What's my investment?

Included with VSMM:

  • Human expert when you need it, for your machines or when building a business
  • LIFETIME access to on-demand learning library
  • LIFETIME access to private Facebook group
  • LIFETIME access to Motor Service & Rewiring program
  • Live Wednesay Zoom call every week
  • Live Saturday Clinic every month
  • Replay archive
  • Access to pop-up events 

The Basic Hook Timing program requires enrollment in either the Remove Your Covers or Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery before you can enroll.  If you are not yet ready for Basic Hook Timing, you can add the program later after you are in Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery.

Program Course Outlines

Below you will find the current lessons in the on-demand library of what's included with this purchase. These modules are updated regularly with new content and learning material.

Vintage Sewing Machine Mastery

  1. Getting Started

    9 lessons
    1. How to use this program
    2. If you need help at any time...
    3. VSMM EXTRA - LIVE Clinics & Membership
    4. Please introduce yourself!
    5. Survey (Optional)
    6. Private Facebook Group & Community
    7. How to access programs from your phone or tablet
    8. Zoom - Room for Open Use & Meetups
    9. Machines covered and not covered in this program

  2. Misc. Items

    3 lessons
    1. Buy, Sell Trade
    2. Wish List
    3. Social Media & Making New Friends

  3. Tools, Materials & Setup

    11 lessons
    1. Tools, Materials & Setup
    2. Proper lubricants
    3. Proper cleaning chemicals
    4. Proper cleaning materials
    5. Setting up your workspace
    6. Ultra-Sonic Cleaner for small parts
    7. Dremel & rotary tools and brushes
    8. Air Compressors
    9. Trouble threading needles
    10. Needles Overview
    11. A checklist of Basic Items

  4. Disassemble Covers & Parts

    6 lessons

    1. Cast Iron Machines

      1. Cast Iron Machines Overview
      2. Remove covers and Parts - Cast Iron
      3. Inspecting machine for issues - Cast iron

    2. All Other Machines (AOM)

      1. All Other Machines Overview
      2. Remove Covers and Parts - AOM
      3. Inspecting for issues - AOM

  5. Clean Interior of Machine

    14 lesson
    1. What to do if machine is frozen or hard to move

    1. Cast Iron Machines

      1. Clean upper area - Cast iron
      2. Clean bobbin area (regular bobbin) - Cast iron
      3. Clean bobbin area (shuttle) - Cast iron
      4. Clean bobbin area (front or side loading)
      5. Clean needle bar area (128 style) - Cast iron
      6. Clean needle bar area (66 style) - Cast iron
      7. Clean lower area (shafts, Class 66) - Cast iron
      8. Clean lower area (shafts, Singer 128) - Cast iron

    2. All Other Machines (AOM)

      1. Clean upper area Part 1 - AOM
      2. Clean upper area Part 2 - AOM
      3. Clean bobbin area & feed - AOM
      4. Clean needle bar area - AOM
      5. Clean lower area - AOM

  6. Lubricate Machine

    9 lesson
    1. Lubricate bobbin winder - external

    1. Cast Iron Machines

      1. Lubricate upper area - Cast iron
      2. Lubricate needle bar area (128 style) - Cast iron
      3. Lubricate needle bar area (66 style) - Cast iron
      4. Lubricate lower area (shafts, 128 style) - Cast iron

    2. All Other Machines (AOM)

      1. Lubricate upper area - AOM
      2. Lubricate bobbin area - AOM
      3. Lubricate needle bar area - AOM
      4. Lubricate lower area - AOM

  7. Clean External Parts

    10 lessons
    1. Upper Tension Assembly
    2. Using Dremel or Rotary tool
    3. Clean exterior parts - Cast iron
    4. AOM Clean exterior parts
    5. Covers back on - AOM
    6. Install motor belt & adjust (external motors)
    7. Handwheel Clutch
    8. Install bobbin case (top loading)
    9. Clean bobbin case & install (front or side loading)
    10. Numbers on stitch length lever cover

  8. Motor & Electrical

    3 lessons
    1. Inspect all electrical wiring
    2. Replacing the lead cord when applicable
    3. External motor brushes & lubricant

  9. Clean Exterior of Machine

    6 lessons
    1. Proper cleaning materials
    2. Cleaning the exterior - Cast iron
    3. AOM Cleaning the exterior Part 1 - Upper cover
    4. AOM Cleaning the exterior Part 2 - Handwheel, Needlebar Cover
    5. AOM Cleaning the exterior Part 3 - Body of machine
    6. AOM Cleaning the exterior Part 4 - Body, cont.

  10. Sew & Adjust

    2 lessons
    1. Proper Bobbin
    2. Test Sew & Balance Tension

  11. Bonus: Case Studies

    13 lessons
    1. Dressmaker - Japanese machine
    2. Morse Fotomatic - Japanese machines
    3. Singer 306k: Case Study
    4. Kenmore 148 series: Case Study
    5. Singer Merritt-style machines
    6. Singer Touch & Sew Overview
    7. Bernina 830: Case Study
    8. Bernina 930 Instructions

    1. Singer 66: Case Study

      1. Singer 66 - Part 1
      2. Singer 66 - Part 2
      3. Singer 66 - Part 3
      4. Singer 66 - Part 4

    2. Bernina 1008 & Similar

      1. Bernina 1008 Case Study

  12. Bonus Modules

    34 lessons
    1. Adjusting Presser Foot Alignment
    2. Extracting Screws
    3. Frozen Reverse Lever (Kenmore)
    4. Hook Gear Box (Kenmore)
    5. Necchi BU - Replacing broken upper thread guide
    6. Necchi Mira BU Wonderwheel
    7. Pfaff 1222 Camstack Replacement
    8. Singer 201 Bobbin Case
    9. Singer 221 Motor Wiring
    10. Super Glue Acceleration
    11. Swing Needle Singers (306k, 319k, etc.) - adjusting needle position
    12. Seized Kenmore & Other Issues

    1. Adjusting Presser Foot Height

      1. Adjusting Presser Foot Height - Part 1
      2. Adjusting Presser Foot Height - Part 2

    2. Bobbin Winder Assemblies on various machines

      1. Elgin Bobbin Winder (Japanese - Push Down)
      2. Singer 301 Bobbin Winder Assembly
      3. Singer 306K Bobbin Winder Assembly
      4. Singer 99k Bobbin Winder Assembly
      5. Singer 15-91k Bobbin Winder Assembly
      6. Singer 328K Bobbin Winder Assembly
      7. Shuttle Bobbin Winder Assembly

    3. Cam Stack Systems on Various Machines

      1. Kenmore 158 Cam System
      2. Kenmore 158 Cam System - Second Type
      3. Singer 500 Cam Sys
      4. Elna Air Electronic Cam System

    4. Checking the Timing

      1. Checking the Timing
      2. Check timing - Drop in Bobbin
      3. Checking Timing - Vertical Bobbin

    5. Upper Tension Assemblies

      1. Singer 403 Upper Tension Assembly (and similar)
      2. Singer 15 & Japanese Clone Upper Tension Assembly
      3. Singer 27/28/127/128 Upper Tension Assembly (and similar)
      4. Kenmore 158 Upper Tension Assembly (and similar)
      5. Singer 750 Touch & Sew Upper Tension Assembly (and similar)
      6. Singer 221 (Featherweight) and 301 Upper Tension Assembly (and others)

Vintage Motor Service & Rewiring

  1. Resources & Links

    2 lessons
    1. What you'll find here
    2. General Electrical

  2. Program Introduction

    3 lessons
    1. Disclaimers - MUST REVIEW
    2. Safety Precautions - MUST REVIEW
    3. If you need help...

  3. Tools & Materials

    2 lessons
    1. Please read first
    2. Complete list of items and links for purchase

  4. External Motor Service & Rewiring

    1 lesson
    1. External Motor Service & Rewire

  5. Potted Motor Service & Rewiring

    7 lessons
    1. Wiring Inspection
    2. Motor Disassembly
    3. Motor Cleaning
    4. Motor Rewiring - Traditional Solder
    5. Motor Rewiring - Quick Solder (Recommended)
    6. Motor Assembly
    7. Motor Mounting & Finishing

  6. Lamp Rewiring

    1 lesson
    1. Vintage Singer Bakelite Lamp

  7. Foot Pedals

    3 lessons
    1. Metal foot pedal without Grommet
    2. Singer Bakelite Clamshell & Plastic Foot Pedals
    3. Convert Knee Bar machine to Foot Pedal machine

  8. Bonus Modules

    6 lessons
    1. Cleaning the Commutator - Alternative Method
    2. Rewiring Singer push-on connectors

    1. Soldering Overview

      1. Traditional Soldering Method
      2. Easy Soldering Connector Method

    2. Using a Multimeter Overview

      1. Using a Multimeter Intro
      2. Using a Multimeter

  9. Case Studies

    5 lessons
    1. Japanese External Motor
    2. Necchi Mira BU External Rewiring
    3. Necchi Lelia External Wiring Repair
    4. Singer External Motor
    5. Singer Featherweight Motor

VSMM EXTRA

  1. Start Here

    2 lessons
    1. Important Info
    2. How to use this program

  2. Join LIVE CALLS here

    1 lesson
    1. Join Wednesday & Saturday calls HERE

  3. Live Event Schedule

    1 lesson
    1. 2025 Live Event Schedule

  4. 2025 Live Saturday Clinic Archive

    14 lessons
    1. January 2025 - Hamilton Beach Home Motor
    2. February 2025 Singer Stylist
    3. March - Bernina Motor
    4. April 2025 - Viking 6010 Part 1
    5. April 2025 - Viking 6010 Part 2
    6. June 2025 - Viking 6010 Part 3
    7. June 2025 - Viking 6010 Part 4
    8. July 2025 - Green Vintage New Home Rotary Part 1
    9. July 2025 - Green Vintage New Home Rotary Part 2
    10. August 2025 - Pfaff 122E Part 1a
    11. August 2025 - Pfaff 122E Part 1b
    12. September 2025 - Part 1 - Pfaff 1222E Continued
    13. September 2025 - Part 2 - Pfaff 1211 Broken Dial/Button Hole Mechanism
    14. October 2025 - Pfaff 1211 - Conclusion of Disassembly and Final Thoughts

  5. 2025 Social/Q&A Archive

    28 lessons

    1. January 2025

      1. 1-15-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 1-8-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      3. 1-22-25 - Social/Q&A Call

    2. February 2025

      1. 2-26-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 2-19-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      3. 2-5-25 - Social/Q&A Call

    3. March 2025

      1. 3-19-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 3-12-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      3. 3-5-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      4. 3-26-25 - Social/Q&A Call

    4. April 2025

      1. 4-16-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 4-23-25 - Social/Q&A Call
      3. 4-9-25 - Social/Q&A Call

    5. May 2025

      1. 5-21-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 5-28-2025 - Social/Q&A Call

    6. June 2025

      1. 6-4-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 6-11-2025 - Social/Q&A Call

    7. July 2025

      1. 7-9-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 7-16-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      3. 7-23-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      4. 7-30-2025 - Social/Q&A Call

    8. August 2025

      1. 8-6-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 8-13-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      3. 8-27-2025 - Social/Q&A Call

    9. September 2025

      1. 9-10-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      2. 9-17-2025 - Social/Q&A Call
      3. 09-24-2025 - Social/Q&A Call

    10. October 2025

      1. 10-01-2025 - Social/Q&A Call

  6. 2024 Saturday Clinic Archive

    13 lessons
    1. 11-16-24 Live Clinic - Shipping Box Construction
    2. 10-26-2024 Live Saturday Session - Treadle Cabinet Irons and Treadle Belts
    3. 1/27/24 Live Saturday Clinic - Vertical Motors
    4. 2-17-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Kenmore 158 Part 1
    5. 3-2-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Kenmore 158 Part 2
    6. 3-16-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Kenmore 158 Part 3
    7. 4-13-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Good Housekeeper Japanese Machine
    8. 5-18-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Elna Supermatic
    9. 6-15-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Singer 15 Part 1
    10. 7-13-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Singer 15 Part 2/Motor Rewire
    11. 9-14-24 Saturday Session - Singer 15 Part 3a/Bobbin winder Struggles
    12. 9-14-24 Live Saturday Clinic - Singer 15 Part 3b/ Reassembly and Test Sew
    13. 9-21-24 Saturday Clinic - Singer Lamp Rewiring

  7. 2024 Social/Q&A Archive

    32 lessons
    1. 10-23-24 Q&A/Social Call
    2. 11-06-24 - Q&A/Social Call
    3. 1-10-24 Social/Q&A Call
    4. 1-3-24 Social/Q&A Call
    5. 10-30-2024 Social/Q&A Call
    6. 1-24-24 Social/Q&A Call
    7. 1-31-24 Social/Q&A Call
    8. 2-7-24 Social/Q&A Call
    9. 2-14-24 Social/Q&A Call
    10. 3-27-24 Social/Q&A Call
    11. 4-3-24 Social/Q&A Call
    12. 4-10-24 Social/Q&A Call
    13. 4-17-24 Social/Q&A Call
    14. 4-24-24 Social/Q&A Call
    15. 11-13-24 Social/Q&A Call
    16. 5-1-24 Social/Q&A Call
    17. 5-8-24 Social/Q&A Call
    18. 5-15-24 Social/Q&A Call
    19. 6-12-24 Social/Q&A Call
    20. 6-19-24 Social/Q&A Call
    21. 7-10-24 Social/Q&A Call
    22. 7-17-24 Social/Q&A Call
    23. 12-11-24 Social/Q&A Call
    24. 11-20-24 Q&A/Social Call
    25. 12-4-24 Social/Q&A Call
    26. 7-31-24 Social/Q&A Call
    27. 8-14-24 Social/Q&A Call
    28. 9-11-24 Social/Q&A Call
    29. 9-25-24 Social/Q&A Call
    30. 10-2-24 Social/Q&A Call
    31. 10-9-24 Social/Q&A Call
    32. 10-16-24 Q&A/Social Call

  8. 2023 Saturday Live Clinic Archive

    10 lessons
    1. Singer 306K - 1-7-22 Live Clinic
    2. Various Procedures - 1-21-23 Live Clinic
    3. Morse Fotomatic Machine 2-18-23 Clinic
    4. Camstack Systems 3-18-23 Live Clinic
    5. Rewire Knee Bar to Foot Pedal (Singer) 4-22-23 Live Clinic
    6. Bobbin Winder Assemblies - 5-17-23 Live Clinic
    7. Dressmaker (Japanese) Case Study - 6-17-23 Live Clinic
    8. Antique White Restoration (Part 1) - 8-19-23
    9. Antique White Restoration (Part 2) - 10-28-23
    10. Buttonholers - 12-2-23

  9. 2023 Social/Q&A Archive

    36 lessons
    1. 1-4-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    2. 1-11-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    3. 1-18-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    4. 2-1-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    5. 2-8-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    6. 3-8-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    7. 3-15-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    8. 3-22-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    9. 4-5-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    10. 4-26-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    11. 5-3-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    12. 5-10-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    13. 6-7-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    14. 6-14-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    15. 6-21-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    16. 6-28-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    17. 7-5-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    18. 7-12-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    19. 7-19-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    20. 8-2-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    21. 8-9-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    22. 8-30-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    23. 8-16-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    24. 8-23-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    25. 9-6-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    26. 9-27-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    27. 10-4-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    28. 10-11-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    29. 10-18-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    30. 10-25-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    31. 11-1-23 Q&A Social Replay
    32. 11-8-23 Q&A/Social Replay
    33. 11-15-23 Q/A Social Replay
    34. 11-29-23 Social/Q&A Call
    35. 12/6/23 Q&A/Social Call
    36. 12/20-23 Q&A/Social Call

  10. 2021-2022 Saturday Clinic Archive

    13 lessons
    1. 11-19-22 Live Clinic Replay - Singer 66 Cont. (Part 1)
    2. 11-19-22 Live Clinic Replay - Singer 66 Cont. (Part 2)
    3. 10-29-22 Live Clinic Replay - Singer 66 (Part 1)
    4. 10-29-22 Live Clinic Replay - Singer 66 (Part 2)
    5. 10-8-22 - Extracting/Removing stuck screws, Soldering techniques
    6. 8-20-22 Exploring foot pedals, rewiring a vintage Necchi machine
    7. 7-23-22 - Kenmore 148 Restoration
    8. 6-25-22 - Singer 128 Restoration
    9. 5-21-22 - Updates and changes to VSMM program
    10. 4-23-22 - Motor service & electrical testing
    11. 3-19-22 - Starting and building a vintage machine service business
    12. 1-22-22 - Cleaning & polishing exterior parts
    13. 12-18-21 - VSMM Workshop & Community Discussion

  11. 2021-2022 Social/Q&A Archive

    32 lessons
    1. 12-7-22 Live Q&A Session
    2. 12-14-22 Live Q&A Session
    3. 11-30-22 Live Q&A Session
    4. 11-16-22 Live Q&A Session
    5. 11-9-22 Live Q&A Session
    6. 11-2-22 Live Q&A Session
    7. 10-26-22 Live Q&A Session
    8. 10-12-22 Live Q&A Session
    9. 10-5-22 Live Q&A Session
    10. 9-28-22 Live Q&A Session
    11. 9-21-22 Live Q&A Session
    12. 9-7-22 Live Q&A Session
    13. 8-31-22 Live Q&A Session
    14. 8-25-22 Live Q&A Session
    15. 8-17-22 Live Q&A Session
    16. 8-10-22 Live Q&A Session
    17. 7-27-22 Live Q&A Session
    18. 7-13-22 Live Q&A Session
    19. 7-7-22 Live Q&A Session
    20. 6-30-22 Live Q&A Session
    21. 6-23-22 Live Q&A Session
    22. 6-16-22 Live Q&A Session
    23. 5-26-22 Live Q&A Session
    24. 5-5-22 Video (no live)
    25. 4-21-22 Live Q&A Session

    1. 1st Quarter 2022 Social/Q&A Archive

      1. 3-24-22 Live Q&A Session
      2. 3-10-22 Video (no live)
      3. 2-24-22 Live Q&A Session
      4. 2-10-22 Live Q&A Session
      5. 1-27-22 Live Q&A Session
      6. 1-13-22 Live Q&A/Social Session
      7. 11-15-21 Live Q&A Session

Meet Amy

Amy joined the VSMM program and within two months, she was building her machine service business while learning!

Amy came into the program after learning some of the basics through trial and error on YouTube.  She says that having live humans to help in uncertainty is what gave her the confidence to really dig in on offering her services.

She is now branching out into modern machine service for her customers.

 

Questions?  Let's talk.

Please ask any questions or let us know how we can help.

FAQs

Q:  Do I have to pay a fee every month?

A:  No, you do not.  You will keep access to the on-demand learning library for life as your reference. 

Q:  When does the workshop end?

A:  This is the best:  it doesn't!  It lasts forever… or as long as you need it to!  There is no end or timeline for this course, so you jump in any time and come back to it any time you need to. 

​

Q:  Who is this course for?  Can just anyone take it?

A:  Yes!  This course is for anyone interested in learning to clean, lubricate, and restore machines.  Young, old, retired, people that work full-time, people that are just curious, hobbyists, people with lots of machines, people that only have one machine, people wanting side/retirement/full-time income.  Everyone is welcome!

​

Q:  I'm not good with tools, will I be okay taking this class?

A:  YES!  If you don't feel confident using tools, I promise, you're going to be okay in this course.  I wouldn't have considered myself "mechanically inclined" when I first started working with machines, either.  Many of us are, and we just don't know it yet.  There is actually very little done with tools in the class.  This workshop will be a source of empowerment and confidence for you, I can promise you that!  In my live classes, I've had ladies insist that they bring their husbands because they were too afraid of the tools, but I encourage EVERYONE to give it a try because I promise you, you can do it.

​

Q:  What machines are covered in this course?

A:  This workshop covers almost all vintage and antique machines.  It does NOT cover any computerized or modern machines.  We also won't cover the Viking 6000 series if it is seized or the knowbs aren't moving correctly.  We will have workshops that specifically address these machines, as they are much more complex and have common issues.  That's not to say that you still couldn't gain the knowledge to address these machines in this workshop, but we will not cover the common issues or solutions to those machines in this workshop.  We also will not specifically cover industrial machines, but what you learn here will help you clean and restore industrial machines.

​

Q:  What does "hybrid" workshop mean?

A:  It means this class is both on-demand (where you work at your own pace using the videos and tools available to you at any time), and scheduled Zoom classes in the optional membership.  My opinion has always been that attending a live class is great because you have guidance from your instructor, but then it's too easy to forget everything when you leave.  When you do just an on-demand class, you can refer back to it anytime you want, but you don't have the guidance of a live instructor.  Sewing Doc has committed to bringing its participants the best of both worlds to ensure that your journey into sewing machine cleaning, repair, service, and restoration is successful and enjoyable.

​

Q:  If I have an issue with a machine, can I contact you for help?

A:  Yes, the instructor is available during regular hours.  Each week there is a Zoom Q&A session, and even if you can't watch live, your question can be addressed and you can review the information in the replay at your convenience.  A monthly Zoom class will also be hosted each month, and this is a good time to ask questions to get you over the hump.  The point of the hybrid program is to offer you guidance throughout.

​

Q:  Do I need any special programs or equipment to participate in the Zoom classes or any part of the workshop?

A:  The short answer is no.  All you really need is a cell phone, tablet, or computer to view the on-demand classes and work your way through the workshop.  For the Zoom classes, you would need the same, nothing fancy.  You may want to use a cell phone or tablet with a camera on it when you attend a Zoom class, as you can show the instructor exactly what you're looking at on your machine.

​

Q:  I know I'll want to attend a Zoom class, but is it complicated?

A:  I know most of us have had to adapt to new technology as a result of the pandemic, but many are still hesitant.  We will guide you each step of the way in getting set up to work with us, and you will see that participating once or twice will put you at ease.  And if you have any issues getting set up, we will be there to help you.  We like to do an introductory session for anyone new to streaming or other webinar programs.

​

Q:  Will this course teach me to service other people's machines?

A:  YES!  You will build skills that allow you to offer your services to your local community.  We prefer not to use the term 'service' as this implies timing and other adjustments have been made, which are not taught in this workshop.  
 

Q:  I don't live in the United States, can I sign up for this course?

A:  Sewing Doc is working on getting set up to open this course up for participants in other countries, so this is coming soon!  Please note that we do have participants from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia successfully using our programs.