Posted 2 years ago
peggyann55
(14 items)
I bought this gorgeous Singer 185K today for $25! So thrilled to have a decent sewing machine. At first I did not know what model is was. Neither did the seller. So I did google lens on the photo she had on FBMP, and gathered a lot of good information. Once we got it home, We started cleaning it. My bf, Brian, is a master electrician and he put a new plug on it. When I went to buy it, the lady plugged it in and showed me that the light came on and the wheel turned and it does work. But most likely needs cleaning and oiling only. I do need to buy a presser foot. The funny part is, that I had just ordered a New Brother sewing machine that has not arrived yet. I have a feeling I will either be selling that one or returning it. Lol. We all know that buying vintage items is smart because they are often made so well.
Thanks for looking at my new love! -Peggy
Hi, peggyann55. :-)
A green Singer 185K. Cool. :-)
The "K" suffix on the model number means that it was made at the Kilbowie factory:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/185
Here's a manual in case you don't have one:
https://archive.org/details/singer-185-j-k-user-manual-en/mode/2up
If you want to date your 185 more precisely, you'll have to take the portable case off. See the second picture in this post:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/301606-vintage-sewing-machine-serial-number-loc
CW user fortapache can advise you about the Singer 185, because he has a couple:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/193624-singer-185k-green-sewing-machine
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/205347-green-singer-sewing-machine-model-rfj8
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/206020-singer-185k-sewing-machine-part-too
Yours might be a hybrid like one of his (parts from more than one factory), but that would take more scrutiny to determine.
If you need a presser foot, they are readily available, because the Singer 185 is related to Singer models 66 and 99, and takes some of the same parts, e.g.:
https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-185-sewing-machine-parts.aspx
About the Kilbowie factory:
https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/kilbowie
Hi again, peggyann55. :-)
I thought I'd give you a few more links for Singer model 185 resources.
Here's a service manual for a model 66 (the ancestor of the 185):
https://archive.org/details/singer-66-service-manual-en/page/n3/mode/2up
A good, free Singer model 185 parts list is available from Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC, which seems to be a reputable outfit.
I tried to find a way of giving you a direct link to the actual file, but I must not be holding my mouth right today. :-(
Here's a link to search results that singles out the file in question (Form K6352 ILLUSTRATED LIST OF PARTS FOR Nos. 185K1 to 185K3 Machines):
https://www.supsew.com/search-results/?wpfb_s=185K1
If you or your bf decide to do more than a superficial cleaning of your 185, this would be the go-to guy for advice:
https://pungolivinghome.com/2019/10/17/restoration-of-a-1958-vintage-singer-model-185k/
He offers a couple of important caveats:
https://pungolivinghome.com/2022/02/02/a-tutorial-one-very-important-disassembly-tip-for-your-sewing-machine-restoration/
https://pungolivinghome.com/2020/01/22/a-tutorial-replacing-the-bobbin-hook-race-felt-on-a-singer-model-66-and-99-sewing-machine/
Well WOW! Thank you all for all that great information! I did buy a presser foot and screw off ebay, a young man is parting one out. I will be getting back to working on the machine this week. Most definitely the entire lower case will be coming off, so that I can get in there to clean and oil it. Seems to be in great condition otherwise. I really do appreciate all your help! Blessings!
peggyann55, You're very welcome. :-)
I believe that base/case is held onto the sewing machine head by a single large-ish screw in the middle of the bottom.
I included those 'caveat' links, because I don't know whether you or your bf might ever have occasion to do more than light maintenance on your machine, and I'd hate for you to learn about them the hard way.