How to Replace a Sewing Machine Motor and Foot Pedal

Beth
by Beth
2 Materials
$45
5 Minutes
Easy
Do you have a sewing machine with questionable electrical cords? In this post, I'll show you how to replace an external motor on a vintage sewing machine with a new motor and foot pedal, so you can get it running again and use it without worrying about electrical fires.

Previously, whenever I got sewing machines with dodgy wiring, I just converted them to have hand cranks, but when I found this lovely Singer 66 (below), I wanted it to be motorized. Its existing cords were held together with electrical tape, so I didn't feel safe plugging it in as is.

Hand cranks are nice, but they're better suited to machines in portable cases, such as the Singer 99k below. It's nice to be able to take your sewing machine anywhere and not need to be near an outlet. You can even sew outside!
But when a machine is in a table, like the Singer 66, there's not as much point to having a hand crank, since you probably don't want to lug your table around the house with you.


For a long time, I thought that putting a new motor on a sewing machine would be really difficult, even though I've removed enough motors to know that it's easy to take them off! It finally clicked for me that, as long as the motor is outside of the machine, it's not that tough to swap one out. This only applies to vintage sewing machines with external motors and no internal wiring.


See  my post on converting a sewing machine to a hand crank for info on removing the old light and motor. It's really simple and only involves removing a couple of screws. Be sure to leave the bobbin winder on.


Once you've removed the old motor and light, you can either leave the old belt on, if it's in good condition, or take it off and add a new belt. My belt was falling apart, so I needed to replace it. Adding a new belt isn't hard, but you have to maneuver it under the bobbin winder and make sure it's nestled in close to the hand wheel.


Next, adjust your motor so that the belt is around the pulley. Just hold it in place with your hand, right where the old motor was. There will be a raised area called a boss, with one screw hole in it. Your motor bracket will fit right over this area.
Then tighten the screw included with the motor until it is securely in place.
The motor that I bought came with a foot pedal that plugs right into the motor's connector, so once you've attached the motor and plugged in the corresponding foot pedal, you're all set to sew!
The Singer 66 that I bought was $20, and it's a good quality sewing machine (see my post on  buying a vintage sewing machine). I like having projects, and I wanted to try replacing a motor, so I didn't mind paying for the motor as well (around $45), but be sure to factor in the cost of the machine plus the new motor when deciding whether to buy one with questionable electrical cords.


As I said earlier, if you have the right type of vintage sewing machine, it's really easy to add a new motor. Be sure that the machine you buy has a boss (raised spot) centered below the hand wheel. There will be a hole in it for mounting the motor with a screw. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!


Here's the Singer 66 with its new motor:


Suggested materials:
  • Sewing machine motor   (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sewing-Machine-Motor-Foot-pedal-Singer-Kenmore-Brother-1-amp-Double-Power-VDK-/381198437660?hash=item58c1328d1c)
  • Sewing machine belt   (https://www.amazon.com/Cutex-Brand-193077-Singer-Machine/dp/B075HY3K72/)
Beth
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • What type/brand motor did you use? i have a Singer model 66 1927 and have tried two different motors and they do not turn the wheel. I've sent them back. Thanks. Dolores


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