International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

Fostering the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

Needle and Shank Information

  • Treadle Sewing Machine Woodcut
  • How to Set a Singer Needle
  • Comparative Table of Old & New Sizes of Needles
  • ... Singer Needle Sizes ...
  • ISMACS Needle List
  • Exhaustive reference compiling nearly 6,000 sewing machines and their compatible needles from historical catalogs of Beka, Free, Singer, Boye, Schmetz, and many other manufacturers, essential for finding the correct needle for vintage machines.
  • How to Orient a Sewing Machine Needle
  • Practical guide by Kevin Pinkerton explaining needle orientation essentials for all sewing machines, with clear instructions on how to insert needles correctly and troubleshoot common issues like skipped stitches. Read in conjunction with the Needle Cross-reference Charts. Answers the question, "which way does my needle fit into my sewing machine?"
  • Interchangeable Needle List
  • Historical reference chart originally from the Smithsonian showing comparative needle shapes and sizes, providing a visual guide to interchangeable needle systems for later-model sewing machines.
  • Making Needles
  • Fascinating historical account from 1923 detailing how the Torrington Company of Connecticut revolutionized needle manufacturing with innovative machinery and Yankee ingenuity, transforming a small local business into a global industry leader.
  • Needles
  • Historical reference from 1889 offering needle substitution guidance for early sewing machines, providing invaluable compatibility information for collectors and restorers of antique machines.
  • Needle Cross-Reference Charts
  • Definitive resource containing detailed cross-reference charts for flat-shank, round-shank, and curved sewing machine needles, with critical measurements for finding modern replacements for vintage needles.
  • Shank Identification
  • Visual reference guide showing different shank types with detailed measurements, helping identify whether your vintage sewing machine has low, high, or slant shank configuration.
  • Various High Shanks
  • Illustrated reference showing various high shank presser feet designs from the Sincere Sewing Machine Service Book, helping owners identify and find compatible attachments for their vintage machines.
  • Various Low Shanks
  • Illustrated reference showing various low shank presser feet designs from the Sincere Sewing Machine Service Book, helping owners identify and find compatible attachments for their vintage machines.