Singer 306 Sewing Machines

The Singer model 306 sewing machine was a development of, and replacement for, the cast iron bodied Singer 206 with which it shared the same operating mechanism and many of the same parts. The 306K machines were produced at the Kilbowie factory between 1954 and 1961. They were finished in either black or a tan colour, but a few were made with a tan crinkle finish to the pillar, top arm and top cover plate.

306W models were identical machines, but made in the Bridgeport, Connecticut factory and 306M models were made in Monza, Italy. The Singer 319K was a very similar sister model to the 306K made between 1956 and 1961.

Singer 306K

Model 306K Automatic

The Singer sewing machine models 206, 306, 319 & 320 models used a removable bobbin case which takes special type 55623 large capacity bobbins. The bobbin case mounts vertically into the hook from the front. It is therefore necessary to tilt the machine backwards to access the bobbin case underneath the bed. To make this easier, the base is provided with a latch to support the machine in the tilted back position.

306K Bobbin Area

306K Bobbin Area

306K Bobbin Area

Underbed Mechanism - 306K

These models use needles with shorter points than the common 15x1 needles used on most other models. It is essential that ONLY the correct type 206x13 needles are used in these models, or else serious damage can result.

The Singer model 306 sewing machine was advanced for its time, as it featured a cast aluminium body and included a built in zigzag capability. The machines had twin spool pins and tension discs so that they could be used with twin needles for decorative stitching. The 306K machines have full reverse feed faciltiy as well as a method of disconnecting the feed for free motion and embroidery work.

Earlier models known as the 'Automatic Swing-Needle 306K' had the facility to automatically produce different stitch patterns by mounting plastic pattern discs (cams) into a holder at the top of the main pillar. Later models such as the 306K22 and 306K23 did not include the use of pattern cams.

Technical Details

Size Full size (14-3/4" base)
Motor Singer BAK (external with V belt)
Drive Belt Simanco Part No. 189651 (38.5cm O.D)
Speed Control Bakelite foot pedal (Style B)
Needle 206x13 (Flat to back)
Needle Threading Front to back
Bobbin Type 55623
Work Light Fitted to rear
Finish Black or Tan

306K Serial Numbers

From Number To Number Quantity Date
       
EJ 474143 EJ 484142 10000 29 January 1954
EJ 626272 EJ 646271 20000 22 April 1954
EJ 868722 EJ 883721 15000 8 September 1954
EJ 948425 EJ 968424 20000 12 September 1954
EJ 986425 EJ 999999 13575 9 November 1954
EK 000001 EK 016475 16475 9 November 1954
EK 303939 EK 319938 16000 8 March 1955
EK 459451 EK 479450 20000 2 May 1955
EL 115501 EL 135500 20000 24 January 1956
EL 281120 EL 301119 20000 20 March 1956
EL 517735 EL 537734 20000 12 June 1956
EL 851256 EL 876255 25000 6 November 1956
EM 188470 EM 213469 25000 19 February 1957
EM 436983 EM 461982 25000 14 May 1957
EM 621007 EM 646006 25000 15 August 1957
EM 824008 EM 874007 50000 18 October 1957
EM 977521 EM 999999 22479 11 December 1957
EN 111513 EN 131512 20000 23 February 1958
EN 243334 EN 423333 180000 1 May 1958
EN 566334 EN 616333 50000 24 June 1958
EN 649334 EN 699333 50000 4 August 1958
EP 489072 EP 509071 20000 11 September 1959
EP 658473 EP 678473 20000 6 November 1959
EP 892023 EP 922032 30000 22 January 1960
ER 278034 ER 303033 25000 25 May 1960
ER 518534 ER 548533 30000 21 July 1960
ES 142844 ES 152843 10000 12 October 1960
ES 364844 ES 414843 50000 6 February 1961
ES 601644 ES 606643 5000 2 May 1961

Photos

Singer 306K-01

306K - Front

Singer 306K-02

306K - Back

Singer 306K-03

306K - End

Singer 306K-04

306K - Balance Wheel