Imperial Sewing Machines

83 thoughts on “Imperial Sewing Machines”

1. Pingback: Don Tai (Canada) Blog » Blog Archive » Imperial Sewing Machine, Model 535

2. Anosognosia 2010/07/30 at 10:17

   Hi Don,

   been loving my old imperial; the thing’s built like a tank and has been working flawlessly. I’m a he by the way ;) I don’t have a manual for mine, so I didn’t even realize that was a darning toggle, thanks ^^
3. dontai Post author2010/07/31 at 09:41

   Thanks for dropping in! Another poster has offered to send me an electronic copy of her Imperial manual. When I receive it I will post it up and contact you. There are many Imperial owners that are asking for a manual, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to share. Happy sewing, and don’t rip your arm socket out when lifting your Imperial. Mine weighs a ton.
4. brenda 2010/09/22 at 13:44

   hi I how to would love to have information on how to operate my imperial mod 562. I have had it in storage for 6 years and forget what functions to do to operate my decorative stitching, zigzag and button holes. Help please!

   Any luck with that person that mentioned was going to send you an electronic copy of a manual?
5. dontai Post author2010/09/22 at 14:20

   Hi Brenda,
   I too am interested in getting an owner’s manual for my Imperial. I will contact her again. Thanks for the reminder.
6. dianera 2010/09/24 at 08:45

   Hi There

   I just found an imperial 520 but some parts are missing so I was wondering if you got that electronic manual version after all, if so could you please send me a copy

   Thanks a lot

   diane
7. dontai Post author2010/09/24 at 17:02

   Thanks for visiting Diane.

   I have sent an email and we now wait. Thanks for your interest.
8. Andrea 2011/07/17 at 19:09

   Hi there. Did you manage to get a manual? I was recently given a 568, looks very similar to panhandlephillips’s. Fortunately it was given to me pre-threaded, but I’m terrified for when the spool runs out, it looks insane to rethread! I hope that any manual, even if it’s older than my machine will be of some use to me. Thank you!
9. dontai Post author2011/07/17 at 20:46

   Unfortunately I have not received any manual, though I am still hopeful. Though I contacted her twice I received no response. If I do find or receive a manual I will digitize it and make it available to the world.

   If you are unsure of the threading you can take a photo before the thread runs out. Needing to change the thread is a pretty common event in sewing. Maybe you will need to change the colour of the thread as well? If you have any difficulty, please take a photo, send me a link and I will tell you how to thread your machine.
10. El Gordo 2011/09/02 at 19:32

    Hello Dontai,

    If you get in contact with me, (if it shows you my hidden email address) I have a scanned copy of the manual, and a retyped/formatted PDF with additional information (that I am updating) regarding bobbin types and cross-compatible parts. I can send both of these to you to share.

    Cheers
    Gord
11. Joan 2011/12/30 at 12:58

    Interesting pics of the Imperials. Mine is a little different yet. As best I can read is model 104. Mine is missing a screw-in spool holder at the back and a thread guide on the front near the top is bent. I’d like to be able to replace these if possible.
12. Sandra 2012/03/28 at 12:20

    My daughter was given an Imperial model # 164. I have been searching for a owner’s manual but no luck. If you have a manual could you send me an electronic version? It would be most appreciated.
    I am trying to help her find parts as the gizmo that hold the needle is missing.
    thanks
    Sandra

    [Don: The gizmo that holds the needle is called a “needle bar”, and will be difficult to find. I have scoured the internet for manuals for Imperial machines and have only found one, which you can download for free. Another is partially complete but is not specific to the Imperial.]
13. Audrey 2012/04/13 at 07:42

    Hi: I’m looking for a manual for Imperial model 919. When I plug it in the needle just goes up and down on it’s own..not sure how to make that stop. The foot peddle doesn’t seem to be stuck.
    Thanks.

    [Don: Audrey, the only Imperial sewing machine user manual I have ever seen is the one available on my site, available for free.

    As for your machine, the foot pedal in the “up” position should interrupt the flow of electricity from the power to the machine, and therefore stop it from running. You have a short on the pedal that allows the power to somehow bypass the pedal and feed power directly to the machine. This is usually an easy fix, but not documented in any user manual.]
14. Heather 2012/05/04 at 18:02

    Hi there. I can share my manual for the Imperial 919 with you as soon as I have a chance to get it scanned. It is a complete document. Just wondering if anyone knows where I can get a replacement tension uptake spring for this machine? My tension unit is in great shape but the spring needs replacement. Thanks for a great site. It’s hard to find information on these machines! Audrey, you’ve probably done this already but, have you switched the order of the “light” and “power” plugs?
15. Heather 2012/05/06 at 13:27

    Hello again. Still working on getting the user manual scanned but thought I’d share that I was finally able to ascertain that the Imperial 919 (shown above with Scat the cat)is a Juki machine that was sold as model number HZL-907. I sent them an e-mail requesting info on how to obtain parts and will share any information that I get. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
16. Sherry 2012/06/20 at 15:01

    I was just willed an Imperial model #4500, and it works great. But i don’t have a manual for it and would like to know what some of the buttons are for, and if i have it threaded correctly. I also would like to know if this machine runs two threads, and if so how? How can i upload a picture so that someone can help me with with my questions?

    I also would like an electronic copy of a manual if they exist.

    [Don: Have fun using your Imperial. They are heavy but excellent sewing machines. The Imperial Model 535 user manual can be downloaded for no charge from my site. Most Imperials are very similar, and will show you the proper threading method as well as explain most of the buttons.]
17. Janet 2012/10/09 at 07:13

    Andrea: it will be a bit late for you now perhaps but if not knowing how to thread a machine arises again, you can always tie the end of the old thread to the new spool and pull it through the machine. That way you never really need to rethread it at all. In fact, that’s how I always three my machine.
18. Allison 2012/10/19 at 18:59

    Whoever can help me. I was wondering if you can still get parts for Imperial sewing machines. Model # 708. some more #’s that is on this machine is a1389,jc28,& ja33. if some one can tell me some information on this machine it would be great..thanks
19. Skillz 2012/10/22 at 20:51

    I live in London Ontario and bought a sewing machine tonight on Kijiji. Trying to find some info on it and how to thread it I found this site, hilarious as it is I purchased the exact machine you have photographed here that was for sale in London on Kijiji in 2010 – complete with red crayon and all. Not sure if the owners didn’t sell it in 2010 and held on to it or if it has been passed around a bit but it is now in my hands. It is an Imperial Model 520 and it still works great, that red crayon you can see in the picture on the base does NOT come off however the machine functions as new, now if I can only get it threaded properly I’m in business.

    [Don: That is such a koinkidink! This machine must really get around. Thanks for telling me the model number. I have an Imperial sewing machine manual that you can download for free. Maybe the threading path is the same. Just leave your name so if and when the manual is updated I will email you. I am happy when this information gets to the people that need it. Good luck and happy sewing!]
20. Colleen Loguisto 2012/10/30 at 22:30

    Hi Don, thank you for such a great post. I have recently acquired a Model 708 much like the one you have shown. Thank you for all the pics. Now I know how my sewing machine is supposed to look like. The one I have is operating (electrical works anyway). Haven’t tried to sew with it yet. I bet the tension needs adjusting etc. etc. I believe the manual for the 535 will be sufficient to get me started.

    Next I will look for some accessories.

    :) Colleen
21. Gg 2012/11/10 at 09:18

    After scouring the web I finally found this site. I have an Imperial machine but I think it is from the 80’s. It is a model 7043. I am looking for a small part, it is a (don’t know what it is officially called) nut with a set screw in the middle that keeps the needle shaft in place as it goes up and down. On a schematic from Singer co. it is shown as part of the “coaxial presser bar. It is the piece above the spring on the photo. The site is http://parts.singerco.com/CPpartCharts/7_7999/7043SN603_7034.pdf . Page 14. If anyone can help me to find this part I would be eternally thankful.
22. Dianne 2012/11/24 at 17:55

    I am looking for a user’s manual for an Imperial model 703.

    [Don: I can only find one user manual for any Imperial sewing machine on the Internet. It is on my site.
23. robert piccolo 2012/12/27 at 00:22

    do you happen to have a threading photo for my Imperial 568..i read 2 years back someone named dontai and el goro may have found some description for threading..anything would be helpful..i keep breaking needles because i am not threading properly..thanks

    [Don: That DonTai must be me! The “El Goro” that you speak might be Gord Bestwick, the one who put the manual together. You have come to the right place. I have a free manual for the Imperial Model 535 that you can easily download. The manual has the threading path. Your machine will be similar. I only ask that you leave a comment so that if we update the manual I can contact you. If you still have issues you can send me a photo of the front needle section of your sewing machine and I will outline the threading path.

    An improper threading path will not contribute to breaking needles while sewing. An improper threading path will give you inconsistent stitches, sometimes skipping stitches. Your sewing will look bad, but you will not break needles due to it. If you are breaking needles you have installed the needle incorrectly or you are pulling the material through your machine too quickly and bending the needle, thereby leading to breakage.

    Thanks for stopping in and commenting. Happy sewing, and may all your stitches be uniform.]
24. Robert Piccolo 2012/12/27 at 23:56

    wow that was quick, sorry for not knowing who you were, i think the 535 is a bit different then the 568, for threading the 562 you show seems very similar to the 568..i may not have the bob-in correctly installed thus the broken needles..would you have any idea what the up and down buttons are for (like shown on the 562 or on Anosognosias photo) there is a long rod with a cone shape piece that moves in and out of a sloted piece???? and lastly how do i see the treading photo for the 535..i have no idea how to sew a crooked seam never mind a straight one..but i am very willing to give it my best shot..thanks for being there and for offering what ever help you can..so wonderful to see nice people on line once in awhile.. they for some reason seem to be as rare as snow in july..oh one last thing is it me or are these coded words below hard to read..i must try at least 3 or 4 times.

    [Don: Hi Robert. The silver up and down buttons put the sewing machine into two modes: 1. sew: for regular stitching where the material moves through the machine, and 2. darning: the machine is used to repair an area of broken cloth, where the material is held stationary and the cloth is repeatedly stitched in place. In mode 2 the presser foot does not contact and move the material forward. Other machines have a knob at the same location to do the same function. Note that not all sewing machines offer this feature, which I think is “darn” good.

    Installing the bobbin into the bobbin case and installing the bobbin case into the machine are outlined on p10-11 in the manual. You should feel the bobbin case seat very well into the machine, with a click, and the bobbin case should not be able to be removed unless you use the latch. An improperly seated bobbin case would break needles.

    Also ensure that you installed the needle correctly. The needle must have a flat side on the blunt end. This flat side should face to the right and seat against the needle clamp screw, as shown on p11. The groove on the shaft of the needle should face left.

    The threading path is outlined on p13 and is very common on many machines. The exact threading path will put sufficient tension on the thread so you get a good sewn seam. An improperly threading path will result in the top thread being either too loose or too tight.

    If you are having trouble downloading the manual please let me know. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it, which is free to download.

    Happy sewing!]
25. Robert 2013/01/05 at 22:04

    again, thank you for so much help.. i will try each step slowly and see how all goes..much info for an old guy..many friendly greetings from Ottawa.
26. Mary 2013/02/01 at 12:57

    I just bought an old Imperial at a flea market for $10.00 it is exactly like the one pictured from Calgary, Alberta. When I plug it in the motor runs but it the wheel doesn’t move, I think it might need a new belt. Can you tell me where I can get one?
    Thank you

    [Don: That is a good buy for $10. You can get a new belt from a sewing machine supplies store in your city. You do need the length and width of the belt. If the belt came with the machine you can take this along to ensure you get the right one. AFAIK there are no stores that specifically sell Imperial sewing machine parts, so you will be looking for generic parts. They do exist.

    Before you try to get a new belt ensure that the stop motion screw is engages. This screw is located in the balance wheel, the large metal wheel on the right side of the machine. The stop motion screw can engage and disengage the sewing mechanism. For example, when you are winding a new bobbin you would use the stop motion screw to disengage the sewing mechanism, as there is no need for the needle to move up and down when winding a new bobbin. Your stop motion screw might be set to disengage, thereby giving you no up/down sewing motion. Engage it and you might solve your problem.

    I hope this helps. Happy sewing!]
27. Jo Ann 2013/04/07 at 15:10

    I need to know how to thread the Imperial machine model 919, I have tried, however the thread keeps coming out of the needle, or it breaks! PLEASE HELP, It was bought second hand, Thanks

    [Don: Firstly, congratulations on your new-to-you Imperial sewing machine. They are well made, over-engineered, mostly metal and quite heavy so take care and lift these machines properly.

    Please download the manual for the Imperial 535 as most Imperials have the same needle threading pattern.

    The threading path is outlined on p13 and is very common on many machines. The exact threading path will put sufficient tension on the thread so you get a good sewn seam. An improperly threading path will result in the top thread being either too loose or too tight. Do not skip anything on the threading path.

    You say that your thread is breaking. Ensure that you have new polyester or nylon thread. Old cotton thread has a tendency to degrade and easily break.

    When you start sewing the up movement of the needle will try to pull the thread out of the needle eye. This is common. Ensure that the extra thread that goes past the needle eye is long. Hold this thread with your hand so that the thread does not pull through, and start your first stitch by manually rolling the main wheel. After the first stitch the thread cannot pull through the needle.

    You might also need to oil your machine. There are instructions as to the lubrication points in the manual.

    If, after reading and following the manual, you still have issues with threading and sewing, please leave another message. I will need you to email me a photo of your threading pattern to see where you might have gone off. Sewing machines can be somewhat complex when you are starting out, but the benefits of sewing far outweigh the learning curve.]
28. Jodi 2013/06/15 at 16:00

    Hi there, I was just given an imperial 518, Really looking forward to using it but it has no manual and it is very old and hasn’t been used forever. need a proper oiling/ cleaning instructions as well as treading and bobbin instalation. Thank you in advance for any info you may be able to find!

    [Hi Jodi, I have a user manual for an Inperial 535 sewing machine. Since most of these machines work very similarly, the manual should be close enough to your 518. Take a look. Don]
29. mona 2013/06/23 at 10:35

    Hi, Dontai, can you please send me a picture (if you have it) of a Singer Sewing Machine, Model 7043 ? Much appreciated.
30. Nettie 2013/06/24 at 19:04

    I should clarify that my machine is exactly the same as the one pictured by panhandlephillips; it’s been in storage for a few years, and needed a good cleaning, and oiling to free up some of the mechanisms. Works great, now! It should easily handle some of the heavy-duty sewing.

    I found a manual for a very similar machine — KAB-M Viking sewing machine manual. It’s close enough to be of some value, for only $10 to download. http://www.sewing-machine-manuals .com

    [Don: Hi Nettie, and thanks for stopping by. I hope you tried my free Imperial sewing machine manual download before you spent your money. Most Imperials are very similar, be it threading path or the various options. Happy Sewing!]
31. erin 2013/07/01 at 10:45

    I have a 568 manual!
    I just received my great grandmother`s 568 machine with manual in really great shape. Does anyone still need it?

    [Don: Hi Erin, thanks for offering up your manual. I have sent you an email as I would love to host it and offer your manual up for free download. I have only one manual now. A second manual would provide better coverage for those still using Imperial sewing machines. I will give you source credit for your contribution. Thanks, Don.]
32. Howl Mountain 2013/09/14 at 09:48

    I have a Model 118 that I need a manual for, or something close to tell me about the settings.

    Jerry
    howlmtn@gmail.com

    [Don: Hi Jerry. I have a manual for the Imperial Sewing Machine, model 535, free for non-commercial download. You can try this manual and it should help. If you have other questions please ask and I will try to help you.]
33. Violeta 2013/11/05 at 20:54

    I have scanned and saved as PDF files a copy of the instruction book for a model 562 Imperial Sewing Machine.
34. Magnus 2013/11/18 at 07:22

    Don – thanks for posting the manual up. I’ve just bought my other half an old New Home 535 badged model which did come with the manual but was missing a lot of the detail from your online version.

    Thanks
35. wendy hourd 2013/12/07 at 23:39

    just purchased a 562 model with no manual…help new sewer
36. Mary 2013/12/23 at 20:43

    Hi
    I was looking for a manual for my imperial machine and stumbled on your blog.
    The machine was found in a garbage pile and i cannot find a model number anywhere.
    It doesn’t look like any of the ones you have on picture there. I would be happy to send you pictures is you can give an e-mail to send it to.
37. Julie Remillard 2014/01/07 at 09:28

    I have an Imperial model 895,& having problems figuring it out, especially with thread tension– it`s tight on one side , loose on the other. Could really use an owner’s manual. Could anyone enlighten me? Much appreciated–Julie
38. Debbie Maltais 2014/05/17 at 22:35

    I came upon your site in my search for info on a sewing machine I was given for free. It’s in great shape BUT there is no manual, and it has about 8 different foot attachments that I have no clue what they are for? Wondering if you have any idea what I have or where I can get a manual? It’s an IMPERIAL Model 132. It is same as the picture above in your blog under the name with email as, dino-goes-raw@hotmail.com I plan to write to that person as well.
    Any info will help. thanks. Debbie

    yup. tried to download the manual BUT had to take a survey first. guess I don’t get manual as I don’t give out my street address for any reason on the internet.

    [Don: Thanks for leaving a comment Debbie. As far as I know my site has the only free Imperial sewing machine manuals around. This is thanks to two gracious contributors. You are free to download my manuals for the Imperial sewing machine 562 and the 535. Please search for “sewing machine” on my site and you will find them. Imperial sewing machine manuals are difficult to find.

    I believe there is a section in one of the manuals that has descriptions of around 8 different kinds of foot attachments, as well as machine maintenance. Good Luck, and Happy sewing.]
39. Shelly 2014/07/08 at 14:48

    Thank you so much! I got the “Modern Super De Luxe Zig Zag” machine from a friend who said it belonged to her grandmother. No attachments (that’s fine–will use it for putting together quilts for charity) but needed to know how to change the thread and how to change the stitches. Came across your site and, low and behold, the manual for the Imperial model 562. Exactly like my machine!!!!! Thank you, thank you! It is heavy but sews like a dream!!!

    Is it from the Brother or Singer family? I have a Brother bobbin in it now (because the other one looked the same) but want to be sure I’m using the right tools.

    Thanks!

    [Don: Thanks for stopping in. I hope that the Imperial Model 562 manual was of use to you. We have posted it for free for the benefit of all. Please be careful of the weight of the Imperials as they are heavy and if dropped they will do damage to your feet.

    I do not believe that the Imperials were related to Brother, and for sure there is no relationship to Singer. These Imperials and like sewing machines were part of Japan’s economic growth in the ’50s on. These sewing machines were branded with so many different badges and sold in so many countries. The design of the knobs and their overall look belies their heritage. I do find them so interesting.

    There are attachments from other machines that will work for yours. It really depends on where you live. Here in Canada we have the imperial brand, available used on a regular basis. Don]
40. Emma 2014/09/23 at 14:46

    Hello Don, I have an Imperial zig zag Model 663 with the original pattern cams. Accessories, not so sure. I did purchase a separate buttonhole attachment, radical for the day, and it worked very well. It’s hard to get those well-made keyhole buttonholes with today’s machines. I bought the machine from Eaton’s in about 1970-71. Just dug it out today to have a look. Haven’t been able to locate a manual online, but perhaps my own manual will turn up as I keep poking. If you like, and if it would add to your library, I’ll send on a copy of the manual if/when I find it.
41. Pam 2014/09/25 at 11:21

    Hello Don, I have an Imperial Mod 535 and need to get needles. Where in winnipeg could I find them Thanks
42. Key 2015/05/22 at 22:16

    Heather – did you ever get hold of Juki? I have a 919 that desperately needs a new needle plate but is otherwise perfect.
43. Wendy 2015/07/16 at 13:42

    I have recently received my mom’s Imperial sewing machine, model 560. It folds out in its own cabinet, minus the legs (thank you brother). I have zero capability to use it. I cannot find any info on the net about it (thank you for putting up this site!!). I would rather it be used by someone instead of collecting dust in my basement. Other than sticking it on Kijiji with no knowledge of the machine how/who/what type of store would I take it to and have it looked at/appraised??? Thanks in advance for any info you can give me.

    [Don: Hi Wendy, and congrats on getting your Mom’s Imperial. Unfortunately there is very little on the internet about these machines. They were mass produced by the Japanese in the 1960s and rebadged for many different retailers. They are also not worth very much, as a search on Kijiji will attest. Even without seeing it the machine is probably worth ~$50-$100 or so. I have 3 manuals online. Check out the 562 user manual. My best recommendation would be to find the legs and learn to sew. The Imperials are solid and very reliable machines that will last a couple more generations.

    Good luck and happy sewing, Don]
44. Doug Overbeck 2015/09/19 at 20:32

    My wife has cleaned a Imperial model 125 for an old lady in town. Anyone have a manual for this? She would like to get this all setup for her as there is a tension problem. Besides my wife likes working on vintage machines, as they were made with real metal and not plastic.

    [Don: Hi Doug, I have 3 Imperial manuals on my site. Please take a look. You should be able to solve your tension problem. If you download any please leave a comment. Thanks, Don]
45. Kathy 2015/09/25 at 22:47

    My Morse 6100 is the same as the Imperial 919.I’ve also seen it badged as a Viking 911.I have the manual for the Morse 6100.
46. Katheline S 2015/10/01 at 20:58

    Hello,

    I recently was gifted an Imperial 518-J but do not have a manual for it. Can anyone direct me to one or aid me in some questions I have, specifically how to refill a bobbin using the machine?

    Thank you!

    [Don: My three Imperial manuals are posted on my site and are free to download. Please leave a comment if you download the manual. Any of these manuals will help you refill your bobbin.]
47. Kim F 2016/02/28 at 12:59

    I have a imperial deluxe automatic sewing machine model number is SAM-3B would like to know more about it.

    [Don: Hi Kim, I’m unfamiliar with this model, but a quick Google shows that it was badged under many different brands, such as Remington. Your machine looks like a typical Japanese made sewing machine of the same era. I don’t have a manual for you, but you should be able to find one under a different brand name.

    Happy sewing, Don]
48. Donna 2016/07/03 at 07:55

    Hi Don, I just was given a Imperial sewing machine 543210 I am assuming this is the model. I need needles for the machine. Could you tell me where I can purchase them and also a manual.
    Thank you,
    Donna

    [Don: Hi Donna, and thanks for visiting. All Imperial sewing machines that are on my site are generic Japanese models that have been rebadged for the North American market. You should be able to get compatible needles from any sewing or fabric store in your area. All the needles should have a flat side on the end opposite from the sharp end.

    As for user manuals, I believe I have the most Imperial user manuals on my site on the internet, all for free. Take a look and download the manual that is closest to your machine. I have not seen anywhere else that offers, for free or for purchase, a manual for an Imperial sewing machine.

    Good luck, and happy sewing.]
49. Andréanne 2016/09/26 at 19:00

    Hi i have now a imperial model 610 with a part of the instructions and the accessories. Could it be any help ? I am looking for more info on my machine and i will need to get it fixed.
50. Allison 2016/10/05 at 22:52

    Hello! I’ve just acquired an Imperial 919…I’m wondering if anyone has shared this manual with you? I figured out how to do most things with it but there are a few knobs and care instructions that I am unsure of. Also does anyone know what year the 919 model was made? Any help would be great thanks!!

    [Don: Hi Allison. I do not have the user manual for the Imperial 919, but I have 5 others. Dating these machines is difficult as no dates were imprinted on the machines. There are some historical pics from old Eatons catalogues that sometimes help. One is close to your 919, dated 1967.

    Happy Sewing, Don]