Singer 1200-1: A Machine for Dressmakers and Tailors
I think every collector has at least one machine that holds a special place in their heart. Mine is this Singer 1200-1, a gift from my friend Sharon.
In 2023, I took a road trip to pick up two machines: a Singer 211G466 industrial and this 1200-1. Really, though, picking up the 1200-1 was just a great excuse to meet a woman who has been an incredible teacher and mentor to the vintage sewing community. Getting to spend a couple of hours chatting with and learning from her was an experience I’ll never forget.
Sharon had been given the machine and knew I’d been looking for one, so she offered it to me. About a week after she called, I borrowed my dad’s pickup and headed out to get it.
The original stand was missing the treadle and motor controller, but the machine, table top, drawer, and knee lift bar were all there. Fortunately I had purchased a student desk some months before, and it had the treadle and motor controller I needed to complete the classic Singer 1200-1 artisan table.
What’s so special about the Singer 1200?
Based on the legendary Singer 201-2, the Model 1200 adapts a classic domestic machine for higher-volume, semi-industrial garment production. It pairs the robust 201-2 head with a knee-actuated presser foot lifter and a treadle-operated motor controller, all set into an extended artisan table modeled after commercial setups. The oversized tabletop features an integrated half-yard measuring decal and a storage drawer (though earlier versions featured two drawers).
A good deep cleaning
I took the machine apart, leaving the gears in place since it moved smoothly, I wasn’t going to disturb 70+ years worth of parts wearing in together. I rewired the motor, motor controller, lamp, and power cords. After cleaning all the parts I put it all back together. You can see the results in the photo below.
It may be well worn and far from the most beautiful machine in my collection, but a deep cleaning, fresh oil, proper adjustment, full rewiring, and a touch-up on the front lamp cover have it sewing and looking much better. It is easily one of my favorites.
A little Singer 1200 History
The history of the Singer Model 1200 series is surprisingly difficult to nail down.
Because Model 1200 machines used the standard Model 201-2 casting corresponding to their year of manufacture, Elizabethport factory ledgers logged them under the parent 201-2 designation well into the mid-1950s, even though surviving examples confirm that serial numbers assigned to machines configured as 1200-1s appear in the ledgers as early as 1934*.
I have a pdf copy of the adjusters manual marked:
“Form 18962 (1236)
Adjuster’s Manual for Singer Machines
201-1, 201-2, 201-3, 201-4 and 1200-1
Lock Stitch Reversible Feed for Family Use
Singer P. H. Motors and Singer B. R. Motors and Bakelite Controllers”
The inside cover lists the copyright dates:
“Copyright, U.S.A., 1921, 1931, 1932, 1935 and 1936, by The Singer Manufacturing Co. All Rights Reserved for all Countries”
This manual provides published, documented proof that the 1200-1 was in active production by at least December 1936 (indicated by the “1236” print code on the form).
* Singer’s factory ledgers frequently contain conflicting information, sometimes from data entry errors, and other times because Singer used older castings for later assembly runs alongside other factory idiosyncrasies.
Specifications
| Brand | Singer |
| Model | 1200-1 |
| Year | 1952 |
| Machine Body | All Metal |
| Drivetrain & Gears | Direct Drive, Metal |
| Color | Black, No decals on the work surface |
| Motor Mount | Potted, Rear Mount |
| Foot Type | Low Shank |
| Hook Type | Full Rotary (Horizontal) |
| Bobbin Type | Class 66 Top-Loading |
| Needle System | 15×1 |
