Free arm version of the 319k
1959
serial number EP764454
Removable timber base exposes the metal tubular base that holds the free arm machine.
From my research, I believe that the Singer 320 is the only “all metal free arm machine” capable of a multitude of decorative stitches. Feel free to correct me in this hypothesis.
The free PDF of the manual for the 320k machine can be found here.
The free PDF of the manual for the 319K machine can be found here.
This is an excerpt from ISMACS.
“Instructions for using the Singer 319K automatic swing needle sewing machine (1957 – 108 pages). Before computerisation, embroidery stitches had to be achieved mechanically. This zigzag machine has a set of levers on the top which, in combination with the 30 supplied fashion discs (flat cams), manipulate the byte of the needle to form dozens of decorative stitches. There was a free-arm version (320K) and together they represent probably the last of Singer’s rugged, “all-metal” domestics.”
Singer Sewing Machine Manuals (ismacs.net)
This machine belongs to the Singer Swing Needle Sewing Machines group, which consisist of models 206, 306, 319, and 320. These machines take a shorter than usual needle, 206X13 needle system. So if you find one of these machines, make sure you are using the correct needles size or if you want to use standard needles, then research this and get a modified bobbin case or modify it yourself. You can find more information on needles on my VSM Needles page.
I already had a 206, 306 and 319 in my collection. As such I knew what wonderful solid machines they are and I kept my eyes peeled for a 320K, which was much harder to find. Finally in Dec 2022 I found this machine locally. It has its original case and removable wooden base. It has cleaned up well and it works beautifully. The machine came with the original unmodified bobbin case. I already have the shorter needles that this machine takes, so I could test right away.
This series of machines is capable of decorative stitches. To make these stitches you can use the internal cams, which are selected via the piano/typewriter style keys on the top of the machine. More stitch patterns are available if you attach cams to the front of the machine, these cams are simple flat disks and came in a plastic box. I also have the full set of these cams, known as Singer fashion disks. Mine came with my 319k. I now consider my 300 series complete.
Hello,
Love your collection! I learned to sew on my Mom’s 319, and just recently acquired my “unicorn”, a 320! How it wound up in the US I have no idea.
I was hoping you might be able to point me in the direction of a service manual for the 320? Mine has a LOT of dried up grease/gunk that I am slowly removing, but I’m most worried about the gearbox.
I cannot seem to get into the 320’s gearbox, without levering enough parts to cause damage. Did you ever get into yours? If you did – how?
Any help appreciated,
desperate 320 owner,
Chris
Hi Christine, the link to the user manual is above. I am not sure if they have the service manual, but you may want to check out the group Singer Swing Needle Sewing Machines – Models 206, 306, 319, and 320 https://www.facebook.com/groups/247170942871398 They have very knowledgeable people there that know all about 319 and 320s. There may even be a service manual available in the group. They have a 306 service manual available for free download in the group, that may help you.
Hello Patricia.
By chance I came across one of these amazing machines a few weeks ago & have been investigating the 320K machines generally. Previous experience has only been a 319K & a 306, which both used 206×13 needles & were fine using them so I never tried the 15×1 option, or even looked closely at the hook & bobbin area: ) So I was quite hesitant with this one because it had a 15×1 needle in it from the off. Many here have been ‘modified’ by people who don’t quite know what they are doing… People putting in the wrong needle & breaking it, etc.
Having a close look at this one showed no needle strikes on the bobbin case & the bobbin case was stamped Alfa! I’ve tried it with a single needle at speed, on max width ZZ, cams etc. & it’s perfect. Same with twin needle on the byte 3 max width setting. Mine has the original Simanco Hook assembly so it is only the bobbin case that is needed in this case. Makes such a difference being able to use universal needles. I’ve got a couple of the modern Taiwanese bobbin cases to try also. One is Maya brand & excellent quality, the other is still in transit from China… I want to be able to forget about needles in future & concentrate on the machine. It is already sewing very well & improves with use. It’s sturdy & stylish & the two tone pastel greens are easy on the eye.
I’ve been checking on the ISMACs SN database & the 320K was on sale shortly after October 8 1958 to the last SN allocated January 16 1961. Just 2 full years & a couple of months either end. Total SNs issued I make 78,500. The Kilbowie made machines. A tiny number? These machines are rare for a Singer & spread all around the world now. Even America, where they were never marketed I believe. (May be a trickle down from Canada: ) Australia, Germany, majority likely in UK. I’m finding it interesting digging around for info. I know that the 320Ks were exported to Norway with 15×1 needles. Says so in the Norwegian Manual. So why on earth were Singer exporting the machine using normal, ordinary, 15×1 needles & lumbering the home market with the 206 type? I won’t go on…
I hope your 320 is getting some attention: )
John.