What is Survival Sewing??

The idea of "survival" can mean many things to many people. Combine it with "sewing" and there is plenty of room for different ideas. For some, it may relate to search and rescue, wilderness fashion, or expedition outfitting. For others, armageddon, 2012, or zombies will be involved. For me, the idea of "survival sewing" exists on several levels:

1. Even non-traitional sewers should know how to use a needle and thread well enough to make quick fixes when there is no alternative.

2. For anyone needing or interested in saving money, even minimal sewing ability can offer substantial economic benefits. 

3. Sometimes designing, making or modifying outdoor accessories, gear, and clothing is necessary for extreme purposes or situations not serviced by current manufacturers. 

4. Many older, very capable machines can be repaired or maintained almost indefinitely as long as the information, and supplies needed to do so are readily available.

5. Instead of fading into history, the knowledge, skills, and experiences acquired by previous generations should be preserved and practiced where possible. 

Just about all of the information on this site should agree with one or more of those points.

Viking 6460, 6000 Series - First Impressions

This was a single owner machine that showed up on Craigslist. Being a mid 1970's model, the 6460 is newer than I'd typically be interested in. However, since I do like the Type 19 and Type 21 Vikings and also already had a set of 6000 series cams lying around,  or "programmers" as Viking likes to call them, and was willing to give this a look. It turned out to be in good usable condition and included nearly all of the original accessories. 

As it is a newer machine, the amount of plastic was immediately noticeable. The carry case was now a rigid plastic cover which slipped over the machine and locked into place with the machine's integrated carry handle. This carry handle is a rather nice feature as the machine is heavier than might be expected. Along with the carry case, several aspects of the machine itself are also plastic. All of the control knobs, the motor cover, the hand wheel, the arm extension. It was good to see the main housing and base were all metal though.

Also evident were the lack of easily accessible access screws and panels. I don't believe this machine was really designed and intended for regular owner maintenance. Perhaps there is a justifiable reason, but it seems more likely that Viking intended for its dealers to profit from service charges. Considering the time period and the state of manufacturing, this is consistent with the business models adopted by many companies.

The machine is a deep crimson color which has aged well and is pleasantly appealing. The knobs and the stitch reference add additional color in a way that is not distracting and also proves to be functional. Stitch cams  A-H came with this and nearly all are what I'd consider decorative. There were a couple which could be useful and I'll have to try them out after I get everything cleaned up and ready for use.

Unfortunately, this machine does have a cracked internal cam. It's not an uncommon problem with these models and aftermarket replacement parts are available. The cost is about $50.00 US and installation is not difficult. I do have an idea for repairing the existing damaged cam though. We'll see how that goes. .

Once it's up and running, look for a thorough review and evaluation.

Pfaff 130 Attachments, Feet, and Accessories

The following part numbers and associated names where taken from a Pfaff 130-6 manual. Where a specific part name was not provided or not obvious, a general functional name has been supplied.

26862 - Ruler w/ Cording Guide (Extra Cost)
41242 - Felling Foot/Flat Felled Seamer
41246 - Hemmer Foot
41248 - Hemmer Foot (Larger)
41319 - Cording Foot - Five Grooves
41350 - Edge Stitcher w/ Ruler
41621 - Cording Foot (Available at Extra Cost)
41746 - ??
41842 - Feed Cover Plate and Cord Guide
42297 - Buttonhole Foot
44088 - Hinged Presser Foot (Most General Use)
45037 - Standard Presser Foot
46120 - Button Sewing Foot
46261x1.5 Rolled Hem Sewing Foot
46261x3.0 Scalloped Rolled Hem Sewing Foot
46266 - Embroidery and Darning Foot

130-14 Equipped w Special Eyeletting Device?
130-115 Some type of Cording Conversion?

Pfaff 260 Automatic Attachments, Feet and Accessories

The following part numbers and associated names where taken from a Pfaff Automatic 260 manual. Where a specific part name was not provided or not obvious, a general functional name has been supplied.

41242 - Felling Foot/Flat Felled Seamer
41248 - Hemmer Foot
41251 - Feed Cover Plate
41350 - Edge Stitcher
41790 - Cording Foot (Thicker Fabric)
41791 - Cording Foot (Medium-Heavy Fabric)
41792 - Cording Foot (Lightweight Material)
41842 - Cording Plate (Medium-Heavy Fabric)
41845 - Cording Plate (Higher center claw - cording in thick felt)
46120 - Button Sewing Foot
46121 - Single Needle Cording Foot
46261 - Rolled Hemmer
46669 - Blindstitch Guide
51016 - Buttonhole Foot
51366 - Combination Foot (Ideal for decorative stitching)
51378 - Zig Zag Foot
53001 - Darning Foot
53077 - Adjustable Seam Guide
53137 - Spool Holder (Three Needle Sewing - Also requires dealer conversion for machine to sew 1/4" stitch width.)
105996 - Cording Plate (Thicker Fabric)
50176 - Self Contained Cording Kit

Quilting Gauge
Transverse Spool Holder - Number not given. Part of Standard Equipment.

Vintage Viking Husqvarna Automatic 21A Parts and Accessories

This is a scan of the inside front cover of the Viking 21A instruction manual. It is intended to be used as a reference when reading through the relevant instructions. There seems to be minimal internet documentation on these machines so the scan may also be of use to existing or potential owners. The back cover of the manual has a similar diagram which I'm planning to scan and upload as well.

Vintage Sewing Machine Manuals and Instructions

Most impressive to me about the older manuals is their thorough coverage of the machine, its use, and general maintenance. Generous with written text and detailed images and often running 30 or 40 pages, the manuals do contain a wealth of information. I've often seen them include details on attachments for the machine as well. For anyone contemplating an older machine or that might be new to sewing in general, the manuals can definitely be useful.

Once I figure out how to link to a reputable image/file archive, I have a several sewing machine manuals and instruction sheets that I'd like to bring on line as downloadable pdfs. I'm not particularly pleased with the quality and the prices that I've seen online from various sellers and feel there is room for improvement.

Army Technical Manual TM 10-3530-202-24

Organizational and Field Maintenance Manual

Sewing Machines for the Repair of Parachutes and Allied Equipment

Singer Models 112W116, 131W113, 7-33, 97-10, 17W15, 55-5, 11W155

Department of the Army - June 1964


This sounds as if it might have some useful information. Perhaps it's readily available in .pdf form.