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.
