Montgomery Ward UHT J 1276 Happy zigzag Sewing Machines

April 29, 2020

Montgomery Ward UHT J 1276 Happy zigzag Sewing Machines

SIGNATURE UHT J1276

Originally, I wasn't excited about Montgomery Ward sewing machines, because I never had one, until the 1990's, when my hubby brought home two very heavy Montgomery Ward sewing machines he was able to get at garage sales.

SIGNATURE UHT J1276 one of my VERY FAVORITE sewing machines!

They were frozen solid, and at first, I didn't think they were fixable. This is when I really began to realize, that a LOT of very good sewing machines were all metal, at least inside, and that they weren't "broken", they just hadn't been properly maintained and used, so the old oil had dried to a glue, freezing them solid!

I learned that cheap rubbing alcohol made a good method for dissolving the sticky glue, I apply it with a paintbrush or Qtips, so it can be wiped off, and then I use either sewing machine oil, or Tri-Flow oil to loosen stuck parts, making these very good Japanese made Happy (that is the manufacturer of machines with Happy molded into the underside of the machine bed) sewing machines work as well as they did when new!

Montgomery Ward Accessories the basic set given with most sewing machines purchased. This is missing the seam guide, but the thumb screw is here

Those first 2 Montgomery Ward sewing machines became some of my most treasured machines, so when friends needed to borrow a sewing machine, I felt these machines were so easy to use, and so reliable, I felt comfortable loaning them to family and friends.

When we moved from Idaho, to North Carolina, in 1995, I let those friends keep my Montgomery Ward Signature models, because I couldn't afford to bring too many sewing machines, and I had to keep my grandmother 's old Kenmore zigzag machine, and my Singer 14U64A serger, and my favorite portable freearm sewing machine, a Necchi 575FA.

Chart of threading instructions for Montgomery Ward Sewing Machines

I MISSED my Montgomery Ward Signature sewing machines, especially for heavy sewing, and certain decorative stitches, especially the vining stretch stitch, so we watched for a used one to buy. I LOVE the tangerine orange and cream decor of the Signature UHT J1276! It has stretch stitches, easy 4 step built in buttonhole, and a perfect mix of decorative zigzag and stretch stitches, in addition to the straight stitch, of course! All metal mechanical workings inside, this is still a pretty heavy flatbed model, one of my "never want to let it go" machines!

Montgomery Ware SIGNATURE Sewing Machines manual

Signature UHT J1276 with the very sturdy case

Signature UHT J1276 sewing machine is mostly metal, incredibly well made machines.

SIGNATURE UHT J1276 sewing machine top view front

Signature sewing machines VERY STURDY needlebar area

SIGNATURE UHT 1276 sewing machine stitches and front view of settings

Signature camstack appears to be black plastic, but I've never seen one broken DO NOT OIL the plastic I just noticed the cream or white plastic cam against the front of the machine, behind the Buttonholer knob, which also controls stretch stitch .odfcation, if this breaks, you knob will not function. It may be best to set it on straight stitch setting, and jyst use the forward stitches, if you notice a crack in this cam.

Over the years, I got more into fixing up old sewing machines, so people could use them again, so I watched in particular for a replacement Signature sewing machine, eventually being able to fix up and sew with a variety of models.

Montgomery Ward UHT J276C Moaning Sewing Machine Repair VIDEO

Montgomery Ward MOANING sewing machine repair

I will be creating a list, and sharing photos of some of these models, with more information about them, as I can.

Montgomery Ward 1344 Sewing Machine settings chart was an excellent advertising tool, but also an excellent reference for the home sewer, to show how to set the machine, and what feet to use, for each stitch.