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How to Remove a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine from Its Cabinet

How to Remove a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine from Its Cabinet

While browsing through the search words or phrases that have brought people to my blog, I noticed a few were searching for how to remove a vintage Singer sewing machine from it’s cabinet so I thought a quick picture post was in order.

We’ll be demonstrating with my vintage Singer 15-91 that lives in the Art Deco sewing machine cabinet that my husband, Dave refinished for me.

Vintage Singer Sewing Machine 15-91 in cabinet

First, if you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to lift the machine out of the cabinet and tilt it all the way back.

On the underside of the machine, you’ll see two copper hinges.

Arrow indicating the position of the two copper hinges that are holding the sewing machine in place

If you look directly above each hinge, you’ll see a screw that is holding the hinge in place.

Arrow indicating the screw directly above the copper hinge in sewing cabinet

Loosen that screw on each hinge. There’s no need to remove the screw, simply loosen it enough to be able to lift the sewing machine off the hinges.

Loosening the screw that holds the sewing machine to the hinge

To return the sewing machine to its cabinet, place the hinges in the upright position.

What hinges look like after machine is removed

Then lower the machine onto the hinges and re-tighten the screws firmly to hold the machine in place. Do Not over tighten the screws or you risk stripping them, not to mention making it more difficult to remove the machine should you need to do so again in the future.

Replace machine on hinges

Return the machine to the upright position for use or lower it into the cabinet and close the lid to store.

 

 

 

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How to Remove a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine from Its Cabinet - photos showing loosening the screws holding the machine in place and of a vintage machine

 

 

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16 Comments

  • Marilyn Titus
    October 11, 2020 8:58 am

    I also have the 15’91 on the #65 art deco cabinet . Have completed refurbishing the machine and am ready to refinish the cabinet. There is w cord that attaches to the foot controller that runs through a small hole in a black plate to the right of the machine that prevents me from totally removing it.🤔would also love to know the brand and color of the stain you used to refinish your cabinet. PERFECT! Any and all suggestions appreciated.

  • Pamela Bourque
    August 15, 2020 12:04 pm

    I have one, too! But I’ve a problem. My hinges, the long part, are snapped off flush with machine. I dabbled some mineral oil, on them. The scews are all the way out, I was hoping to push out from bottom, but they are really stuck!

    Any recommendation from handy hubby?

  • Carole
    July 26, 2020 4:37 pm

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Just the assistance I needed to remove my Singer Touch N Sew 600 (from the 1960s) from its cabinet. I never would have figured that out where those screws are to loosen and lift it out.

    • Super Mom No Cape
      July 27, 2020 5:47 pm

      You’re very welcome Carole! I’m so glad we could help. 🙂

  • Roxanne
    May 22, 2020 5:16 pm

    I too have a machine that the foot pedal seems to be direct wired into the motor? Not sure how to disconnect, short of snipping the wires. Any help would be appreciated.

  • Wendy Carter
    April 10, 2020 6:36 am

    Thank you for this post. I have my great grandmother’s machine. It turns in but needs a lot of work. I don’t think it has been sewn with in 40-50 years. I am taking it today to have it looked at. Now that I know how to take it out of the cabinet!

  • Mich
    December 16, 2019 8:48 pm

    I hope I don’t offend you but I’d like to use the table and possibly just remove and store the machine. I love the aesthetics of the wrought iron and wooden table. Would it work as a table? I have a friend that sews and teaches, so I will consult her as well.

  • Belinda Nichols
    July 7, 2019 1:08 am

    I’m sorry I don’t have any information on how to fix this sewing machine.
    I just wanted to say my aunt Flo was a seamstress all her life,
    having had a job in a sweatshop in Manhattan. She used this machine
    to sew clothes at home for our entire family (all women) and just looking at the
    pictures made me cry thinking of her and how wonderful she was and
    what a talented seamstress. I didn’t appreciate her then but I would now.

  • Karen Lanfear
    May 16, 2019 11:41 am

    THank you. It is very possible that my father rigged up something on this machine. Both of my parents are dead now, but I love to use this old machine! I’m not a seamstress, but this machine is awesome. It just needs cleaning, oiling and a treadle belt replacement so I have to take it in. Thanks so much!

  • Karen Lanfear
    May 16, 2019 10:44 am

    I am trying to remove my Singer 15-91 from the cabinet to take it in for service. I easily removed the screws to lift it out of the cabinet, but there is a cord that is attached to the machine and runs to a box inside of the cabinet. How do I get that out? I can’t take the machine without removing it!!!

    • Super Mom No Cape
      May 16, 2019 10:59 am

      I sounds like you have a different power connection than I have, Karen. I sent you an email and I’ll try to help the best I can. 🙂

  • Molly
    January 23, 2019 2:52 pm

    I can’t figure out how to completely remove it from the table to have it serviced… Between trying to get the motor out and the cord through the hole, it’s a challenge!

    • Super Mom No Cape
      January 23, 2019 4:19 pm

      I sent you an email Molly. We’ll do what we can to help you figure out where the problem is.

    • Linda Toben
      October 11, 2020 9:21 pm

      Hello, I too have a 1945 Singer machine that has a hard wired foot pedal wire that goes thru a hole in the original wood case. My case has a metal piece where the hole is (where wire goes from machine down to floor). This metal piece is next to the end of machine and makes a flat surface. It is spring loaded but I can’t figure out how to get the foot pedal out without cutting the wire (which I don’t want to do). Any suggestions on how I can get the machine out for servicing?

  • Annie
    October 1, 2015 1:42 am

    Thanks so much for you informative and succinct instructions – I actually need to put a 15-91 INTO a cabinet (as soon as I find one)

  • Dree
    May 19, 2013 10:29 am

    I have my grandmother’s old Westinghouse machine–and I want to take it to be serviced, it probably hasn’t been sewn with in 20 years. But the cabinet is what is holding me back! I will have to have a good look-see today.

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