KeriHat

Just to let everyone know, my machine is now sewing like a dream, thanks! I fixed the pin/post with loctite and a wee tap, thanks to @Northmount I swapped the tension springs from the new assembly that didn't fit for my old springs on the original assembly - thanks to @suzelle I followed this video on youtube which helped a lot, though not the same machine.

I haven't tried but I would say no because the thread then drags the spring up too high from memory (it's in pieces at the moment)

Yes, it is very slightly tapered! I will try with the loctite or similar, thank you so much. I have downloaded a manual, parts list and service manual but other than the name, that part isn't mentioned any further. Mine is the metallic one, more from the 80's I believe.

My tension issue is solved, I believe - thanks all But this is the part that fell out as I was fiddling with it - does anyone know how do I get it back in? There is no "thread" from what I can see - and will not go through to other side so there is no lost nut or anything. Tempted to tap it in with a hammer... Cheers!

Hello, thank you for the info - I will use that when I go to refine my adjustment. Would you know anything about how to put the thread guide pin/post back on the machine?

Suzelle, you are a genius! I swapped out the springs and nut on my old tension assembly for the ones on the part that didn't fit and it looks like I will no longer have the problem of the spring touching the "pin" which I will call a "post" from now on as it's confusing. Now if anyone knows if I just bang (lol) said post into the machine, I would be grateful

That's solid advice, thanks! - change the spring, don't bang anything - though in fairness, I meant the thread guide pin thingy, not the tension assembly, but you are still right. Apparently changing the spring is more difficult than the whole assembly, but I have an extra so will give it a try. Hopefully someone else will have a better option for the thread guide than a hammer So sorry to hear about your burst pipe. I hope you get back up and running soon!

Hello, I bought a new tension assembly for my Singer 20U33 and inserted it as per youtube university. I then had 2 issues - the unit I was sent looks different than my original one, and didn't actually fit but I was assured it was correct. Just in case I had accidentally ordered the wrong item, I placed another order and it's still the same as the first one they sent me, but fits (?) However, the spring itself seems to sit higher and I wonder if this is causing issues as I can't quite get the tension. It touches the "thread guide pin" from below when sewing which doesn't seem right. This bring me to issue 2. I fiddled with said pin and it fell out - now I can't get it to stay back in - are they screwed in - I don't see any "threads"? or do you bang it in with something? Or another less brutal option? There's just a hole there and an ever-so-slightly tapered pin. Thanks in advance for any help or insights! Keri

Thanks to everyone for suggestions and replies which encouraged me to continue and experiment - the results are in and we have a winner! The Schmetz denim twin needle didn't fit at all as the shank was too thick and the blue plastic "stopper" is too wide. The Schmetz extra wide twin needle (6mm) fits into the needle bar but the red plastic stopper is also too wide for the regular clamp. This is a real shame as that is the width I need. The singer universal twin needle 4mm fits perfectly because the top doesn't have the blue/red plastic "stoppers" that the others have. Unfortunately I cannot find a 6mm version of this style, so slightly stumped. As you can see (bottom pic) it works well on a taped seam and hem. The reverse is a slightly inconsistent zig-zag which I think is just a tension issue - top tension needs to be really high. I'm very happy with the results but I do also need a 6mm version or find a way to make the schmetz 6mm work somehow, so the search continues...

Hello, mine is a 20U33 from the 80's. Apparently it won't take the flat needles but I'm still going to give it a go and will let you know.

Hello Suzelle, thank you for your reply even though it's not exactly what I wanted to hear re: twin needle set up. Mine is also a 20U33 but from the 80's I believe. I like it. My other old industrial Singer doesn't have a reverse or a zigazg for that matter. I had no use for a zigzag before but I do now, so all-in-all I'm happy with my purchase. I have twin needles already on the way, so I am going to throw caution to the wind and try to see if it will take them - even though everywhere says it won't, just because on the video I saw of someone using her 20U as a double stitch, it definitely looked like a regular needle clamp, as was pointed out to me. I don't think it was 2 needles, which means she could only have been using a domestic twin needle. One can hope anyway. If it works I will for sure post everywhere this question has come up!

I just hope they fit, but I gather from your reply on the other post that they will, so I can't wait for them to get here to start my next project. Thanks!

Thank you for the info, very helpful. I didn't realize the 20U was so similar to/compatible with the domestic system.

Thank you, yes, now that I take a closer look this does look like the regular clamp to me also. Can it be that simple - to use regular clamp with available twin needles even though they are "domestic" only? it's always the simplest solution! I had searched for "round shank twin needles" at some stage, but they don't exist so i gave up. So now I am going to try the denim needles from your link, and others until I find the Cinderella fit and hopefully I will be back soon to let everyone know it worked!

This is what I have: MPN #: KP-20U-2 twin needle clamp for SINGER 20U Sewing Machine brand: CKPSMS 4.5mm twin needle clamp adapter for SINGER 20U Brand: evernice Keri

I recently bought a singer 20U33 with the intent of using it for multiple uses as-is but also as a twin needle for double top stitching denim seams, but I have not been able to find the twin needle clamp in stock anywhere. I am attaching a picture the part found on amazon, aliexpress, and ebay but "no longer available" (blue background) and also a screenshot from a youtube video where they are using the 20U as a twin needle but with a different looking part that I haven't found. If anyone knows where I can find this part or similar, or has one that I could buy I would be thrilled to know. It would need to be the wider gauge. Any help greatly appreciated!

Hello, did you ever find out how to use your singer 20U as a twin needle? I bought one after coming across your post via google but I can't find the part - twin needle adaptor clamp . It's a great machine for my purposes regardless, but any info will be greatly appreciated!

Hello, I have a singer 20U33 that I bought because I read that it can be used as a double/twin needle, not knowing how hard it would be to find info and parts. I did find the one pictured (blue background) but everywhere is out of stock and they cannot say when it will be back (ebay, aliexpress, amazon). If anyone has any leads I would really appreciate it! I need the wider gauge as it will be used for double top-stitching seams that are backed with bias tape. Thanks!