This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Not every little thing Singer made was golden or their best initiative. The firm made its share of turkeys over the years and some of them still appear to be out there today. Just make certain you avoid the bad sewing devices in order to enjoy your stitching hobby.
Going by the remarks as well as seeing the style of this embroidery maker, Singer did not hit a house run with this model. One 306k was so ill that they positioned it on the road and deserted it. There are reasons for that action.
For more information about the 306k and also why individuals think so little of it, simply continue to review our post. It discovers the concern so you can make a sound choice as well as avoid prospective stress. Why Singer developed the maker by doing this is anyone’s hunch.
Table Of Contents
When Was the Singer 306k Made?
According to Ismac’s website , this design of Singer sewing machine was first made in 1954. February 19th to be exact as well as it was made at different times throughout the year and all designs for this sewing device began with the letters EM in their identification numbers.
About 147,000 306ks were made that year and according to the very same site, this model remained in manufacturing till about 1962. But we are unsure if that is the right last day of production or not.
The 306k was meant to be the upgraded version of the 206 and it changed the cast iron body with one more product for the general body. There are a number of versions of this embroidery machine as well as they were all offered a different letter at the end of the number.
The K was made in England, while the W was made in Connecticut and the M was made in Italy. The 319k was a sibling model to the 306k and also had really few distinctions from that latter model.
In considering the layout it is no surprise manufacturing stopped on every one of the 306s around the very early 60s. The biggest production date was May 1 1958 when 180,000 devices were made and also marketed. The following largest number of machines ever made was 50,000, which took place numerous times throughout its run.
This version stitching device never got near having 1,000, 000 systems made and also sold.
Singer 306k Value
This will certainly rely on that you speak to and what condition the sewing maker is in. One individual left his/her version on the side of the road like they would an undesirable pet. According to some comments, we have actually reviewed, that has to do with what this stitching maker deserves.
If they can’t get it actually economical, they do not desire it. Regretfully, not everyone concurs with them as we have seen some 306ks in great problem as well as they are commanding a price in the mid $600 variety.
Other units in this collection are not so fortunate as they are being offered for less than $ 200. This was one of the last black and gold embroidery makers ever before made and it was an upgrade over the 206 which was the initial zig-zag stitch maker made.
It is the layout of the equipment, not the history or the upgrades, that have people placing a really reduced value on the 306k. There are legit reasons for their reluctance to accept a $600+ value for this stitching device. We will get involved in that later in this article.
Locating a Singer 306k offer for sale
Think it or not, there appear to be many locations that have the 306k sewing device offer for sale. One location is called Rover Bay and also they do their marketing over at ebay.com. They, together with other sellers have a variety of prices for their sewing equipments.
The non-Rover Bay embroidery machines at that outlet range in between $150 as well as $ 600. The handbook offer for sale by Rover bay is $ 119. You check out that right, simply the guidebook. Your best bet for any type of leads is to begin with a net search as tiny personal companies are offering one or 2 of these machines (that appeared in our search).
After that your next best area to look will be auction houses, sewing device service center, antique stores, yard sale as well as flea markets, and also estate sales. The categorized advertisements, both traditional and also on-line, will certainly be another place to look.
As it is with eBay, it is all a matter of timing. You may obtain lucky and also discover a truly inexpensive one as well as still in running problem or you will just see the costly models to buy if you discover any type of whatsoever.
306k Complaints
This section is for those legitimate factors lots of people think twice to put a lot of value on this stitching machine model. The impression one gets when checking out a picture of the sewing equipment is that it is a very basic stitching machine.
The style is not superior or also reducing edge and also it looks like an item of its time. Yet that is simply one factor people do not like this sewing machine. The following factor is the area of the bobbin. It is beneath the equipment and you have to tilt it as much as reach it.
Fortunately, there is a latch to hold the equipment up while you deal with the bobbin. One more reason is the needle required to utilize this machine. Yet we will enter into more detail on that problem soon.
Then for some reason, Singer decided to play conceal and look for with the serial number and when you access to the bobbin you need to see that number under of the equipment.
In addition to that, the stitch size lever can quickly be wagered as well as being in some way connected to the reverse feature. If that bar runs out whack, you might not be able to sew forward. Additionally, there is this issue “The machines are noisy, awkward to utilize, as well as turning as well as oscillating machinery is revealed to capture lengthy hair or thread” We couldn’t have said it better than that.
These are just some of the issues that overshadow any individual’s p [raise for the machine.
Download Singer 306k Manual
There is at least one manual for sale at eBay but unfortunately, they are not downloadable options. Plus, at least one is priced at $120 which seems to put it out of reach for most people.
Then one of our go-to download manual sites has at least one ready to be purchased. We like this site because you can read the manual before you download it. This website is another place to go if you want to get one through the internet. The landing page says it is free.
Here is another download option if you do not like the other ones in this section. Check them out at this link. Then you can try this link after you get through their security protocols.
Finally, you can always try Singer. They seem to keep very good records and you just might be in luck that they keep digitalized versions of all their manuals. Try this link and if one does not appear in your search, use their contact page to ask them.
For our Australian readers, there is this Singer website to try. There are more options if one has the time to go through tall the search results but these few should put you on the right track and get you the manual you may need.
Singer 306 Attachments
This should not be a problem to find either. In fact, the unit left by the side of the road also had the attachments in the same container. In a quick internet search, more than enough outlets selling parts and attachments came up.
Those results included Singer itself. Here is a link to their web page that offers 306k parts for sale. Another link to try leads you to this company and it is n the business of selling sewing machine parts. That makes it a good source when you own more than one sewing machine.
Rover Bay claims it has lots of parts for this sewing machine model. it does its selling at eBay and a good search should turn up some nice attachment options. Then for our British readers, there is this online outlet. It seems to have a lot of parts available including universal needles which is a topic we will now move on to.
Singer 306k Needles
This was the topic that had the biggest complaints. The 306k and a couple of other Singer sewing machines are very picky about the type of needle you place inside of it. Those machines are the 206, 306, and 319 and you will be lucky if you can find a universal needle that will work with those models without adjusting the timing.
The needle that is required is the special 206×13 needles and according to one expert on these machines, they only come in sizes 12, 14, and 16. That means that if you need a size 11 or 18 you are out of luck.
Also, this style of needle is more of a special order than a common selling item in most sewing accessory shops. That means you should expect to pay a lot more for them if they can be found. Availability of the needle is also a problem as the 16 is hard to find right now.
When it comes to bobbins, also expect to pay a lot for this little part. They can be rare as well.
How to Thread a Singer 306k Sewing Machine
That is why we like that handbook area as we can obtain the details you need swiftly as well as quickly. The very first step is to lift the take-up bar to its highest possible factor.
Then position the spool of thread in its area and also take the end of the thread down to the self-threading overview coming right into it from the underside. Then drop to the center tension and also with the loophole of the take-up springtime.
Next, head to the slack thread regulatory authority and also go under. Then rise to the take-up lever as well as going from right to left to put the thread via the hole. After that, go back down to both guides on the faceplate and right into the overview on the needle clamp.
Ultimately, relocating from front to back thread the eye of the needle. Make certain to draw concerning 2 inches of thread via the eye prior to you begin to sew.
Exactly How to Use Singer 306k
There is a little chart showing you the different needle dimensions and the materials that they function best with. It is best to research that link to make sure you have the appropriate needle for the fabric you intend to sew with.
After that the thread must be selected that will pair up with the product, it is meant to hold together. After you have actually done all that, see to it the eye of the needle is huge enough for the thread to pass via easily.
Take care to see that the needle you utilize is not dull or curved in any type of means. Likewise, make use of the very same thread in both the needle and the bobbin to avoid problem.
Some Final Words
Your experience with this sewing equipment might be different from those who have their complaints and also hesitation. That is all right, as not everyone gets a great stitching device to deal with.
According to one professional, this equipment is one of the 3 that should never have actually been made. He was happy that Singer saw the mistakes they made and also fixed those blunders in future designs like the 401. Also Singer is not best.
- sewingiscool.com