Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Husqvarna 6570 (Ruby)

In 1979 Ruby was the last mechanical sewing machine manufactured by Husqvarna.  She was the top of the line and retailed for $1200 USD. 
In February 2010 I bought her online from a person in Montreal (as a birthday present to me) based on only one very poor photograph.  Ruby has eight plastic cams that fit into a shaft on her backside to make fancy decorative and utility stitches.
When she arrived here, one of her eight cams was broken and another was missing.  There were no accessories or manual.  The worse part was that after I cleaned her up she would not sew.  The transmission that drives the needlebar was worn out.  I could not find anyone in Brandon to fix her so I packed her up and shipped her to the Dominion Sewing Centre in Sudbury, Ontario.  I just got her back a few weeks ago.  
Dominion Sewing rebuilt the transmission, replaced the entire top tension mechanism, fixed the buttonholer, the needle up/down feature,  replaced the bottom screws that hold the motor and plug outlet in place and replaced the right side panel where the light switch and bobbin winder are.  After all this work Ruby was shipped back to me as good as new.
I purchased all the accessories and missing/broken cams from Dominion Sewing as well.  I have only sewn a few test scraps with her, but I sure do like looking at her.  She is red after all.  How many folks have a lovely red sewing machine to admire? 
I bought an electronic copy of the manual on-line and printed it.
Ruby also has an extension table.
The light is designed to be pulled down for finer work or to replace the bulb.  She also has a 5th gear, by pulling out the plastic nob behind the bobbin winder the machine will sew at 1/5th its usual speed with full piercing power for heavy duty fabrics or precise fine work.
This is a small scrap sample of  a few of Ruby's stitches. 
For more vintage treasures please visit Colorado Lady's blog.

60 comments:

  1. Wow, what a cool machine. Makes a great birthday present. I am still waiting to hear back from my repair guy about my Necchi, so I envy you getting your new baby back.

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  2. That's a beaut! Love that red and the rainbow stitch chart. Looks like it does a nice job too.

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  3. Aren't old vintage machines fun? My Mum had a different version of a similar machine for a while when I was little, the cams were fascinating. Yours is a lovely shade of red, isn't it?

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  4. How lovely. Ruby is a jewel. And, I'm so glad I'm not the only machine collector I know! Lane

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  5. It's very nice to look at and now it sews too!

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  6. What a wonderful gift to yourself (I do that sometimes too)! The stitch variety is terrific :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  7. What a great sewing machine! Fun that you now have the very last mechanical Husquavarna!

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  8. Fantastic machine!! Love the color...how fun to sew on something that is that fun to look at!! Happy VTT!

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  9. That machine is looking good for 31 years old!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I enjoyed stopping by yours!

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  10. Ruby is just gorgeous. It she sews as good as she looks, then you have a fantastic machine. Happy VTT..

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  11. Ruby is just gorgeous..I love the color..I'm happy she's working well.
    Happy VTT...

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  12. WOW!!!! That is one lucky machine!!!! It is obvious you love sewing, and I hope you have many happy hours using this wonderful vintage machine!

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  13. Wow! Good thing you could find everything you needed for it! It's very pretty :)

    Sarah

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  14. Oh, Ruby is blushing at all the compliments she is receiving ;)
    What a cool machine!
    My favorite vintage Singer bit the dust, and by bit the dust, I mean she was smoking from the inside! I think I accidentally killed her.
    But, I have another, that my Gram gave me, so I'm okay.
    I am happy for you that yours could be fixed!
    What a neat collection of machines you have!
    Very interesting!
    Have fun sewing!
    P.S. I came over from VTT.

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  15. Wow, Ruby sure had to go through alot to be restored! She's a beauty, and she looks like she's capable of making lots of really cool things!
    Happy VTT!
    Carol

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  16. What a wonderful sewing machine! I just love it... And the color is great! The intricate stitch work is so neat... Truly a fabulous find!

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  17. Love all the wonderful stitching modes - beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  18. What a wonderful sewing machine!I too love the color and I'm sure you will have tons of fun creating all kinds of goodies on her.

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  19. I am here. Ha Ha. Everyone said everything wonderful about this machine. My daughters jumped all over me when I bought my last machine Viking Diamond. I now have Singer XL6000 that I AM going to sell because I also have Viking Designer SE, Babylock Elegante, Evolve and a Evolution Serger, Babylock Hemmer, Janone Magnolia. If I saw your red machine I would have bought it. It is a beauty. Happy Sewing.

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  20. If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take to get her serviced through Dominion, and how much did you pay for the cams? A coworker brought me a similar machine today (that she found on the curb with the garbage!). My machine is working, but only came with one cam. Was it hard for Dominion to find the missing cams for yours? Thanks so much!

    Julie

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  21. 1-877-673-2443 that's the toll free number for Dominion sewing in Sudbury. Luc is very reasonably priced and knowledgeable about these sewing machines. I paid $60 CAD for the accessory case, two cams, half a dozen bobbins and all the missing accessories plus a new foot collar. He had everything except the accessory case in stock. He had to wait to get an old 6000 series Husqvarna in that the accessory tray was still good.

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  22. I have had several 6570's. They all needed work on them to get them running again. But once they have been gone through, they sew like a charm. I have a beautiful one now (like new). I have rebuilt and cleaned it but now having difficulty finding all the accessories (or if I see them they are so expensive). Will probably try and sell it to someone who has all the attachments.

    Craig

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  23. Hi,

    Does anyone know if the electronic part under the right side cover (pcb?) is still made/being sold?

    I just bought one of these (a white one, although i like the red very much) and it seems that the condensors are broken...

    Thanks!

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  24. Hi! I stumbled across your blog and love the project ideas. So fun, doggy booties! I have a Husqvarna 2000 6360, and I love it! I don't have a manual for it and I saw you had an electronic copy, would it be possible for me to get a copy? I would really appreciate it!

    I am also looking at getting a Necchi BU - it looks like we have great taste ;) I love the look of the Necchi and it has all the cams and feet!

    Thanks for your fun blog

    Happy sewing!

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  25. Hello Esseltes! Thank you for your comment on my blog. It is always great to read someone is enjoying the information and stories I blog about. And Yes you do have great taste in vintage sewing machines. The Necchis are not only ornamental, they are excellent sewing machines. I uploaded the manual for the 6570 and added the link in Ruby's posting. You may download it for free here:
    https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3ZCshcLQhKuZjcwYmIzNDAtMzYxYy00MmViLTgwY2YtMmNlNDg4YzdlMzZk&hl=en&authkey=CMm75Z4C

    Enjoy... happy stitching!

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    1. Tammy, I just bought a Viking 6460. It looks brand new but of course it was frozen solid and the cam stack was broken. I ordered a new cam stack, replaced it after getting the machine all oiled up and loose. It seemed to sew well at first but when I sped up it started knocking,, so from research, I guess the bearing on the thread take up is split. That looks like a harder fix and I'm considering sending it out. This one has everything (slide out table, two original manuals, eight perfect cams, A-H, but only a few feet, which are easy to replace I hear. I'm trying to find a place to send it to that is affordable, but I'm rather poor. I really want to get this lovely machine working. I used your link to continue my research, but it had me ask for permission. Thanks for all that you have done here. Regards, Carla

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  26. Thanks so much! I am going to use it tonight to do a peekaboo jeans repair. You have inspired me to start up my own blog to catalogue my endeavours!! Thanks again for the manual

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  27. I purchased a new Husqvana 6570 in 1981 when we lived in Toronto as a gift for my wife. We now live in New Brunswick. The Husqvava broke about 5 years ago (will only do a straight stitch) and she was unable to find anyone to fix it. She packed it away and puchased a new Baby Lock.
    So, thank you for including the info were you had your repairs done. We will be driving up to Manitoulin Island this fall and will take the machine with us to have it repaired (we will make arrangements with them first, of course).

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  28. Hi There

    I've just set up a blog for repairing the older Husqvarna Viking Models. You will find some good tips not found in any service manual

    http://husqvarna-viking-service-repair.blogspot.com/

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  29. Oh, you are lucky! These machines are hard to find, I would love to have one. It's very like the one I grew up with, ah nostalgia.

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  30. I have this machine, my mother has this machine, though she bought it new and paid full price and wouldn't let me near it until I could sew reasonably well. A jewel!!!! It still sews as nicely as my newer Husqvarna. It is too heavy to transport regularly, but is quieter than almost any other brand of machine.

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  31. i just got one at the pawn shop and all the stuff is not there so i was wondering if u had a place to get the stuff it needs the b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i, knobs and all the foots and the table the clips in and a bobbin case that is original but the machine works great so far have not been able to sew on it but will in time thanks Jackie

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  32. I learned to sew on my mother's 6570 and have been coveting my grandmother's identical machine ever since she moved out of her house. Over Thanksgiving break this year, my mother surprised me with it! I had just been considering getting a new machine, but now I have what I have always wanted. I just hope it never dies!

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  33. I am so glad I found your blog! I was gifted a Husqvarna 6570 for my bday...Best present ever!
    And named her Red...:)Missing manual until now...Thank YOU! Val

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  34. I couldn't get the link to work for the manual. Any tips?

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  35. Never mind! Got it to work. Thanks!

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  36. I have already bought that sewing machine and I had the manual in Norwegian. Thanks for sharing that english manual!

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  37. Hi! I have the exactly same type sewing machine in ruby color here in Finland. Love the machine, it never gets jammed, even sews 6 times folded jeans fabric and leather:) I got it for my birthday in 1994 and it has served me well.

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  38. I recently found this exact sewing machine sitting by a dumpster. I have always wanted a sewing machine so I picked it up. I didn't know what a gem I found until I started researching it. So far it seems to work, I just need to order a bobbin case. I also noticed that mine says Viking on the front, and after looking at the manual it's because mine was sold here in the US. I'm looking forward to using mine. Thanks for the blog.

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  39. Hello,
    many thanks for your blog and manual :)
    Do you have eventually also the maintenance one?
    Best,
    Chris

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  40. Hello,
    many thanks for your blog and manual :)
    Do you have eventually also the maintenance one?
    Best,
    Chris

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  41. Hello :) My mom gave this sewing machine as a wedding present to us... I only had to fix one screw... 30 years old and still ticks perfectly :D Only problem that i dont find the manual anywhere :( and all the plastic cams are lost :( do you still have a copy of the manual? can you send it to my email... jarkka_82@hotmail.com... I cant open the links?

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  42. hello.. i need manual for husqvarna 6570 can somebady send me my email is armindananovic92@gmail.com

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  43. I have av white one w the original bill of sale and the book. I'm having problems w the stitch length not changing but this is the first time I've had to have it serviced. Tip funny i found this.

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  44. I have this machine. I think I bought earlier than 1979. Also red! I did a lot of sewing for 2 daughters through the years on the Viking. It's not my main machine now, I can't part with her though. She was completely serviced last year. You can't compare the newer machines to the 6570. Enjoy your machines!

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  45. Thank you so much for sharing the manual. I just bought a used one, and I had some questions about using it. Can't wait to try my new old beautiful red machine!

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  46. I was so glad to find all your comments about 'my' Husqvarna 6570 Selectronic Ruby here and to see kind people willing to share the manual. Unfortunately I didn't succeed with downloading it. Do I need a 'license' for downloading? Now that I read your enthusiastic comments about the machine I am all the more eager to learn using it. Haven't really learned how to use all those knobs and handles also I tried desperately. Didn't even find any way to BUY a manual, not even here in Sweden. Would someone help me, please? Thanks a lot and 'sew' friendly greetings from Sàpmi/Sweden.

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    Replies
    1. Please send me your email address so I can send you the link for the manual

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    2. Thanks a lot, Tammy!!! Powercopy@web.de

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  47. Hi Rickard in Sweden here. Bought an old 6570 for 100 SEK (12$), trying to fix worn clothes thats need a stich or two. My machine does not work perfect so I am in need for a manula to go over all the settings and maintanance procedures. Hopfully I will get i work properly after that. So I would be very happyg If i have av copy of the manual. Regards /Rickard

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  48. can i get the manual, spork40@hotmail.com

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  49. Happy 2019 - I am setting up my own “new” Viking selectronic 6570 (is it really 40 years old?). I bought it to teach a granddaughter how to sew, as I am not ready to let her use my Viking 990, which I bought new 30+ years ago. I am lucky that the 6570 came with all its cams, bobbins, lots of feet, operating manual AND sewing manual (talk about vintage...), extension table; just missing the travel case and tray for accessories. So far it sews a great straight seam with perfect tension - it will be a work horse for a ten year old making her first quilt, and she can work along side her “Nana” - memories she will have long after I am gone.

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  50. Hi Tammy,
    Sophie from France here.
    I bought a 6570 a few days ago. It works well ; unfortunately, it came with only one bobbin, and one presser foot.

    I Don't know what kind of presser feet to buy. Could you give me an advice about it ?

    Thanks a lot !

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  51. Hi Tammy,
    I bought a 6570 a few days ago, a very nice machine that works very well. Unfortunetaly, it cam with only one bobbin and one presser foot.

    I found bobbins easily on the internet, but it seems more difficult to find feet pressers… Could you give me an advice to buy models which will fit to my machine ?
    Thanks a lot, and congratulations for your blog.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sophie, this Husqvarna uses standard low shank snap on feet. I found this set at amazon.ca
      https://www.amazon.ca/Professional-Machine-Multifunction-Domestic-Accessories/dp/B07GBTW7GG/ref=sr_1_8_sspa?keywords=presser+feet+for+husqvarna+6570+sewing+machine&qid=1569995474&s=gateway&sr=8-8-spons&psc=1&smid=A3VAOAURHASR38&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRUowSVBEUFBPRDdCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzUwODEyUVNSSFdDMkhEV0VHJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMzU3MDgyU0RCOVFTMFpXQUdMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYnRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
      Happy stitching.

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  52. Hi Tammy, just found your blog. I have a Ruby too! My mother bought it new in the 1980’s to support her home dressmaking business. Now it is mine, I have had it serviced and recently decided to start my own business, with Ruby providing the horsepower. Hope you are still enjoying your Ruby.

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  53. My sister in law lent me a "Ruby" back in 1979. Oh how I coveted her. Such a beautiful machine and a pleasure to use. Pure class.

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  54. Thank you for the great article! I just pulled this exact machine out of a trash pile with all its parts and pieces! So excited to try it out. I may have to do some oiling and cleaning too, so your article really helps. I would love to find the service manual or get a copy of yours if it's possible.

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Your comments give me quite a thrill. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and please have a super duper day! Unfortunately, anonymous comments are no longer allowed, there was just way too much spam.