Sunday, October 06, 2013

Singer Genie 354


  I picked up this machine a few weeks ago while I was in New Hampshire to attend my 50th high school reunion. It is a Singer model 354, known as the Genie.


  Not quite the vintage or quality I normally like, but since it was the supposed successor to the Featherweight, I feel it is a "Milestone Machine" and I really should have one in my collection.


  You can see from the views of the exterior, it has led a rough life but I believe it has only been used for mending.  Why do I say that?


 The single bobbin that came with the machine had ELEVEN different colors wound on it - cream, orange, red, purple, light red, dark red, tan, orange, tan, green, and white. Some pieces were so short they could not be seen until I unwound the layers above them.  No decent sewing project could be sewn with those little bits of thread.

  It is missing a few parts, the tough one is going to be the trim piece beside the take-up lever.


If anyone has a Singer 353 or 354 parts machine, I would like to talk to you about this item. It is also missing the plastic cover to the clutch release but the 6620C I just acquired has one I can cannibalize - probably the only part on that machine I can use!

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

My local CL has one of these models for sale for $300!!!!!! Never gonna happen :) hilarious the different thread on the same bobbin.

Renea said...

I have this machine and I am the original owner. My parents gave it to me for my high school graduation back in 1977!! I will never part with this machine. Sorry I can't help you with any parts.

UrbanRecyclist Micki S said...

I have one, and although it sews o-k-ay, I don't like the placement of the reverse lever at all. Every time I press on it, I'm afraid I'd break the casing since I clutch on to the right side of the casing with other fingers to gain leverage. Anyway, it's a cute machine and since it does more than a straight stitch and it is light, I've taken it with me on a trip. By the way, I did end up locating Necchi Lydia locally -- I'll have to email you the update....

Jonathan said...

This machine looks like it's had a really rough life.

Singer Sewing Machine said...

I received the Singer Genie as a graduation gift in 1976. Then I bought a few other high end machines but always kept this..

Kirsten said...

I never knew it is called Genie in other parts of the world! I guess you're in the USA!? I'm from Germany and the machine is called Singer Starlet here (made in France, I think) I love mine. Sorry I can't help with parts. My machine is still in excellent condition and I'll keep it as long as it works. Unfortunately my foot control is damaged at the moment, have to get this fixed.

FloridaFlamingo said...

I found on in a consignment last week. Though I am in the US it is a Starlet so I am assuming German? Would like to find accessories.

Unknown said...

I believe the Genie and Starlet were both made in France. You should be able to find the country of origin somewhere on the machine. Attachments are not a problem, it uses standard low shank accessories. -Ed

Marie said...

Ed, I have a parts machine. I don't remember if it is a 353 or 354. I also have two working 354's - one is in my camper with me right now as I'm using it, and the other is 'unassembled' in my work area. Let me know what you're looking for and I'll check when we get back home sometime next week.

Unknown said...

Thanks for your offer. I have not yet tackled that machine, so I don't know exactly what I do need. If you send an email to my gmail account OldSewingMachines, I will be able to reach you when I finally get around to it. -Ed

Unknown said...

I bought a genie 40 years ago and it's still going strong. I had it in for a repair a couple of years ago and it tipped in the trunk coming home and the handle broke, I would like to find a replacement. Maybe Marie can help me too, Pls & Thanks?

Unknown said...

I own a Singer Genie which I purchased years ago and it was not cheap. I have always had trouble with this gadget. It has been well taken care of and not abused, so is in fairly good shape but the bobbin winder quit. I am sure it could be repaired, but I need something I can actually use easily since I injured my hands. It has all its parts, and if someone wanted to buy it, i will sell it.

hannah said...

There's one for sale on my local CL (Maine) and I have yet to hear back from the seller since emailing last week. Followed up with another email last night.

I REALLY want one of these machines! All I'll probably be doing is making curtains, pillow covers, and mending.

Char said...

I have a Singer Genie 353. It is in excellent condition. I got it from the original owner (my sis-in-law's grandma) about 8 yrs ago. Have made a few awesome Halloween costumes with it. But, I dont sew often. What would it be worth? I have original instruction manual also in perfect condition!

Unknown said...

at Charleen Lee, I had mine in for minor repairs a few years ago and the gentleman told me it was a real work horse and worth more now than when it was new. I paid $125-150 (CDN)in the 70's so it's more than that, hope this helps.

Unknown said...

I need a new handle for mine, any ideas where I could get one?
Kathryn
UK

louis said...

Hi Marie, I need the small plastic front top cover. If you got it, please let me know...
Thanks, Louis-Marie

lisa-mimi-to-jules said...

Mine was a HS graduation gift in 1977 also! I have sewn constantly for 40 years, this machine has been such a blessing! My bobbin winder quit working and I am having trouble finding the right rubber tire/washer piece #15287 for it. I ordered one and it was too thin. Not sure if that is even the problem but thinking it has just worn smooth and doesn't grab the wheel to wind. Any suggestions?

Unknown said...

If you haven't found the correct bobbin winder tire, I would say change that first. If that doesn't fix the problem, we'll have to figure out something else. I have a stock of the 15287 bobbin winder tires, both generic and genuine Singer. I have lots of low priced items like that - presser feet, screws, feed dogs and others that are not listed in my store. Problem is, I can't sell anything in my Etsy store for less than $5.00 or the listing fees, selling fees, credit card processing fees and/or PayPal fees eat up the entire selling price. Another problem is postage - any package over 1/4" thick has to go at the "Package" rate. that's a minimum of $2.10 so a 50-cent item like a bobbin winder tire would end up costing you $2.60. If you want a bobbin winder tire, go to my store and click "REQUEST A CUSTOM ORDER". Add some other items - needles, bobbins, Singer lube or others to take your order up over $5.00 and I can help you. - Ed

lisa-mimi-to-jules said...

Thanks! I did just that..ordered a belt and bobbins too so hopefully this will do the trick! Minor correction, I got my Genie in 1975 not 1977 :) 40 years of non-stop sewing! I'd say that reflects highly on this little machine.

Unknown said...

I don't see a new order in my shop, so it appears that you came here to get free advice, then went somewhere else to order your parts. Kinda makes me want to stop answering questions.

Ed

Unknown said...

Hello, I'm from Singapore. I was googling to find out more about the Genie cos I have one, which was bought about 40 years ago. I love this machine though I seldom use but I bought it because at that time I was just learning how to sew. Unfortunately the interest died down but I have not forsaken my machine and it's still in pristine condition. Today my wonderful Singer technician came down to do some repairs and change some parts which are wearing off. It's vintage now, but is as good as new!.

Monchy Caprichos said...

Hola.. Yo la adquiri hace poco de segunda mano quisiera por favor alguien que tenga la 354 me pueda ayudar con el hilo bajo el canillero bajo no rueda gracias un waludl

Anonymous said...

I know it's a while later, but I'm interested in top flap or full end cover for Singer Genie 353 sewing machine. Tried emailing old sewing part stores but no luck. Not sure about Ebay's reliability. What can I do? Can I use cover from Singer Genie 354?

Anonymous said...

I bought one of these last week. I found a crack in the plastic handwheel. The motor is strong but I can't get it to sew with out hesitating. The handwheel does have a slight wobble. When wheel it disengaged motor runs strong.

Anonymous said...

Dear Ed,
Thank you for you wonderful blog. I'm actually from France and possess a Singer Starlet 354 (second-hand). I'm trying to find the intructions manual on the Internet and when I made my research I was redirected on a website offering the manual for the Singer Genie 354. By any chance, do you know if both sewing machines share the same instruction manual ? In advance thank you, for your help, Lucie

I like it down here said...

I just pulled a genie out of a dumpster, brought it home and opened it... Ugh flood damage! So u brought it down to my friends shop and patiently cleaned it out. I made sure not to turn the wheel until all the yuck was out and I oiled it as I went. It took a couple afternoon sessions to get the machine ready to go, but it works! And really well! I am so grateful to have it! I'm already re-covering chairs! This was my wish from a genie!

SIngularOne said...

Hi - just bought a second hand Starlet 354 from a local charity shop (Goodwill in USA)
Oiled and cleaned it but still sounds a little rough - but was dry as a bone and maybe the oil still needs to work through .....

Had no manual or any accessories - but you can download the manuals free from the SINGER website

Love how neat and tidy it is and the cored etc pack away so neatly for travelling to quilt groups ..... which is the reason I bought it .... it is the successor to the 221K model ... which on my want list

Bicyclz said...

Hi Lucie.
Not sure if you know by now but the Genie & Starlet are identical. Just renamed Genie for the American market. Starlet in Europe. (They have different voltage motors also for the particular local electricity supply!)

All made in Bonnieres, France late 60s to mid 70s roughly. Quite a clever, compact design I'd say, but not quite in the 221 class....: )

So the manuals are identical for practical purposes. The only difference between the 353 & 354 is that the latter has a additional zig zag option for stretch fabrics & elastic.

I bought a very nice one recently for a novice sewer neice, although my main area of interest is the Singer Slants. I'm impressed by its alloy framed construction & general quality for the price. Was £100 in UK in 1974. Not exactly entry level but find one in good order today & it will do a good job. Portability is its strong point I'd say!

Good luck anyway: )
John.

Unknown said...

I just got mine yesterday, it's a 353 and was made in Canada. It looks as if it was seldom used, going to plug it in today and lubricate it.

Unknown said...

I have one from a friend's estate. Iy seems to be in working vondition but is missing the cord and foot pedal. They can be ordered for $15. Happy to sell it for $40.