Examining the machine at the sale, I wasn't able to open the bobbin door under the feed dogs. Something inside was jammed, which also made it so the handwheel wouldn't spin. We plugged in the machine and the motor could be heard to hum so I figured if I did manage to get the bobbin door issue resolved, the sewing machine was probably repairable. I offered $10 and the kind woman accepted it quickly. I figured I couldn't go wrong buying a Pfaff for 10 bucks. She also had a Singer 328 in a cabinet, and although they are a nice machine, I've had many of those in the past and didn't need another one.
I was on my scooter when I came across the garage sale, so getting the machine home was a slight challenge. It did somewhat fit between my feet on the center step of the scooter and I didn't have far to go, so it went well getting it home.
The case on this sewing machine has lots of storage. Unfortunately it didn't come with much in the way of accessories.
The sewing machine looks to be in decent shape. It's a free arm model, which is more desirable in my opinion. It did come with the extension table also, shown in a later photo.
The insides are nice and clean, with not much lint build-up.
I finally got the bobbin cover door open. The bobbin case had come off its pin and was rattling around. I tipped the machine over and was able to shake things loose.
I guess these model 1212's are supposed to have a sort-of walking foot (they call it a Matchmaker sewing foot) behind the presser foot but the whole mechanism is missing from this thing. Kind of a bummer.
The top thread spool pin plastic bracket was also broken off. Not sure what I'll do about that.
Here's a photo of the extension table installed.
After oiling things up, I threw some thread in it and darned a large hole in my jeans. They are destined for the garbage can but I needed something to test out the sewing machine. It's kind of a ratty looking darn but I didn't have a darning foot so I just took off the presser foot and did things free-hand.
10 comments:
I don't think any 1212s had IDT so they are not in demand like the higher numbered machines.
I wish that were the case but from what I've found online, they did have it. The manual for a 1212 shows a foot behind the presser foot, which they call a "matchmaker" foot (or Integrated Dual Transport). I've added an image of the page above, and videos online show the matchmaker foot on a 1212 in operation. When I had the machine apart, I noticed some indications that parts are missing too, such as levers that don't have anything attached to them. Thanks.
good evening mr. nut, i just dug out my mother's 1212. I'm wondering if you can refer me to websites, forum's, etc. where I can ask some questions?
It hasn't been opened anytime this century. I found it's gummed and even frozen in a few moving parts. The presser foot lever is frozen. does the old oil do that? Any place you might point me too will be appreciated! Email is jim.selvy@gmail.com. Thank you! Jim.
Hi Jim, I don't have any suggestions for places to visit online but I imagine it shouldn't be too difficult finding something. I usually just wing it when I'm trying to figure out a new machine, so I don't frequent forums much. All the best.
Hi, Thanks for your blog on the Pfaff 1212. I'm trying to find the Matchmaker foot that goes with it. Do you know where I could find one?
My Mom was 42 when she bought her Pfaff 1212 sewing machine, and I was 13. I have the receipt! She bought it brand new on 9/11/1972 in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California for $260 plus tax. According to DollarTimes’ Inflation Calculator, $260 1972 dollars is equivalent to $ 1,590 in 2019 dollars.
Her Pfaff 1212 has been serviced only twice, ever. Both times it was because the controls had frozen-up. The motor has always been great. The first time it was serviced when it was 26 years old. The second time was when it was 47 years old (this week, 1/29/2020). Both times, the solution was to simply do a deep clean. What quality!!
Maybe you can find the foot components on someplace like eBay? I don't recall if I looked for them when I first got my machine. Seems like someone would be parting out one of these and sell the pieces online.
Yes, they are a high quality machine, that's for sure. It is cool you still have the original receipt.
Mr. Nut, Would you ever be willing to sell this machine? I bought a 1212 about a month ago via OfferUp and though I fell in love, the previous owner bashed it up to the point I don't think I can get it working so I'm looking for one in good working order. I am in the Puget Sound area and could come to you. Thanks for considering.
Sure, what would be a good email address to contact you?
Hello, Is this machine still available? Would you be interested in selling it? I am actually just looking for a foot pedal for a Pfaff 1212.
Sorry, I no longer have this one.
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