I'm utterly devoted to my hand crank. For me, its weight really is its only disadvantage, but that is also what makes it so durable! I'm on the look out for a treadle as well, but my hand crank is my most treasured possession.
I’ve just started using my hand crank, and I LOVE it! It’s officially my second favourite ( of 8 ) machine. My ultimate favourite is my 1889 treadle, but boy oh boy, that hand crank is a close second. 😊
All those areas of you have just described also pertain to modern electric sewing machines. If there is someone out there with physical disabilities using a sewing machine he or she is most likely using an electric machine, not to say that they can't use a hand crank. The only slight disadvantage I have when using my hand crank machine is in guiding the fabric, other than that; its all in the joys and trills I get from getting reconnected to the past and the stories that old machine gives me. thanks for your time.
I took a treadle singer 15 and put a hand crank on it so I could make it portable. I’ve been able to repair my 31 foot boat cover by putting it in the back of my pick up with the tailgate down. I then put my singer on a portable woodworking table and don’t have to worry about electricity.
I don't understand this test. Most people have two hands and are able and willing to use them on a hand crank sewing machine. Therefore the one hand test shows problems, that in practice do not exist.
@@SimplyStitchy Yes I did. But what is the point? Testing something under certain restrained circumstances only has a point, when these circumstances occur regularly and are well known to the audience one is testing for. One hand sewing is not one of these circumstances.
What an enjoyable video! I love hand crank , treadle, and even electric sewing machines (along with typewriters). I have a large collection of sewing machines, which I started acquiring in March of 2002, when I was 53 years old. I am now 74 years of age, and in addition to the aging vision issues, I am also dealing with "essential tremors"... (shaky hands". Working on and using my sewing machines (and also my typewriters) is turning out to be a 'real rodeo' as I get older. Threading needle is also getting to be a real adventure.. Still, I continue on. You now have a new subscriber!
Lol, I carried a (3/4 size?) Singer 27 about 300 yards down the street. It took me about ten minutes with strategic rests on garden walls and such. Then up three flights. I was useless for the rest of the day.
Exactly. Trying awfully hard to create issues. I love my hand cranks and my treadle and my electric. Machines that have many downsides tend to be modern computerized machines… in my opinion.
Interesting video and premise. Something I was not ready for when I started doing people-power conversions of old electric sewing machines was how wildly popular the hand crank was over the treadle. I thought users would preferer the treadles for the ability to keep using both hands when sewing, but boy was I wrong! I have been fitting hand cranks to treadle machines now so that the operator can have both. "Why" I asked? "Control" is the answer! It seems that is a big appeal, and maybe a bit of fear in using the treadle because without some practice, it is easy to start the machine off in the wrong direction.
I know, right? I like sewing with both hand cranks and treadles, but prefer the treadle. Once you get the hang of them, it's just easier to power something with your feet. Thanks for sharing and for watching! 🙂
Control is the main reason I myself am interested in a machine with a handcrank. Possibly the big hand-wheel on my (vibrating shuttle) treadle would be good enough, if I ever work up the courage to wind a bobbin & use it!
Love your videos! My hand crank is my favorite! Cause not electric and don’t have to worry about foot pedal… can put anywhere… I want a treadle.. have one at my brothers house we are restoring but want one without bullet bobbin!
I just found you last night and am really digging your style. You have some beautiful machines. You are quite knowledgeable compared to most channels i have found. Thanks for your content!
I am interested in a hand crank because of my physical disabilities… I am paralyzed from the waist down. I can’t use a treadle machine at all and using a modern machine would take some serious fiddling. Especially as a beginner I don’t trust myself nor the machine enough to just set a speed, hit a button and let it go.
As a person who grew up on machines that were not computerized I found it very easy to transition to a hand crank. It seems like this video goes way out of the way to cause issues. I find them wonderful for piecing quilts. I also enjoy that they are quiet and I have absolute control of the stitch witch is super for paper piecing. Much Ado about nothing.
None of the issues showcased in this video were made up for the video. They exist. Just because we seasoned hand crank users don't tend to worry about them - doesn't mean they are not there! This video goes out of its way to highlight the fact that not everyone finds hand cranks easy to transition to. Nor are they the best machine for every task. Piecing quilts is one thing but have you tried free motion quilting on a hand crank? Thanks for watching. 🙂
Why aren’t you using your right hand at all? 😂. Yes you need you left hand to guide the fabric but you can still use your right hand. I plan to add a hand crank for space reasons on my Singer 27- no space for another sewing machine cabinet.
I always thought my old chinese copy of a Singer 15 hand crank could do everything I needed. But I've found a problem that wasn't mentioned in the video. How do you sew a piece of elastic? Looks like you need three hands!
I’m happy to see this video because I would like to add a hand crank machine to my working collection. I mainly quilt and sew home decorating items so i was wondering if Id be able to guide the fabric with only my left hand.
If you're used to using both hands it will feel a bit weird using one to start with but... you'll get the hang of it in no time! Give it a try! Thanks for watching! 🙂
At first i was thinking who would buy a hand crank if they only had one hand but then realized this is more of a fun challange then a warning video , thanks for this , i was entertained the entire video, now i want to see if i can handle this challenging task with my 1895 model 28 vs3 , i think you should have made this a challange vidro , get your viewer's to try and do a 1 hand , hand crank challenge, 😃👍👍
I have a hand crank sewing machine. 9:17 'The problem with lights that you add after the sewing machine has been manufactured is they to be electric'... Ummm...my light is either the sun or an oil lamp... Unless I am at uni. Yes, I take my hand crank sewing machine with me to uni. My sewing teacher loves it that I do. At the first meeting there is always a lot of interest in my 'unique' sewing machine. I have a wheelie to transport it to uni every week, just put it in the wheelie, close it up and head for the bus stop. But, the thing that is really nice...I am the only one that uses my sewing machine, so unlike the 'shared' ones we have on campus, I do not have to worry that someone did something to it...Apparently one time someone somehow lost a bobbin case for one of the machines,.
I loved the music when threading, it’s literally just like that when your sight is not great, one lucky thing though for myself though I’m ambidextrous. 😁👐
I found this video trying to look up instructions on how to use the hand crank sewing machine that i now have! I really enjoyed this, and I think that you bring up a really good conversation about the use of different machines with disabilities! I think it's an interesting look into a facet that I see talked a lot about in the disability communities I'm in: nothing, even things made to be accessible to a majority of people, will ever be one hundred percent accessible to everyone. It comes up a lot in contexts of people who have conflicting disability needs, and I think you are highlighting another aspect of it here! I am a disabled person, I am autistic, and loud sounds are intolerable for me. It's made most machine sewing inaccessible to me as even models that claim to be quiet tend to send me into another room to get away from the noise. I also have very poor motor control, and the speed at which most affordable sewing machines go is really difficult for me. In contrast, I have sprung for a hand crank machine because the mechanical sounds of it make machine sewing a lot more doable! I would have a treadle machine if I could, but I don't have the physical space for one. Like others, the amount of control a hand crank affords me also really helps with my poor motor control. Putting any item on a pedestal as The Best will never work out, because no one thing can ever meet one hundred percent of everyone's needs! It's really useful to look at a video like this, talking through and demonstrating all the realities and disadvantages of the machine, but the only real solution is to have a variety of options that can work for a variety of people! :D
Thank you for commenting! I needed to read this today! I've had a fair amount of backlash regarding this video, to the point where I was considering taking it down. Your comment echoes the thought process I had when making the video - that not everyone can use hand cranks easily or without facing challenges. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and thanks so much for watching! 🙂
@@SimplyStitchy im glad my comment found you at the right time! I had waffled over if i should comment, but i decided to because i saw some of the other comments on your video that seemed to conpletely miss the point! I think a good amount of it is people have a hard time hearing critique about something they love without seeing it as an attack.But in my view, after watching this and several other of your videos, its very clear you know the perks and drawbacks to all the machines you use. Its clear to me if this was a video on treadles youd have just as much to say: they are much more heavy and difficult to move, still made predominately for right hand users, are imparactical if you have any lower body paralysis, or and extreme hip, knee, or lower back pain like my husand (a part time wheelchair user,) and that though you still have a lot of control over the speed, you dont have as much fine control like you might with a handcrank where you can go as slow as you need, stitch by stitch even! Or if it sas about sewing machines how they are a sensory processing nightmare, you can only go so slow, and though they have a lot more accesibility features they are pricey, and not always made to repair easily if you are clumsy and break them! You clearly know what youre talking about and have a lot of care for these topics. I think a lot of people, especially able bodied people, just havr a hard time remembering therr are people with other needs than them! And i know its unlikely youll be interested, but if you ever want to sit down on a video call and record a convo on the subject about accessability in crafting i think it would be a nice book end to this video! I would be more than happy to, and also havd at least one other disabled crafting frienf who would br happy to join!
I don't have any plans to do a follow up at the moment. But I think it could be worth thinking about for future content. I won't promise it's something I will be able to do because of logistics and internet reliability, but I'm going to give it some consideration.
This was a hilarious video! Thank you so much for making us laugh. My only sewing machine is a hand-crank Singer (due to epilepsy I cannot use any electric tools) and it's a love-and-hate relationship. I appreciate that I can sew faster than in hand but sometimes my hand-crank drives me nuts, precisely for the reasons stated.
Handcrank sewing machines are much less common than Treadle machines, here in Canada. They didn't sell very well here. In fact, most of the old handcranks that you find here came across the Atlantic with their original owners (British emigrants).
Fascinating take on a potential problem, for someone with one hand. But im sure if that was the only option a one handed person would figure/ devise a way around it. People are quite inventive when they need to be. Hey maybe thats how the treadle came about.
I spoke to a guy who has repaired sewing machines for 30years, he told me Singers were one of the worst quality machines out there and the best were swiss made machines.
Tongue in cheek bit of fun, I presume? Because of course when you use your handcrank you use both hands for everything you normally would - except guiding the fabric with your left-hand only because the hand-crank is busy winding? The real disadvantage is when you need both hands to manipulate the fabric - and I find that's sometimes the case when I'm using some attachments or the fabric is large and heavy. My left hand just isn't quite clever enough or strong enough, getting tired easily and not having quite as fine a control as two hands together... A bit like trying to write 'other-handed' or eat with your knife and fork swapped round - I can do it but the results are less than satisfactory... But for most attachments I'm okay and definitely got a lot better with practice. I have a very old hand crank (late 1860s) and the one time I've found when I really need a third hand is winding a bobbin. Its bobbin winder is very basic with no guide - you have to do that by hand. And you also need to push winder so rubber ring is against the handwheel and wind at the same time - I haven't figured out how to do all three with two hands and wonder if perhaps it was invented by someone who was a concert pianist. So for that, I get my 6'4" hubby to wind for me! :-) One thing I love a handcrank for is teaching children - everything stops the moment they stop cranking, and their don't have to learn hands-and-feet at the same like you do with a treadle or electric foot pedal. I've even had quite a few adults have a go on my 1902 Model 28K* who have never sewn before who, afterwards, say they want to get one because they think they rather like sewing after all. My guess is they tried as children and were freaked out at the runaway speed of an electric foot pedal or, if they tried to learn on a treadle, found mastering the feet and hands at the same time too overwhelming - as well as not stopping when they stopped treadling as they expected. *Once a month I demonstrate at a historic home in Auckland, New Zealand and most people really love being able to try sewing on an old machine. I take along a little 1914 Model 20 too. It was intended as a machine for children to learn to sew (and says on the box that it is "A REAL SEWING MACHINE - NOT A TOY") and so many adults love it. (Using full caps to drive a point home has been around a while, it seems!) Lots of them want one after they use it, declaring it does everything they need like taking up hems and resewing split seams etc, and it's '"So quiet and so easy - why don't they make them anymore? They should make them again!"
I am new subscriber and thank you for the video which allowed me to identify my lady.. I think from your replies to the comments that you realised that your spoof /message got lost...but we are all allowed learning curves. I would advise anyone with unique requirements, no matter the item, tool or equipment to try before you buy no matter the price. P.S. I had a eye condition for 20years (since had eye-ops) and even with special contact lenses, using my electric sewing machines became a nightmare.. I used post-it-notes to keep straight)(with two hands) but did not relise until I received my Singer 99 hand crank as a present. I always believed had more control with electric however for some projects I felt more in control with a hand crank, than a foot pedal . as...when I stopped...ALL stopped I now have my mother's singer 39K, modern sewing machine, embroidery machine...they are all different. ...and I forgot I loved the 'hand sewn' look and it opened up the world of quilting to me. Threading needle...I am lucky to have sensitive fingers so made my own needle threaders....but again...learning curves 😀 thank you
i just got what i think is an 1892 fiddle base vs2 i have read they stopped making the vs2 fiddle base in 1891 so thats puzzling? but anyways i want a crank but the regular ones on amazon ebay will not fit is their a way to make a handle or adapt one for my machine i have seen some that seem to have a screw on to the tension knob would this type work???? my bobbin spool would normally be loaded using the treadle peddle rope to load it but i put on a small rubber ring and that works just need a handle system for the spoked wheel.
Singer may have stopped making VS2 machines in 1891 but that doesn't mean they stopped selling them in 1891. Lots of suppliers could have had VS2 models in stock after that date. Even Singer themselves could have been selling off old VS2 stock well into 1892. The only way to know for sure is to check your serial number on the ISMACS site. As far as I know, the VS2 was a treadle machine due to its weight. If any had been made as hand cranks, the hand crank stand would have been mounted to the table or wooden base rather than the machine. That's because Singer machines of that age didn't have motor boss connection points. The lack of a motor boss means your VS2 isn't compatible with the modern style of hand crank that mounts to the head underneath the handwheel. You can still find table mounted or base mounted hand cranks but they are rare and expensive. I'm not sure what you mean about a screw to attach your hand crank to the tension knob.. Do you mean the tension disks? Not sure why you would want to do that or even how it would work. But then I'm not the best person to ask as I'm not a mechanic. Go to ismacs.net/digest.html - join the digest - and ask there. The folks at the ISMACS Digest might be able to point you towards the right hand crank. Thanks for watching.
I am so dominantly right-handed, I will never bother with a hand crank. I am far too picky with controlling my stitching and my left hand, at 63, will never have the control of my right. I'm fine with treadling and my new to me 201-2 produces the best stitches possible. I don't quilt, so my garments need both of my hands.
Personally I'd not pish about with those vibrating shuttle machines, but the later Singers can sit for a couple of decades in the case, and yet with a little attention with the oil can, be brought back into use. I can remember my Mamy spending out big for a couple of the Elna 'Computer' models, that after a decade lost support when the company got sold. Those machines I still have, but I'd not give much for my chances of the things doing any work today ? The old Singers will manage a far bigger range of materials than the modern home offerings, and can easily be motorised for a quite low outlay. Your biggest disadvantage will be the absence of zig zag ability ? The one hand business was pointless, and demonstrated nothing. When all is said and done the old rotating or oscillating singers are still capable machines, and are worth more than being relegated to trendy decor. :)
Hi PLEASE HELP 🙏 I have a Singer Hand Crank and it suddenly I don't know Why Won't make a Stitch😢 the last time I used it After Restoring it it was Fine, I made a Leather Purse on it. Then I went back to my Electric machine and this was just put aside. I recently moved and wanted to try it, got it all set up and it Won't make a Stitch ❓ it's Completely Mind Boggling Please Help 🙏x
Sounds like it isn't picking the bobbin thread up. Is your needle in the right way round. Older machines aren't front to back... Check the location of the thread guide above the needle. If it is on the left of the needle, your needle needs to be facing to the left. Then you thread left to right. If it is on the right-hand side of the needle - the needle needs to face to the right and you thread right to left. The only other things I can think of - are you turning the hand wheel towards you? Is your bobbin loaded correctly? Do you have a manual for it?
Hi thanks for replying 😊 Thankfully I've fixed it now after Lots of Tinkering, I put a new Needle in and it was, it was the Bobbin but She's back Sewing Brilliantly now 😃🪡 I Love how Quiet She is Compared to my Anti-Social Electric Singer, Heavy Duty Machine I've had about 1.5 Year's, it's Too Noisy 😱 x
Eu estava acostumado a costurar na máquina de pedal da minha mãe ai comprei uma à manivela pra mim porque eu gosto muito, no começo foi difícil me acostumar com a máquina mas hj em dia eu costuro bem com a minha manivela, não é a mesma coisa por causa de ter só uma mão disponível pra segurar o tecido mas da pra se virar bem, a minha avó teve derrame cerebral e ficou com o lado direito do corpo meio paralisado, a máquina de costura dela também é uma manivela então ela colocava as netas dela para tocar a máquina pra ela costurar, as meninas tocavam a máquina e ela segurava o tecido. De algum jeito ela contornou o problema.
Muito obrigado por compartilhar. Fico feliz que sua avó ainda saiba costurar! Obrigado por assistir! Thanks so much for sharing. I am happy that your Grandmother could still sew! Thanks for watching!🙂
I wonder if you're confusing vibrating shuttle machines with handcranks? Vibrating shuttle machines can be run on electricity just like more modern rotary or oscillating hook machines. More modern machines can also be used as handcranks.
They could have built two different versions. One for right-handed use and one for left-handed. They can do it with golf clubs and scissors, so why not sewing machines? I think they've missed a trick there. Thanks for watching 🙂
eh, three of five stars! It's a thing, I don't regret watching it, but I'm not eager more. However, I"m told that comments boost your rep with the algorithm, so I'm not going to just quietly move on. ^_^
Don’t really get the point of this one handed demo, unless you are disabled or one armed, a lot of it like threading /bobbin winding etc with one hand applies to any machine. Most of us using this type machine have two hands available to use. I love my hand crank.
I never said they weren't easy... I said they have disadvantages. Which they do. All sewing machines do. That's why you have to pick the one that suits you and your sewing needs. Hand Cranks aren't for everyone... hence the video title - The Ugly Truth. Thanks for watching.
I'm really confused by your confusion... it's a simple concept... I'm working a sewing machine with one hand... to show how hard it is to work a hand crank... with one hand.
There are two phrases people use to say they can do something. 1) I can do that blindfolded. 2) I can do that with one hand tied behind my back. I chose the latter... because using a sewing machine blindfolded could result in a trip to A&E.
This deonstratration fails the basic premise of the video itself. Restricting yourself to one handed operation is only your fabrication in some kind of mental humor apparently. Why not wear one eye patch? Why not plug one ear? Why not a full body cast? Maybe stand on one leg like a flamingo? No one ever told me, you, or anyone that a hand crank vibrating shuttle can be operated with one hand only. Thumbs down. I love my treadles and hand cranks. Always have and always will. If you want life to be served up for one hand operation, I recommend usinv your one hand and your cell phone to purchase completed projects delivered to your door. Then you can unwrap it one handed.
I'm pretty sure I proved in the video that you CAN operate a handcrank with one hand. Albeit with some technical issues to overcome. But then that was the whole point... "Handcranks: The Ugly Truth" looks at the DISADVANTAGES of using a handcrank. Had I used both hands... I wouldn't have been able to demonstrate the challenges. I must sincerely thank you for your recommendation on where I can take my hand and my cell phone. How thoughtful of you. I feel I must return the sentiment tenfold. Regards.
There are two expressions for when you can carry out an activity really well. (1) "I can do this blindfold". or (2) "I can do this with one hand tied behind my back"... I chose the latter... because using a sewing machine with my eyes closed could have ended in disaster... or a trip to A & E.
Was this whole thing tongue in cheek? After a few minutes, I did not bother to watch the whole video since it did not seem worthy of my time.@@SimplyStitchy
Hi John, I'm sorry my nonsense video didn't entertain you enough to be an enjoyable pastime. Maybe this one would be more to your liking: ruclips.net/video/dPV_xt81VdY/видео.html There's no redundant story at all in that one and it has an ending too! As a bonus... I got a useful hat out of it! Thanks for watching 😀
What is the point of doing this all one handed? All I can say is I love my old fashioned hand crank machine! Always will! So why are you trying to do it one handed? To gain views? There is no disadvantage of these machines except the weight of the machine but most people aren’t carrying them around. They put it and sew with it. I don’t get the point of what you are trying to convey here. Sorry.
I'm glad you love your hand crank. I love my Singer 15K80 hand crank, both of my Singer 128 hand cranks, and both my Singer 28 hand cranks. I've actually sewn with a couple of them in my videos! I make a hat on a singer 128 in this one: ruclips.net/video/dPV_xt81VdY/видео.html and find out if a 15K80 will sew polyester in this one: ruclips.net/video/ksb7fzgZztE/видео.html But then this video wasn't aimed at people who already use hand cranks. Nor was it my intention to sugar coat the shortfalls of a hand crank when compared to modern machines. This video is an honest review of hand cranks aimed at people with no experience of hand cranks. A tongue-in-cheek-keeping-it-entertaining video to show them the reality of sewing with one without the rose-tinted glasses many hand crank owners seem to own. For the record - ALL youtubers make videos for views... I mean that is seriously the *Point* of making videos for RUclips... views.
I cannot see the point in you purposely not using your right hand to lift the machine, thread it and other operations but then use it to hand crank the machine? The only main disadvantage of them is not having two hands to guide the fabric and sewing and stretching elastic to a garment which needs two hands. Actually Singer made one of the best needle threaders available its just that it is not fixed to the machine. What about the preciseness we can get with a hand crank that we absolutely cannot with an electric? I refer to sewing very small items or very delicate items. If you really want to make things awkward try sewing with your feet!
I didn't use my right hand to crank the machine... maybe you should re-watch the video. I used my left hand throughout! This video is about the disadvantages of hand cranks... I'm so glad you spotted at least one. Advantages will be covered in a different video. I sew with my feet all the time... I have a treadle! Thanks for watching.
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That's one of the more impressive things I've seen ... ever. You didn't have to do that to earn a subscription, but you've got one. 🙂
😊 Thanks so much! I appreciate it! Thanks for watching! 🙂
I'm utterly devoted to my hand crank. For me, its weight really is its only disadvantage, but that is also what makes it so durable!
I'm on the look out for a treadle as well, but my hand crank is my most treasured possession.
I’ve just started using my hand crank, and I LOVE it! It’s officially my second favourite ( of 8 ) machine. My ultimate favourite is my 1889 treadle, but boy oh boy, that hand crank is a close second. 😊
I learned to sew on my grandmothers. After many, many years I finally found the perfect one of my own. I'm in love. Would never want anything else.
All those areas of you have just described also pertain to modern electric sewing machines. If there is someone out there with physical disabilities using a sewing machine he or she is most likely using an electric machine, not to say that they can't use a hand crank.
The only slight disadvantage I have when using my hand crank machine is in guiding the fabric, other than that; its all in the joys and trills I get from getting reconnected to the past and the stories that old machine gives me. thanks for your time.
I took a treadle singer 15 and put a hand crank on it so I could make it portable. I’ve been able to repair my 31 foot boat cover by putting it in the back of my pick up with the tailgate down. I then put my singer on a portable woodworking table and don’t have to worry about electricity.
I don't understand this test. Most people have two hands and are able and willing to use them on a hand crank sewing machine. Therefore the one hand test shows problems, that in practice do not exist.
And yet you saw the problems...thanks for watching.
@@SimplyStitchy Yes I did. But what is the point? Testing something under certain restrained circumstances only has a point, when these circumstances occur regularly and are well known to the audience one is testing for. One hand sewing is not one of these circumstances.
@@1911olympic Maybe you should rewatch the video. Because if you can't see the "point", then I can't explain it to you. Kind regards.
I agree
She was demonstrating the issues that someone who has mobility issues with one hand in using this machine. That is the point.
What an enjoyable video! I love hand crank , treadle, and even electric sewing machines (along with typewriters). I have a large collection of sewing machines, which I started acquiring in March of 2002, when I was 53 years old. I am now 74 years of age, and in addition to the aging vision issues, I am also dealing with "essential tremors"... (shaky hands". Working on and using my sewing machines (and also my typewriters) is turning out to be a 'real rodeo' as I get older. Threading needle is also getting to be a real adventure.. Still, I continue on. You now have a new subscriber!
Thanks so much for subscribing! I appreciate it! And thanks for watching! 🙂
Lol, I carried a (3/4 size?) Singer 27 about 300 yards down the street. It took me about ten minutes with strategic rests on garden walls and such. Then up three flights. I was useless for the rest of the day.
300 yards and 3 flights of stairs... I feel your pain lol... 🙂 Thanks for watching! 🙂
This demo does not work for me. Unless you are hand cranking/sewing, there is nothing stopping you from using both hands.
Oh, I'm so sorry you didn't enjoy the video. Never mind, try this one: ruclips.net/video/dPV_xt81VdY/видео.html Thanks for watching 🙂
I know 😂
Exactly. Trying awfully hard to create issues. I love my hand cranks and my treadle and my electric. Machines that have many downsides tend to be modern computerized machines… in my opinion.
It makes no sense, really.
That was kind of the whole point, that you really need both hands for this.
I just got a 1910 hand crank. I’m still getting used to her, but I’m having fun!
Interesting video and premise.
Something I was not ready for when I started doing people-power conversions of old electric sewing machines was how wildly popular the hand crank was over the treadle. I thought users would preferer the treadles for the ability to keep using both hands when sewing, but boy was I wrong! I have been fitting hand cranks to treadle machines now so that the operator can have both. "Why" I asked? "Control" is the answer! It seems that is a big appeal, and maybe a bit of fear in using the treadle because without some practice, it is easy to start the machine off in the wrong direction.
I know, right? I like sewing with both hand cranks and treadles, but prefer the treadle. Once you get the hang of them, it's just easier to power something with your feet. Thanks for sharing and for watching! 🙂
Control is the main reason I myself am interested in a machine with a handcrank. Possibly the big hand-wheel on my (vibrating shuttle) treadle would be good enough, if I ever work up the courage to wind a bobbin & use it!
I just love the sound of hand cranks. ❤
Love your videos! My hand crank is my favorite! Cause not electric and don’t have to worry about foot pedal… can put anywhere… I want a treadle.. have one at my brothers house we are restoring but want one without bullet bobbin!
I just found you last night and am really digging your style. You have some beautiful machines. You are quite knowledgeable compared to most channels i have found.
Thanks for your content!
Thank you! 😊 You're welcome! Thanks for watching! 🙂
I am interested in a hand crank because of my physical disabilities… I am paralyzed from the waist down. I can’t use a treadle machine at all and using a modern machine would take some serious fiddling. Especially as a beginner I don’t trust myself nor the machine enough to just set a speed, hit a button and let it go.
Sounds like a hand crank could be just what you are looking for. I hope you find one soon. Thanks for watching!
As a person who grew up on machines that were not computerized I found it very easy to transition to a hand crank. It seems like this video goes way out of the way to cause issues. I find them wonderful for piecing quilts. I also enjoy that they are quiet and I have absolute control of the stitch witch is super for paper piecing. Much Ado about nothing.
None of the issues showcased in this video were made up for the video. They exist. Just because we seasoned hand crank users don't tend to worry about them - doesn't mean they are not there! This video goes out of its way to highlight the fact that not everyone finds hand cranks easy to transition to. Nor are they the best machine for every task. Piecing quilts is one thing but have you tried free motion quilting on a hand crank? Thanks for watching. 🙂
Why aren’t you using your right hand at all? 😂. Yes you need you left hand to guide the fabric but you can still use your right hand. I plan to add a hand crank for space reasons on my Singer 27- no space for another sewing machine cabinet.
I always thought my old chinese copy of a Singer 15 hand crank could do everything I needed. But I've found a problem that wasn't mentioned in the video. How do you sew a piece of elastic? Looks like you need three hands!
I’m happy to see this video because I would like to add a hand crank machine to my working collection. I mainly quilt and sew home decorating items so i was wondering if Id be able to guide the fabric with only my left hand.
If you're used to using both hands it will feel a bit weird using one to start with but... you'll get the hang of it in no time! Give it a try! Thanks for watching! 🙂
I used to have one then a friend fell in love with it so now looking for a new one like the one you have there
Im drawn to the hand crank because I have terrible sciatica, and the thought of using a treadle gives me chills.
At first i was thinking who would buy a hand crank if they only had one hand but then realized this is more of a fun challange then a warning video , thanks for this , i was entertained the entire video, now i want to see if i can handle this challenging task with my 1895 model 28 vs3 , i think you should have made this a challange vidro , get your viewer's to try and do a 1 hand , hand crank challenge, 😃👍👍
Loading the shuttle is the biggest challenge! 😆 Thanks for watching!
I have a hand crank sewing machine. 9:17 'The problem with lights that you add after the sewing machine has been manufactured is they to be electric'... Ummm...my light is either the sun or an oil lamp... Unless I am at uni. Yes, I take my hand crank sewing machine with me to uni. My sewing teacher loves it that I do. At the first meeting there is always a lot of interest in my 'unique' sewing machine. I have a wheelie to transport it to uni every week, just put it in the wheelie, close it up and head for the bus stop. But, the thing that is really nice...I am the only one that uses my sewing machine, so unlike the 'shared' ones we have on campus, I do not have to worry that someone did something to it...Apparently one time someone somehow lost a bobbin case for one of the machines,.
I am just converting one of my 128s to handcrank- perfect for my book making and other creative endeavours.
I've actually gained all my upper body strength from lifting my old machines lol
With you on that one! My Singer 128 is a great substitute for dumbbells... now if I could just lift it with one arm...
Haha! Between lifting them and treadling, that’s my exercise!
I loved the music when threading, it’s literally just like that when your sight is not great, one lucky thing though for myself though I’m ambidextrous. 😁👐
That was fun!!
This is a vibrating shuttle machine I restored one for a friend just recently from the French island Guadalupe in the Caribbean. Blessings
Yes it is a vibrating shuttle! It's the Singer 128 from 1928. They are lovely aren't they? Thanks for watching 😀
I found this video trying to look up instructions on how to use the hand crank sewing machine that i now have! I really enjoyed this, and I think that you bring up a really good conversation about the use of different machines with disabilities! I think it's an interesting look into a facet that I see talked a lot about in the disability communities I'm in: nothing, even things made to be accessible to a majority of people, will ever be one hundred percent accessible to everyone. It comes up a lot in contexts of people who have conflicting disability needs, and I think you are highlighting another aspect of it here!
I am a disabled person, I am autistic, and loud sounds are intolerable for me. It's made most machine sewing inaccessible to me as even models that claim to be quiet tend to send me into another room to get away from the noise. I also have very poor motor control, and the speed at which most affordable sewing machines go is really difficult for me. In contrast, I have sprung for a hand crank machine because the mechanical sounds of it make machine sewing a lot more doable! I would have a treadle machine if I could, but I don't have the physical space for one. Like others, the amount of control a hand crank affords me also really helps with my poor motor control.
Putting any item on a pedestal as The Best will never work out, because no one thing can ever meet one hundred percent of everyone's needs! It's really useful to look at a video like this, talking through and demonstrating all the realities and disadvantages of the machine, but the only real solution is to have a variety of options that can work for a variety of people! :D
Thank you for commenting! I needed to read this today! I've had a fair amount of backlash regarding this video, to the point where I was considering taking it down. Your comment echoes the thought process I had when making the video - that not everyone can use hand cranks easily or without facing challenges. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and thanks so much for watching! 🙂
@@SimplyStitchy im glad my comment found you at the right time! I had waffled over if i should comment, but i decided to because i saw some of the other comments on your video that seemed to conpletely miss the point!
I think a good amount of it is people have a hard time hearing critique about something they love without seeing it as an attack.But in my view, after watching this and several other of your videos, its very clear you know the perks and drawbacks to all the machines you use. Its clear to me if this was a video on treadles youd have just as much to say: they are much more heavy and difficult to move, still made predominately for right hand users, are imparactical if you have any lower body paralysis, or and extreme hip, knee, or lower back pain like my husand (a part time wheelchair user,) and that though you still have a lot of control over the speed, you dont have as much fine control like you might with a handcrank where you can go as slow as you need, stitch by stitch even! Or if it sas about sewing machines how they are a sensory processing nightmare, you can only go so slow, and though they have a lot more accesibility features they are pricey, and not always made to repair easily if you are clumsy and break them!
You clearly know what youre talking about and have a lot of care for these topics. I think a lot of people, especially able bodied people, just havr a hard time remembering therr are people with other needs than them! And i know its unlikely youll be interested, but if you ever want to sit down on a video call and record a convo on the subject about accessability in crafting i think it would be a nice book end to this video! I would be more than happy to, and also havd at least one other disabled crafting frienf who would br happy to join!
I don't have any plans to do a follow up at the moment. But I think it could be worth thinking about for future content. I won't promise it's something I will be able to do because of logistics and internet reliability, but I'm going to give it some consideration.
This was a hilarious video! Thank you so much for making us laugh. My only sewing machine is a hand-crank Singer (due to epilepsy I cannot use any electric tools) and it's a love-and-hate relationship. I appreciate that I can sew faster than in hand but sometimes my hand-crank drives me nuts, precisely for the reasons stated.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 🙂
Handcrank sewing machines are much less common than Treadle machines, here in Canada. They didn't sell very well here. In fact, most of the old handcranks that you find here came across the Atlantic with their original owners (British emigrants).
We Brits love our handcranks! Lol. Thanks for watching 😀
Fascinating take on a potential problem, for someone with one hand. But im sure if that was the only option a one handed person would figure/ devise a way around it. People are quite inventive when they need to be. Hey maybe thats how the treadle came about.
Necessity is definitely the mother of invention! Thanks for watching 🙂
I spoke to a guy who has repaired sewing machines for 30years, he told me Singers were one of the worst quality machines out there and the best were swiss made machines.
Singers have had their fair share of quality issues over the years. The 70s were probably the worst decade for them. Thanks for watching.
Apparently they have plastic gears nowadays that deteriorate with time even whithout beeing used
Tongue in cheek bit of fun, I presume? Because of course when you use your handcrank you use both hands for everything you normally would - except guiding the fabric with your left-hand only because the hand-crank is busy winding?
The real disadvantage is when you need both hands to manipulate the fabric - and I find that's sometimes the case when I'm using some attachments or the fabric is large and heavy. My left hand just isn't quite clever enough or strong enough, getting tired easily and not having quite as fine a control as two hands together... A bit like trying to write 'other-handed' or eat with your knife and fork swapped round - I can do it but the results are less than satisfactory...
But for most attachments I'm okay and definitely got a lot better with practice.
I have a very old hand crank (late 1860s) and the one time I've found when I really need a third hand is winding a bobbin. Its bobbin winder is very basic with no guide - you have to do that by hand. And you also need to push winder so rubber ring is against the handwheel and wind at the same time - I haven't figured out how to do all three with two hands and wonder if perhaps it was invented by someone who was a concert pianist. So for that, I get my 6'4" hubby to wind for me! :-)
One thing I love a handcrank for is teaching children - everything stops the moment they stop cranking, and their don't have to learn hands-and-feet at the same like you do with a treadle or electric foot pedal. I've even had quite a few adults have a go on my 1902 Model 28K* who have never sewn before who, afterwards, say they want to get one because they think they rather like sewing after all. My guess is they tried as children and were freaked out at the runaway speed of an electric foot pedal or, if they tried to learn on a treadle, found mastering the feet and hands at the same time too overwhelming - as well as not stopping when they stopped treadling as they expected.
*Once a month I demonstrate at a historic home in Auckland, New Zealand and most people really love being able to try sewing on an old machine. I take along a little 1914 Model 20 too. It was intended as a machine for children to learn to sew (and says on the box that it is "A REAL SEWING MACHINE - NOT A TOY") and so many adults love it. (Using full caps to drive a point home has been around a while, it seems!) Lots of them want one after they use it, declaring it does everything they need like taking up hems and resewing split seams etc, and it's '"So quiet and so easy - why don't they make them anymore? They should make them again!"
I am new subscriber and thank you for the video which allowed me to identify my lady.. I think from your replies to the comments that you realised that your spoof /message got lost...but we are all allowed learning curves.
I would advise anyone with unique requirements, no matter the item, tool or equipment to try before you buy no matter the price.
P.S.
I had a eye condition for 20years (since had eye-ops) and even with special contact lenses, using my electric sewing machines became a nightmare.. I used post-it-notes to keep straight)(with two hands) but did not relise until I received my Singer 99 hand crank as a present. I always believed had more control with electric however for some projects I felt more in control with a hand crank, than a foot pedal . as...when I stopped...ALL stopped I now have my mother's singer 39K, modern sewing machine, embroidery machine...they are all different. ...and I forgot
I loved the 'hand sewn' look and it opened up the world of quilting to me. Threading needle...I am lucky to have sensitive fingers so made my own needle threaders....but again...learning curves 😀
thank you
i just got what i think is an 1892 fiddle base vs2 i have read they stopped making the vs2 fiddle base in 1891 so thats puzzling? but anyways i want a crank but the regular ones on amazon ebay will not fit is their a way to make a handle or adapt one for my machine i have seen some that seem to have a screw on to the tension knob would this type work???? my bobbin spool would normally be loaded using the treadle peddle rope to load it but i put on a small rubber ring and that works just need a handle system for the spoked wheel.
Singer may have stopped making VS2 machines in 1891 but that doesn't mean they stopped selling them in 1891. Lots of suppliers could have had VS2 models in stock after that date. Even Singer themselves could have been selling off old VS2 stock well into 1892. The only way to know for sure is to check your serial number on the ISMACS site. As far as I know, the VS2 was a treadle machine due to its weight. If any had been made as hand cranks, the hand crank stand would have been mounted to the table or wooden base rather than the machine. That's because Singer machines of that age didn't have motor boss connection points. The lack of a motor boss means your VS2 isn't compatible with the modern style of hand crank that mounts to the head underneath the handwheel. You can still find table mounted or base mounted hand cranks but they are rare and expensive. I'm not sure what you mean about a screw to attach your hand crank to the tension knob.. Do you mean the tension disks? Not sure why you would want to do that or even how it would work. But then I'm not the best person to ask as I'm not a mechanic. Go to ismacs.net/digest.html - join the digest - and ask there. The folks at the ISMACS Digest might be able to point you towards the right hand crank. Thanks for watching.
I alway use a needle threader to thread my Wheeler and Wilson.
I am so dominantly right-handed, I will never bother with a hand crank. I am far too picky with controlling my stitching and my left hand, at 63, will never have the control of my right. I'm fine with treadling and my new to me 201-2 produces the best stitches possible. I don't quilt, so my garments need both of my hands.
Personally I'd not pish about with those vibrating shuttle machines, but the later Singers can sit for a couple of decades in the case, and yet with a little attention with the oil can, be brought back into use. I can remember my Mamy spending out big for a couple of the Elna 'Computer' models, that after a decade lost support when the company got sold. Those machines I still have, but I'd not give much for my chances of the things doing any work today ? The old Singers will manage a far bigger range of materials than the modern home offerings, and can easily be motorised for a quite low outlay. Your biggest disadvantage will be the absence of zig zag ability ? The one hand business was pointless, and demonstrated nothing. When all is said and done the old rotating or oscillating singers are still capable machines, and are worth more than being relegated to trendy decor. :)
Hi PLEASE HELP 🙏 I have a Singer Hand Crank and it suddenly I don't know Why Won't make a Stitch😢 the last time I used it After Restoring it it was Fine, I made a Leather Purse on it. Then I went back to my Electric machine and this was just put aside. I recently moved and wanted to try it, got it all set up and it Won't make a Stitch ❓ it's Completely Mind Boggling Please Help 🙏x
Sounds like it isn't picking the bobbin thread up. Is your needle in the right way round. Older machines aren't front to back... Check the location of the thread guide above the needle. If it is on the left of the needle, your needle needs to be facing to the left. Then you thread left to right. If it is on the right-hand side of the needle - the needle needs to face to the right and you thread right to left. The only other things I can think of - are you turning the hand wheel towards you? Is your bobbin loaded correctly? Do you have a manual for it?
Hi thanks for replying 😊 Thankfully I've fixed it now after Lots of Tinkering, I put a new Needle in and it was, it was the Bobbin but She's back Sewing Brilliantly now 😃🪡 I Love how Quiet She is Compared to my Anti-Social Electric Singer, Heavy Duty Machine I've had about 1.5 Year's, it's Too Noisy 😱 x
I have two arms, but the willing assistance of a small child, turning the wheel, is a boon.
Eu estava acostumado a costurar na máquina de pedal da minha mãe ai comprei uma à manivela pra mim porque eu gosto muito, no começo foi difícil me acostumar com a máquina mas hj em dia eu costuro bem com a minha manivela, não é a mesma coisa por causa de ter só uma mão disponível pra segurar o tecido mas da pra se virar bem, a minha avó teve derrame cerebral e ficou com o lado direito do corpo meio paralisado, a máquina de costura dela também é uma manivela então ela colocava as netas dela para tocar a máquina pra ela costurar, as meninas tocavam a máquina e ela segurava o tecido. De algum jeito ela contornou o problema.
Muito obrigado por compartilhar. Fico feliz que sua avó ainda saiba costurar! Obrigado por assistir! Thanks so much for sharing. I am happy that your Grandmother could still sew! Thanks for watching!🙂
I wonder if you're confusing vibrating shuttle machines with handcranks? Vibrating shuttle machines can be run on electricity just like more modern rotary or oscillating hook machines. More modern machines can also be used as handcranks.
I wondering why no krank in both side? Technically simple built it. I am left-handed and troubles due that is daily life.
They could have built two different versions. One for right-handed use and one for left-handed. They can do it with golf clubs and scissors, so why not sewing machines? I think they've missed a trick there. Thanks for watching 🙂
eh, three of five stars! It's a thing, I don't regret watching it, but I'm not eager more. However, I"m told that comments boost your rep with the algorithm, so I'm not going to just quietly move on. ^_^
Thanks! 3 stars are appreciated and so is your comment... I'll aim for 5 on the next one 😊
Don’t really get the point of this one handed demo, unless you are disabled or one armed, a lot of it like threading /bobbin winding etc with one hand applies to any machine. Most of us using this type machine have two hands available to use. I love my hand crank.
Lol. I was really expecting you to use your foot to crank when you stood up.
😆 Now there's an idea... 😆
I think their easy cause I’m not a Debbie downer
I never said they weren't easy... I said they have disadvantages. Which they do. All sewing machines do. That's why you have to pick the one that suits you and your sewing needs. Hand Cranks aren't for everyone... hence the video title - The Ugly Truth. Thanks for watching.
I'm really confused by the one-handedness?
I'm really confused by your confusion... it's a simple concept... I'm working a sewing machine with one hand... to show how hard it is to work a hand crank... with one hand.
@@SimplyStitchy Yes, but why? LOL!
Sorry I found this rather silly-no offence intended.
Thanks for watching
Not amusing at all.
Truth rarely is. Thanks for watching
Can you please tell me why you chose to do all that with one hand, I'm lost, genuinely
There are two phrases people use to say they can do something. 1) I can do that blindfolded. 2) I can do that with one hand tied behind my back. I chose the latter... because using a sewing machine blindfolded could result in a trip to A&E.
I am unsure as to why you decided to limit yourself to one hand.
Have you never heard the expression, "I can do that with one hand tied behind my back"?
This deonstratration fails the basic premise of the video itself. Restricting yourself to one handed operation is only your fabrication in some kind of mental humor apparently. Why not wear one eye patch? Why not plug one ear? Why not a full body cast? Maybe stand on one leg like a flamingo? No one ever told me, you, or anyone that a hand crank vibrating shuttle can be operated with one hand only. Thumbs down.
I love my treadles and hand cranks. Always have and always will. If you want life to be served up for one hand operation, I recommend usinv your one hand and your cell phone to purchase completed projects delivered to your door. Then you can unwrap it one handed.
I'm pretty sure I proved in the video that you CAN operate a handcrank with one hand. Albeit with some technical issues to overcome. But then that was the whole point... "Handcranks: The Ugly Truth" looks at the DISADVANTAGES of using a handcrank. Had I used both hands... I wouldn't have been able to demonstrate the challenges. I must sincerely thank you for your recommendation on where I can take my hand and my cell phone. How thoughtful of you. I feel I must return the sentiment tenfold. Regards.
Why on earth are you not using your right hand in this demo?
There are two expressions for when you can carry out an activity really well. (1) "I can do this blindfold". or (2) "I can do this with one hand tied behind my back"... I chose the latter... because using a sewing machine with my eyes closed could have ended in disaster... or a trip to A & E.
Was this whole thing tongue in cheek? After a few minutes, I did not bother to watch the whole video since it did not seem worthy of my time.@@SimplyStitchy
@@caduceus33 and yet you think reading your comments is worthy of mine.
Redundant endless stories. fed up with this kind of endless pass time, please stop this non-sens videos. absolutely useless...
Hi John, I'm sorry my nonsense video didn't entertain you enough to be an enjoyable pastime. Maybe this one would be more to your liking: ruclips.net/video/dPV_xt81VdY/видео.html There's no redundant story at all in that one and it has an ending too! As a bonus... I got a useful hat out of it! Thanks for watching 😀
Good video, great body...
What is the point of doing this all one handed? All I can say is I love my old fashioned hand crank machine! Always will! So why are you trying to do it one handed? To gain views? There is no disadvantage of these machines except the weight of the machine but most people aren’t carrying them around. They put it and sew with it. I don’t get the point of what you are trying to convey here. Sorry.
I'm glad you love your hand crank. I love my Singer 15K80 hand crank, both of my Singer 128 hand cranks, and both my Singer 28 hand cranks. I've actually sewn with a couple of them in my videos! I make a hat on a singer 128 in this one: ruclips.net/video/dPV_xt81VdY/видео.html and find out if a 15K80 will sew polyester in this one: ruclips.net/video/ksb7fzgZztE/видео.html But then this video wasn't aimed at people who already use hand cranks. Nor was it my intention to sugar coat the shortfalls of a hand crank when compared to modern machines. This video is an honest review of hand cranks aimed at people with no experience of hand cranks. A tongue-in-cheek-keeping-it-entertaining video to show them the reality of sewing with one without the rose-tinted glasses many hand crank owners seem to own. For the record - ALL youtubers make videos for views... I mean that is seriously the *Point* of making videos for RUclips... views.
I cannot see the point in you purposely not using your right hand to lift the machine, thread it and other operations but then use it to hand crank the machine?
The only main disadvantage of them is not having two hands to guide the fabric and sewing and stretching elastic to a garment which needs two hands.
Actually Singer made one of the best needle threaders available its just that it is not fixed to the machine.
What about the preciseness we can get with a hand crank that we absolutely cannot with an electric?
I refer to sewing very small items or very delicate items.
If you really want to make things awkward try sewing with your feet!
I didn't use my right hand to crank the machine... maybe you should re-watch the video. I used my left hand throughout! This video is about the disadvantages of hand cranks... I'm so glad you spotted at least one. Advantages will be covered in a different video. I sew with my feet all the time... I have a treadle! Thanks for watching.
The only disadvantage i can see in this video is that the user doesn't know how to use one😂
Really? You sure about that? ruclips.net/video/dPV_xt81VdY/видео.html
and the point of only using one hand is?,seeme stupid unless you are a one armed mutant!.
and I can't quite see the point of your comment... are you suggesting people who can't use both arms are mutants? Now that seems stupid.