My favourite website Sew Mama Sew has a sewing machine questionnaire on their site so that they can source lots of info on different types of sewing machines and find out what people want from one.
Here are my answers:
What brand and model do you have? A 1950;s (I think) Novum Deluxe Mark III, if anyone has any info on this brand I love to hear it as I can’t find anything on the internet about it.
How long have you had it? About a month
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? £5
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? Clothes mainly
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I try to sew every day but rarely manage it with 3 children and a house to run.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love it and no, it doesn’t have a name.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? I have an amazing array of feet to go on it, a ruffler, a pintuck foot, a bias binding maker which also sews the bias tape onto the garment, a narrow hem foot and a few others.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? Nope.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! Bought it at a car boot fair and knocked him down from £10, I do love a good haggle.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? YES!!!! Amazingly fast and smooth, sews like a dream to a near industrial standard, plus it looks fabulous too.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I don’t know much about sewing machines, I just want one that can go through quite thick fabric and maybe even leather, is reliable, strong, simple and easy to use.
Do you have a dream machine? I think I have it already 🙂
Nins And Peedles 
Jun 08, 2009 @ 07:28:00
Anna – Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I’ve loved looking at yours – you’re so talented! We miss you and Barney sends Fergus a big ‘woof’ back.
Love Dx
Jun 24, 2009 @ 00:19:46
Good article for me
Jun 24, 2009 @ 00:28:15
Thanks for this article
Jul 02, 2009 @ 22:24:39
Hi, I linked here from the Sew Mama Sew collection of machine memes…
I had never heard of the Novum brand before, which is why I clicked. It seems that you don’t know much about it either, so I thought that I would offer that it looks to a Singer-clone. There were a lot of manufacturing companies in Japan that were making these after WWII–and even more distributors that were putting their names on them! So a lot of times it’s difficult to find info on any particular brand because that brand didn’t really exist as a company in the way that other sewing machine makers did.
It looks really similar to some of the 1940/1950s models. Kind of like the 15-91 but not exactly. You can find out a lot of info about Singers, and even Japanese clones, on http://www.needlebar.com
Good luck!
Jul 02, 2009 @ 23:27:15
Thanks for that, that was really interesting, I’ll check out the link 🙂
Jul 31, 2013 @ 23:43:39
Hi, Mere man here. Can’t really so but am great with mechanicals, electrics and electronics. Novum Machines were, (perhaps still are), made in Ireland. They made everything from lighweight to Industrials.
Oct 23, 2009 @ 13:08:15
Argh! I just took one of these beauties down from my attic last night! Trying to find out online how to thread the thing! How is it done???
Mar 27, 2010 @ 17:49:06
Hi I just bought this Sewing Machine today
Novum Mark III second hand for 60 euros I want to fix my trousers and to try to make things as well. I have never used a sewing machine before could you tell me is there any manuals on the internet or could you forward me any know how. I’m a 39 year old single bachelor looking to learn. I’ve heard in the east man sow more than in the west. And not behind closed doors neither
Any Help would be great thanks
May 15, 2010 @ 17:21:46
I have one of these machines but i want to get rid of it. How much am i looking to get for it??
Jan 23, 2012 @ 17:36:07
Does Novum Mark III do zig zag?
Jan 23, 2012 @ 17:53:06
The one I have doesn’t.
Feb 10, 2012 @ 19:59:02
Not sure why but I was drawn to buy a Novum Mark III for £5 from a charity shop yesterday! It came without the electrical lead and doesn’t have many feet with it – trying to source those items now. It’s such a sturdy machine compared to the more modern one I have, weighs a ton! Really looking forward to trying it out.
Mar 27, 2013 @ 16:46:01
I have a Novum Mk111 and absolutely love it! Yes, it is a Singer clone of a 15K (which I also have) but I find the Novum is smoother and better looking (mine is in egg shell blue same as pic). I purchase mine on e bay for 99pence (yes, true) and has to be put down as my best buy ever. I liked it so much I purchased another one for my daughter for £10 (she now has two novums, the other a Mk 1) who is doing textiles at university. They were indeed manufactured in Japan but there was also a factory producing Novums in Southern ireland. the Novum brand along with New Home became rebranded as Janome (bet youv all heard of those!) and are still going strong. Nearly all Singer low shank straight stitch presser feet are interchaingable with the Novums and many of the parts on a 15K Singer will fit straight onto the Novum
Jun 29, 2014 @ 13:02:43
where can i get a manual for the mark 3 i was given one yeaterday thanks erika
Jul 02, 2014 @ 08:43:48
However, if you mean presser feet (hemming foot, zip foot, etc) then the easiest ones to get hold of are Singer ones that will fit on your Novum. Presser feet from any straight stitch older Singer will fit and they are readily available on e bay.
Mar 27, 2013 @ 16:49:59
p.s. I have a manual in PDF format of the Novum Mk1, although not identical to the Mk111 there are many similarities. The main difference is that the light is not built into the machine. Let me know if anyone wants one e mailed to them.
Mar 27, 2013 @ 16:58:45
I would love a copy of the manual if it’s no trouble. Many thanks for all the info.
SAL
Jun 06, 2013 @ 13:52:30
Hi Sharon, If you send a message to my e mail address, mikebees100@hotmail.com I will reply and send the instruction manual as an attachment.
Mike
Jun 06, 2013 @ 13:29:04
Hi just read your comments and in the process of getting one of these novum machines but it has no leads instructions etc. we are hoping to send them to Africa (church and orphanage) there maybe someone who has the time to fix the machine.
we will appriciated some instructions thank you.
Bev
Jun 06, 2013 @ 14:00:08
Hi Bev,
Although not Africa, I have in the passed helped with a charity that sends Sewing Machines to India, basically, checking over the machines and making sure they were in full working order. If you send me a message to my e mail address (mikebees100@hotmail.com) I will reply with the instruction manual as an attachment. If you need any help with servicing the machine please contact me.
Kind regards, Mike
Jun 06, 2013 @ 14:08:30
oh, and you turn a dial in the Mk1 rather than press a butt0n on Mk3 for drop feed!
Sep 01, 2014 @ 20:32:08
Hi Mike,
I’ve just been given a Novum Deluxe Mark 1 machine and it’s missing the instructions.
Having read your post, It really would be most appreciated if you could email me the PDF copy you have,
Many thanks,
Paul.
Sep 01, 2014 @ 20:57:50
Hi Paul, my e mail address is given above, send me a message and I’ll reply with the instruction manual attached.
Mike
Sep 11, 2014 @ 13:56:10
Hi,
If you still have a copy of the novum manual I would love a copy please.
Thanks fiona
Apr 03, 2016 @ 05:42:27
Please email Mark 1 manual, just bought one for $50 US. Thanks.
Sep 25, 2019 @ 22:56:10
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the helpful info you’ve posted on the Novum MKIII which I have.
You mentioned that you have a copy of the manual for a MKI. I’d be most grateful if you could email me a copy.
Kind Regards,
Michael Finn
Apr 19, 2020 @ 17:02:11
Hi if you still have a manual could you email me one pleae
Mar 27, 2013 @ 16:53:22
Wow, that’s fabulous info thanks for that!
May 09, 2013 @ 21:30:29
I have a Novum Deluxe Mk111, made by Novum Ltd in the Republic of Ireland, its wonderful. The Novum company was taken over by New Home in the 60’s and then by Janome in the 70’s. Cannot find any info about Novum Ltd of Ireland except they went on to make washing machines. I want to know who the founder of Novum was and when they started out.There is still a Novum Ltd on Abbey St. Dublin, N.I. but whether they are part of the same, I dont know. All I know is that my Novum, and have just purchased an earlier one, has the Irish horseshoe shaped makers badge and I think the Novums run even better than a Singer – wouldnt part for the world.
Jul 22, 2013 @ 13:33:18
Hi I have just got into the sewing lark and purchased a Novum De Luxe mark IV from a charity shop for £10. I really need a manual for it as I am completely stumped and my mum is too! If anyone can help me I would be so grateful.
Jan 02, 2014 @ 18:37:15
hi I have just got a novum delux mark 3 and need a manual if anyone has this please please could you copy for me thanks and all the best for 2014 to all. mel
Jan 02, 2014 @ 23:02:15
Hi Melani, Scroll up, my e mail address is there, e mail me and i’ll reply with manual as attachment.
Helen, if you can send me a pic of the Mk IV I may have a manual
Mike
Jan 02, 2014 @ 23:20:54
I now have four Novums without manuals. They are so easy to thread and service yourself – if you know anything about sewing machines no need for manual. Two of mine are earlier than the Mk 1V and so easy and commonsensical to use. One I have even repaired myself and the motor runs on an old hoover band!! Thats how easy they are and I sew everything from chiffon to leather with them all and even free-motion quilt. They are the best ever. I managed to get tables for them all so they are always set up and ready and dont forget most Singer parts and needles fit the Novum. I love , love, love them, Mo.
Jan 03, 2014 @ 09:28:22
I agree, the Novums I have are very easy to use and understand, however I would say that it is useful to have a manual to hand if you wish to do some basic maintenance such as oiling the machine. Also, if you are used to more modern machines you may put the needle in wrongly and thread front to back rather than left to right on a Novum (this can damage the machine). The generic term for early Novums as well as many other makes that copied the basic format of the Singer 15 is HA-1. If you go to:
Click to access ha-1-ib-wgh-instruction-manual.pdf
you can download one for free.
If you want one that is specific to a Novum then e mail me and I will send if free of charge. Mike
Jan 03, 2014 @ 12:00:13
Hi, I have a Novum Mark III (never had it working) I need to buy a foot pedal & lead. Please do you have any idea where I might get one? Sharon
Jan 03, 2014 @ 14:40:14
Hi Sharon, Novums tend to come with usually two types of motors (but there may be others) either a Janome motor that has four flat pins where it connects to the lead or a Sewtrick motor that has four round pins. The leads and foot controller have to correspond to the motor. You could try e bay, graigslist & gumtree, also try any sewing machine repair shops that are near you.
Best of luck, Mike
Jan 03, 2014 @ 15:26:41
Hi Mike, it appears I need a Sewtrick one so that is a great help, thanks very much. I’ve had this machine for a while but I’m determined to try and get it going – New Year and all that! Thanks for your help. Sharon
Jan 03, 2014 @ 10:46:05
The Mk IV Novum is basically an updated Mk III but given a more modern 60’s look. As far as I can see the only major difference is that the Mk IV has a dial to set stitch length and a push in knob to backtack. The mechanics and threading are pretty much the same.
Jan 03, 2014 @ 11:05:54
After a little bit more research I have now found a free download manual for a Mk IV Novum, go to:
Click to access novum_mk4.pdf
be patient, it takes a little time to download.
Mike
Jan 15, 2014 @ 18:09:29
Hi Mike, I have managed to purchase a foot pedal and lead from ebay which fits the Sewtrick motor on my Novum Mark III !! I think I will need to buy a new rubber band for it too. Many thanks for the info you gave me earlier. Sharon
Jul 01, 2014 @ 15:08:59
Hello where can i get different feet for my novum?
Jul 01, 2014 @ 17:03:01
Hello, I have four of the beauties and don’t use any other machine. I have mine set in their own sewing tables which have lids so you can close them down. I found old ones and restored them. I always have mine open so you cant miss the lovely machines and spread around my sewing room ready for action. I wish someone would find information on who Novum was, that name must come from somewhere – I like to think Singers are Novum clones!!
As for feet, look on ebay, I think you mean the little rubber stops on the bottom. I got a whole pack for £2 for my Singer 201.
Jul 02, 2014 @ 11:26:56
iF YOU MEAN PRESSER FEET TO ACHIEVE DIFFERENT STITCH OPTIONS THEN THERE ARE PLENTY OF SINGER ONES AVAILABLE. ANY STRAIGHT STITCH SINGER FEET WILL FIT ON THE NOVUM .
Jul 04, 2014 @ 15:14:03
have or can you give instructions for the norvum mk 3 please
Jul 04, 2014 @ 21:48:56
Yes I have, please e mail me at mikebees100@hotmail.com and I will return with instructions attached.
Aug 01, 2014 @ 11:14:28
Hi Jacqueline,
I’m not sure where you are based but there is a full set of attachments currently on e bay including a zip foot. If you go to e bay then enter this number 221509139956 for search you should find it.. I personally use singer attachments on my Novum Mk111 and they work perfectly.
Mike
Aug 02, 2014 @ 19:41:13
Thanks Mike,im from Ireland. It wouldnt be a problem to get stuff from e bay.
Aug 02, 2014 @ 19:46:26
🙂
Jul 04, 2014 @ 21:44:21
Thank you
Jul 04, 2014 @ 22:07:32
Hi Jacqueline,
If you go to http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/1297_201k.pdf
and scroll down to page 35 ther are a list and instructions for use of most of the presser feet available for Singer machines that fit Novums. The one missing is the quilting foot, I find that very useful.
Jul 04, 2014 @ 21:51:27
Or go to
Click to access ha-1-ib-wgh-instruction-manual.pdf
for a generic instruction manual
Jul 04, 2014 @ 22:14:13
Or http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/41_66.pdf
and scroll down to P 16
this shows all the popular presser foot attachments.
Mike
Jul 05, 2014 @ 07:59:40
it is a mark 3 delux but i want to know how to thread it n do the spool etc thank so will keep looking i am away for a week or so thanks
Jul 28, 2014 @ 14:15:01
I am having no luck with getting different feet, zip foot or any other. CAn anyone advice where i can buy these. i have a novum delux mark 111..thanks in advance
Jul 29, 2014 @ 15:39:32
The Novum Mk 111 is what they call a ‘clone’ of the Singer Model 15 and as such nearly all presser feet from straight stitch Singers will fit your Novum and they are pretty easy to get hold of on e bay etc
Jan 02, 2015 @ 00:51:19
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Feb 08, 2015 @ 23:04:56
Hi
I have just realise my nans machine is a Novum deluxe 1X, it has no peddle though so I’m trying to track on down. It looks like a tank! I can’t wait to have a go on it. I found nothing on Internet either so it’s good to read some of the background on here.
May 08, 2015 @ 11:26:29
Hi Miss Printed, I had the same problem when I bought a Novum, initially I just put another motor on it with matching foot controller, however, some time later I bought a Winfield (Woolworth) machine on e bay for next to nothing (£2.50 I think) that came with a Janome foot controller. This matched the motor that came with my Novum exactly so my Novum now has a matching motor and foot controller. Winfields are just rebranded Novums and Janome’s but sell for a lot less because of the brand so keep an eye out for one on e bay, Craigslist etc
Dec 14, 2015 @ 23:43:51
I just got a Novum mark iii without a manual. Does anyone have one that I could get a copy of. The motor sounds like it is working but the belt is not moving. Any help would be appreciated. tia
Jan 11, 2016 @ 12:56:59
link for Novum Mark III manual here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/256447195/Novum-Mark-3-Instruction-Booklet
you can download pictures (right click on the picture – save picture as:)…
Sep 07, 2017 @ 14:57:08
Dear Petra,
Thanks for the link, Would you please email me the link for the Novum Deluxe Mark 3 manual. I have bought the sewing machine for my sister to start up something for herself. I will be going to Uganda with the machine and would like to give her the manuals just in case of servicing and how to take care of it.
Mar 13, 2016 @ 08:44:26
I had my Novum since the 1960’s. Bra and new and have used it. Over the years but just recently. Hmong problems with the bobbin winder. It does not run freely and has worn away the original tyre ring ! I have removed the rod attatchment to try and fix it I could do with a pic of how to re assemble it and help I. Getting it to turn again and help would be appreciated I have the two instruction books that came with it but no ref to this part in the books
Oct 04, 2017 @ 15:08:44
Anyone with Novum mark 111 instructional manual download pls? Kindly help me out. I just got the machine on monday without manual. Thanks.
Dayo.
Sep 11, 2019 @ 19:22:56
Hi do you have an instruction mania or tips on how to use this model??