1968-1972 Singer Model 237 M-A Feed Dogs Drop - From Michigan

Singer 237
Fashion-Mate

Manufactured: 1968-1972 (per Singer)
Serial Number: ME826810
Needle: 15 x 1
Bobbins: Class 15
Mechanism type: Oscillating round bobbin
Feed: must be covered
Feet: Low shank

Singer 237 M-A

This is a Singer Model 237 sewing machine. My older machines sew straight stitches only, and I found that the zig-zag attachment for the antique machines had limited clearance under the presser foot. I had sold my models 500 and 503 which had been my machines for any fancy stitches. I now needed just a basic metal Singer machine that sews zig-zag, and the 237 was the model I liked.

The photo above is from the seller's listing. I was told that the 237s were all made in Italy, and that for use in Italy, they were sold as treadle heads only.

Even though I have owned fancier models, the 500A and 503A, a 221 Featherweight, I specifically wanted a 237. The name "Fashion Mate" tells part of the story. I needed a machine to sew zig-zag stitches on heavier-weight fabrics, mostly those I will be making clothes of. This is one of the few zig-zag machines that Singer made that can be used as an electric or in a Singer treadle.

The model 237, as you can see by the photo above, has forward and reverse, three needle positions, and a varying stitch width. It straight stitches as well, and that is all I need to make clothes.

There were two types of model 237s - one with feed dogs that drop, and one without feed dogs that drop. This machine does have feed dogs that drop. That feature is important if you want to do free-motion quilting or darning. 

The 237 has all metal gears and a metal housing, but the top area is plastic. Singer responded to my email for the manufacture date with this reply "The "Sewing Machine Blue Book" states that model #237 was manufactured between 1968 and 1972."

I have found a list of the attachments that my Singer model 237 would have come with originally, and they were not many, and certainly not like the attachments that came with earlier machines.  Below is a list from the parts page that shows the original attachments. They came in an envelope and not in a box. They include:

- 3 bobbins (class 15) # 81348

-1 small screwdriver #161295

-1 spool pin felt #8879

-1 needle threader #161307

-1 feed dog cover plate #352150 (not needed for this model of 237)

-1 spool pin #173571

-1 package of needles #2020

-1 envelope #52