Singer 27
The Singer Model 27, introduced in 1891 was an evolution of the earlier 1887 model VS2 or “Vibrating Shuttle v2”, sewing machine. The Model 27 featured a rectangular sewing bed, replacing the VS2’s earlier “fiddle” base. The Singer Model 27 is a full sized household sewing machine with no motor boss, so power was supplied via treadle or an early fixtured hand crank that didn’t require the later motor boss. It’s not uncommon to find retrofitted motors on these machines, but none were originally sold with a motor.
Above is an example of the Singer 1887 model VS2 with it’s distinctive fiddle base, and non tension release tensioner.
Tensioner
The tensioner on the Singer 27 does not have a tension release pin as found on more modern machines. Instead it has a tension release spoon that you pull out on to compress the tensioner spring, releasing the tension placed on the tension discs.
Bobbin Winder
The bobbin winder on the model 27 is a beautiful if not overcomplicated piece of engineering. This bobbin winder uses the treadle belt to drive the bobbin winder, and the heart shaped cam in the middle of the drive gear swings the feed arm back and forth to evenly distribute the thread on the long bobbin.
Vibrating Shuttle
The shuttle in the Model 27 moves rapidly forward back to front from the users perspective, or “vibrates”, in an arc along a track inside the machine bed beneath the front and back throat plates. The shuttle is a boat-shaped metal bobbin case that holds the long, cylindrical bobbin. The he bobbin case with the bobbin contained within vibrates horizontally beneath the needle plate and front and back throat plates.
Stitch Length Adjustment
The stitch length adjustment on the model 27 is a thumb screw type. When the thumb screw is screwed all the way in you get the longest stitch length. The thumb screw will not unscrew to the point that you can remove it without damage unless the feed regulator has been removed (don’t move the feed regulator unless you really need to and know what you’re doing).
Specifications
| Brand | Singer |
| Model | 27 |
| Years Produced | 1891-1913 |
| Hook Type | Vibrating Shuttle |
| Bobbin | Long |
| Bobbin Case | Shuttle |
| Needle System | 15×1 |
| Foot Type | Low shank, or back clamp |
| Construction | All metal, Cast Iron body |
| Construction Drivetrain | All metal |
