Vintage Sewing Machine Attachments
Modern sewing machines often come with built-in buttonhole systems and various fancy stitches. However, most of these stitches are rarely used, as many people don’t understand their purpose or make clothing that requires such detail. Yet we feel we need all the bells and whistles—but do we?
Sewing success depends on skill, not machine brand.
My treadle machine, Pearl, and featherweight sewing machine, Clementine, both came with interesting presser feet. I researched each and watched YouTube videos on how home sewists use them to make garments and home decor.
Early Singer sewing machines were exclusively straight-stitch machines, designed with durability in mind.
One hundred years ago, Singer Manufacturing Company introduced innovative sewing machine attachments to maximize the potential of those straight-stitch sewing machines. Many of these presser foot designs remain unchanged today.
Singer created a buttonholer attachment compatible with specially designed cams of various sizes. Available at Singer Sewing Machine Stores, it wasn’t cheap. In 1940, it sold for $7.50, equivalent to $180 in 2026. The median monthly wage was $80, so a $7.50 purchase was significant. Another cam allowed for eyelet creation (it too was sold separately). Before this invention, buttonholes and eyelets were exclusively hand-sewn.
Rare attachments: Singer also invented an apparatus that allowed straight-stitch machines to do zigzag stitches. I’ve only seen photos of this attachment; the resale market on this apparatus is off the charts expensive (we’re talking $500 and up). Another rare item is the pinking attachment that came with a pinking blade. There’s a stocking darner, a hem stitcher and pecot edger, a universal embroidery and darning spring foot. I have a few cool things in my collection, like the Buttonholer, the Singercraft Fagoter, which is great for making lace (it’s so cool!), and the Singercraft Guide, which is perfect for making small rugs!
These were all “extras” you could buy separately and use with your Singer home sewing machine. Not every home sewist purchased all of those extras; it’s why some of them are considered “rare finds” these days. The buttonholer attachment was popular though, and the Singercraft Guide was often given as a souvenir at various events.
