control. Just play with it - it's fun and really easy!
ReplyDeleteI've had my 237 since 1968 and it's needed very little attention. Now the speed needs adjusted. It's suddenly taking off like a Derby horse. Anyone know how to do that adjustment?
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue getting a 237 ready for a granddaughter. The pedal speed control uses a 'carbon pile' resistor that degrades with time and use. It can be disassembled, cleaned and adjusted, or, I've seen new motor /pedal/light rigs for $40 online.
DeleteI picked up my 237 at Goodwill [on sale..$15 2018] just because. I can't tell if it's a slant or no...just oiled it up and threaded up..omg..it sews beautifully. Needs a new foot pedal this one likes to ??not work..then zips along. My son looked at inside and said it's just old ma.lol Is it a slant or no??
ReplyDeleteThe 237 is not a slant.
DeleteI just got a 237 myself and after waiting a month for a spool pin, I'm having an issue- I put my fabric under it and it got about two stitches in before the needle refused to move up and down and started making a horrible grinding noise when I pressed the foot pedal. A few other people have had this problem but no ones given a known solution- is this something I can solve by oiling, do I need to mess with the settings, or should I shell out for servicing?
ReplyDeleteIt's possible you have the bobbin case inserted in correctly, but it's hard to guess without actually seeing it. Try looking up Andy Tube, and I'm pretty sure he has a video on servicing this machine - or at least one similar.
DeleteThanks for the info! I have been looking for a vintage singer that is all metal and zigzags without any cams. Found a 237 in mint condition for $50 this weekend - going to get it this week! My daily driver is a black one from the 1940's!
DeleteI was about ready to give mine away. The needle would seize and the thread would bunch. I brought it to a repair man who told me I was threading my needle backwards. Not a problem since.
DeleteI just picked up a 237 at a "Curb Alert" where people post free stuff. I went to pick up a kitchen table and found this gem. It works beautifully!
ReplyDelete