Breathing New Life into a 1911 Singer: My Secret to Elegant Shoemaking

For those who follow my work, you know my deep passion for the art of bespoke shoemaking. It's a craft steeped in tradition, where every detail, every stitch, tells a story. Today, I want to share a particularly exciting chapter in my journey: the restoration of a 1911 Singer sewing machine – a true relic that is already breathing new life into my Belgrade workshop and the shoes I meticulously create.

This wasn't just about acquiring an old machine; it was about connecting with the history of shoemaking, understanding the ingenuity of past artisans, and ultimately, elevating the quality and aesthetic of my bespoke footwear, especially for my discerning clientele who appreciate that elegant, refined touch.

The opportunity to get my hands on this beautiful piece of history came through a fellow artisan and friend, Branislav Stajić, a respected shoemaker in his own right. These connections within the crafting community are invaluable, and I am immensely grateful to Branislav for allowing me to become the custodian of this magnificent machine.

More Than Just a Machine: A Philosophy of the Stitch

In the world of shoemaking, the sewing machine is more than just a tool; it's an extension of the craftsman's hand. The type of machine you use profoundly impacts the final product. If you're producing robust sneakers or heavy-duty boots, you typically rely on machines that create strong, wide seams. However, my focus lies in the realm of elegant bespoke shoes, primarily for women. Here, the emphasis is on finesse, on creating a seam that is not only durable but also incredibly delicate and visually appealing.

For years, I've strived for that particular kind of refined stitch – the kind that speaks of old-world craftsmanship and high fashion. Modern sewing machines, while efficient for many tasks, often lack the ability to produce the incredibly fine and precise seams I envision for my bespoke creations. This is especially true when considering the nuances required for elegant women's footwear. The industry's focus has shifted towards broader utility, often at the expense of this delicate art.

Enter the 1911 Singer: A Testament to Timeless Design

This is where the 1911 Singer sewing machine steps in. There's a unique magic in these older machines. They were built with meticulous attention to detail, using robust materials designed to last. The mechanism of this particular Singer is a marvel of engineering, capable of producing a tiny, elegant stitch that is simply unattainable with most modern equivalents.

As you might have seen in my latest YouTube video

The restoration process was a labor of love. Decades of use had left their mark, but the core of the machine was sound. The process involved careful cleaning, oiling, and adjusting each component. It was like peeling back the layers of time, revealing the inherent quality and precision that were built into this machine over a century ago in the US.

The Unique Stitch: Why It Matters for Bespoke Shoes

The beauty of the stitch produced by this vintage Singer lies in its fineness and consistency. It creates a subtle yet significant difference in the final aesthetic of the shoe. For bespoke women's shoes, where elegance is paramount, this delicate seam adds a touch of sophistication that is hard to achieve otherwise. It requires a focused and precise hand, as the margin for error is smaller, but the resulting beauty in my crafted shoes is well worth the extra care and time.

While a finer stitch might not be the priority for mass-produced footwear or even some styles of men's shoes, it is a hallmark of true bespoke craftsmanship, especially for the type of refined footwear I specialize in. It’s a detail that discerning clients notice and appreciate, a testament to the dedication to quality and artistry that defines my work.

Beyond the Stitch: The Foundation of Shoemaking

However, as crucial as the sewing machine is, it’s important for aspiring shoemakers and my students to understand that sewing is just one part of a much larger process. Before even threading the needle, several foundational steps must be mastered. These include:

• Leather Cutting: Precisely cutting the various components of the shoe upper.

• Skiving: Thinning the edges of the leather to create smooth transitions when the pieces are joined.

• Assembling: Carefully bringing together the different parts of the upper, ensuring correct alignment and fit.

• Understanding Where to Start Sewing: Knowing the precise points to begin and end each seam for optimal construction and aesthetic.

Without a solid understanding of these preliminary stages, the sewing itself will be ineffective. Experience sewing garments, while valuable, doesn't directly translate to shoemaking. The materials, techniques, and structural requirements are vastly different.

For My Students: Embracing Traditional Techniques

For my students who are embarking on their shoemaking journey, understanding and mastering these foundational skills is paramount. That's why I'm excited to announce that I will soon be releasing a simple video guide specifically for beginners, focusing on how to practice your sewing techniques on the vintage Singer.

This guide will delve into the old-school techniques that master upper makers were taught, emphasizing accuracy and control. Coupled with downloadable practice templates available on our platform, this resource will be invaluable in helping you develop the skills needed to create beautifully sewn uppers.

Stay Tuned for More!

The restoration of this 1911 Singer is more than just a personal project; it’s an investment in the future of my craft and the quality of the shoes I create for you. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the wisdom and ingenuity of the past can offer the most elegant solutions for the present.

Make sure you are logged into our platform and keep an eye out for the upcoming video guide and downloadable templates. I’m excited to share this journey with you and help you on your own path to mastering the art of bespoke shoemaking.

Thank you for being a part of this journey!