This particular home stitching machine, manufactured by the Singer Manufacturing Firm, represents a specific level within the firm’s intensive historical past of manufacturing stitching expertise. It belongs to a collection recognized 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 included developments like adjustable sew size and width, and sometimes provided a wide range of specialised presser ft for numerous stitching purposes.
Sturdy and versatile, machines of this kind have been usually a family staple, contributing to the creation of clothes and residential furnishings. They offered a method of self-sufficiency and inventive expression. Their mechanical nature allowed for repairs and upkeep, contributing to their longevity. This specific mannequin possible holds historic significance, reflecting the evolving expertise and design ideas of stitching machines throughout its manufacturing period.
Additional exploration of this machine entails understanding its particular options, capabilities, widespread 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 lovers are additionally key areas of curiosity.
1. Mechanical Stitching Machine
The Singer 347’s classification as a mechanical stitching machine signifies its reliance on handbook operation and inner mechanical elements, quite than computerized methods, for performance. This mechanical nature distinguishes it from later digital and computerized fashions. The machine’s operation will depend on 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 stress, and cloth feed, enabling sew formation. The reliance on mechanical elements impacts upkeep and restore; changes and half replacements sometimes contain handbook manipulation and available instruments, in contrast to 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 usually permits them to stay purposeful for many years with correct care. The absence of complicated 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, usually appreciated by sewists. The rhythmic whir of the gears and the texture of the machine responding to handbook changes supply a definite expertise.
Understanding the mechanical foundation of the Singer 347 offers a vital basis for correct operation, upkeep, and restore. This information empowers customers to deal with widespread points and preserve 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 characteristic permits for a broader vary of stitching purposes, from ornamental elaborations and strengthened seams to the creation of buttonholes and the appliance 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 Purposes
Zigzag stitching permits for the creation of ornamental embroidery and appliqu. Various sew width and size produces totally 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 artistic freedom.
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Seam Ending and Reinforcement
Zigzag stitches present a sturdy and versatile seam end, stopping cloth fraying. Overcasting sew, a variation of the zigzag, is especially efficient for this function. 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 included computerized buttonhole options, the 347 possible utilized a mixture of zigzag stitching and handbook 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 preferrred for attaching elastic to materials. The sew stretches with the elastic, sustaining its integrity and offering a safe maintain. That is notably vital for creating clothes with fitted components 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 characteristic broadened the scope of residence stitching initiatives, enabling extra complicated 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 recognition.
3. Adjustable Sew Size
The Singer 347’s adjustable sew size represents a major characteristic, providing management over sew look and performance. This adjustability permits customers to tailor stitching to particular cloth sorts and stitching functions. Shorter sew lengths present better management and denser stitching, preferrred 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.
Think about the sensible implications. When stitching light-weight silk, a brief sew size (e.g., 1mm) offers tremendous, exact stitching, stopping puckering and making certain seam integrity. Conversely, when working with denim or upholstery cloth, an extended sew size (e.g., 4mm) facilitates easy cloth 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 precise mission necessities.
The flexibility to regulate sew size on the Singer 347 is a crucial ingredient of its performance. This characteristic empowers customers to optimize stitching for numerous materials and stitching methods, enhancing the machine’s versatility and the standard of completed initiatives. Understanding the affect of sew size permits for knowledgeable decision-making, contributing to profitable stitching outcomes. This seemingly easy characteristic 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 characteristic of the Singer 347, permits customers to regulate the lateral unfold of the sew, considerably influencing the looks and performance of varied stitching methods. This adjustability enhances the adjustable sew size, offering better 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 purposes.
Think about the sensible implications of this adjustable characteristic. When creating an ornamental satin sew, a wider sew width produces a dense, stuffed sew, preferrred for embellishing clothes or residence dcor gadgets. Conversely, a slender sew width is most popular for topstitching, offering a delicate, clear end alongside seam traces. When stitching buttonholes, adjustable sew width permits for exact management over the buttonhole measurement and density, making certain a purposeful and aesthetically pleasing end result. Moreover, various sew width whereas utilizing a zigzag sew can create totally different ornamental results, equivalent to scallops or picots. This management over sew width is essential for attaining professional-looking outcomes throughout a spread of stitching initiatives.
The mixture of adjustable sew size and width on the Singer 347 provides vital benefits. It permits for exact management over sew formation, enabling customers to tailor stitching to particular materials and mission 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, cloth sort, and desired end result 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 Ft
The Singer 347’s compatibility with a number of presser ft considerably enhances its versatility. Every presser foot serves a specialised function, increasing the machine’s capabilities past primary stitching. This adaptability permits customers to carry out numerous stitching duties, together with zipper insertion, buttonhole creation, blind hemming, and ornamental stitching. The supply of interchangeable presser ft transforms the 347 right into a multi-functional device able to dealing with numerous stitching initiatives, from garment building to residence dcor.
Particular presser ft deal with distinctive stitching challenges. A zipper foot, as an example, permits for exact stitching near zipper enamel, essential for professional-looking garment closures. A buttonhole foot guides cloth for constant buttonhole formation. A blind hem foot creates discreet hems on clothes. These specialised presser ft simplify complicated stitching methods, enhancing effectivity and the standard of completed merchandise. The flexibility to simply change presser ft contributes to the 347’s user-friendliness, making it accessible to sewists of various talent ranges.
Understanding the perform of every presser foot is crucial for maximizing the Singer 347’s potential. Using the right presser foot for a given activity ensures optimum outcomes and prevents cloth harm. This information empowers customers to discover numerous stitching methods and obtain professional-looking finishes. The inclusion of a number of presser ft as a normal characteristic 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 particular period of stitching machine expertise and aesthetics. This design displays each the purposeful necessities of the time and the prevailing stylistic developments. Analyzing its classic points offers perception into the machine’s historic context, its manufacturing processes, and its enduring attraction amongst collectors and lovers.
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Aesthetic Enchantment
The 347’s visible attraction usually consists of components like ornate decals, ornamental sew patterns, and a sturdy, usually enameled, metallic 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, quite 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 usually appreciated by classic machine lovers.
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Manufacturing Processes
The manufacturing methods employed within the 347’s manufacturing replicate the applied sciences out there throughout its period. The usage of forged iron and heavy-gauge metal for the machine’s physique contributed to its sturdiness. The intricate mechanical elements have been usually 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. Components such because the machine’s situation, rarity, and historic significance affect its desirability amongst collectors. The classic design usually 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 points 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 lovers 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 particular 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 purposes, 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 methods to regulate 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 swap between totally different sew patterns. This user-friendly design enhances the machine’s accessibility, enabling sewists to shortly change sew sorts with out complicated 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 supply a spread of sew choices, in addition they characterize 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 methods finally outdated mechanical cam methods for better management and adaptability.
The built-in cams of the Singer 347 characterize a vital 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 outdated by later digital methods, built-in cams stay a defining attribute of many classic stitching machines, together with the 347, and contribute to their enduring attraction.
8. Steel Development
The Singer 347’s reliance on metallic building considerably contributes to its sturdiness, stability, and total longevity. This design selection, typical of stitching machines from its period, contrasts sharply with the growing use of plastics in later fashions. Exploring the implications of this metallic building offers insights into the machine’s strong nature and its enduring performance.
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Sturdiness and Longevity
The usage of metallic, 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, usually 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 metallic elements contribute to the machine’s stability throughout operation. This stability minimizes vibrations, which might negatively affect sew high quality and precision. The metallic building ensures easy, constant stitching, even at larger speeds, and reduces noise ranges throughout operation.
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Upkeep and Restore
Whereas requiring occasional upkeep, the metallic elements of the 347 usually lend themselves to restore. Broken components can usually be repaired or changed, extending the machine’s lifespan. This repairability contrasts with some later fashions that make the most of plastic elements susceptible to breakage and sometimes not simply repairable.
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Historic Context
The 347’s metallic building displays manufacturing practices and materials availability of its period. Steel was the dominant materials for equipment building, reflecting its power and sturdiness. This design selection locations the 347 inside a particular historic context of stitching machine growth, highlighting the technological and materials developments of its time.
The Singer 347’s metallic building is a defining characteristic that contributes considerably to its sturdiness, stability, and longevity. This design selection, 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 lovers and collectors. The usage of metallic 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 metallic 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 moveable design, whereas maybe taken as a right in the present day, represented a major development in stitching machine expertise throughout its period. Earlier stitching machines have been usually heavy, cumbersome items of furnishings, limiting their mobility and limiting their use to devoted stitching areas. The 347’s portability, achieved by a mixture of design and materials decisions, expanded its usability, making it accessible for a wider vary of stitching purposes and places.
A number of elements contributed to the 347’s portability. Whereas nonetheless constructed primarily of metallic, 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 lessons or stitching circles. This portability expanded stitching past the confines of a devoted stitching room, permitting for better 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 open air. This mobility broadened the accessibility of stitching, making it extra sensible for people with restricted house or those that desired better flexibility of their stitching practices. The moveable design of the 347 displays the evolving wants and existence of residence sewists throughout its period, and its portability continues to be a valued characteristic amongst customers of classic stitching machines in the present day.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning 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. Typically, costs vary from [Price Range], with well-preserved fashions commanding larger 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 substitute components for this mannequin?
Alternative components for the Singer 347 can usually be discovered by on-line retailers specializing in classic stitching machine components, in addition to by public sale websites and specialised boards. Some native stitching machine restore retailers might also carry components or have the ability to organize them. Person manuals and components lists are helpful assets for figuring out particular half numbers.
Query 3: What are the widespread upkeep necessities for the Singer 347?
Common cleansing and lubrication are important for sustaining the machine’s performance. This consists of cleansing the bobbin case space, oiling designated factors as outlined within the consumer handbook, and periodically checking the strain and timing. Common upkeep prevents put on and tear and ensures easy operation.
Query 4: What kinds 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 cloth. Adjusting the sew size and stress appropriately for the precise cloth ensures optimum outcomes and prevents harm to the machine or cloth.
Query 5: Are consumer manuals available for this mannequin?
Person manuals for the Singer 347 are available on-line by numerous sources, together with devoted classic stitching machine web sites and on-line libraries. These manuals present helpful data on operation, upkeep, and troubleshooting.
Query 6: How does the Singer 347 evaluate to trendy stitching machines?
The Singer 347 differs considerably from trendy computerized machines. It provides a mechanical stitching expertise, counting on handbook changes and mechanical elements quite than digital automation. Whereas missing the superior options of computerized machines, the 347 provides a sturdy and dependable stitching expertise usually appreciated for its simplicity and sturdiness.
Understanding these key points of the Singer 347 facilitates knowledgeable choices concerning acquisition, upkeep, and operation. This information 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 is able to supply 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 steerage for sustaining and utilizing this classic machine successfully.
Tip 1: Common Cleansing: Collected lint and dirt can intrude with the machine’s easy 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 shifting components. Seek the advice of the consumer handbook for designated oiling factors and beneficial lubricants. Common oiling ensures easy operation and prolongs the machine’s lifespan.
Tip 3: Right 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 measurement ensures optimum sew formation.
Tip 4: Pressure Adjustment: Correct stress ensures balanced stitching. Incorrect stress can result in free stitches, puckering, or thread breakage. Check the strain on a scrap of cloth earlier than starting a mission. The consumer handbook offers steerage on stress adjustment procedures.
Tip 5: Correct Cloth 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 cloth.
Tip 6: Storage Issues: Retailer the machine in a dry, dust-free surroundings when not in use. Protecting the machine with a mud cowl protects it from environmental elements and helps preserve its look.
Tip 7: Seek the advice of the Person Handbook: The consumer handbook is a useful useful resource for understanding the machine’s particular options, operation, and upkeep necessities. Seek advice from the handbook for detailed directions and troubleshooting ideas.
Adhering to those upkeep and operational pointers 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 purposes 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 points equivalent to its mechanical operation, versatile stitching capabilities, adjustable sew size and width, a number of presser ft, classic design, built-in cams, strong metallic building, and moveable design have been examined intimately. Understanding these components offers helpful perception into the machine’s enduring attraction and its continued relevance amongst stitching lovers and collectors.
The Singer 347 represents a tangible hyperlink to a particular period of stitching machine expertise. Its mechanical nature provides a singular stitching expertise, distinct from trendy computerized machines. The 347’s enduring recognition 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.
