Singer Model 15
Updated: 2025.02.23
There are quite a few variations and sub models in the model 15 lineup, Some are set up for running on a treadle, others with hand cranks, but the majority are motor driven. Here we take a brief look at the model 15.
Singer IF “Improved Family”
The Singer IF “Improved Family”. It has the classic model 15 shape, except for the fiddle base, and it sports an oscillating hook, but it uses a class 68 bobbin, and that oscillating hook is much different from the model 15s that would follow.
Singer 15-30
This is 15-30 made in 1917. The 15-30 is often confused with the Singer model 115 (later in the article), but the 15-30 is a true model 15 series machine. The 15-30 uses the One O’clock bobbin case unlike the majority of the later model 15 machine produced by Singer, but the One O’clock bobbin case was often found in post war Japanese copies of the model 15, and is still in common use today.
Singer model 15-90
The 1947 Singer model 15-90 above has an external motor, but is otherwise the same design as the 15-91.
Singer model 15-91
The machine above is one of the more uncommon Singer model 15s. Made in 1932 it’s a model 15-91 with a nickel plated stitch length adjuster, and Singer medallion.
Potted motor
The potted motor found on the earlier Singer 101*, the 15-91, 201-2 and the later 15-125* is fully enclosed and includes a worm gear to drive the Textolite gear on the handwheel. I’m not going into a lot of detail on potted motors in this post, since I’ll be adding a full motor teardown article soon.
* The potted motors found on the Singer models 101 and 15-125 are not interchangeable with the motors found on the 15-91 and 201-2. Also note that the bobbin winder arm on the 15-91 and 201-2 are different.
Singer model 15-125
The Singer Model 15-125 was the successor to the classic model 15-91 and it was also the last in the model 15 line. The 15-125 was produced from 1955 to 1958.
Singer 115 …it only looks like a model 15
The Singer 115 is not a model 15, even though it’s a dead ringer for the model 15-30. The Model 115 is a full rotary hook, uses the class “L” bobbin, and the feed lift rocker was replaced with a cam on the hook drive shaft. Note: my example is missing the bobbin winder assembly.
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Specifications
| Brand | Singer |
| Model | 15 |
| Years Produced | 1930 – 1956 (15-1 Improved Family 1879 – 1895) |
| Hook Type | Oscillating |
| Bobbin | Class 15 (except for the 15-1 Improved Family) |
| Bobbin Case | Singer models using the long beak shuttle: 15-1 “IF” Improved Family: Singer models using the 1 o’clock bobbin cases: 15-11, 15-30, 15-80, 15-86, 15-87, 15-96, 15-97, 15-110, 15-111, 15-112 Singer models using the 11 o’clock bobbin cases: 15-75, 15-88, 15-90, 15-91, 15-125 |
| Needle System | 15×1 |
| Foot Type | Low Shank |
| Construction | All Metal |
| Construction Drivetrain | All Metal |
