Singer 237 Fashion Mate
Last update: 2025.06.14
Note that the example above has the motor from a different machine and the lamp has been removed.
Eroded bobbin winder tensioner…
I went to wind a bobbin, looped it through the and it wouldn’t feed. Looked between the plates, it looked clean, but I cleaned it anyway. Same problem. Tried to remove the thread and it snapped, but held one end… Under closer examination I realized that the tension post had been damaged by thread running through it. I have a feeling that the previous owner had always run their thread through the tensioner, even when sewing.
The 237 is the last Singer Fashion Mate to feature an all metal drivetrain, save for the hook race retainer* and that’s made of plastic.
Oscillating hook mechanics based on the tried and true Singer model 15, with a simple but effective zig-zag feature thrown in.
Like the later Singer model 15’s the Oscillating shuttle and crank arm are pinned in place, so setting time is achieved by adjustment of the needle bar height, and the needle bar includes integrated timing markers.
- The plastic hook race retainer is not known for failure, but if it does fail, new production parts are available.
Singer 237M-A Fashion Mate
This is the later Singer 237M-A Fashion Mate, made in Italy and featuring a larger presser foot pressure adjustment knob and Feed drop knob in front of the pillar.
Another Singer 237 Fashion Mate
This one was also made in Italy, but it has a different color front plate and the motor was made in France. This machine was a rescue, but the only real issues I’ve found so far are a noisy motor that I’ll look into and the missing Singer badge above the stitch length adjustment lever.
Specifications
| Brand | Singer |
| Series | Fashion Mate |
| Model | 237 and 237M |
| Manufactured | U.S.A. and Italy |
| Year | 1967 – 1971 |
| Feed dog lowering knob | 237 – No 237M – Yes |
| Hook Type | Oscillating |
| Bobbin | Class 15 |
| Needle System | 15×1 |
| Foot Type | Low Shank |
| Construction | Metal, and Plastic |
| Construction Drivetrain | All Metal |
