The Singer 99 and Singer 99K sewing machines are two of the most popular vintage Singer models ever made. Compact, reliable, and incredibly well-engineered, they were designed to give home sewists a durable machine that could sew everything from lightweight dress fabrics to heavier household textiles.
If you’ve recently purchased a Singer 99, inherited one, or are restoring a vintage model, this guide walks you through what the machine can do—and exactly how to use it.
✅ Download the full official Singer 99 manual here:
👉 https://sewingmachinemanuals.co.uk/product/singer-99-sewing-machine-manual-pdf-download/
A Quick Introduction to the Singer 99 & 99K
The Singer 99 was introduced as a more compact alternative to the Singer 66. With its strong internal mechanism and simple design, it quickly became a household favourite.
From the original manual Singer_99_manual, Singer described the machine as suitable for:
- Electric, hand-crank, or treadle operation
- Daily household sewing
- Dressmaking and tailoring
- Decorative stitching using attachments
- Working with a wide range of fabrics
Its cast-iron body and high-quality engineering mean that many machines still run beautifully today.
Operating the Singer 99: What the Manual Teaches
1. Power Options
The Singer 99 can be used in three configurations:
✅ Electric Operation
The machine includes a motor and light, with clear instructions on safely connecting the 3-pin plug, using the knee or foot controller, and switching the lamp on and off. Always ensure voltage matches the motor plate details. Singer_99_manual
✅ Hand-Crank Operation
The hand crank engages via a lever and spring stud, allowing completely manual sewing—great for slow, controlled stitching, or for machines used off-grid. Singer_99_manual
✅ Treadle Operation
For treadle cabinets, the manual explains how to correctly loosen the hand wheel, start the belt, and build a smooth treadling rhythm. Singer_99_manual
2. Maintenance: Keeping Your Singer 99 Running Smoothly
The original manual places huge emphasis on oiling and cleaning, a key reason these machines last for decades.
Daily or Regular Oiling
Singer instructs sewists to apply one drop of oil to each point shown in the diagrams inside the manual. This covers:
- Needle bar joints
- Shuttle race and bobbin area
- Internal bearings
- Under-bed mechanism
- Treadle pivot points
The manual is very clear:
“Neglect to oil the machine will shorten its life and cause trouble and annoyance.” Singer_99_manual
Storage & Rust Prevention
Lint attracts moisture—so Singer advises thoroughly brushing out dust and coating exposed parts with a film of sewing machine oil before storage. Singer_99_manual
3. Threading the Singer 99
Upper Threading
The Singer 99 uses a straightforward path:
- Spool pin →
- Tension discs →
- Take-up spring →
- Take-up lever →
- Thread guides →
- Needle (left-to-right)
The manual includes a detailed diagram (Fig. 14) showing each exact point. Singer_99_manual
Bobbin Winding & Insertion
The bobbin winds automatically and releases when full—a feature considered advanced at the time.
The manual shows:
- How to mount the bobbin winder
- How to correctly thread the bobbin through the case slot
- How to check the bobbin tension screw Singer_99_manual
4. Stitching Techniques Covered in the Manual
The Singer 99 manual offers step-by-step instructions, making it ideal for beginners learning on a vintage machine.
Topics include:
✅ Starting seams
✅ Turning corners
✅ Removing work
✅ Basting with long stitches
✅ Sewing bias seams
✅ Adjusting stitch length
✅ Reversing for back-tacking
✅ Adjusting presser foot pressure
✅ Regulating needle & bobbin tension
It even includes illustrations showing perfect vs imperfect tension balance. Singer_99_manual
5. Attachments & Extra Capabilities
The Singer 99 wasn’t just a straight-stitch machine—it was a full garment-making system thanks to Singer’s iconic attachments.
The manual includes detailed instructions for:
- Foot Hemmer (hemming, lace hems, hemmed seams) Singer_99_manual
- Binder (bias binding, curved edges, adjustment guide) Singer_99_manual
- Gathering Foot (shirring, smocking, elastic shirring) Singer_99_manual
- Ruffler (gathers, pleats, group pleating) Singer_99_manual
- Seam Guide (precision topstitching) Singer_99_manual
- Zipper Foot (zips, welting, corded seams) Singer_99_manual
- Quilter (parallel lines & quilting)
- Adjustable Hemmer (3/16″ to 15/16″ hems) Singer_99_manual
- Tucker (evenly spaced tucks) Singer_99_manual
- Darning & embroidery plate for free-motion work Singer_99_manual
This makes the Singer 99 surprisingly versatile even by modern standards.
6. Troubleshooting Guide
The manual contains a helpful troubleshooting section listing problems and causes, such as:
Breaking Needles
- Wrong size needle
- Pulling fabric
- Bent needle
- Presser foot fitted incorrectly
Singer_99_manual
Thread Breaking
- Incorrect threading
- Tension too tight
- Needle not fully inserted
Singer_99_manual
Skipping Stitches
- Bent needle
- Needle too small
- Incorrect insertion
Singer_99_manual
This is still extremely useful today for anyone restoring or repairing a Singer 99.
✅ Download the Full Singer 99 Manual (PDF)
If you need the complete manual—with all diagrams, oiling charts, tension illustrations, and attachment guides—you can download it instantly from our store:
👉 Singer 99 Sewing Machine Manual (PDF)
https://sewingmachinemanuals.co.uk/product/singer-99-sewing-machine-manual-pdf-download/
This is the cleanest and easiest-to-read version available.
Final Thoughts
The Singer 99 & 99K remain two of the strongest and most reliable vintage sewing machines ever produced. With proper cleaning, oiling, and setup, they can sew beautifully for generations.
Whether you’re restoring a family heirloom or learning to sew on a classic machine, the Singer 99 is a fantastic choice—simple, dependable, and built to last.