How Old is My New Home Sewing Machine?

Here is Our Models Guide 

The sewing machine’s basic design has hardly changed since it was first introduced nearly 200 years ago.

While modern-day sewing machines are constructed from lightweight materials and often offer a variety of sophisticated electronic features, they still follow the same basic operating principles as older models.

The fact that avintage sewing machine is similar to its modern-day counterpart is why it’s such a desirable item at antique stores, flea markets, and online auction websites. Not only do vintage machines have appeal as collectibles, they’re also practical. Many seamstresses and quilters prefer using antique machines, and they’re great for beginners.

New Home Sewing Machines

Although the last flagship New Home-branded sewing machine was made in 1955, there are still plenty of functioning machines available today. Whether you purchased an antique New Home sewing machine or you’ve inherited one, there’s a good chance it could still work. Even if it’s no longer operational, there are still restoration options so you can use these beautiful, classic sewing machines.

Below, we’ve created a guide to help you determine which model you possess and detail each type.

Vintage New Home Sewing Machine Models 

By the time the National Sewing Machine Company went out of business in 1955, it had sold seven million New Home sewing machines. Given that the company’s earliest patent was filed in 1868, it’s no surprise it was responsible for a variety of different sewing machine models. Some of the company’s best-selling devices included:

The New Home Number Four: 

The Number Four line came attached to a beautiful cabinet set with drawers and a velvet-lined caseto store and organize the owner’s sewing supplies so they’d always be within arm’s reach.

The machine itself was operated with a foot-powered treadle and featured beautiful ornamentation. It was plated with nickel to give it a more durable and attractive exterior.

The Number Four was one of the more popular models, making it one of the easiest New Home sewing machines to find. They’re often sold as decorative items at antique stores. The Number Four may not be the most valuable antique sewing machine available, but this vintage machine can be a stunning decorative piece when the metal’s been polished and the wood’s been restored.

The Parlor Cabinet Treadle 

This sewing machine was first released in 1906 and remained popular for well over a decade. It was a self-contained machine that came inside its own storage cabinet.

The Parlor Cabinet Treadle featured an innovative crank design, which lowered the sewing machine inside the cabinet when it wasn’t being used. Its owner would simply turn the crank in the opposite direction they were ready to use the machine.

The unit also had a sleek and discreet appearance. You wouldn’t have known it contained a sewing machine unless you were familiar with the design.

Hand-cranked New Home Models: 

Some of the earliest New Home sewing machine models were operated using a hand crank. Unlike the varieties listed above, these machines didn’t come attached to a cabinet because they were designed to sit on a table or desk.

However, they did feature an attractive, carved wooden base. The hand crank was located on the right side of the machine and was used to drive the sewing needle through the material.

These machines are some of the oldest and rarest New Home models, making them among the most valuable. If you own a New Home sewing machine that’s powered exclusively with a hand crank, it could be worth getting it appraised and possibly restored.

Other Models: 

While there are other models of New Home sewing machines, few were sold. The varieties listed above are the most common and tend to be the most valuable.

New Home also released the Number One, Number Two, Number Three, and the Gold Medal Lock Stitch Machine. However, these sewing machinesweren’t as decorative as the models listed above. The best New Home sewing machines were designed almost as pieces of furniture, so they often came attached to beautiful cabinets and featured eye-catching nickel plating.

How to Identify Your New Home Sewing Machine 

If you’re still unsure which year or model of New Home sewing machine you have, there’s a helpline that can identify your machine: 1-800-631-0183.

Whether you plan on selling your New Home machine or using it, some of the most useful pieces of information you can have are the model number and the manufacturing date.