The information on this page comes from many different sources.  If you have additional information or corrections you would like me to add, please send an email.  If you are looking for a hemstitcher or you have one to sell, send me an email.  I may be able to help you out!

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Singer Model 71w-1 for Hemstitching

This is a single-needle / single-bobbin hemstitching machine.  These machines are very rare.  The stitch looks remarkably good for a single needle machine.  However, when you look closely, it is obvious that a single needle machine was used.

Singer Model 72w-19 for Hemstitching

This is a double-needle / double-bobbin hemstitching machine.  It is a commercial machine, made in the early 1900's.  The machine is still useful today, although improvements were made in later years.

This is the most common hemstitching machine.  With a little effort these machines can still be found.  A non-restored head can sometimes be purchased for $600.  If you are lucky, you can find a complete working machine for $1,400 to $2,200, plus shipping.

The illustration to the left shows the machine on a table and stand.  It is equipped with a 1/7 horsepower direct-current Diehl motor, enabling the machine to be driven at varying speeds up to 1300 stitches per minute.

In 1914 a machine equipped as described, sold for $157.50 in New York.  If furnished on a foot treadle stand its cost was $132.50.

Singer Model 118w-4 for Hemstitching

This is a single-needle / single-bobbin hemstitching machine.  These machines are not very common but there are a few around.  They usually cost between $1,500 and $2,500.  The stitch looks remarkably good for a single needle machine.  However, when you look closely, it is obvious that a single needle machine was used.

Singer Model 119w-1 for Hemstitching

This is a double-needle / double-bobbin machine built in the 1930's.  This machine represents Singer's years of experience building hemstitching machines.   This appears to be the rarest of the Singer line of double-needle hemstitchers.  However, with some diligence they can be found as well.  

Singer Manufacture Dates

W = Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA (began 1906 or 1911)

Tajima Model TPM-20 for Hemstitching

Cornely Model 10 for Hemstitching

This is a double-needle / double-bobbin hemstitching machine.  It was manufactured by the Cornely Company of France.  I have been unable to locate any in the United States.  There seem to be some available in Europe.

"The Cornely's have been around for a long time. In my opinion these are not very good machines. The major flaw is the inability to adjust the positioning of the piercers. This is important if you have different types of materials you are using. There is a manufacturer local to us that purchased one from France for $12,000 including shipping and they were not happy."

Golden Wheel Model CSL-1720 for Hemstitching

This is a double-needle / double-bobbin hemstitching machine.  This machine appears to be a replication, mechanically, of the 1930's Singer 119w-2 hemstitcher.  These machines are made today in Taiwan, and are available for $6,000.  If you are able to locate a used machine it will cost between $4,500 and $5,500.  

BG Switzerland Model HS-2000 for Hemstitching

This is a double-needle / double-bobbin hemstitching machine.  It is manufactured by BG Switzerland.  I have been unable to locate any in the United States.  There seem to be some available in Europe for $9,000. I would like to try one, but at this price I doubt I ever will.

This is the newest hemstitcher I know of. It has a radical new design rather than just another copy of the Singer 119w2 from the late 1940's. Some of the new features are: dry running (no oiling), band transport, two vertical hooks, bobbin change without removing the material, and built-in motor.

The only down side I see is possibly the inability to adjust the positioning of the piercers. This is important if you have different types of materials you are using.

Singer Hemstitcher and Picot Edger
Part No. 121387

This attachment fits several of the early Singer household sewing machines.  I would be interested in hearing from someone who has used one.  I do not know how well they work.  I would assume since most hemstitching is done with a double needle double bobbin machine that the quality of the work done by this attachment on a single-needle machine would leave something to be desired.

There are several of these attachments available for sale.  They can usually be purchased for $20 to $30.