All I can say is OMG! This thing is sooo post war German. Built in 1957 the 332 is as close to a mini industrial machine as I have seen. This machine is very smooth & very quiet.
It came in the standard grimy condition typical of these neglected 50's machines including a locked up solid forward-reverse lever. With both Tri-Flow & a heat gun I able to loosen it up. The bottom of the lever broke off so I will be looking for a replacement. It's a pretty amazing machine it has the rotary hook system identical to my Juki 256. It even has an auto threader that (after adjustment) works perfectly.
Pfaff used a cogged belt on this machine and the low speed seems to work great. I opened up the foot control to clean it up... it is a classic hand made electromechanical device; beautifully made.
One of the easiest machines to install the bobbin case I have used and again, the sound at any speed is smooth as silk.
FYI, I figured out how to fix the yellowed numbers on the 0 - 5 front
dial. The dial comes apart fairly easily, take out the numbered disk and
scan it at a hi resolution and Photo Shop the UV yellowing out of the
scan. After you print it take some clear hard packing tape and cover
both sides, then cut it out with an
X-ACTO. I found it so annoying to have the whole machine cleaned up except for the yellowed numbers.
Recently sewed an organza bag with a tie at the end, the free arm made it a snap.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
20
Yep.. your Pfaff 332 is a real beauty alright. It looks like the flatbed drops down out of the way for free arm sewing. I would like to see a photo of it up. They sure don't make them like they used to.
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for one of these machines I have one in working condition. I runs fine but does need some fine tuning. I have the original case it came in and all the accessories to go with it. It is a one owner. It belonged to my grandmother she is now passed. I have used it for years but my mother just gave me a newer one. I can supply pics. This machine has been well taken care of but been used for many years. I have worn many outfits made on that machine. Please contact me at jaw0030@aol.com if you are interested. Very flexible on price. Thanks, Julie
Deleteis the machine available?how much it is requested?
DeleteRecently I inherited a Pfaff 332 from my mother-in-law. She was German and purchased it in Germany shortly after she and my father-in-law were married. I have yet to use it, but am anxious to try it out.
ReplyDeleteLove the blog and all your vintage machines!
Hi Stephanie, thanks for looking over the site.
DeleteThe 332 is on my try it on each new project list (althought the Necchi is my gauranteed to do it machine) it's a quircky little thing but it just makes you want to use it.
Give your machine a good oiling and try forw - rev, left right of center, & ZZ. If any of these are stuck and won't move let me know I can give you tips to free it up. Saddly I broke the forw - rev lever not knowing what i was doing. I need to adjust the rev to make it match the forw stitch lenght exactly; currently it a long way out of sync.
good luck!
I can tell this machine os really powerfull I inherited It from my mother that got It from her mother. From silk, organza, Velvet to Jean, Canvas, upholstery. (I haven't tried leather yet). It's been under heavy use for about 20 years or more and only repairs needed have been motor belt. My mother saw brindes dresses, night dresses, everything she was request for. Sadly I live in Vzla and there are no aparece partes here and now I need a motor belt. I found It on e-bay England. No way I can get any € or $ ti but It. So, my oldie is "on vacation" until I can organize purchasing the belt. It's a machine for Mant generations so, take care of It and teach your children how to use It, It Will last at least another 50 years.
Deletehow much are you asking? are you from Venezuela?
DeleteI have yet to get it out and try it out... but I will soon! BTW - I did see one for sale for 'parts' on shopgoodwill.com. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteRecently came across your blog and love it! I just missed out on a brother select-o-matic. Hadn't looked for a vintage machine, was just looking for something which could sew through lots of fabric layers and came across it on eBay. It was so beautifully designed that I think I may now be hooked on vintage machines! So, it's great to read you blog and know p, if I find another one I can find a reference here. Right, am off to try and hunt for one on eBay now!
ReplyDeleteI just went over my sister's Pfaff 332 and found this page while looking for more info on it. I ended up reading over your blog and your comments and saw that you had tip about how to unfreeze the zigzag nob, and as this particular machine suffers from that exact problem, I was wondering how you got it to work? Also I was wondering if you have any tips on how to raise the feeder dog as the only thing the manual says is to take it to a Pfaff dealer.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Hey Kendall, for unfreezing the ZZ knob; have patience and do not use pliers, the lever is made of plastic and will break. There is a screw on the underside of the knob, use that to get the knob off, the large screw has nothing to do with removing the knob.
DeleteTwo things help; Tri-Flow & a hair dryer, assume you will be at it for a while, but it’s worth it.
I'll look over the feed dog mechanism when I get home and report back later.
Tom
Thanks Tom!
DeleteI will try that tonight. While researching the feeder I found two solutions... I hope. The first option, turning the bottom screw behind the feeder. This is supposed to move the feed rock shaft... this did not work to raise the whole feeder it only tilted the plate. The second option is to loosen the clamping screw on the feed lifting shaft crank and turn the lifting shaft slightly. That's all I've got for now. Any better suggestions?
I think this might be common, my machine won't drop the feed dogs when I turn the lever? It feels like nothing is happening, the knob just turns back & forth? Normally I would start by taking off the underside cover and the motor cover to see what is going on; I'll bet the mechanism is loose I may have to check into it...
DeleteTurning the lifting shaft worked, and then after you rotate it you use the screw in the back of the machine to adjust the angle so it is level. Before you dive into the motor to fix the feed drop, take a look under the sewing plate. There is a pin that moves in and out of the bottom of the feed dog. In order to drop the feed, the nob releases a spring that pulls the pin out... it could be that you just need a new spring. At least that is what it looked like when I was playing with it last night.
DeleteHi -
ReplyDeleteI inherited my grandmother's Pfaff 332 (nearly 20 yrs ago now). It has worked beautifully for all these years until the foot pedal stopped working. I've not been able to find a replacement for it. Any suggestions on repairing the original one?
Thanks,
G in Boulder
It would be great to fix the original for many reasons so I recommend finding an electronics repair guy in your area. As I mentioned in the original blog it is a masterpiece of 50's electronics and should be very repairable.
DeleteIf not your local sewing machine guy can retrofit a more standard unit; it’s just getting the wiring correct, not a big deal, don’t try it yourself.
Hello Tom I am new to the idea of sewing. A friend of mine says if your going to buy one go Euro you won't be disappointed. I saw one of these units with a cabinet for $50.00. Sounds like a great price for something with great reviews. My question is this machine good for a beginner?
ReplyDeleteYes no question a good machine for beginner and expert alike.
DeleteA few things:
1) Assume it will need a good oiling at least service, so get the price down if you can
2)Do a test of all the knobs and levers, if they are frozen it needs service, and make sure that the bobbin case is in it, that will cost as much as the machine. Turn the hand wheel, if the needle does not go up and down it needs a unique and rare belt.
3)Take a sewing class
I am looking for a Pfaff 332 to buy does anyone here know what a reasonable price is on this machine or the best place to find one?
ReplyDeleteYou might get a better price on Craig's list, do a search on Ebay and watch the prices. I recommend that you also look for the 360 at the same time, if you want to stay with Pfaff... see my post - http://mivintagesewingmachines.blogspot.com/2013/02/pfaff-360-1950s.html
DeleteBoth of these machines can be a little rare so you may have to be patient.
To Newbie,
DeleteI actually am looking for a good home for a Pfaff 332 in excellent condition, housed in an elegant custom cabinet. I'm selling it at a pretty low price.
The cabinet has "modern" lines even though it was designed in the 1950s.
I'm in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and since the cabinet makes it difficult to ship, I'm looking for local pick-up. If you're interested in exchanging info, maybe we could chat off line (e.g., via Craigslist).
Thanks!
Karen
I have a chance to buy a Necchi 3205FA, a Necchi 4795, a White 750 or a Pfaff 332. Any recommendations? Thanks so much. Orva
ReplyDeleteCan't say much about the others but the 332 is still a real popular machine. try and get the manual and any other things that go with it.
Deletesee if it has any frozen knobs it takes time and patience to get them unstuck.
I inherited a Pfaff 332 from my mother. She purchased in 1957 direct from the factory when we were in France. My problem is the feed dog lever is not working. It is not moving feed dog down or up. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to open up the 332 and search out the feed dog mechanism. What I can tell you is that if the lever turns but the nothing happens then it is the slide pin.
DeleteThis pin is located under the throat plate and needs to be freed up and oiled. If the lever does not move at all it is a much bigger project. Whatever you do don't force the lever; its made of plastic and will break. I have pictures if you need more info. Good luck, Tom
hey m my pfaff 332 wont do any pattern when I use the different diak it will only sew in a straight stitch any suggestion will be appreciate it
ReplyDeleteHi, this video will explain why the 332 is locked up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I88JB_5QxBg
DeleteWithout taking anything but the top cover off you should spend an hour moving and oiling everything SLOWLY. Do not force the plastic levers, move each piece the tiniest amount back & forth and you will eventually get full movement. Good luck
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteI have one and haven't be able to use it for years since the rubber strap that links the motor with the main wheel became cut. I still keep it. (It got some interleaved metal pieces)
How could I fix it by myself? Any tip out there?
Thanks and congrats for the blog!
Yes repair! the belt looks expensive but the alternative is to sell "as is"
DeleteI think the motor drive belt is easier than the timing belt to replace
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/motor-belt-pfaff-360-sewing-machine.aspx
Belt is an 86 clamp one. Not the standard 84. It's really expensive, about 40€ plus shipping.
DeleteHi, I have a fine working Pfaff 332 that I inherited from my mother. She purchased it in Germany while stationed there with the US Army. It comes in a white portable plastic case and has the original manual and a Greist buttonhole attachment. If you are interested in buying it, please email me at jersey.frederick@gmail.com. thanks :)
ReplyDeleteHow much are you asking? troppangel314@gmail.com
DeleteJust like the post above; I have inherited a 1958 Pfaff 332 in mint condition. This machine was purchased in Germany in 1958 with original receipts. This beautiful machine is fully functioning with lots of extra original parts, guide books and so much more. It also comes in a beautiful oak cabinet that was purchased with the sewing machine. Unfortunately, I am moving and will not be able to take this with me. Therefore this item is for sale. If your interested in buying it, please contact me at ryan8983@yahoo.com Ps. I have lots of pictures that will be provided upon request. thanks.
ReplyDeleteRyan, where are you and how much?
DeleteHow much?
Deletehow much is the price? troppangel314@gmail.com
DeleteFor those that have a hard time finding or coughing up the cash for a drive belt. I took a piece of 1/8 inch think medium stretch rubber and through trial an error in length was able to make a belt that gets the job done. Once the correct length is found I just sewed it together in a cross stitch pattern. Works on sewing upto 5 layers of canvas.
ReplyDeleteI have inherited 3 of these. All in good working condition. One was my mom's another my sisters, and not sure why she had a third. I don't sew and am not into restoring them. I can send pictures, lots of accessories, etc. Located in a Dallas, Texas suburb. Anyone interested?
ReplyDeleteNice to read about the 332. I picked one up and was trying to tell what year it is. The # is 5380742, haven't had any luck yet.
ReplyDeleteI have one stil working were can i sell it
ReplyDeleteis the machine still available?troppangel314@gmail.com
DeleteCan these machines sew Skin/leather..anyone?
ReplyDeleteI have one for sale if anyone is interested email me
ReplyDeleteNorthtracey@hotmail.com
do you still have it? troppangel314@gmail.com
DeleteHello, I recently had my Pfaff 332 cleaned and it's been working great (sewing masks), but has now slowed down and quit. I was having to nudge the drive wheel, but finally that stopped working. We checked out the foot pedal and it seems to be fine. Do you think it's the drive belt? I would like to get a new foot pedal and maybe a new drive belt. Does anyone know where to find these? Thanks, Katherine
ReplyDeletekhollow@nventure.com
Katherine, I've been sewing a lot on my grandmother's 332. Over the last few months, I've also noticed that I had to sometimes nudge the wheel to get it to take a stitch when it seemed sluggish. Today, I busted the drive belt... after 63 years of 3 generations sewing on it, it gave up the ghost. So, I'd assume that you're about to have the same issue as me and you might want to check your drive belt to see if it's frayed. I'm scouring the internet now to find a new one, or see if I can repair mine.
DeleteWow. So glad I found this. I inherited my mom’s pfaff 332 when she passed in 2001. I remember her sewing on it all of my life. I know it was purchased in 1957 and it is well worn but still just hums. I still use it for all of my sewing and am terrified something will break. I recently found a second one on eBay and bought it just for parts in case I ever need any. It’s a bit dirty but I intend to clean it up. I just love this machine. And will bookmark this page in case I ever need any advice about this machine.
ReplyDeletedoes anyone know i the 332 Pfaff does 1 - 2 layers of leather?
ReplyDeleteDear All,
ReplyDeleteI own a Pfaff 332 however, it needs a new internal motor. Does anyone know where i can get mine repaired or buy one. Thank you for any response.
how much are you asking "as is "
ReplyDeleteI have one of these email me at 2jlbrown1987@gmail.com make an offer. Found in a home we cleaned out for a customer.
ReplyDeleteWow. I took over my Mom's PFAFF 332 when I was 12. It is one year older than I am. I have made slip covers, purses, much of the clothes I wore through high school, MOST of my daughter's formals. My family joked that my presser foot was a 'gas petal'. I've always joked that I wanted to be buried with it. Today, however, I took it out of it's carrier after having neglected it for a year and found it will not transfer from zig-zag to straight line. Also, more of the plastic around the cords and several of the plastic knobs are cracking. I am afraid it is time to let go of my sewing companion.
ReplyDelete