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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Singer Fashion Mate 257 Free Manual

This is the fun cover to the Fashion Mate 257 cover.

When I first wrote this post on my Fashion Mate 257, I would never have guess how popular this post has become. I'm amazed that I'm still getting comments, since posting the article way back in 2009.

I know I had the manual during my Fashion College days, in my twenties. Somewhere between that time and over twenty-five moves that brought me across Canada, it was lost. 

You can find this manual online for a price, but, why would you do that? When you can download it for FREE!

Here, directly from the Singer webpage is the Fashion Mate 257 manual...




I want to thank everyone for their comments and stories (don't stop it's so enjoyable to read the comments) and I'm so excited that you all are enjoying the Fashion Mate as much as I do!

Happy sewing!



80 comments:

  1. You posted this just in the nick of time! My 11 year old who is just learning how to sew has been begging and begging me to let her use my sewing machine. It is in poor condition and I can't get it fixed. I was at a garage sale today and bought her a Fashion Mate 257 for $20! It didn't have a manual and we were struggling with the bobbin. I goggled the manual and you popped up! My 11 and 12 year old are busy with material ready for their first project. Thanks so much :)

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  2. I remember when I was 11 and 12 and how much fun it was sewing on my own with my Fashion Mate 257. Thanks for sharing, keep on sewing!

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  3. I bought this machine in the early 70's while in High School. Just dug it out of storage and was so excited to find this instruction guide. I now own a Brother machine but will still use my trusty Fashion Mate after my husband gives it a tune up. Thanks so much! DCB in Knoxville TN

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  4. I'm excited you'll be using your FashionMate once again. In the weeks to come, I'll be posting a how to maintain your FashionMate article! Thanks for your sharing your story!

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  5. Thank you very much for the manual PDF link.
    I found an old Singer Fashion Mate 257 in its small wooden cabinet on the side of the street.
    The manual help me to dust, clean and oil it.
    It's now functioning perfectly.

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    1. The manual won't load for me. Two questions. How do you thread it the correct way...I think I am doing it wrong...and The thread keeps bunching up on the bottom...do you know why?? Thanks so much!

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    2. The manual sometimes takes long to download, please wait for it. I tested the link and it is working. It's worth the wait.

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  6. Wonderful! Glad that I can help. And to give another life to this wonderful Machine makes me feel so good!

    Thanks enjoy your Fashion Mate!

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  7. Thank you so much for posting this! I also have one in a small wooden cabinet and have been struggling with threading. I finally have it threaded and my bottom tension thread keeps bunching up even though the loop comes and the first couple of stitches are just fine. Any ideas?

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  8. T H A N K YOU. I had an old "Dressmaker" and a 1941 Singer15-91. The dressmaker was my mom's and the singer was a yard sale find - $15 well spent. But to my dismay I lost them in the divorce. (he doesn't know or want to - AAGGRRHHH) Then, I decided to borrow my mom's Janome (mom passed 4 years ago - :o{) Dad's girlfriend wanted to borrow it (HAHA) she stole it.. . . left the case- but took machine, attachments and book, disks . . . . but left the CASE.
    Anyway, in the back of the closet is the HEAVY Singer Fashion Mate 257. . . Yahoo!! No book or bobbin- BOOO. It worked for about a month and now it is breaking threads - and yes ma'am I have cleaned and oiled it. But I am trying my hand at knit fabric. To be honest I am not even sure what style bobbin that is recommended and that wheel thing on top - MAX norm darn . . .no clue what that durn thing really does.
    So thanks again.

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  9. I am just learning how to sew and my mother-in-law just gave me her Singer Fashion Mate 257 this afternoon. Her mother gave it to her so I feel pretty special. I'm kind of teaching myself and got the thread and bobbin would myself. Although the bobbin was already done. My question is do you have to use the bobbin winder? The machine i was learning on we just hand wound the bobbin which I found WAY easier!

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  10. I'm so excited you receive a nice 257! You will make many great projects with this great machine.

    If you download the PDF manual, on page 9 let's you know how to wind a bobbin. It'a very easy and quick to do.

    Have fun!

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  11. Thanks so much for the manual! I was just given a 257 from my mother in law:) I have learned a lot of stuff from the manual, but still keep having one problem. When I sew the stitch on top looks great, but the bottom is super loose and all bunched up. I tried tightening the thread tension and doesnt make much difference. I checked my bobbin thread and it looks correct as well. Any ideas?? Thanks again!

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  12. I have a Fashion Mate 257 that belonged to my Mom and it is working just great, I gave it a little oil this morning. I do have the manual but looked up this site for additional information.

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  13. I've received many questions regarding how to adjust tension, so I'm working on a post that will include pictures... coming soon!

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    1. Thanks so much!! Looking forward to you post :)

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  14. Well, if you followed the Manual but still have tension problems... check out my latest post...

    http://gal-studio.blogspot.ca/2012/08/tension-attention.html

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  15. My husband is trying to hem my son's pant for school. It's so funny because he remembers sewing at age eight with the help of his grandma. Thank God for her. We needed help with the tension too, but thanks so much for the manual.

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  16. Thank you for the link for the free manual. I have one I have cleaned and oiled to donate to The Sewing Machine Project. I like to print the manuals to go with the machine. Some I have to buy, but I love it when I can find one for free. Bless you, and Thank you!

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  17. Thanks so much! I was given a Singer Fashion Mate 257 by a gentleman cleaning one of his properties! I was so excited because I've always wanted to own a Singer and now I can repair a blanket my mom gave me:D Unfortunately the cord is not with it. Where can I get one? Thanks again you're a blessing!

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  18. Now you have to get your baby to work. The power cord is attached directly to the motor. I suggest you bring it to a Singer dealer and while you're at it you may want to change your pedal for an electronic pedal. This is the only piece I changed on my 257. It's quite affordable and makes a world of difference...

    Happy sewing!

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  19. Yeah!!!! I was given a machine like this with no cord and found one on e-bay. There wasn't a bobbin in it, so I didn't know which kind and decided to Google it and found this. Thanks so much. Now on to sewing!!!!!

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  20. A million thanks, Galstudio! Was just about pulling my hair out trying to get my machine to work. Would like to learn to make muumuus for a trip to Maui coming up, and want to save money and make some instead of buying them. My friend gave me this sewing machine years ago. Have been trying to get it to work... turns out after looking at the manual that I've been threading the bobbin wrong all this time! Thanks so much for the free manual.
    Kiwi

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  21. Hello Kiwi,

    I'm so glad I can help. You will now get a lot of enjoyment with your machine... Thanks for sharing!

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  22. Hi there! A few days ago an elderly neighbor gave me his Singer 257, including the small table... YAY!!! It belonged to his wife who passed away several years ago and has apparently been sitting on the table where she left it all those years ago. Needless to say it needs a good cleaning and oiling. I'm redecorating my bedroom and have so many exciting ideas and can't wait to get to it! I was so happy to find your link for the manual but have been unsuccessful in downloading it. I get 48 blank pages. Just wondering if you are now getting the same thing, or if it's just me. I tried Singer's website but get the same result. I've also verfied my Adobe is up to date and error free. Thank you so much for any help you can provide. : )

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  23. Hi Alana,

    I'm so happy you found a 257 in working order... lucky for you! My beloved 257 is in the ER on life support. I'm awaiting news soon whether it can be repaired... I'm hoping for a miracle.

    I don't have any problems to view the PDF file directly in my Safari browser. I save it on my desktop for further reference. Could it be your browser? If it doesn't work you can contact me: galstudio@me.com and I can send you the PDF file direct!

    Happy Sewing!

    Carolle

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    1. Hi Carolle,

      Thanks so much for responding! You know, I never thought to use a different browser. I currently use Firefox but just tried Explorer and it worked. I can see the manual now! YAY!!!!

      I sure do hope your 257 can be repaired... I'll be sending positive vibes, and I'll check back here in a bit to see if it could be saved. :) I just gave mine a thorough cleaning and oiling but have a problem too... seems the needle wants to stagger to the sides even when straight stitch is selected. I'm going to fiddle around and hopefully find the culprit. =0 Thanks so much for being so helpful! :)

      Good luck!

      Alana... from Canada

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  24. Thank You so much Carolle
    Just got this Singer from my mum who found it in the freebies section of the local recycling centre some years ago and took it home with her, stashed it somewhere, moved it once and was only reminded of when I complained about my late gran`s old Singer 157 whose needle thread tension dial has broken down just once too often....
    Imagine my joy to find a Singer 257 Fashion Mate as good as new, clearly hardly used (no fluff or stray threads to be found anywhere).
    Now thanks to you I`ll even be able to use it properly &;)
    Springtime Greetings from Luxembourg,
    Michèle

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  25. I own 2 Singer 257. I recently bought the second one w/cabinet at a Thrift Store for five dollars. While testing it ... when the needle goes down, it hits metal. I can take it apart if needs be but it would help to know what to look for. All suggestions will be appreciated.

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  26. Does it hit on the bobbin case or metal plate? It could be as simple as changing needles, and making sure the needle is pushed all the way when inserted. Difficult to comment without seeing it!

    I bought a second 257 for parts but now I have two machines that are both beyond repair.

    Best of luck!
    Carolle

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  27. need a bit of help...was working fine but lately it started to go a little haywire.
    It still goes but now when I sew it makes a terrible mess on the underside of whatever I'm sewing... It's a jumbled mess with about 3 times the amount of thread all messed up... Any help on that anyone?? Thanks rick

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  28. Hi Rick,

    Sounds like a tension problem to me. Most likely the bobbing tension... here's the link to the manual....

    http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/1315_257.pdf

    Make sure it's perfectly threaded and play with the tension until it is solved.

    Hope this helps!
    Carolle

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  29. need help, no power when i press black pedal, but the machine starts running full pelt when i switch the light on..is this correct?

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  30. Hi,

    This looks like a wire issue, the best way is to have it looked at by a professional. It should be a quick fix.

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  31. Thanks so much for your site. I had been online searching for details about the Fashion Mate 257, just when I was about to give up I searched for images of the machine, and that's when I found your link. I got the machine yesterday from one of my older sisters, she wanted to trash it but I came to the rescue (I have a singer-model 3103) but why trash her's- she claims the problem is with the bobbin case and she has taken it in for repair, but still not sewing right. I hope your manual download comes to the rescue. Thanks so much, I will be back soon.

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  32. Well, after careful inspection I found that small adjustment screw(?) behind the tension knob. The tension is now perfect for the time being at 5-6 giving me the perfect pull into the fabric without being too harsh on the thread... I hope that was the right adjustment to make I also saw in the manual that since the face plate could be removed that it is possible to access what appears to be a retaining screw for the upper tension mechanism is that it down near the shaft area? Since the whole thing seems to be about to wear out I might need to tighten it by getting it completely apart and turning the knob nut in just a bit, but I would like to see that schematic before I try that it makes it a smidge easier if I have an idea of what it looks like broke down before I try it...

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  33. Hi^^ Thanks for posting this. I was lost trying to find the right maual. Even when I went on the Singer Website.
    Now I can figure out how to properly use it.

    Cheers

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  34. does anyone know how to remove the arm shaft gear. I need to replace it, thank you

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  35. This is very difficult to do. I tried it and was not successful. You have to have a schematic of the machine, it's like rebuilding an engine. Good luck

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  36. Does the pdf manual still download? I have tried repeatedly and it just seems to spin and spin. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. It works find, please stay with it, it takes sometime to download the .pdf
      it's worth it!

      Delete
  37. I just got a sewing machine, but it didn't have any manuals, so I was really happy to find it here! It is really a big help for threading and everything.
    But am I the only one who is noticing, that some pages are missing? After page 22-24 all of the pages are missing their one-third. :/

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    Replies
    1. I had all the pages show up, it took forever to load on my computer, but instantly it was all on my phone.

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  38. Thank you so much for this manual. I was asked to help my friend learn to sew, little did I know, she has never used HER machine. So I had to learn about the machine just to teach her. Thank YOU.

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  39. I know you posted this a 3 years ago but THANKS! My adult daughter has wanted to sew ( I learned at 13 in school and designed my own clothes throughout high school- lets just say that I thought Paul McCartney was a hunk). Taught to be thrifty, she found a working Fashion Mate 257-WITH a wooden table- for just $15.00 at a flea market. However, there were no extra attachments,etc. OR the manual. I printed out the manual and will bind it, and now I'm on the hunt for attachments. I figure to put cleaning tools/oil/screwdrivers together mostly from the $ store, another $10-$15. She is allowed to wear colorful scub tops one day a week to work, so I figure that's the easiest way to learn to sew, scrubs are simple! thanks again. Yaay!
    .

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  40. Hello, I found the Singer Fashion Mate 257 at a flea market yesterday in Arkansas. I paid $15.00 for it and was so happy to get the link to the manual. It has only the one foot with it and plastic bobbins. I suspect the original were metal. I sewed awhile this afternoon and it is great, looks like a new machine.

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  41. Hi Paulette, I'm so happy you got yourself a great deal and I'm glad you discovered the link to the manual, happy sewing!

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  42. Thank you so much for this--I found a 257 for $14.99 at Value Village and following the handbook it works better than my new Husquevarna Oscar...

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    1. I agree, my fashion mate is gone, I still miss it. I'm now using a Pfaff 96, not as versatile as my old Fashion mate. Happy sewing

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    2. I am bidding on my 257 on eBay. All refurbished. I plan to put it on a treadle cabinet.Can't. Wait till it's home.

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  43. i found a singer fashion mate 257 in my building's parking garage! it works! i can't get over how heavy it is! it is cast metal!

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  44. Can someone tell me the number of the correct accessory plate to the professional button holer for the fashion mate 257? There are many of the 102878 button holer, but some have different accessory plate numbers! Help!

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  45. I have a singer fashion mate 257. Which accessory plate to the professional buttonholed 102878 is the right one? Please help.

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  46. I have never used a buttonholer for this machine, if any one has used one please let me know, thanks C

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  47. Thanks for posting this manual! Just snagged a 257 at Goodwill half off red tag day. It cost me $12.50 and it works! I'm so happy! Now I have a nice second machine.

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  48. Thank you for posting this!!! I got my Singer 257 at a yard sale for 20$ and I've loved it. Just this past weekend I went to make curtains for my boys' den and it wouldn't work (I'm thinking the belts are going). Now I will know what to look for and how to fix it! Again, thanks!!!

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  49. I am so thankful that I found your blogs! My Singer 257 was a present from my dad when I was in high school. I used for years, gave to a friend and got it back a year ago. I don't remember ever having a manual.
    The other day I cleaned it and oiled it. I always had a problem with stitches and tension. After following your instructions and trying them out, my stitches came out perfectly! I am so excited!
    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences!!!

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  50. Amazing blog.Very nice and helpful information has been given in this post.Thanks for sharing this.
    quilting machines for home use

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  51. I just read your post on the Singer Fashion Mate 257. I inherited it today when my Mother-In-Law passed away. I downloaded the manual, and I plan to have the machine cleaned, oiled and checked by a professional tomorrow. Thank you for making this information available.

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  52. Very interesting blog. Just got a hand me down machine. It seems to be missing the thread spool holder. Please advise?
    Carol

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    1. Please check the manual to find out the piece you are missing.

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  53. Can anyone help me by telling me what kind of light bulb the signer fashion mate 257 requires? I acquired one with out a light bulb.

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  54. I've been a seamstress since 12yrs and over the years have acquired several machines. Some were froze up, needed parts or just a good cleaning and a tweaking and have always worked on them myself. It never ceases to amaze me at how just a minor difference can change how a machine threads or if it requires oil or grease or both! I've had as many as 5 at one time. I've narrowed it to 3. My oldest at present is a Sewmor from early 1950's, a simple straight stitch I've named "Old Faithful"! Old Faithful has sewn many quilts, clothes coats, curtains...........heavy duty stuff! She is the Japanese version of a singer. All the old singer parts actually fit it. I found Old Faithful at an estate auction for $8.
    Another I have is the Singer Touch and Sew in a cabinet. It was given to me by a friend. Didn't work when I got it, but it does now! The other my sister brought to me. Another free-bee! YAY! It's a Brother early 60's model. It was another one that didn't work and was pretty dirty. It works now and sews beautifully!
    My daughter called me from a yardsale one day and asked if a particular machine would be worth $20. I asked her if it had everything and does the motor work. It did......so she got it! It's the Singer Fashion Mate 257 and that's what brought me here! lol I have the job of cleaning, oiling and tweaking it! I think she plans on giving it to one of her daughters'!
    After I get the 257 taken care of, have to finish my sister's machine. Hers is a Singer Dress Maker that needs a timing adjustment.
    I was actually surprised you'd come back to read the newest comments!
    Happy Sewing!

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    1. Thanks for sharing, always nice to hear stories like this.

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  55. I want to try free motion quilting but can not find a way to lower the feed dog on my fashion mate 257. Do you have a suggestion?

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    1. The foot pressure dial is located on top of the machine far left. For free motion lower press foot and then turn dial to DARN. Thank for your interest.

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  56. Do you mean the screw at top beside the darn dial. I loosened it and lowered presser foot and moved dial to darn but feet did not drop.

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  57. Do you mean the screw at top beside the darn dial. I loosened it and lowered presser foot and moved dial to darn but feet did not drop.

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    Replies
    1. No it's not a screw. It's the dial has to be set to 'darn'. You also need to raise the plate with an additional metal attachment. look to page 33 in manual for illustration and explanation.

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  58. Thanks for the manual! I just bought this machine on eBay an the manual that came with was in german.

    What kind of needle should I use? Flat back or round?

    Thanks!

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  59. the link seems to be dead, find the manual here
    https://web.archive.org/web/20170914122953/http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/1315_257.pdf

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  60. I finally took this old machine out and going try and make a quilt this machine was given to me from a great friend in 2004 so 15 years ago already oiled up everything I’m just hoping it will do what I need it for cause I have no clue what I’m doing lol

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  61. Inglés

    someone can pass me the fashion mate 257 manual by email, my email is matrixmen@hotmail.com I will thank you from now Carlos hernandez p

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  62. I sure hope that you come back and read this post. I have a love affair with a 257. I found one to buy that works and makes beautiful straight stitches, but it only came with the general presser foot. I got my first one 42 years ago. Anyway, I wanted a 257 and found one for $65. I bought it, came home and sewed for two days! I too wanted to do free motion quilting & I have the original manual. Then, I discovered that there is no raising plate for the machine. I have even looked online through bulk 257 parts to no avail. I want to free motion quilt on this machine so bad that I can taste it! "Help me Obi Wan, you're my only hope!" ;D Any suggestions?

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  63. 3/24/2020
    Is the Singer Fashion Mate Manual download still available? Won't load for me.
    I received this machine today, works well but no instruction manual. Thanks!

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    1. The link has changed. it is now:
      https://www.singer.com/en-ca/search/support?title=257

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  64. Help I took my 257 apart and have left over pieces.

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