The 347 mannequin was a well-liked addition to the Singer Manufacturing Firm’s intensive line of home stitching machines. This sturdy, electrical mannequin was manufactured primarily within the Sixties and featured a particular slant-shank design, accommodating a variety of attachments for varied stitching duties, from fundamental mending to ornamental stitching. Identified for its easy operation and durable building, this particular mannequin provided customers a dependable platform for numerous stitching tasks.
This machine represented a major step ahead in dwelling stitching know-how. Its electrical motor freed customers from the constraints of handbook machines, permitting for higher pace and management. The slant-shank design expanded its versatility, accepting specialised attachments for buttonholing, embroidery, and different superior strategies. This accessibility made advanced stitching tasks manageable for dwelling customers, additional solidifying the stitching machine’s position as a family staple. The 347 stays wanted by classic stitching machine lovers and collectors, testifying to its lasting attraction and sturdiness.
This overview offers a basis for exploring particular subjects associated to the machine, reminiscent of its upkeep, widespread points, and the provision of substitute components. Additional sections will delve into these areas, providing sensible steering for house owners and lovers alike.
1. Classic Stitching Machine
The Singer 347 finds its place inside the broader class of classic stitching machines, a classification encompassing machines usually 25 years or older. Understanding the traits of classic machines offers beneficial context for appreciating the 347’s options and historic significance. These machines signify a definite period of stitching know-how and provide distinctive qualities usually absent in fashionable counterparts.
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Mechanical Performance:
Many classic machines, together with some variants of the 347, function primarily by means of mechanical means, counting on gears, cams, and levers. This mechanical operation presents a tactile connection to the stitching course of and may present a degree of sturdiness and repairability not all the time present in newer digital fashions. The rhythmic whir of a mechanical machine and the direct engagement with its transferring components are hallmarks of the classic stitching expertise.
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Building and Supplies:
Classic stitching machines are sometimes characterised by sturdy building, incessantly that includes all-metal our bodies and inner elements. This construct high quality contributes to their longevity and resistance to put on and tear. The 347, identified for its sturdy building, exemplifies this sturdiness. Using high-quality supplies in classic machines usually distinguishes them from many modern plastic fashions.
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Aesthetic Qualities:
Classic machines possess a particular aesthetic attraction. Ornamental decals, intricate engravings, and the general design aesthetic mirror the stylistic tendencies of their respective eras. The 347, with its clear strains and purposeful design, embodies the mid-century fashionable aesthetic. This visible attraction contributes to their collectibility and desirability as ornamental in addition to purposeful objects.
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Historic Significance:
Classic stitching machines provide a tangible hyperlink to the historical past of stitching and trend. They mirror the evolution of stitching know-how and the altering position of dwelling stitching in society. The 347, produced throughout a interval of great development in dwelling stitching, represents a particular second on this technological and social historical past. Finding out these machines offers insights into previous manufacturing practices and shopper preferences.
These sides of classic stitching machines illuminate the 347’s place inside a bigger historic and technological narrative. The machines mechanical operation, sturdy building, aesthetic attraction, and historic context mix to create a compelling profile for collectors, lovers, and anybody within the evolution of stitching know-how. Analyzing the 347 by means of this lens offers a deeper appreciation for its enduring attraction and its contribution to the wealthy tapestry of stitching machine historical past.
2. Electrical mannequin
The Singer 347’s classification as an electrical mannequin signifies an important technological development in dwelling stitching. Previous to widespread electrification, treadle-powered machines dominated the home market, requiring bodily exertion and limiting pace management. The appearance of electrical motors remodeled the stitching expertise, providing elevated pace, precision, and ease of use. This transition freed customers from the bodily calls for of treadle operation, permitting for longer stitching classes and extra intricate tasks. The 347’s electrical motor immediately contributed to the broader accessibility and recognition of dwelling stitching throughout its manufacturing period.
The influence of electrical operation extends past easy comfort. Electrical motors present constant energy supply, leading to extra uniform stitching and diminished probability of skipped stitches or stress inconsistencies, widespread points with manually powered machines. This consistency proved significantly advantageous for advanced tasks requiring precision and uniformity, reminiscent of garment building or detailed embroidery. The 347’s electrical motor facilitated the next degree of management and accuracy, increasing the artistic prospects for dwelling sewers. This precision contributed to the machine’s status for reliability and its attraction to each novice and skilled sewers.
Understanding the 347’s electrical operation presents sensible advantages for present house owners. Troubleshooting mechanical points usually necessitates consciousness of the motor’s operate and its integration with different elements. Sustaining the motor, together with correct lubrication and electrical security practices, ensures continued dependable operation. Recognizing the machine’s electrical nature informs selections relating to energy provide and compatibility with fashionable electrical programs. This information empowers customers to take care of and function their 347 successfully, preserving its performance for years to return.
3. Slant-shank design
The slant-shank design of the Singer 347 stitching machine represents a key function distinguishing it from different fashions and contributing considerably to its versatility. This design refers back to the angled configuration of the presser foot shank, the part that holds the presser foot in place. Understanding the implications of this slant-shank system is essential for appreciating the machine’s capabilities and choosing acceptable equipment.
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Attachment Compatibility:
The slant-shank configuration determines the kinds of presser toes and attachments appropriate with the machine. It permits for a variety of specialised attachments designed particularly for slant-shank machines, increasing the 347’s performance past fundamental stitching operations. These specialised attachments cater to varied stitching duties, together with buttonholing, zipper insertion, and ornamental stitching. This expanded compatibility considerably enhances the machine’s versatility for numerous stitching tasks.
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Enhanced Cloth Management:
The angled shank contributes to improved material management, significantly when working with a number of layers or difficult supplies. The slant permits for higher clearance and maneuverability, facilitating smoother feeding and stopping material bunching or slippage. This improved management is particularly helpful for intricate stitching tasks requiring exact stitching and constant material dealing with.
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Visibility and Entry:
The slanted orientation of the shank improves visibility of the needle and stitching space. This enhanced visibility aids in exact needle placement and facilitates extra correct stitching, significantly when following advanced patterns or working with intricate particulars. The improved visibility additionally contributes to ease of use and reduces eye pressure throughout prolonged stitching classes.
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Upkeep and Adjustment:
The slant-shank mechanism, whereas sturdy, requires periodic upkeep and occasional changes to make sure optimum efficiency. Understanding the mechanics of the shank and presser foot meeting permits for correct cleansing, lubrication, and stress adjustment. Common upkeep contributes to the longevity of the machine and ensures constant stitching high quality.
The slant-shank design of the Singer 347 immediately influences its capabilities and consumer expertise. From expanded attachment compatibility to enhanced material management and visibility, the slant-shank system contributes considerably to the machine’s versatility and precision. Understanding this design ingredient empowers customers to make the most of the machine successfully and admire its distinctive traits inside the broader context of stitching machine know-how.
4. Sixties Manufacturing
The Singer 347’s manufacturing inside the Sixties situates the machine inside a particular sociocultural and technological context. This period witnessed important shifts in shopper tradition, manufacturing processes, and technological developments, all of which influenced the design, advertising and marketing, and supreme reception of the 347. The post-war financial growth fueled elevated shopper spending, with dwelling home equipment, together with stitching machines, changing into more and more accessible to a wider demographic. This burgeoning market created demand for dependable, versatile, and inexpensive stitching machines for dwelling use.
The Sixties additionally marked a interval of innovation in stitching machine know-how. The transition from primarily mechanical machines to electrical fashions, as exemplified by the 347, displays the broader societal embrace {of electrical} home equipment. Manufacturing developments, together with improved supplies and manufacturing strategies, allowed for mass manufacturing of sturdy and feature-rich machines. The 347’s sturdy building and incorporation of options just like the slant-shank design exemplify these developments. Moreover, the Sixties noticed rising emphasis on design aesthetics in shopper merchandise. The 347’s clear strains and purposeful aesthetic mirror the mid-century fashionable design sensibilities prevalent throughout its manufacturing period.
Understanding the 347’s Sixties manufacturing context offers beneficial insights for collectors and lovers. Recognizing the machine’s historic placement informs assessments of its worth, rarity, and significance inside Singer’s broader product line. Information of the period’s manufacturing strategies and materials availability aids in restoration and restore efforts. Moreover, appreciating the societal context surrounding the 347’s manufacturing enhances understanding of its position as a family equipment and its contribution to the historical past of dwelling stitching. The 347 represents a tangible artifact of a particular historic second, reflecting the technological and cultural tendencies that formed its design and legacy.
5. Sturdy Building
The Singer 347’s status for sturdy building stems from a number of key elements, together with materials choice, manufacturing processes, and design concerns. The machine’s inner framework and exterior casing usually utilized heavy-gauge metallic, contributing to its general sturdiness and resistance to put on. Manufacturing processes of the period emphasised precision machining and meeting, leading to tightly fitted elements and sturdy mechanical linkages. This deal with construct high quality displays the prevailing manufacturing ethos of the time and contributed to the longevity of many Sixties stitching machines. The 347’s sturdy building interprets immediately into an extended lifespan, diminished want for repairs, and constant efficiency over prolonged intervals of use. This sturdiness additionally contributes to the machine’s continued performance and attraction amongst classic stitching lovers and collectors in the present day. A well-maintained 347 can usually outlast extra fashionable machines constructed with much less sturdy supplies.
The sensible implications of the 347’s sturdy building are quite a few. The machine’s skill to face up to common use and occasional mishaps makes it a dependable instrument for each novice and skilled sewers. Its sturdy building permits it to deal with heavier materials and extra demanding stitching duties with out undue pressure on its elements. The machine’s longevity additionally contributes to its sustainability, lowering the necessity for frequent replacements and minimizing digital waste. Moreover, the sturdy building enhances the machine’s suitability for continued use, making it a viable choice for these in search of a reliable and long-lasting stitching machine. The flexibility to take care of and restore the 347, facilitated by its sturdy building and available components, additional extends its lifespan and contributes to its general worth.
The Singer 347’s sturdy building represents a major think about its enduring attraction. This deal with construct high quality, mirrored within the machine’s sturdy elements and exact meeting, immediately contributes to its longevity, reliability, and continued performance. The sensible advantages of this sturdiness are readily obvious, starting from diminished upkeep must the flexibility to deal with demanding stitching duties. Finally, the 347’s sturdy building underscores its worth as a reliable and long-lasting stitching machine, able to offering dependable service for generations of customers. This lasting sturdiness contributes considerably to the machine’s continued relevance inside the broader context of stitching machine historical past and its enduring attraction amongst classic stitching lovers.
6. Versatile Attachments
The Singer 347’s versatility stems considerably from its compatibility with a variety of attachments. These equipment increase the machine’s capabilities past fundamental stitching, enabling customers to carry out specialised duties and obtain numerous artistic outcomes. The supply and number of these attachments contribute considerably to the 347’s enduring attraction amongst stitching lovers. Understanding their capabilities and functions offers beneficial context for appreciating the machine’s full potential.
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Buttonholing:
Devoted buttonholing attachments automate the method of making constant, evenly spaced buttonholes, a process usually difficult to execute manually. These attachments sometimes make the most of a template and adjustable settings to manage buttonhole dimension and elegance, providing precision and repeatability. The 347’s buttonholing attachments simplify an important step in garment building, enhancing effectivity {and professional} end.
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Zipper Insertion:
Zipper toes facilitate the exact and even insertion of zippers, making certain correct alignment and a clear, skilled look. Several types of zipper toes accommodate varied zipper kinds, together with invisible and lapped zippers. These attachments simplify a probably advanced stitching process, contributing to the 347’s user-friendliness and increasing its capabilities for garment building and different tasks involving zippers.
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Ornamental Stitching:
Numerous ornamental sew cams and attachments increase the 347’s repertoire past utilitarian stitching. These equipment allow customers to create ornamental patterns, elaborations, and heirloom-quality particulars. The vary of accessible ornamental sew choices offers artistic flexibility and permits for personalised expression in stitching tasks. This expanded performance contributes to the 347’s attraction for these in search of each sensible stitching capabilities and inventive choices.
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Specialty Ft:
Past the widespread attachments talked about, the 347 accommodates a wide range of specialised presser toes, together with ruffler toes for creating gathers and ruffles, cording toes for incorporating ornamental cords, and hemming toes for attaining exact and constant hems. The supply of those specialty toes additional enhances the 347’s versatility and expands its potential functions for varied stitching tasks, from garment building to dwelling dcor.
The Singer 347’s broad compatibility with varied attachments considerably enhances its performance and attraction. From simplifying advanced duties like buttonholing and zipper insertion to increasing artistic prospects with ornamental stitching and specialty toes, these equipment contribute considerably to the machine’s versatility and its enduring reputation amongst stitching lovers. The flexibility to adapt the 347 to a variety of stitching tasks by means of its numerous attachments solidifies its place as a flexible and beneficial instrument for each sensible stitching wants and inventive exploration.
7. Collectible Merchandise
The Singer 347 stitching machine holds a notable place inside the realm of collectible stitching machines. A number of elements contribute to its collectibility, together with its historic context, sturdy building, distinctive design options, and relative shortage. As a consultant of mid-Twentieth-century stitching know-how, the 347 presents a tangible hyperlink to a particular period of home manufacturing and shopper tradition. Its sturdy construct high quality, usually that includes all-metal building and exact mechanical elements, distinguishes it from many later plastic fashions. The 347’s slant-shank design and the provision of specialised attachments additional improve its attraction amongst collectors who admire its versatility and historic significance. Lastly, whereas not exceptionally uncommon, the 347’s discontinuation and the passage of time have contributed to its relative shortage, rising its desirability amongst collectors.
The collectibility of the 347 interprets into tangible real-world implications. On-line marketplaces and vintage retailers incessantly function 347 fashions, with costs various based mostly on situation, completeness, and included equipment. Collectors usually search particular variations or attachments, driving demand and influencing market worth. The machine’s collectibility additionally fuels a vibrant on-line group of lovers who share data, restoration suggestions, and historic insights. This lively group contributes to the preservation of the 347 and its continued appreciation as a collectible merchandise. Furthermore, the 347’s collectible standing motivates house owners to take care of and protect their machines, making certain the continued performance and historic preservation of those classic stitching instruments.
The Singer 347’s recognition as a collectible merchandise underscores its lasting worth past mere performance. Its historic significance, sturdy building, distinctive options, and relative shortage mix to raise its standing inside the amassing group. This collectibility interprets into real-world market worth, fosters on-line communities of lovers, and motivates preservation efforts. Finally, the 347’s collectible standing ensures its continued relevance and appreciation as a tangible piece of stitching machine historical past.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the Singer 347 stitching machine, offering concise and informative responses to make clear potential uncertainties and provide sensible steering.
Query 1: The place can substitute components be sourced for the 347?
Numerous on-line marketplaces, specialised classic stitching machine components retailers, and even some native stitching machine restore retailers usually inventory components for this mannequin. Consulting on-line boards devoted to classic stitching machines may also present beneficial leads.
Query 2: What’s the typical market worth of a Singer 347?
Market worth fluctuates based mostly on the machine’s situation, completeness (together with equipment and unique case), and placement. Researching accomplished gross sales on on-line public sale platforms can present an affordable estimate of present market costs.
Query 3: How does one deal with stress points on the 347?
Stress issues usually stem from incorrect threading, improper bobbin winding, or lint buildup. Consulting the machine’s handbook and on-line assets demonstrating correct threading and upkeep procedures can sometimes resolve these points.
Query 4: Are attachments from different slant-shank Singer fashions appropriate with the 347?
Typically, slant-shank attachments designed for different Singer fashions are appropriate with the 347. Nevertheless, confirming compatibility with particular attachments earlier than buy is advisable to make sure correct match and performance.
Query 5: What sort of oil is advisable for lubricating the 347?
Stitching machine oil particularly formulated for classic machines is advisable. Keep away from utilizing generic family oils, as they’ll harm inner elements. Consulting the consumer handbook or contacting a classic stitching machine specialist can present particular oil suggestions.
Query 6: What are widespread upkeep duties important for preserving the 347’s performance?
Common cleansing of lint and dirt buildup, periodic lubrication of transferring components, and occasional stress changes are important upkeep duties. Consulting the consumer handbook for particular upkeep procedures is very advisable.
Addressing these widespread inquiries offers a basis for successfully sustaining and working the Singer 347 stitching machine. Additional analysis and session with skilled customers or restore technicians can provide extra assist.
The next sections will discover extra particular features of the 347, offering in-depth data and sensible steering for house owners and lovers.
Upkeep and Troubleshooting Suggestions for the Singer 347
Correct upkeep and well timed troubleshooting guarantee optimum efficiency and longevity for the Singer 347 stitching machine. The following tips provide sensible steering for addressing widespread points and preserving the machine’s performance.
Tip 1: Common Cleansing:
Amassed lint and dirt can impede the machine’s easy operation. Common cleansing, utilizing a small brush and lint remover, is essential, significantly within the bobbin space and across the feed canine. This preventative upkeep minimizes potential mechanical points.
Tip 2: Correct Lubrication:
Lubricating transferring components with stitching machine oil designed for classic machines ensures easy operation and reduces put on. Seek the advice of the machine’s handbook for particular lubrication factors and advisable oil sorts. Keep away from over-lubrication, as extra oil can entice mud and particles.
Tip 3: Stress Adjustment:
Correct stress is essential for balanced stitching. Understanding the strain mechanism and find out how to regulate it prevents points like skipped stitches or puckering. The machine’s handbook offers steering on stress adjustment procedures.
Tip 4: Needle Choice and Substitute:
Utilizing the right needle sort and dimension for the material and thread prevents needle breakage and ensures correct sew formation. Recurrently changing needles, ideally each 6-8 hours of stitching time, maintains sew high quality and minimizes material harm.
Tip 5: Bobbin Winding and Insertion:
Correct bobbin winding and insertion are basic for constant stitching. Make sure the bobbin is wound evenly and inserted appropriately into the bobbin case to stop stress points and thread breakage. Seek the advice of the handbook for particular bobbin winding and insertion directions for the 347 mannequin.
Tip 6: Electrical Security:
Given the 347’s electrical operation, make sure the machine is related to a correctly grounded outlet and keep away from working it with broken cords or plugs. Periodically examine the facility wire for put on and tear and exchange if vital. These precautions decrease electrical hazards and guarantee protected operation.
Tip 7: Troubleshooting Skipped Stitches:
Skipped stitches usually consequence from incorrect needle sort/dimension, boring needles, improper threading, or incorrect stress settings. Systematically checking these elements sometimes resolves the difficulty.
Adhering to those upkeep and troubleshooting practices considerably extends the lifespan and efficiency of the Singer 347. Common upkeep minimizes the necessity for intensive repairs and ensures constant, high-quality stitching.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing attributes and enduring attraction of this classic stitching machine.
Singer Stitching Machine 347
This exploration of the Singer 347 stitching machine has traversed its key options, historic context, and enduring attraction. From its sturdy building and versatile slant-shank design to its significance as a collectible merchandise, the 347’s multifaceted nature has been examined. Its Sixties manufacturing situates it inside a particular technological and cultural panorama, highlighting its contribution to the evolution of dwelling stitching. Moreover, sensible steering on upkeep and troubleshooting underscores the continued relevance and performance of this classic machine.
The Singer 347 stands as a testomony to the ingenuity and enduring high quality of classic stitching machines. Its continued operation in houses and workshops worldwide underscores its lasting legacy. Additional exploration of classic stitching machine know-how guarantees continued insights into the wealthy historical past and ongoing relevance of those mechanical marvels. Preserving and appreciating these machines ensures the transmission of beneficial stitching abilities and data throughout generations.
