Singer 31-15

[Jimbob]

I am fixing to claim a mint Singer 31-15, abt 1950's.....??!!.....will be used for wallets, inlays and filigree.....eventually boot uppers.....need roller foot in different sizes, what is available, where to get and what foot /roller foot/size is used for what application....?? Thread size....? how thick can the leather be....?

Any used parts, any pictures....?

Lots of questions!!

Any takers........??

Thanks so much

Jimbob

[Wizcrafts]

I am fixing to claim a mint Singer 31-15, abt 1950's.....??!!.....will be used for wallets, inlays and filigree.....eventually boot uppers.....need roller foot in different sizes, what is available, where to get and what foot /roller foot/size is used for what application....?? Thread size....? how thick can the leather be....?

Any used parts, any pictures....?

Lots of questions!!

Any takers........??

Thanks so much

Jimbob

Bob Kovar sells pressor feet, including the two sizes of roller feet, for the Singer 31 class machines. These roller feet are also used on the Singer post machines. I used to have them in about 3/4" and 1" rollers. You can adjust the sideways position to place the bottom edge of the roller just to the left of the needle. This prevents the leather from lifting and causing skipped stitches.

When you buy the roller foot you should also get the single row feed dog and it's matching throat plate (and an edge guide for the right side).

I had one of those machines when I was first getting into sewing leather. I think it was good for no heavier than #92 or 138 thread, with a #22 needle. Thickness-wise, it sewed about 1/4", if memory serves me. But, mine had a spring loaded snapping walking foot system. I don't think a roller foot can hold down 1/4" of belt leather, unless you crank the spring all the way down and use the smallest needle possible for the thread. That would be a #21 needle for #138 thread. You might even be able to feed thread through a number 20 Schmetz needle.

[Jimbob]

Bob Kovar sells pressor feet, including the two sizes of roller feet, for the Singer 31 class machines. These roller feet are also used on the Singer post machines. I used to have them in about 3/4" and 1" rollers. You can adjust the sideways position to place the bottom edge of the roller just to the left of the needle. This prevents the leather from lifting and causing skipped stitches.

When you buy the roller foot you should also get the single row feed dog and it's matching throat plate (and an edge guide for the right side).

I had one of those machines when I was first getting into sewing leather. I think it was good for no heavier than #92 or 138 thread, with a #22 needle. Thickness-wise, it sewed about 1/4", if memory serves me. But, mine had a spring loaded snapping walking foot system. I don't think a roller foot can hold down 1/4" of belt leather, unless you crank the spring all the way down and use the smallest needle possible for the thread. That would be a #21 needle for #138 thread. You might even be able to feed thread through a number 20 Schmetz needle.

thanks Wiz

Planing on doing nothing heavy on this Singer 31-15......2-3 layers of 1-2 oz at the VERY most!!

Wonder why you need different sizes of roller feet, does the size effect the transport of the material?? Single row feed dog makes sense....guess it has to interact with the upper roller wheel..!?

138 is almost to thick, I can do this on my Singer 211.....so no problem here.....Trying to sew desings and filligree sewing on boot leather and wallet covers....92 size should be fine for that! Main interst lays in sewing complex designs with needle and thread into chrome tan, like drawing with a pencil.....just jusing a sewing machine....makes killer chopper seat covers!!!!!!!! haha....so I hope....***

again, tnx....and greetings

James

[Wizcrafts]

thanks Wiz

Planing on doing nothing heavy on this Singer 31-15......2-3 layers of 1-2 oz at the VERY most!!

Wonder why you need different sizes of roller feet, does the size effect the transport of the material?? Single row feed dog makes sense....guess it has to interact with the upper roller wheel..!?

138 is almost to thick, I can do this on my Singer 211.....so no problem here.....Trying to sew desings and filligree sewing on boot leather and wallet covers....92 size should be fine for that! Main interst lays in sewing complex designs with needle and thread into chrome tan, like drawing with a pencil.....just jusing a sewing machine....makes killer chopper seat covers!!!!!!!! haha....so I hope....***

again, tnx....and greetings

James

You're right; #138 is too thick for your garment overlays. #69 or #92 thread will be fine. If you will be making sharp turns, get the smaller roller foot (set). The big wheel is more for long straight runs.

A roller foot on the left allows you a complete view of the tracing lines and the needle. You cannot get a more accurate system for following drawn stitch lines. Just keep the work lamp on the right side of the front, to avoid casting a shadow of the roller.

[Art]

Hi James,

Use #69 or #46 thread for decorative sewing, there are many more colors available in those sizes than in #92.

Art

thanks Wiz

Planing on doing nothing heavy on this Singer 31-15......2-3 layers of 1-2 oz at the VERY most!!

Wonder why you need different sizes of roller feet, does the size effect the transport of the material?? Single row feed dog makes sense....guess it has to interact with the upper roller wheel..!?

138 is almost to thick, I can do this on my Singer 211.....so no problem here.....Trying to sew desings and filligree sewing on boot leather and wallet covers....92 size should be fine for that! Main interst lays in sewing complex designs with needle and thread into chrome tan, like drawing with a pencil.....just jusing a sewing machine....makes killer chopper seat covers!!!!!!!! haha....so I hope....***

again, tnx....and greetings

James

[Jimbob]

Hi James,

Use #69 or #46 thread for decorative sewing, there are many more colors available in those sizes than in #92.

Art

So much good and honest info here....you guys rock!

I really enjoy being here on this forum, no class or shool would have been able to teach me so much about sewing machines in such short time.....again, thanks to all of you on here.....maybe one of these days I can pay back to an newcomer with some answers I can provide!

Ya all come by the house one day and we have some cow tongue and room temperature dark beer!!!

James