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Singer 99 Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This Singer 99 review was originally written in 2013, revised and updated in 2023. The Singer 99 is no longer manufactured, but the Singer Making the Cut and Brother GX37 are budget friendly newer alternatives to the Singer 99 if you are looking for a sturdy mechanical sewing machine.
If you are a collector, or if you just like vintage sewing machine, then you should have been with me when I reviewed the Singer 99 at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center. This is one of those sewing machines that when new, came either with electric power or a treadle. The machine I reviewed was portable and wired for electricity.
Singer 99 – Overview
The Singer 99 is a completely manual machine. Modern sewing machines obviously come with much more advanced features. If you are looking for the specific features of a Singer 99, you will not find them on most models that are manufactured today. The closest you can get to it are mechanical models, which work very differently from sewing machines from the 1900s.
Singer 99 was launched in 1911 and manufactured through 1958. As this is a discontinued model, you will find pre-owned models of this device on eBay
At A Glance
I knew I was in for a treat when I saw the distinctive wooden case. When I opened the book and saw a real sewing classic, I was not at all disappointed. If this sewing machine were an automobile, I would have to put it in the class of Ford’s very popular Model T. Like the Model T, the Singer 99 continued the Singer tradition that made it possible for every home to have a sewing machine. Although the chrome on the balance wheel is practically all worn off, the Singer 99 that I reviewed still has the original Singer gold decals and shiny black patina. It also has a drop in bobbin and works with size 66 bobbins. The bobbin winder and stitch length control are located on the right side of the machine. The tension adjustment dial, which is located on the left side of the machine and the tension discs are situated just above the needle.
Working on the Singer 99
The bobbin winding mechanism on the Singer 99 is quite interesting. There are several steps involved, in the process, but when you get the hang of it, I discovered that it really isn’t any different from the bobbin winders on newer sewing machines.
I sometimes marvel at how efficient they were when they were putting these antique sewing machines together. The owner’s manual is written in extremely basic language. While there are diagrams, you aren’t forced to rely upon them to figure out what to do next. Threading the Singer 99 is a little complicated for those people who are accustomed to modern sewing machines that come with detailed step by step threading guides. If you don’t know how old sewing machines were put together and how they worked, you would have to look at the owner’s manual to figure out how to thread this one. But like winding the bobbin, once you get the hang of it, it all makes perfect sense and you will be able to thread the Singer 99 as quickly and easily as you thread any brand new sewing machine. Because the Singer 99 is a straight stitch only sewing machine, there were no stitch patterns to test. I did, however, play around with the stitch length dial and discovered that regardless of the length of the stitch, the Singer 99 produced some of the prettiest, best formed stitches I have seen in a very long time.
Alternatives to Singer 99
The Singer Making the Cut and Brother GX37 are budget friendly newer alternatives to the Singer 99 if you are looking for a sturdy mechanical sewing machine.
If you are tight on budget and the other sewing machine’s prices are scaring you, then Singer Making The Cut is what you need. Whether you are a newbie or a professional sewer, you can easily use the device.
Plus, the M333O model amazes you with decorative stretch and basic stitches so you can easily sew sheer, stretch knot, denim, and the list goes on. Then, the machine also opens the ground for adjusting the stitch length and width so you can create your projects in any style you want. What about the stitch applications?
The good news is that Singer Making The Cut has 97 different stitch applications. It even consists of a built-in needle threader and a one-step buttonhole to maintain consistency. And did we tell you that M3330 also made it to the popular Making the Cut Show on Amazon?
Are you searching for a sewing machine that is easy to use and versatile? Well, that can be found in the Brother GX37. The version will compel you to purchase it due to several features. For instance, it offers you 37 built-in stitches, including decorative and utility options.
Plus, if you are in the mood to sew some garments or do applique, then you can always count on this machine. The Brother GX37 also provides you with an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin, serving to be an ideal pick for both beginners and experts. And do not forget to mention that you can make the most out of its free arm and extra accessories in the shape of a DVD and sewing feet.
Even if the machine stops working in the middle, you can approach their customer service through online chat or call.
Singer 99: Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits (Medium to heavyweight only) Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery Canvas/Twill Plastic/ Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Accessories
The Singer 99 that I reviewed had no accessories with the exception of the knee lift. A review of the owner’s manual downloaded from the singer site showed that the accessories included with the original Singer 99 included:
- 6 presser feet
- Standard straight stitch foot
- Hemmer foot
- Binder foot
- Zipper foot
- Gathering/shirring foot
- Ruffler
- Seam guide
- Lint brush
- Oil dispenser
- Screwdrivers
- Feed cover plate
Optional accessories, which could be purchased separately include:
- Buttonhole maker
- Blind stitcher
- Bias gauge
- Edge stitcher
- Quilter
- Adjustable hemmer
- Tucker [for making pintucks]
Maintenance
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
There is no way I would recommend the use of a vintage sewing machine for a beginner… that is unless they are interested in working with vintage sewing machines. There are a few places like Think Outside the Store in Silver Spring, Maryland, where students actually prefer to work on antique sewing machines. If you are one of those people who like to collect vintage sewing machines, you absolutely must get your hands on the Singer 99. It was one of the very first portable sewing machines ever produced for home use. It not only revolutionized home sewing, it also made it possible for people who did not have space in their homes for a full size treadle sewing machine to have the convenience of sewing in the comfort of their own homes. Although vintage sewing machines are not for everyone, I strongly suggest that everyone who is truly interested in sewing at least sit down and spend a few minutes working on the Singer 99, or one of the other sewing machines of this era.
Having the experience of sewing on an antique sewing machine will not only be a fun experience, it will also give you a greater appreciation of the workmanship that went into those old machines. In addition, you will be better able to appreciate the sewing machines you have at home.
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.
Other Singer Sewing Machines you may like
Here Are The 12 Best Sewing Machines in 2025
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated in 2025 with…
Singer 20U Review – 2025 Update
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.
Singer Brilliance 6180 Sewing Machine Review in 2025
The Singer Brilliance 6180 is an inexpensive computerized sewing machine that offers 80 built in utility and decorative stitches, including 6 different one step buttonholes. However, you get what you pay for. My advice is to get a demonstration before taking this one home.
Singer 99 Review
Summary
The Singer 99 is a completely manual machine. If you are looking for the specific features of a Singer 99, you will not find them on most models that are manufactured today. The closest you can get to it are mechanical models, which work very differently from sewing machines from the 1900s.
The Singer 99K is the Scottish version of the Singer 99.
The Singer 99 was a sturdy and reliable machine that was easy to use. It became popular with the home buyers because it was light at 10kgs / 22 lbs and easier to use than a big full sie machine
The Singer 99 was in production from 1911 to the 1960s. It is no longer in production and has been replaced by more modern mechanical and computerized machines
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 own a Singer 99 and a 66 that I purchased at different times at antique stores cheap. I use them all the time and I consider the 99 the best sewing machine I own. Nothing ever goes wrong. The old Singers do need to be oiled regularly!
Hello, Clarice –
Just want to add one thing to your high praise for your own Singer 99. You note correctly that ‘The old Singers do need to be oiled regularly!’ The truth of the matter is EVERY old sewing machine needs regular lubrication. Not doing so is the best way to send them into retirement… or at least to the repair shop.
Every one of the old all metal sewing machines that I have seen can stand up to all of the new models when it comes to durability. I have two and wouldn’t trade one of them for all the tea in China: the Singer 20U and the Fleetwood E-188.
When I’m gone, my sewing machines will go to my granddaughter and one of my sewing buddies. In those hands, I know they’ll provide many, many more years of great service.
Happy Stitching.
I have to say the 99k is definitely a fine machine. I have 2 99k’s a 1925, and a 1945 that we found cheap online. Yes I would also agree that they need to be oiled regularly. We have almost fully restored the 1925, and that is my primary machine. I have to say the 99k is my baby, and my favorite of all my machines. The 1945 needs to be restored yet, and I plan on turning it into a hand crank style. Now I have my eye on a 66 treadle style machine.
My 15-91 is still my very favorite sewing machine, ever.
That said, the 99 and its cousin the 99k (I have both!) are reliable, hard working, good little machines.
They are unforgiving if threaded wrong, so best to look at the manual and use good thread.
They are little – not quite featherweight small, but small, so big jobs can be cumbersome.
Which differeces between 99 and 99K?
Thanks
Chiara
The K stands for Kilobe (spelling?) Scotland where the 99K was made. I believe the 99 was mad in Elizabeth NY for a time . On my 1957 99K, the motor was made in the US and the rest of the machine was made in Scotland. This is my 2nd because I foolishly give my 99K, which was made in 1954, to my son. I got my first 99k in 1967 and taught myself to sew. Clarice is correct that it makes a beautiful stitch. I use it for topstitching. If you get one there are some excellent sights that will show you how to service them.
K for Kilbowie, near Glasgow in Scotland that was the site of Singer’s (and the world’s) largest sewing machine factory. I don’t think there were any mechanical differences between the British and American machines.
I just restored a singer 66-16 ..I have the option of both worlds..Hand Crank ..for when there no electric power..Plus
upgraded the motor to a 1.5 amp with foot control…
Love this machine for heavy projects…Like tent repairs..canvas…denium jeans..tool leather..
this a great work horse for a 1941 singer 66…
By the way I am a old coot being 70 years old..
oh almost for got you can do free style embroidery..
like name tags..badges..sew nylon webbing..for making straps for purse’s..even make dog collars..Repair back packs
so much you can do with this older singer machine..
I own a singer 99k of 1948 with original motor. It works well but I noticed that near the bobbin there isn’t the little red cloth I noticed in other 66 or 99k. Is this bad? Sorry from English, I’m italian and I have started to learn English recently.
The red cloth is small piece of felt…
used to oil the Ocillating Hook put a a couple drops
of oil there…..Check your singer model on line for a free Owners manual….it will tell you how to service your machine….best to you my friend..
PS Yes get some felt….
Roger
Thank you. If I get some felt I don’t able to put on. The machine works better with it?
I own the manual of the Singer 99 and also of the B.R.K electric motors. When I bought my Singer 99k I didn’t own yet the manual. I loosened the screw in the bobbin case that I after read I didn’t. The stitch is good, so I hope I don’t damage it. I own a White grease to lubrificate the motor. Is this correct?
Chiara
well you should get some felt in that bobbin area..east too install it..use twizzers..
like I said you can down load a free owners manual on line…In your web browser search box~type in free owners manual for singer 99k
as to your motor use singer motor lub…you can find it on e-bay….I would not use white grease my self….
as for the rest of the machine use a good sewing machine oil….If you sew every day for say 8 hours ..oil the machine..change your needle(it will be dull)..
Hope this helps you out
Roger
thank you very much.
Chiara
Get the felt. Without it your machine will not be properly lubricated and metal upon Metal will break your machine. This would n=be a shame after the machine surviving so long
I glad you said it was red felt for lubricants. I thought it was fluff. I have my Grandma’s 99 singer, and just decided to clean and have a play. I don’t know what year it is.
The red felt thing is 100% wool. Without out it the bobbin race will wear out. The wool holds the oil so that it is constantly oiling as you sew. When I got my 99K the felt was so dry it was not visible. It showed after oiling. Thinking it was lint I was going to take it out. When I learned what it does I thought it needed replacing, however, the longer the oil sat on it, the thicker and plumper it became. I’ve had the machine about 5 years and the felt still works well. btw,spelling: tweezers – A [usually small] hand tool used for picking up objects too small to be easily handled with the human fingers.
I have a 99 model singer for sale if anyone is interested please e-mail me.
I have the honour of owning a 99K which I had used at school as a hand crank and treadle.
I bought the hand crank one as a restoration project as I am disabled and cannot use my legs it is ideal for me to be able to sew
I love it to bits and it never lets me down
I just purchased a singer 99k that was produced in Jan of 1957. I didn’t realize till I got it home that it did not have the original singer motor. Can anyone tell me what the correct number for the motor is? I think this is the correct number but I am not sure – Is it a RFJ5-8, with .8 AMP’s.
Regarding the motor, our Singer 99-31 (made in 1957 according to the serial number) also has a RFJ5-8 motor. It is different from that in the manual for the 99-31 in that it has NO grease cups. Still trying to run that down.
I’m back with another reply on the motor question. Just ran across another blog which indicates that the RFJ5-8 is the correct motor for the last series 99 (which I believe had the full series number of 99-31). The RFJ5-8 is a ‘permanent lubricated’ version of the previous motor(s) – the earlier motors had grease cups on each end for lubrication.
The motor of my 99K Canada 1953-53 is model BAJ3-8 0.53 amp. hope this helps – so much time has passed.
I have the same motor on my Jan 1957 made 99.
just purchased a machine that i am told by singer is a 99, made in 1928 in NJ, Florence NJ i think they said, i am looking for a manual, since i have never used a manual machine and only sewn on computerized i am intimidated , i need to find some one out her in the philadelpia burbs that can be trusted to service it for me. Oh, also mine doesn’t have that beautiful wooden box, its a cream box with sea green sides and bottom with no knee thingy lol,
Hello Cathey –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. Follow this link to download a manual for the Singer 99. http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/451_99.pdf
Happy stitching.
I have singers for sale old an used..
I got one I’m trying to sell to. Darkmoonwarrior33@gmail.com
Just wanted to correct an error in the review. The bar that came with the authors machine is NOT a knee lift. It controls the motor like a foot pedal. It fits into a hole in the case and when you rock your knee against it, it runs the machine. I am guessing from the context it was just a typing error but wanted to correct that for someone new to the machine.
TSC,
Do you know where I can obtain a replacement knee lever for a 1928 99?
I am in need of the cam style, open end with a notch!
Thank you!
Sorry this took so long to reply. For specific parts you might need to do some digging online. Keep an eye out in your local goodwill stores and in garage sales etc. I had to order some parts from a wonderful parts dealer in England because I couldn’t find what I needed here. (shipping price may or may not be of concern for you) Sorry I couldn’t be more help. If you have some sewing machine repairmen/ woman in your area you can ask them if they have connections too, to find old parts. Consider looking into yahoo groups and Facebook too to find people with connections to parts. Best of luck!
I am teaching a 10 year-old girl to sew on a 99k machine and will be giving it to her when she feels confident enough to take it home. She loves antiques and this machine just awes her…much to my delight!
The knee pedal does not work smoothly and is hard to press. I can’t find any information on whether I should try oiling it or not. And if I should, how would I do this?
I also have a 99 with the knee operated controller and I have not opened it up to take a look at it. But I will give you a few opinions on the subject: first if you do open it up, be very, very careful and make sure you disconnect the power! Second – I personally would try to CAREFULLY lubricate (with light machine oil) any moving mechanical parts in the controller. There is probably an arm which ‘scrapes’ on a coil of wire – do NOT put any oil on that part at all. Thirdly it should be possible to convert your machine to use a regular foot controller. Not hard to do electrically but, if you are new to electrical work, you might want to find someone to do it for you.
If there is some kind of joint – rivet, bolt etc. I would say yes. Use a drop or two of the same oil you use on the machine and work it – push it on, off, on off over and over. Parts get stiff when not used especially when not stored properly; dampness and especially salt air can have quite an effect. If there doesn’t appear to be a place you can oil it try working it a while. When I got my machine I was telling an old guy about it and mentioned that the motor seemed very sluggish. He told me to run the heck out of it and to oil everything (29 places) several times and run it. the whole machine became quieter and smoother as did the motor – and it sped about up 20-25%. It has the same hum as my first machine which was a 1978 S. Featherweight (which I’ve always regretted selling). Greist co. made short shank attachments that should fit it. Mine only had presser foot. I bought a 1950 Necchi, tuned it up, kept its Greist attachments and resold the machine. Your GD will love it. Teach her to sew French seams. I’ve totally fallen in love with them and don’t mind that my serger has probably seen its last days. Cheers
Just a general caution here: since you’re dealing with an electrical controller which is _very_ old, you need to be careful. Any electrical insulation deteriorates with age, even the modern plastics, but a Singer with a knee controller may have some really old materials used. On what I have seen, the actual controller could be a lot more durable than the wiring to the motor, but there were several variations.
However, there’s a mechanical linkage between the knee bar and the actual controller, and like the rest of the sewing machine, it does need lubrication. I’d use one of those cheap “artist’s” brushes to put on a drop or two of sewing machine oil. I’ve seen reports of machines with a very worn linkage that makes the controller erratic, but that could also be a problem with the electrics. A stiff lever is more likely to be mechanical.
Hi Vernelle. Can you tell me what size motor would be in a 1950 model 99 Singer machine?
My Canada 99K 1953-54 has 0.53 amp, model BAJ3-8
I don’t think these machines were often supplied as treadles; they were mostly hand-cranked or motorised (the 99 was the first Singer electric portable machine). The 66 (which is the full-size version of the 99) was often supplied in a treadle, although many were later fitted with hand cranks or motors, and “portable” cases (you /could/ carry them around, you probably wouldn’t want to for very long).
Thank you, I’ve just been looking for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have found out till now. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you certain about the supply?|
Is there a walking foot that I could use with the 99? The one I use on my other vintage machines doesn’t really fit.
The shaft seems a little to the right of the feed dogs. I can put it on but it is not really straight. Any ideas?
looking for a wire diagram for a singer 99. Particularly one that shows how to wire in the in-line plug for the light.