This particular home stitching machine, manufactured by the Singer Manufacturing Firm, represents a specific level within the firm’s in depth historical past of manufacturing stitching expertise. It belongs to a sequence identified for its user-friendly options and strong building, designed for residence stitching initiatives starting from garment creation and mending to ornamental crafts. Machines of this period steadily integrated developments like adjustable sew size and width, and sometimes supplied a wide range of specialised presser toes for numerous stitching functions.
Sturdy and versatile, machines of this kind had been typically a family staple, contributing to the creation of clothes and residential furnishings. They offered a way of self-sufficiency and inventive expression. Their mechanical nature allowed for repairs and upkeep, contributing to their longevity. This specific mannequin seemingly holds historic significance, reflecting the evolving expertise and design rules of stitching machines throughout its manufacturing period.
Additional exploration of this machine includes understanding its particular options, capabilities, frequent upkeep wants, and its place throughout the broader context of Singer’s product line. Understanding its worth in in the present day’s market and the assets out there for collectors and fans are additionally key areas of curiosity.
1. Mechanical Stitching Machine
The Singer 347’s classification as a mechanical stitching machine signifies its reliance on guide operation and inner mechanical elements, reasonably than computerized techniques, for performance. This mechanical nature distinguishes it from later digital and computerized fashions. The machine’s operation is dependent upon interconnected gears, levers, and cams pushed by a foot pedal or a hand crank (in some earlier fashions). This mechanical system controls needle motion, thread rigidity, and material feed, enabling sew formation. The reliance on mechanical elements impacts upkeep and restore; changes and half replacements sometimes contain guide manipulation and available instruments, not like the specialised experience required for digital machines.
This mechanical design contributes to the Singer 347’s sturdiness and longevity. The strong building of those machines typically permits them to stay purposeful for many years with correct care. The absence of advanced digital circuitry simplifies troubleshooting and restore. This contrasts sharply with trendy computerized machines, which can require specialised technicians and proprietary components for restore. This mechanical simplicity permits for a direct, tactile connection to the stitching course of, typically appreciated by sewists. The rhythmic whir of the gears and the texture of the machine responding to guide changes provide a definite expertise.
Understanding the mechanical foundation of the Singer 347 offers an important basis for correct operation, upkeep, and restore. This data empowers customers to deal with frequent points and keep the machine’s performance, making certain continued use and lengthening its lifespan. Moreover, recognizing the machine’s mechanical nature contributes to a deeper appreciation of its historic context throughout the evolution of stitching expertise. It represents a tangible hyperlink to a time when mechanical ingenuity was paramount within the design and performance of on a regular basis instruments.
2. Zigzag Stitching
The Singer 347’s zigzag stitching functionality considerably expands its versatility past straight stitching, differentiating it from earlier, extra primary fashions. This function permits for a broader vary of stitching functions, from ornamental elaborations and strengthened seams to the creation of buttonholes and the applying of elastic. The inclusion of zigzag stitching on this mannequin displays the evolving wants of residence sewists and the growing sophistication of home stitching machines throughout its period.
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Ornamental Functions
Zigzag stitching permits for the creation of ornamental embroidery and appliqu. Various sew width and size produces completely different results, including visible curiosity to initiatives. This ornamental functionality was a key promoting level for machines just like the 347, providing residence sewists extra inventive freedom.
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Seam Ending and Reinforcement
Zigzag stitches present a sturdy and versatile seam end, stopping material fraying. Overcasting sew, a variation of the zigzag, is especially efficient for this goal. This performance enhances the longevity {and professional} look of sewn gadgets, essential for residence garment building.
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Buttonhole Creation
Whereas some later machines integrated computerized buttonhole options, the 347 seemingly utilized a mix of zigzag stitching and guide management for buttonhole creation. A selected buttonhole foot and sew settings permit for exact buttonhole formation. This functionality additional expands the machine’s utility for garment building.
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Elastic Software
The pliability of the zigzag sew makes it excellent for attaching elastic to materials. The sew stretches with the elastic, sustaining its integrity and offering a safe maintain. That is significantly essential for creating clothes with fitted parts like waistbands and cuffs.
The presence of zigzag stitching on the Singer 347 considerably enhances its performance and worth as a home stitching machine. This function broadened the scope of residence stitching initiatives, enabling extra advanced garment building, ornamental elaborations, and sturdy seam finishes. This functionality cemented the machine’s place as a flexible device for residence sewists, contributing to its enduring reputation.
3. Adjustable Sew Size
The Singer 347’s adjustable sew size represents a big function, providing management over sew look and performance. This adjustability permits customers to tailor stitching to particular material varieties and stitching functions. Shorter sew lengths present higher management and denser stitching, excellent for delicate materials or detailed work. Longer sew lengths are appropriate for basting, gathering, or stitching heavier materials. This adaptability enhances the machine’s versatility and precision, enabling a wider vary of stitching initiatives.
Take into account the sensible implications. When stitching light-weight silk, a brief sew size (e.g., 1mm) offers effective, exact stitching, stopping puckering and making certain seam integrity. Conversely, when working with denim or upholstery material, an extended sew size (e.g., 4mm) facilitates clean material feed and creates a stronger seam. Adjusting sew size additionally impacts ornamental stitching. An extended sew size in a zigzag sample creates a wider, extra open sew, whereas a shorter size produces a tighter, denser zigzag. This management over sew size permits for nuanced changes based mostly on the particular undertaking necessities.
The flexibility to regulate sew size on the Singer 347 is a crucial ingredient of its performance. This function empowers customers to optimize stitching for varied materials and stitching methods, enhancing the machine’s versatility and the standard of completed initiatives. Understanding the influence of sew size permits for knowledgeable decision-making, contributing to profitable stitching outcomes. This seemingly easy function displays the design issues that aimed to make the 347 a sensible and adaptable device for residence stitching.
4. Adjustable Sew Width
Adjustable sew width, a key function of the Singer 347, permits customers to manage the lateral unfold of the sew, considerably influencing the looks and performance of varied stitching methods. This adjustability enhances the adjustable sew size, offering higher management over sew formation. Wider sew widths are important for ornamental stitches, buttonholes, and sure seam finishes, whereas narrower widths are appropriate for straight stitching and topstitching. The flexibility to switch sew width expands the 347’s versatility, enabling numerous stitching functions.
Take into account the sensible implications of this adjustable function. When creating an ornamental satin sew, a wider sew width produces a dense, stuffed sew, excellent for embellishing clothes or residence dcor gadgets. Conversely, a slender sew width is most well-liked for topstitching, offering a refined, clear end alongside seam traces. When stitching buttonholes, adjustable sew width permits for exact management over the buttonhole dimension and density, making certain a purposeful and aesthetically pleasing consequence. Moreover, various sew width whereas utilizing a zigzag sew can create completely different ornamental results, equivalent to scallops or picots. This management over sew width is essential for attaining professional-looking outcomes throughout a variety of stitching initiatives.
The mixture of adjustable sew size and width on the Singer 347 gives important benefits. It permits for exact management over sew formation, enabling customers to tailor stitching to particular materials and undertaking necessities. This adaptability makes the 347 a flexible device able to dealing with a variety of stitching duties, from primary garment building to ornamental elaborations. Understanding the connection between sew width, material sort, and desired consequence empowers customers to make knowledgeable choices and obtain optimum outcomes. The supply of adjustable sew width underlines the design intent to offer residence sewists with a versatile and succesful machine.
5. A number of Presser Toes
The Singer 347’s compatibility with a number of presser toes considerably enhances its versatility. Every presser foot serves a specialised goal, increasing the machine’s capabilities past primary stitching. This adaptability permits customers to carry out varied stitching duties, together with zipper insertion, buttonhole creation, blind hemming, and ornamental stitching. The supply of interchangeable presser toes transforms the 347 right into a multi-functional device able to dealing with numerous stitching initiatives, from garment building to residence dcor.
Particular presser toes tackle distinctive stitching challenges. A zipper foot, as an illustration, permits for exact stitching near zipper tooth, essential for professional-looking garment closures. A buttonhole foot guides material for constant buttonhole formation. A blind hem foot creates discreet hems on clothes. These specialised presser toes simplify advanced stitching methods, enhancing effectivity and the standard of completed merchandise. The flexibility to simply change presser toes contributes to the 347’s user-friendliness, making it accessible to sewists of various ability ranges.
Understanding the perform of every presser foot is crucial for maximizing the Singer 347’s potential. Using the proper presser foot for a given activity ensures optimum outcomes and prevents material harm. This data empowers customers to discover varied stitching methods and obtain professional-looking finishes. The inclusion of a number of presser toes as a normal function underscores the 347’s design as a flexible and adaptable machine, catering to a variety of stitching wants.
6. Classic Design
The Singer 347’s classic design encapsulates a selected period of stitching machine expertise and aesthetics. This design displays each the purposeful necessities of the time and the prevailing stylistic tendencies. Inspecting its classic facets offers perception into the machine’s historic context, its manufacturing processes, and its enduring attraction amongst collectors and fans.
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Aesthetic Attraction
The 347’s visible attraction typically contains parts like ornate decals, ornamental sew patterns, and a sturdy, typically enameled, steel casing. These stylistic decisions contribute to the machine’s classic attraction, reflecting design sensibilities of its manufacturing period. This aesthetic differentiates it from the extra minimalist designs of later stitching machines.
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Mechanical Performance
The classic design additionally encompasses the machine’s mechanical operation. The reliance on gears, cams, and levers, reasonably than digital elements, defines its classic performance. This mechanical nature contributes to the machine’s sturdiness and offers a tactile connection to the stitching course of typically appreciated by classic machine fans.
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Manufacturing Processes
The manufacturing methods employed within the 347’s manufacturing mirror the applied sciences out there throughout its period. Using forged iron and heavy-gauge metal for the machine’s physique contributed to its sturdiness. The intricate mechanical elements had been typically manufactured with excessive precision, reflecting a dedication to high quality and longevity.
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Collectibility and Worth
The Singer 347’s classic standing contributes to its collectibility and worth in in the present day’s market. Elements such because the machine’s situation, rarity, and historic significance affect its desirability amongst collectors. The classic design typically evokes a way of nostalgia and appreciation for the craftsmanship of earlier eras.
The Singer 347’s classic design represents a convergence of purposeful necessities, manufacturing methods, and aesthetic preferences of its time. Understanding these facets offers a richer appreciation for the machine’s historical past, its mechanics, and its enduring attraction. This classic design distinguishes the 347 from later fashions, contributing to its distinctive character and its continued relevance amongst stitching fans and collectors.
7. Constructed-in Cams
Constructed-in cams represent a defining attribute of the Singer 347 stitching machine, immediately influencing its stitching capabilities. These mechanical elements dictate the needle’s lateral motion, enabling the creation of varied sew patterns past the usual straight sew. Understanding the function of built-in cams is essential for appreciating the 347’s versatility and its place throughout the evolution of stitching expertise. An exploration of particular aspects of those cams offers additional perception.
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Sew Sample Selection
The first perform of built-in cams is to broaden the vary of sew patterns out there. Every cam corresponds to a selected sew, equivalent to a zigzag, blind hem, or ornamental sew. The cam’s profile determines the needle’s motion, creating the specified sew formation. This selection permits customers to pick out the suitable sew for various stitching functions, from garment building to ornamental elaborations. The presence of a number of cams considerably enhances the 347’s versatility in comparison with machines restricted to straight stitching.
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Mechanical Operation
Constructed-in cams function mechanically, counting on the interplay of rotating cams and follower mechanisms throughout the stitching machine. Because the cam rotates, its profile pushes in opposition to a follower, which interprets the cam’s movement into the lateral needle motion. This purely mechanical system distinguishes the 347 from later digital machines, which use computerized techniques to manage sew formation. The mechanical nature of cam operation contributes to the machine’s sturdiness and sometimes simplifies upkeep and restore.
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Ease of Use
The Singer 347 sometimes employs a easy cam choice mechanism, permitting customers to simply change between completely different sew patterns. This user-friendly design enhances the machine’s accessibility, enabling sewists to shortly change sew varieties with out advanced changes. This ease of use contributed to the recognition of cam-operated machines throughout their period, making them accessible to a wider vary of customers.
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Limitations and Developments
Whereas built-in cams provide a variety of sew choices, in addition they signify a limitation when it comes to sew customization. Not like later digital machines that permit for programmable sew patterns and changes, the 347’s sew repertoire is restricted to the out there cams. This limitation underscores the technological development of stitching machines, the place digital techniques ultimately outmoded mechanical cam techniques for higher management and adaptability.
The built-in cams of the Singer 347 signify an important ingredient of its design and performance. They supply a mechanical technique of attaining sew selection, contributing to the machine’s versatility and ease of use. Understanding the operation and limitations of those cams offers a deeper appreciation for the 347’s historic context throughout the evolution of stitching machine expertise. Whereas outmoded by later digital techniques, built-in cams stay a defining attribute of many classic stitching machines, together with the 347, and contribute to their enduring attraction.
8. Metallic Development
The Singer 347’s reliance on steel building considerably contributes to its sturdiness, stability, and total longevity. This design alternative, typical of stitching machines from its period, contrasts sharply with the growing use of plastics in later fashions. Exploring the implications of this steel building offers insights into the machine’s strong nature and its enduring performance.
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Sturdiness and Longevity
Using steel, primarily forged iron and heavy-gauge metal, for the machine’s inner framework and exterior casing offers distinctive sturdiness. This strong building permits the 347 to resist the stresses of normal use and resist put on and tear over time. This inherent sturdiness contributes to the machine’s longevity, typically permitting these machines to stay purposeful for many years with correct upkeep.
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Stability and Vibration Discount
The substantial weight and rigidity of the steel elements contribute to the machine’s stability throughout operation. This stability minimizes vibrations, which may negatively influence sew high quality and precision. The steel building ensures clean, constant stitching, even at greater speeds, and reduces noise ranges throughout operation.
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Upkeep and Restore
Whereas requiring occasional upkeep, the steel elements of the 347 typically lend themselves to restore. Broken components can typically be repaired or changed, extending the machine’s lifespan. This repairability contrasts with some later fashions that make the most of plastic elements vulnerable to breakage and sometimes not simply repairable.
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Historic Context
The 347’s steel building displays manufacturing practices and materials availability of its period. Metallic was the dominant materials for equipment building, reflecting its energy and sturdiness. This design alternative locations the 347 inside a selected historic context of stitching machine improvement, highlighting the technological and materials tendencies of its time.
The Singer 347’s steel building is a defining function that contributes considerably to its sturdiness, stability, and longevity. This design alternative, typical of its period, displays a concentrate on strong building and repairability. These qualities contribute to the machine’s enduring performance and its continued relevance amongst stitching fans and collectors. Using steel distinguishes the 347 from later fashions incorporating extra plastic elements, highlighting the shift in manufacturing practices and materials preferences over time. Appreciating the implications of the 347’s steel building offers a deeper understanding of its enduring attraction and its place throughout the historical past of stitching machine expertise.
9. Transportable Design
The Singer 347’s transportable design, whereas maybe taken without any consideration in the present day, represented a big development in stitching machine expertise throughout its period. Earlier stitching machines had been typically heavy, cumbersome items of furnishings, limiting their mobility and proscribing their use to devoted stitching areas. The 347’s portability, achieved by means of a mix of design and materials decisions, expanded its usability, making it accessible for a wider vary of stitching functions and places.
A number of components contributed to the 347’s portability. Whereas nonetheless constructed primarily of steel, developments in manufacturing and design allowed for a extra compact and light-weight machine in comparison with its predecessors. The inclusion of a carrying case or built-in carrying deal with additional facilitated transport. This portability allowed customers to maneuver the machine simply between rooms, retailer it conveniently when not in use, and even take it to courses or stitching circles. This portability expanded stitching past the confines of a devoted stitching room, permitting for higher flexibility and comfort.
The sensible significance of this portability can’t be overstated. It empowered customers to stitch wherever handy, whether or not at a kitchen desk, in a well-lit front room, and even outside. This mobility broadened the accessibility of stitching, making it extra sensible for people with restricted area or those that desired higher flexibility of their stitching practices. The transportable design of the 347 displays the evolving wants and existence of residence sewists throughout its period, and its portability continues to be a valued function amongst customers of classic stitching machines in the present day.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the Singer 347 stitching machine, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: What’s the typical worth of a Singer 347 in in the present day’s market?
The worth of a Singer 347 varies based mostly on situation, completeness of equipment, and market demand. Usually, costs vary from [Price Range], with well-preserved fashions commanding greater costs. Consulting on-line marketplaces and specialised classic stitching machine sellers offers a extra correct evaluation of present market worth.
Query 2: The place can one discover alternative components for this mannequin?
Substitute components for the Singer 347 can typically be discovered by means of on-line retailers specializing in classic stitching machine components, in addition to by means of public sale websites and specialised boards. Some native stitching machine restore retailers can also carry components or have the ability to get them organized. Person manuals and components lists are beneficial assets for figuring out particular half numbers.
Query 3: What are the frequent upkeep necessities for the Singer 347?
Common cleansing and lubrication are important for sustaining the machine’s performance. This contains cleansing the bobbin case space, oiling designated factors as outlined within the consumer guide, and periodically checking the strain and timing. Common upkeep prevents put on and tear and ensures clean operation.
Query 4: What varieties of materials can the Singer 347 deal with successfully?
The Singer 347 can deal with a wide range of materials, from light-weight cottons and silks to heavier supplies like denim and fabric material. Adjusting the sew size and rigidity appropriately for the particular material ensures optimum outcomes and prevents harm to the machine or material.
Query 5: Are consumer manuals available for this mannequin?
Person manuals for the Singer 347 are available on-line by means of varied sources, together with devoted classic stitching machine web sites and on-line libraries. These manuals present beneficial info on operation, upkeep, and troubleshooting.
Query 6: How does the Singer 347 examine to trendy stitching machines?
The Singer 347 differs considerably from trendy computerized machines. It gives a mechanical stitching expertise, counting on guide changes and mechanical elements reasonably than digital automation. Whereas missing the superior options of computerized machines, the 347 gives a sturdy and dependable stitching expertise typically appreciated for its simplicity and sturdiness.
Understanding these key facets of the Singer 347 facilitates knowledgeable choices relating to acquisition, upkeep, and operation. This data empowers customers to understand the machine’s capabilities and its place throughout the historic context of stitching expertise.
Additional exploration would possibly delve into particular restore methods, assets for collectors, or comparisons with different classic Singer fashions. This may provide a deeper understanding of the 347’s distinctive qualities and its enduring attraction.
Upkeep and Operational Ideas
Correct upkeep and operation are essential for making certain the longevity and optimum efficiency of the Singer 347 stitching machine. The following tips present steering for sustaining and utilizing this classic machine successfully.
Tip 1: Common Cleansing: Accrued lint and dirt can intervene with the machine’s clean operation. Common cleansing, together with the bobbin case space and feed canines, prevents mechanical points and ensures constant stitching.
Tip 2: Acceptable Lubrication: Correct lubrication is crucial for minimizing friction and put on on transferring components. Seek the advice of the consumer guide for designated oiling factors and advisable lubricants. Common oiling ensures clean operation and prolongs the machine’s lifespan.
Tip 3: Appropriate Needle and Thread Choice: Utilizing the suitable needle and thread for the material sort is essential. An incorrect needle can harm the material or trigger thread breakage. Matching thread weight to the material and needle dimension ensures optimum sew formation.
Tip 4: Rigidity Adjustment: Correct rigidity ensures balanced stitching. Incorrect rigidity can result in free stitches, puckering, or thread breakage. Take a look at the strain on a scrap of cloth earlier than starting a undertaking. The consumer guide offers steering on rigidity adjustment procedures.
Tip 5: Correct Material Dealing with: Keep away from forcing or pulling the material whereas stitching. Permit the machine’s feed canines to maneuver the material naturally. Guiding the material gently ensures even stitching and prevents harm to the machine or material.
Tip 6: Storage Issues: Retailer the machine in a dry, dust-free atmosphere when not in use. Overlaying the machine with a mud cowl protects it from environmental components and helps keep its look.
Tip 7: Seek the advice of the Person Handbook: The consumer guide is a useful useful resource for understanding the machine’s particular options, operation, and upkeep necessities. Confer with the guide for detailed directions and troubleshooting ideas.
Adhering to those upkeep and operational tips ensures the Singer 347 continues to perform easily and reliably. Correct care maximizes the machine’s lifespan and contributes to constant, high-quality stitching outcomes.
A concluding part might summarize the important thing advantages of proudly owning and sustaining a classic Singer 347, emphasizing its enduring worth and sensible functions in in the present day’s stitching panorama.
Conclusion
This exploration of the Singer stitching machine mannequin 347 has offered a complete overview of its options, performance, and historic context. Key facets equivalent to its mechanical operation, versatile stitching capabilities, adjustable sew size and width, a number of presser toes, classic design, built-in cams, strong steel building, and transportable design have been examined intimately. Understanding these parts offers beneficial perception into the machine’s enduring attraction and its continued relevance amongst stitching fans and collectors.
The Singer 347 represents a tangible hyperlink to a selected period of stitching machine expertise. Its mechanical nature gives a singular stitching expertise, distinct from trendy computerized machines. The 347’s enduring reputation displays its strong building, versatile capabilities, and the enduring attraction of classic craftsmanship. Continued exploration of classic stitching machines just like the 347 contributes to a deeper appreciation of the evolution of stitching expertise and the enduring legacy of those mechanical marvels.
