A wonderful resource for all literature, manuals, trade cards for antique sewing machines is at The Smithsonian digital collection.  Use the link below to learn more, or explore their files.

Smithsonian Digital Collection - Sewing Machines, Trade LIterature

The Singer Model 20 SewHandy was made from 1910 through the 1950s, and then again in 1970.  A small machine, marketed mainly for children as a first machine, it is actually more like a miniature adult machine.  I found this out when I finally bought one to use for Quilts For Veterans.  I wasn't sure such a small machine would have any advantages over a full-size machine, but in actuality, its simplicity is its main advantage.

Like other "toy" machines of the time, it is a chain stitch sewing machine, has one thread lead that makes a looped stitch.  The model 20 sews a fine, delicate stitch, very similar to the quality of vintage Singer full-size machines.  It has a few more features than other brand toy machines, such as a stitch length regulator, a gear on the drive wheel instead of a cam, and on the 20-10 from the 1950s that I own, numbered threading guides.  It truly was and is a quality first sewing machine, and I am currently sewing the rows together for my Quilt 3 with one.

More information can be found at the link below:

Singer Miniature Toy Machines

and also at ISMACS at:

Singer Model 20 Toy Sewing Machine

Singer Model 20-1, 20-2, and 20-10 Parts List

I have purchased three of these, in keeping with being a child of a Veteran, and plan on using this simple machine in many, if not all of the future quilts.

During the history of sewing, the chain stitch has held its own place within the development.  Chain stitch sewing machines were manufactured for home use and for use as "first" machines for young children.  They also were used in the apparel industry.  For example, the hem on jeans is done with a chain stitch machine.  The first chain stitch machines were used in France by a tailor named Thimmonier, as shown in the documentary The History of Sewing Machines . Mr. Thimmonier used the machine he had invented to have a business sewing military uniforms.

Below is a toy model chain stitch sewing machine, the Gateway Engineering Junior Model NP-1.  Marketed to children, the simple chain stitch it creates is also able to sew seams for items other than for children.  I have posted two videos showing some minor adjustments I had made, as well as sewing with this small sewing machine.

1950s Gateway Child's Sewing Machine

Quilt For Veterans Quilt 3 Progress

My original plan was to make three quilts (to start with) for Veterans.  I felt if I could get three quilts done quickly, then three Veterans would have a quilt.  A lot has happened since I started.  On quilt 1, I used many of my machines and both machine-quilted and am now hand-quilting motifs.  Using all my machines was nice for the first quilt, but it's a difficult way to put a quilt together for consistency in stitches.

Quilt 2 has been machine-pieced and machine-quilted, and I will again be hand-quilting motifs in the blocks.

Quilt 3 may be both a challenge and more rewarding.  I am considering not only hand-quilting the quilt entirely, but hand-piecing it as well.  I am a little disappointed with the way the machine piecing came out on quilts 1 and 2.  I am experienced, and followed the correct methods of piecing, but some blocks just don't line up exactly.  This never used to happen with my quilts, and although, yes, I am getting older, I may just be being pushed in another direction.

When I think of the "best" (for respect, showing of appreciation, etc.) quilt method, it is hand-piecing and hand-quilting.  And through to where I am now with quilts 1 and 2, I am feeling that Veterans deserve "the best".  My grandmother had hand-pieced and hand-quilted one block that I have, and I have always been amazed by it.  I have put a photo of it below:

My current quilt pattern is much simpler in design, being a patchwork style, but that doesn't mean the hand-piecing will be very different.  Hand-piecing is going to take time, and perhaps a little study of expert hand-piecers, but it is the only way I can ensure all my blocks line up the way I want them to.

McCall's Quilting has a page on basic hand-piecing.   Hand Piecing / Lessons   It's a very good place for me to start with Quilt 3.

I have hand-pieced a 49-square piece that will be Quilt 4, a Commemorative Wall Quilt. For Quilt 3, I am using what I learned from hand-piecing to make a better effort at all blocks lining up for my original Quilt 3 in red, white and blue. I am using my 1937 Singer model 15-88 treadle to piece the squares of this quilt into rows, but will be hand-piecing the rows together. - Well, that is what I had planned.....

After going back to hand-piecing for a bit, re-learning, reminding myself of ways to be accurate in piecing, I have moved to using a chain stitch machine for piecing.  Instead of hand-piecing the row, I will be joining them using a Singer model 20 SewHandy chain stitch sewing machine for the rest of the quilt top assembly.  Below is a photo of this machine and the rows I have started to piece.  I will be posting more on this machine, but it is from around the 1953 time period, a time period when my father was in Germany during the Korean War.

Seven blocks of Quilt 3 were hand-pieced.  The rest were pieced with two Singer model 20 SewHandy sewing machines.  The machine-quilting was done with my 1937 Singer model 15-88 treadle.  It is finished, and yet I am considering adding hand-quilted flowers to each block.

                     This quilt was given to a Veteran through Deputy Chief Stephen G. Xiarhos.

The pattern I use for making pinwheel blocks is:

Missouri Star Quilt Co. "Fast and Easy Pinwheels"