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Singer 20U Review – 2024 Update!
Note from the Editor: This Singer 20U review was originally written in 2012. We have reviewed and refined it in 2024.
The Singer 20U is no longer available for sale (except in Australia). We have updated the post with Singer 20U spare parts and other industrial sewing machines such as the Juki TL 2000, Juki DDL8700H and the Janome Skyline machines.
The Singer 20U is an industrial sewing machine that is a favorite among professional tailors, dressmakers, upholstery and drapery specialists and teachers. It is a hard worker, capable of not only providing hours of uninterrupted work with no respite, but providing uniform straight and zigzag stitches in all types of fabrics as well as leather, suede, fur, canvas, and vinyl. The Singer 20U comes in various models.
This particular mode, the 13, is an earlier version, somewhere around 30 to 40 years old. It sews about 2,000 straight stitches per minute and is capable of rendering zigzag stitches at the same rapid rate of speed.
Interesting trivia: “Production first started in 1973 with the 20U-11 model”, thanks to our reader Bryce
Singer 20U Product Overview
The Singer 20U is an industrial sewing machine that is a favorite among professional tailors, dressmakers, upholstery and drapery specialists and teachers. It is a hard worker, capable of not only providing hours of uninterrupted work with no respite, but providing uniform straight and zigzag stitches in all types of fabrics as well as leather, suede, fur, canvas, and vinyl.
This table mounted industrial sewing machine has a clutch motor, and three needle positions. Its oversized bed and work space make it possible to work on projects of any size with ease. During our review, we found the Singer 20U’s ability to sew extra wide zigzag stitches or as few as 5 straight stitches per inch to be rather unique options that give users the kind of extra flexibility that is not available on many home or industrial sewing machines. Having said that, don't buy this machine unless you are an expert!
- Sews up to 2000 stitches per minute
- 36 inch ruler stamped on th efront
- Goose neck lamp attached to the machine head
- The clutch motor is noisy and runs continuously once the power switch is turned on whether the foot pedal is engaged or not.
- When changing the needle plates from straight stitch to zigzag or darning plates, you must also change the feed dogs in order for the machine to operate.
Singer 20U available in Australia at this link
Singer 20U Features
Rarely do you see an industrial sewing machine in a private home when the user is not sewing for a living, but we found one in Florida home. For some reason, the machine was left behind in a vacant house and this lucky home sewer was in the right place at the right time. She allowed us to drop in to review her Singer 20U.
This Singer 20U came already installed on a four foot by two foot table with a convenient bobbin winding mechanism mounted to the right of the machine head. It has a cone thread spindle mounted on the table as well. When the machine was delivered, the accessories drawer was filled with screwdrivers, extra bobbins, spare presser feet, a seam guide, and needles of varying sizes.
The adjustable height table has a 36 inch ruler conveniently located on front. The power switch is conveniently located on the lower right front and an accessories drawer on the left.
There is a convenient knee lift to raise the presser foot when your hands are occupied with an intricate sewing task and the on-board gooseneck lamp makes it easy to see what you are doing, whether threading a needle, working on a project that requires tiny stitches, or working with hard to see mono filament thread. We observed that the machine head does not have any sort of cover to protect it from dust and debris. We’re not sure if one was included originally, but the owner told us that she intends to make a cover for her machine within the near future.
Even though this is a tough machine, it deserves to be protected from environmental debris just as much as any other sewing machine. This machine is as fast as greased lightening. It sews approximately 2,000 stitches per minute.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, stay away from this monster because you could easily get hurt trying to figure out how to operate it. But like riding a bicycle, once you get the hang of working on this powerful sewing machine you will never forget.
Newer models of the 20U industrial series look a lot like the 13 but have lots many more standard features. Features included on the 20U13 include:
- An adjustable reverse stitch lever on the front panel, enabling the user to quickly execute reverse or locking stitches.
- Adjustable stitch length controlled by an easy to maneuver dial on the front panel
- The ability to create extra wide zigzag stitches, up to 12mm.
- Three needle positions – left, right and center – making it possible to create many different decorative stitches.
Singer 20U – Spare Parts
If you are looking to fix your Singer 20U, see below a list of commonly used spare parts that are available online. If you want to unfreeze your sewing machine read our article on unfreezing a sewing machine here.
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A presser foot is a sewing machine accessory that holds cloth flat while it is fed through the machine and sewn.
Set of both the needle plate and the foot dog.
An adjustable plate known as a feed dog is used to draw cloth through a sewing machine in precise steps in between stitches.
Timing belts or motor belts are used in sewing machines and overlockers to power the machine's motor or to move the needle.
This high-quality NBL (no-back-Lash) bobbin casing is made with a brake spring that presses gently and steadily on the bobbin to stop it from moving.
For sewing up and over thick seams and uneven terrain, this foot contains rollers that move against the fabric and function very much like the track of a bulldozer. The rollers between the foot and the feed dogs make it easy for the foot to move over different thicknesses of fabric when sewing on heavier fabrics. Additionally, it is used to stitch vinyl and sticky leather.
The needle is kept in place on the needle bar by this clamp. A round or semicircular steel plate called the needle plate or throat plate is found beneath the needle bar. There is a hole in it that the needle may pass through to go to the shuttle and grab the bobbin thread.
Working on the Singer 20U
Threading the Singer 20U was only mildly challenging. As experienced home sewers, we were used to working with older machines that took more steps to thread.
It took only a few moments for us to thread this machine without even referring to the owner’s manual. While later models have more user-friendly on board features, the one we had the opportunity to review does not. The bobbin winder, for instance, is not attached to the machine or built in.
Instead, a separate bobbin winder is mounted to the right of the machine head. It is a convenient feature, in that the user can wind bobbins without having to disengage the balance wheel or disable the needle. While this was an unexpected surprise, the owner explained that she quickly came to understand that having the bobbin winder separate from the machine could actually be an advantage when working on large projects.
It took us a little bit of time to figure out how to wind bobbins on this ancient looking contraption, but after a few tries, we got the bobbin to work, and were amazed at how easy the process was once we mastered it. As we sewed on this machine, we simultaneously wound several bobbins. No doubt this will make it possible to save lots of time because users can have all the bobbins they need to finish big sewing projects without interfering with their actual sewing time.
Reaching beneath the table to insert the bobbin case was a bit tricky. Until we were able to get used to this maneuver, we literally got down on our knees in order to see what we were doing. After a few tries, we adjusted and were able to accomplish this task with a bit more grace. One thing we did not particularly like, however, was that it was necessary to use a screwdriver to loosen the balance wheel and disengage the needle.
Before long, we realized it was necessary to use the screwdriver to use the zigzag function and to change the needle plates and feed dogs as well. We concluded that although the owner’s manual specifically instructs users to use screwdrivers to accomplish these tasks, it is possible to leave the machine set so that the zigzag and stitch width regulator screws could remain loosened enough to facilitate easy shifting from straight to zigzag stitches without having to continuously stop to reset screws.
After we discovered that little trick, we were able to sew uninterrupted at a whirlwind pace. We put a pair of casual pants together in less than five minutes.
Of course, that did not include the elastic waistband and hem, but five minutes to assemble a pair of pants is pretty good in our book. Putting in the hem and the waistband only took another few minutes. The only other thing that slowed us down was the discovery that there were not one, or two, but three separate upper tension dials and they are stacked together in one place.
There is no way around this one. Whenever the tension needs to be changed, the user must set all three dials carefully until they get the right balance. Even with this slight inconvenience, imagine how much you could accomplish in just one day if you were making your entire wardrobe on the Singer 20U.
Fabrics you can use with the Singer 20U
- Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
- Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
- Knits
- Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
- Upholstery
- Leather/suede
- Fur
- Reptile skin/suede
- Canvas/Twill
- Plastic/Rubber
- Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers
Accessories
Luckily, the previous owner kept nearly all of the original accessories intact over the years. When we opened the utility drawer, we found the original accessories kit containing:
- an owner’s manual
- a screwdriver key
- a package of replacement needles
- two needle plates – one for straight stitching and one for zigzag and darning stitches
- a separate bobbin case containing nine extra bobbins
- three presser feet
- one for straight stitching
- one for zigzag stitching
- one open foot for darning and other specialty stitches
According to the owner’s manual, a zipper foot and hemmer foot were also included, but were nowhere to be found when we inspected the contents of the drawer. However, we did find a zip lock bag filled with screwdrivers in an assortment of sizes.
Alternatives to the Singer 20U
More and more sewists are purchasing Juki TL-2000Qi Quilting Machine. Why? Because the features compel you to do so. The machine flaunts its speedy and hefty aluminium die-cast body that prevents excessive vibration, even if you are using it at its maximum capacity of 1500 stitches per minute. You can make the most out of the straight-stitch-only design as it provides you with exceptional results when quilting, constructing garments, or sewing home decoration projects.
The Juki DDL-8700, hailed as the "Best Overall for Commercial Use," stands as a testament to Juki's commitment to sewing excellence. This industrial sewing machine, designed for light to medium fabrics, prioritizes comfort with reduced vibration and noise. Ideal for those seeking efficient stitching without compromising on quality, the DDL-8700 boasts a maximum speed of 5500 stitches per minute. Precision at its core, it offers a maximum stitch length of 5 mm, making every stitch count. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an ambitious beginner, this complete unit, equipped with a sturdy table, stand, motor, and more, addresses your sewing needs.
Singer 20U Maintenance
| Action | After each use | Monthly* | Once Each Year** | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | |||
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | Yes | |||
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | Yes | |||
| Lubricate | Yes | |||
| Service by repair professional | Yes |
*more often if the machine is used for extended periods of time or if used frequently
**more often if the machine is used heavily or if it is not operating properly
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Singer 20U is definitely not for the fainthearted sewer. It is an ultra powerful machine that can make it possible for the home sewer to whip up an entire wardrobe in a single day. It is also noisy. The clutch motor hums incessantly from the time the switch is turned on until about 20 or 30 seconds after it is turned off. This is possibly the biggest drawback to this machine.
In addition to being annoyingly noisy, it is anything but energy efficient. The machine itself sews quietly. If it were not for the motor, we would give it an excellent rating as far as acoustics is concerned. When it comes to features, the Singer 20U is average. Like nearly all industrial sewing machines, it is limited in stitch options.
After all, if you can operate an industrial sewing machine, you should be able to create your own decorative stitches without having to rely upon a set of graphics and push buttons to help you along the way. Even for simple sewing tasks, you need a screwdriver.
This is a drawback, but not one that can’t be fixed. As described above, we figured out a way to get around all of that. However, the owner observed that when she is finished sewing she tightens all of those screws until she is ready to use the machine again. The stand alone bobbin winder is interesting.
It wasn’t especially easy to learn to operate this attachment, but once we got the hang of it, we were thrilled with this feature.
Never before were we in a position to see so many bobbins wound and ready for use in such a little bit of time. Then, there’s the trick of inserting the bobbin case. Reaching under the sewing table to put the bobbin case on its pin is awkward at first, but quite simple once you get used to the process.
To summarize, beginners and even intermediate sewers should avoid this machine, as well as any other industrial sewing machine for that matter. It is super fast and extremely challenging for a new or inexperienced sewer.
This machine wouldn’t even be in a home such as this if it were not for the fact that the owner happens to know someone who knows someone.
She is indeed lucky to have a machine as incredible as this… especially since she is one of those rare people who still make nearly everything she wears and takes great pleasure in doing so. It’s not hard to envy this woman.
She now has the ultimate sewing room – a veritable dream come true for anyone who loves to sew. After a little bit of on-line research, we learned that just about anyone who wants one of these great machines can get one for themselves for just under $1,000.
But as we stated above, don’t even consider any machine in the Singer 20U series unless you are a seasoned sewer who is comfortable with a truly fast and genuinely heavy-duty sewing machine. Instead, we recommend you have a look at the other Singer Heavy Duty Machines here.
eBay is generally a great place to find used Singer 20u sewing machines. Here are some options on eBay that you can explore https://ebay.us/5QJb7M . Please consider the following points before buying used products on eBay
Seller Reputation: Check the seller’s feedback score and read reviews from previous buyers. Look for sellers with high ratings and positive feedback, as this indicates reliability and good customer service.
Item Description and Condition: Carefully read the item description. Make sure it matches what you are looking for and pay attention to the condition of the item, especially for used or refurbished products.
Shipping Costs and Time: Look at the shipping costs and estimated delivery time. Some sellers may offer free shipping, while others might charge more. Also, consider the location of the item as it affects delivery time.
The Singer 20U sewing machine typically uses a 1910-05 (135×9) needle. They type of needle really depends on the fabric and thread you are using for a particular project.
Here is an article explaining how to thread a Singer Sewing machine –https://sewinginsight.com/sewing-101/how-to-thread-a-singer-sewing-machine//
Singer 20U Review
Summary
Don’t consider the Singer 20U series unless you are a seasoned sewer who is comfortable with a truly fast and genuinely heavy duty sewing machine. Instead, we recommend you have a look at the other Singer Heavy Duty Machines here.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
I found this review while looking for parts for my 20U. Same model, probably same age. It was given to me as I am an fanatic car restorer and wanted to master the art of upholstery. Luckily a read your review and now I will first go to a course to learn how to use it. I think, ones I mastered the art of upholstery, It will stay whit me forever.
excellent article, thank you. I bought one of these machines second hand with no manual (of course if it is 30+ years old.) I can use all of the help I can get. It works amazingly. Redid boat seats on a 30 year old boat.
Hi, I was also given 1 from my dad. It’s an older 1 but sews beautifully. I live in Western Australia and are chasing spare parts, any Recommendations please.
Hi, Laurie –
The good news is you can download manuals for any Singer at http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals.
Happy Stitching.
Hi, Vernelle
I came really glad seeing the link for manuals. Clicke it, I felt unhappy. It isn’t working. In fact I am hardly searching the full user manual for Singer sewing machine model 20u43, if could any person be of kind help I do appreciate.
Thanking you very much
I bought a 20 year old 20 U about 25 years ago. I love this machine. I didn’t have a class, so it was a harried learning experience. I have sewn through my finger once. Beware! The accessories made for this machine give it many options. My button hole attachment makes absolutely perfect holes. The only drawback is the cost of some attachments, but you do get your money’s worth.
What type of button hole attachment do you use? I have this machine too, and love it.. Does it use the 489500 or 489510 buttonhole attachment??
Cheers
Hello, Cindy –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
I use a Singer Professional Buttonholer. They are no longer being manufactured, but can be found online and through some dealers who sell and service vintage sewing machines. If you cannot find one locally, call Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft. Lauderdale at 954.564.2557. Ask for Dave and tell him I told you go give him a call.
Happy stitching.
Even if I am an inexperienced man-sewer (amateur) I find my 20u very useful for making tops and cushions for my sailboat. I changed the motor for an electronic one that is silent and speed adjustable. I think I now have the ultimate machine. I find myself looking for new project to do on “The Beast” as I call this machine. Paid 150$ for it and an extra 150$ for the new motor. A real deal.
What motor did you install and were did you get it?
The motor is a SewLine SLS-550.
It’s clutchless and completely silent when not in use.
Same thing as this one:
Bought it from a supplier in Montreal, Canada cause delivery from US made it too expensive.
You’ll probably have to change the belt size also for the pulley on the motor is smaller than the one on the original motor. Bought one from a local hardware store.
what motor did you buy and do you ever have timing issues? I got my 20U (2012 model in December and it’s a mess, let alone too fast. “Beast” is the word. I want to slow it down for control, but the needle won’t pick up bobbin thread and i am lost!
look at the motor underneath. under the motor there is an arm that has a wingnut on a shaft with a spring. that wingnut is how you adjust your foot action and invariably the speed. follow these instructions. also go to my website where I will post a picture of everything I am describing. Makes it a bit easier. it would not let me paste the image here.
https://in-stitches-upholstery-ringgold-ga.business.site/
If you want max-control, put the foot-pedal bar on the left-most mounting hole. Adjust the length of the bar so that the pedal is pretty much at the angle you want to use it (you’ll adjust it again later).
Now adjust the 5/8″ bolt that is right in front of the pulley, it has a nut that you’ll have to loosen first. This bolt sets where the clutch sits. Basically you can use it to eliminate ‘deadspace’ in your pedal travel. I found that the ideal setup has it so that when then pedal is not pressed at all, its a bit hard to turn the hand wheel. This means the ‘brake’ is engaged. When you lightly press on the pedal it should release and you can turn it easily. This way you can use your heel to brake the machine. There’s also a wingnut to adjust the spring return of the clutch.
I don’t have a magical formula for adjusting these but basically mess around with the pedal-rod length, the clutch adjust bolt and the spring adjust bolt until you have a comfortable pedal angle (rod length), amount of travel (pedal rod mounting holes), break-release-engage capability (bolt) and its not too hard or two easy to press the pedal (wingnut). Do all of this with the machine unplugged, for crissakes.
When you’re done, make sure the pulley setscrew is tightened, the clutch bolt nut is screwed on all the way to prevent the bolt from vibrating loose and you have v-belt clearance. Put the pulley guard back on and power up your machine. Mine hums along at a nice pace and once I get better at dealing with the clutch I may move back to a large pulley. Have fun!
Where can I buy a walking foot to fit the 20u industrial sewing machine
Hello, Diana –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
You should be able to find a walking foot for your 20u at an authorized Singer dealer or almost any dealer that sells and services industrial sewing machines. You might even be able to find one at a shop that specializes in servicing and selling refurbished sewing machines of all types.
If these options prove to be unsuccessful, try the internet. Unfortunately, I could not find accessories for the 20u on the Singer website. However, there are several sites that offer accessories for industrial sewing machines for sale. It may take a little legwork, but I have no doubt you will be able to locate a walking foot for your 20u before long.
Happy stitching.
Hi everyone!
Has anybody found a walking foot for the singer 20u please? desperately looking over the net but to no avail. Please, please, please help…
Also if I don’t find one or if it is not made to take one, can use it to sew leather as it without damaging the leather? what thickness of leather is admissible?
Many, many thanx in advance
Asele
Hello, Asele –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Does your 20u come with changeable needle plates, feed dogs and presser feet? If so, change all three of these items to the straight stitch option. Once you do that, you should be able to use any high shank walking foot. Make sure it is HIGH SHANK and be sure to change the feed dogs as well as the needle plate and presser foot. The 20u has a very wide zigzag stitch area. If you do not convert everything to the straight stitch function, your walking foot will not work.
Happy stitching.
Hello Vernelle!
Thanx very much for replaying. I am to get hold of these high shank walking feet here in France but to no avail. You guys in the states are lucky, you can get any parts you like. But here it is impossible. Tried to buy them from US sites (Xa7253001 from amazon, RWA-5 – High Shank from the sewing outlet etc.)but none are willing to ship to my destination! I am grieving! But I hold on dearly to your advice and try it as soon as I get the opportunity to get one.
Many, many thanx once again!!
Look for it on eBay.fr (eBay France)you will find it available in Europe.
Voir eBay France “Pied Marcheur”
Bonne Chance/Good Luck
try a telflon foot really good for hard to sew material
I have one for sale anyone know the best way to sell it?
Put it on ebay and put a post in were to find it.
I want to find an expert near London who can overhaul my overworked 20U machine
Need a timing belt for singer machine 20U
Hi, if you mean the motor belt just take the old one to an automotive shop and get one there.
I used a car fan belt and it worked great. Use some string to measure the right size and pop in to Halfords ☺
Eu comprei essa mesma máquina mais não sei como usala já pesquise no YouTube mais só acho em inglês se alguém tiver o manual o souber como usar me ajuda
Obrigada
The good news is you can download manuals for any Singer sewing machine ever manufactured. Here is a link for you to download the parts and instructional manual for the Singer 20U http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/16da5bf861da92b5b2cc711fc867e0b769735d2b.pdf.
Happy stitching.
I have one of these machines along with the sturdy work table that I would be interested in selling. Tough work horse… It can see leather!!
We’re in the Chicago area.
Chris
Hello! I just purchased one of these and am still waiting for the shop owner to come give me pointers. I’m really just curious as to why my thread shoots out of the top every time I go to sew. Has anyone experienced this? I desperately want to sew with this machine and haven’t been able to yet. Thank you!
What “top” are you referring to?
The thread snaps and shoots out of the take-up lever. I’ve changed out the needle, checked for burrs, cleaned out under the throat plate, adjusted the tension and it still isn’t working properly. It won’t even make a complete stitch. I just had it serviced.
If the thread snaps it is clearly to tight. Are you sure you are in the right spot on the tensioner? It is eady to make a mistake here, aldo in setting the tension. Have s carefull look in the user manual. If you are sure you ar doing everything wright I would go back to the company or store thst serviced it.
The tension is so very tricky for me. Without numbers on the tension dial how does everyone find the perfect tension? I’ve been wanting to take it back to the guy to have him handle it but he keeps going out of town and I don’t have enough time to take it over.
Indeed the manual is not very helpfull here as it asumes you are a professional. There is a way I tried but it may cost some time. I use a replacement motor as advised in a previous post.
This allowes me to regulate the speed down to practically zero.
Now I can play with the tension and look at the ” loops”. Above- in or under the cloth. Take your time and you will get the hang of it . Alternatively use the handwheel to jto control the movement of the needle.
That makes sense. If it goes slow enough the thread lasts a little longer but as soon as I speed it up it snaps. I’ll just keep fiddling with it then until it works out. Replacing the motor seems more challenging since sewing seems to be a burden in my house (I talk my husband’s ear off about sewing 24/7).
And this makes sense to me. It seems your upper tension is set to high or you are threading wrong. Are you using all posts and is the thread inbetween the discs of the tensioner? HAve close look. To lower tension turn the knurled knob CCW .
Keep on sewing or taking about it!
I’ve threaded and rethreaded exactly how I was shown. Along with the tension being wrong there be something in the tension disks causing the problem? Also, let me just put out there that the guy told me it was okay to use WD-40 on the machine and I’ve since learned it leaves residue and I will never do that again.
WD 40 is not a good idea. If you clean with q-tip dipped in alcohol.
To check the tension mechanisme: pull the thread through with your hand (gently) while turning the knop. If you feel no difference there might be your problem, the plates could be stuck! Clean and try again. If necessary dismantle, clean and check condition, reasamble (in reverse order as they say )
Take pictures!
I wish there were a way to post the pictures or a video of what’s happening to give better insight. The guy lost all credibility after the WD-40 suggestion. Frans, do you have this machine?
Yes I have. It was given to me and
I plan to use it for car upholstry. It is a wonderful machine. One thing popped in my mind. Are you using the correct needle? I started out with the wrong one and had similar problems. This is one of the reasons I changed to a motor that is fully contolable. It came ftom China but is a perfect (direct) replacement at a reasonable price.
You can use watsapp to post a video.
You can find me under my name
Frans Beckers in the Nethetlands
You can also send pictures to fb2400@gmail.com
Someone please.. Do you know the Singer 20U 51B? Tell me what functional advantages it has over the rest of 20U models. Got a $450 deal on one. The owner is leaving my country to settle in the US… Is it worth it?
If you don’t get an answer check out the Facebook pages Vintage Sewing Machines and Vintage Singer Sewing Machines
I would like to get a motor so I can controll the speed
Please help
Hello Vernelle,you have lovely website,keep up the good work.I wanted to know if you have any ideas about suit making for men,thanks.
I found your review while looking for bobbins for my 20U. I bought mine about 30 years ago but haven’t used it for a few years. I was very surprised to find parts so readily available. I enjoyed your review. I wish mine had not been put to such extreme use because mine is not nearly as neat as the one you found. I hope she enjoys her machine. It is truly a workhorse with speed.
Someone please.. Do you know the Singer 20U 51B? Tell me what functional advantages it has over the rest of 20U models. Got a $450 deal on one. The owner is leaving my country to settle in the US… Is it worth it?
I have a singer 20U53 that is at least 25 years old. I’m having trouble with it only sewing backwards [it doesn’t pick up stitches when this happens] so I try to work without using reverse but if you start sewing with the presser foot down it happens more, it’s random, I can leave it a week and then it will work for awhile before it happens again. I’m in Madrid and I’ve had it serviced but the problem returns. I saw that you position at 0 when changing the reverse lever but what is the correct position for normal work?
Loved your review! I used to own one that looked almost exactly like the one here.
I wanted to mention that you don’t have to crawl under the table for the bobbin — the machine head is on hinges so it can easily tilt back for quick access to the undercarriage. The table should come with a preinstalled bumper that the machine head rests on so you’ve got both hands free.
I loved my 20U. I sold it for WAY more than I originally bought it for to a parachute maker who drove over 350 miles to pick it up. Anyone who’s trying to sell one can get a good sale price with patience. Don’t let anyone low-ball you just because they don’t know what they’re buying! That said, if you’re looking for one, keep your eyes on Craigslist and you’ll likely find less patient sellers who will list their machine low just to get rid of it.
Having an issue with picking up the bobbin thread. Mine is an old model I recently brought second hand. I have a manual but is not helpful
I can tell you must be young. To insert the bobbin case, just tilt the head back. You also will need to tilt the head to oil and clean the machine. All sewing machines that were available (that I have seen) when I was young tilted the machine back to insert the bobbins or reached under the machine. When you master the bobbin case with the head tilted, then it will be easy to just reach under the machine to insert the bobbin. These machines (for me) kept a better tension that the new ones. Oh how I wish the new machines were mechanical instead of electronic. But I would want them to have all of the new features.(wishful thinking) But we can’t have everything can we! Happing sewing!
I’m using this 20u singer machine professionally for 8 years.
I want to buy this original singer 20u machine.
where do i get it?
Fantastic machine still operating perfectly after 40 years. Have just moved and had to reassemble it but cannot work out how to fix goose neck light back on. Would appreciate any help.
I have a Singer 20U/20-33
A small spring is broken under neat where you use your nea to lift the foot. At the point beneath the sewing machine where the leaver comes in contact with the machine or two paddles this is where the spring is located. What is it name and where can I find one?
This article was sort of amusing to read. It was like reviewing a bulldozer for users of riding mowers. The 20u series are industrial machines. The things pointed out here as “unusual” (like the clutch motor, separate bobbin winder, absence of frills, etc.) are typical of all industrial machines. The “ancient looking” bobbin winders are the same design today that were used 60 years ago because they work and are marketed to industry, not to consumers who like to see unnecessary aesthetic design changes every year. Industrial machines are generally set up to do a specific part of an overall product over and over, 8 hours a day. It would be unusual for one of these machines to be used to make an entire garment from start to finish; one would be set up to sew the sides of the legs together while the same model machine on the next table would do nothing but sew on hip pockets all day. Once the machines are set up in the factory with the appropriate needle, presser foot, feed dogs, stitch length, etc., they don’t change jobs frequently. A much different world from domestic sewing machines.