I love the Singer 201! I have 4 of them. One is a hand crank, one is a treadle, one has a potted motor, and the last one has a belted motor. All 4 of them create the most even, beautiful stitches! They made quality sewing machines back then.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and thorough video. I grew up on a Bernina 830. I sewed a lot on a PFAFF embroidery machine. But once I started sewing on a 201 I never looked back. I really like needed to size down and was very conflicted bt my 15-91s and 201. I am so glad I kept my 201. I’ve sewn more on that than any other machine. As tough as she is she sews the most beautiful rolled hem on silk
201 purrs beautiful. About 6 years ago I bought a stunning treadle, centenary year in immaculate condition £50 from Scotland. I struggle to use treadle now and would love to add a motor. Beautiful inventions and so easy to maintain, they definitely should be looked after. I don't imagine many machines bought new today will last as long or could cope with sewing thick leather or denim. These machines are available at such low prices, they have plenty of accessories to manage lots of different projects. Great for people on very low budgets to start recycling old clothes and bedding and possibly selling their items, the machine would pay for itself very easily. SAVE OUR BEAUTIFUL SINGER SEWING MACHINES. 💖
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 this is true , i sew patches on my leather vest and use a 15-91 for that work , only because there are so many 15s cheep i dont need to worry if i hurt my Singer , but of course, it still hasnt happened , probably never will lol ........
Husqvarna (Viking) sewing machines with built in slow gear are definitely able to sew thicker materials than 201 unless you don't have some slow gear modification in 201. But it is best not to torture domestic machines like that because they are not meant for that kind of work 201 is a special machine and it makes me smile every time I use it. It is quiet, smooth, fast enough for me, reliable and easy to use and service. It never skip stiches and stich quality is perfect when you have line tensions adjusted correctly
I agree with your statement that the 201 was Singer's best domestic machine. However, I would go so far to say that it is THE BEST ever made by anyone (domestic sewing machines only. )
Wow! Thank you for this. I've just bought a reconditioned 1960 201k with a new motor for making bags. I've been hoping she lives up to the hype, but have still been guarded with my testing, based on the performance from my modern, domestic - and very expensive - Brother machine! Having seen this vid it gives me much more confidence that the Singer is going to more than cope with what I ask of her.
Very helpful. I am working with leather as a hobby and this was exactly what I needed to understand why the 201 is so popular. Very clear and succinct with all the right information. Thank you.
Thank you for all of your videos. I just found you about a month ago, and have learned a great deal about how sewing machines work. You and others have demystified the cleaning and maintenance process for me. Now I have cleaned and tuned both my 1950 66 and my 1950 301A, and am doing most of my sewing on these beautiful machines!
I own a 101-3 in a #40 library table, funny thing is I bought what I thought was a little table at a garage sale and went to carry it out and couldnt believe how heavy it was lol. I discovered the sewing machine tucked underneath
Thank you for sharing. I have A.PAAFF JUST. LIKE YOURS.Very durable. I bought it second hand. The only thing it has no cover on the bobbins but It is a giant. BLESSINGS. VIEWING FROM THE FRENCH ISLAND ST MARTIN IN THE CARIBBEAN BLESSINGS
Thanks for your video, and I hope some more of these machines are saved this way. I have only tried to use about 10 different sewing machines in my life, and then I have read something about at lot of other machines. I can only confirm your statement, that the Singer 201 is a very capable machine. It is also easy to modify, and you can still get spare parts quite cheap and easy. I have modified one of the two I got, so it is able to sew heavier thread and fabrics. The modifications provide good low speed control and significantly higher thread tension. I have sewn about 2500 m of Tex 135 Thread in vinyl and dense webbing this way, and I still see no signs of wear from that. So in this way I can do some heavy jobs without the need for an industrial machine, and it do not take up space in a fixed table. It is also possible for me to transport it to a job somewhere else. The only problem I see with the machine is the needle thread tensioner, because it can be somewhat unpredictable. So I am glad to use a spring dynamometer to check thread tension now and then.
That’s Excellent, what modifications have you done for heavier threads, can you share on my Face Book group, Sew Far North. Thank you, This link: facebook.com/groups/1346509865787938/?ref=share_group_link
Maquinas lindas. Nao falo ingles ...mas so por ver as máquinas maravilhosas no video fico muito feliz. Adquiri a pouquinho tempo em um brecho uma 15c da Singer. Muito bom .
I'm the owner of two 15-125, a 66, two 201s, a 215G, a 216G, and a 316G.... as well as a double handful of straight-stitch Kenmores, a Pfaff 30, and some HA-1 Japanese clones of the 15. Of them all, I'd have to say the 216G gives the straightest stitch and the straightest feed. The 201 is about as good as my 15s, but a good bit smoother.
I watched a previous video of yours with different vintage machines and the singer 66 looks and sounds gorgeous. But the singer 201 sounds gorgeous to. What are the differences between the two? I have a Bernina 1030 in a diy cabinet, which sews very smooth. But videos like this makes me wonder how a 100% metal singer feels while sewing😄 I would love to own an industrial in the future when I might need one, but according to your video, a 66 or 201 might sound right for corset and dressmaking to. Dillema's, dillema's😅
The 66 is a great machine, but The 201 is smoother and stronger than the 66. An industrial will go all day every day for years. Try them all. See what you like.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 thanks for the explanation between the 66 and 201👍🏻 I own a 28k and 128k with the intention to learn machine maintenance myself. Sewing a fully rigiline boned corset on them will be a good test, to see what a basic all metal machine is capable off, in comparison with my go-to Bernina. I can always decide later if I like a fully metal machine better for such works, over my Bernina. I worked with industrials in the past and a friend nearby has one where I have worked on. So in general I know how they feel and sew like. At the moment I don't need to upgrade at all, but my mind can dream and wonder off a bit to much at times😇 I will keep the 201 in mind, I saw a video where you can attach a servo motor to the machine through a belt. I'm wondering how much effort and perhaps money it involves to convert a machine like that with table, where on the other hand for the same amount you can buy a second hand industrial 🤔 In general I'm a bit worried if a house hold sewing machine motor, will be able to withstand sewing such corset based garments. I think that's why my mind keeps wondering off, based on my industrial sewing experience 😇😁
Hi. I watched this video with great interest having very recently bought a Singer 201 myself. What make or brand of needles do you use or recommend? I have been testing the needles that came with my machine and despite them being the same brand and type there is significant variation in how effective they are. I expect they are worn, some more so than others, so I will be buying new needles in the near future. Thank you.
I have a 201. Love it. So quiet and does sew beautifully-- but where can I get bobbins that fit it properly? The new “66” style are horrid! That’s when I have a problem with it. I only have one original style bobbin which of course is impractical!
Thanks just bought my Singer 201 in Craigslist for $50 with table and all gadgets and manual book what you recommend for upgrading motor for heavy canvas,webbing nylon and leather? Thanks for the video
@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 I showed to my 63 old sister. Who's first couple jobs involved using industrial machines and has had countless domestic machines, she said she's never seen anything like this one. I've just got a 201k myself .
A question here --- I have a '30 Model A Coupe and would like to sew my own interior --- I have a Singer 201 -- in a cabinet ------ In watching you and some others -- I think the 201 -- will -- sew up a seat for my car --- Vinyl ---piping around the edge ---- will it sew this with --- I would like 1/2 inch sew foam --- maybe it won't do it ------ so -- maybe 1/4 inch sew foam ------ or will it do that? -----------I hear $$$$$ signs --- for they tell me --- a triple action / unison feed --- to do car upholstery ------- I have this machine - 201 - I'm in my seventies --- still that Love for old cars --------- So -- would appreciate what you might say ----- Thank You --- Rodney
Rodney, just get some scrap material and try it. The 201 will penetrate the fabric if the motor is strong, but maybe the feed will not work with the foam, You can only try. Individual skill also has a very big part to play, some machinists can do a lot with a limited machine, others struggle with modern advanced machine, just give it a go, then you will know.
A 201 machine is designed for use with HAx1 / 15x1 flat sided needles, also called universal. They are used in the majority of domestic machines, and readily available.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 Thank you so much i asked that because the singer 306k, 319k and 320k which take 206 needles can also take dbx needles
I love the Singer 201! I have 4 of them. One is a hand crank, one is a treadle, one has a potted motor, and the last one has a belted motor. All 4 of them create the most even, beautiful stitches! They made quality sewing machines back then.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and thorough video. I grew up on a Bernina 830. I sewed a lot on a PFAFF embroidery machine. But once I started sewing on a 201 I never looked back. I really like needed to size down and was very conflicted bt my 15-91s and 201. I am so glad I kept my 201. I’ve sewn more on that than any other machine. As tough as she is she sews the most beautiful rolled hem on silk
201 purrs beautiful. About 6 years ago I bought a stunning treadle, centenary year in immaculate condition £50 from Scotland. I struggle to use treadle now and would love to add a motor. Beautiful inventions and so easy to maintain, they definitely should be looked after. I don't imagine many machines bought new today will last as long or could cope with sewing thick leather or denim. These machines are available at such low prices, they have plenty of accessories to manage lots of different projects. Great for people on very low budgets to start recycling old clothes and bedding and possibly selling their items, the machine would pay for itself very easily. SAVE OUR BEAUTIFUL SINGER SEWING MACHINES. 💖
I would love a treadle 201. Been looking for one for a while now.
ಹಳೆಯ ಅಧ್ಬುತಗಳು
It is crazy that people choose new plastic machines over these.
I always say you dont need a comercial machine just a vintage singer 201 , and you just proved it , thank you ...
Happy to help. But of course, it depends on your application.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 this is true , i sew patches on my leather vest and use a 15-91 for that work , only because there are so many 15s cheep i dont need to worry if i hurt my Singer , but of course, it still hasnt happened , probably never will lol ........
Husqvarna (Viking) sewing machines with built in slow gear are definitely able to sew thicker materials than 201 unless you don't have some slow gear modification in 201. But it is best not to torture domestic machines like that because they are not meant for that kind of work
201 is a special machine and it makes me smile every time I use it. It is quiet, smooth, fast enough for me, reliable and easy to use and service. It never skip stiches and stich quality is perfect when you have line tensions adjusted correctly
I agree with your statement that the 201 was Singer's best domestic machine. However, I would go so far to say that it is THE BEST ever made by anyone (domestic sewing machines only. )
I'm still using my mom's 201 that I learned to sew on. Sew patches on a leather vest. Smooth as butter.
Thanks for helping me make my mind up just grabbed a 201k down under Australia
Thanks for making this video. I've been wanting a cost-effective way of sewing heavy materials as a beginner. This looks like it may work.
Wow! Thank you for this. I've just bought a reconditioned 1960 201k with a new motor for making bags. I've been hoping she lives up to the hype, but have still been guarded with my testing, based on the performance from my modern, domestic - and very expensive - Brother machine! Having seen this vid it gives me much more confidence that the Singer is going to more than cope with what I ask of her.
Your video was beautifully made. Very few technical films are done this well. Thank you!
Thank you Jeff, good if you to say so.
Very helpful. I am working with leather as a hobby and this was exactly what I needed to understand why the 201 is so popular. Very clear and succinct with all the right information. Thank you.
Thank you for all of your videos. I just found you about a month ago, and have learned a great deal about how sewing machines work. You and others have demystified the cleaning and maintenance process for me. Now I have cleaned and tuned both my 1950 66 and my 1950 301A, and am doing most of my sewing on these beautiful machines!
I own a 101-3 in a #40 library table, funny thing is I bought what I thought was a little table at a garage sale and went to carry it out and couldnt believe how heavy it was lol. I discovered the sewing machine tucked underneath
Thank you for sharing. I have A.PAAFF JUST. LIKE YOURS.Very durable. I bought it second hand. The only thing it has no cover on the bobbins but It is a giant. BLESSINGS. VIEWING FROM THE FRENCH ISLAND ST MARTIN IN THE CARIBBEAN BLESSINGS
Spot on with the 201's! Great machines.
I'm getting one delivered any day. So excited!
Thanks for your video, and I hope some more of these machines are saved this way. I have only tried to use about 10 different sewing machines in my life, and then I have read something about at lot of other machines. I can only confirm your statement, that the Singer 201 is a very capable machine. It is also easy to modify, and you can still get spare parts quite cheap and easy. I have modified one of the two I got, so it is able to sew heavier thread and fabrics. The modifications provide good low speed control and significantly higher thread tension. I have sewn about 2500 m of Tex 135 Thread in vinyl and dense webbing this way, and I still see no signs of wear from that. So in this way I can do some heavy jobs without the need for an industrial machine, and it do not take up space in a fixed table. It is also possible for me to transport it to a job somewhere else. The only problem I see with the machine is the needle thread tensioner, because it can be somewhat unpredictable. So I am glad to use a spring dynamometer to check thread tension now and then.
That’s Excellent, what modifications have you done for heavier threads, can you share on my Face Book group, Sew Far North. Thank you, This link:
facebook.com/groups/1346509865787938/?ref=share_group_link
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 Thanks. Yes, I shall try that. But it may not be today.
Maquinas lindas. Nao falo ingles ...mas so por ver as máquinas maravilhosas no video fico muito feliz. Adquiri a pouquinho tempo em um brecho uma 15c da Singer. Muito bom .
Obrigado, fico feliz em saber que você gosta de vídeos e máquinas de costura.
Thanks for the demos!
This video got you another subbie! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I just inherited my grandmothers 99k. Goona get it cleaned up oiled and used.
I'm the owner of two 15-125, a 66, two 201s, a 215G, a 216G, and a 316G.... as well as a double handful of straight-stitch Kenmores, a Pfaff 30, and some HA-1 Japanese clones of the 15.
Of them all, I'd have to say the 216G gives the straightest stitch and the straightest feed. The 201 is about as good as my 15s, but a good bit smoother.
Cool to see the mechanical comparisons, thanks for this!
Glad you liked it!
Buen video. 👍🏻👍🏻
ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು ಸರ್
I managed to kill my bernina domestic machine making a shade sail. Shall have to buy a 201 in case I ever get the desire to make another :)
I watched a previous video of yours with different vintage machines and the singer 66 looks and sounds gorgeous.
But the singer 201 sounds gorgeous to. What are the differences between the two?
I have a Bernina 1030 in a diy cabinet, which sews very smooth.
But videos like this makes me wonder how a 100% metal singer feels while sewing😄
I would love to own an industrial in the future when I might need one, but according to your video, a 66 or 201 might sound right for corset and dressmaking to.
Dillema's, dillema's😅
The 66 is a great machine, but The 201 is smoother and stronger than the 66.
An industrial will go all day every day for years.
Try them all. See what you like.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 thanks for the explanation between the 66 and 201👍🏻
I own a 28k and 128k with the intention to learn machine maintenance myself.
Sewing a fully rigiline boned corset on them will be a good test, to see what a basic all metal machine is capable off, in comparison with my go-to Bernina.
I can always decide later if I like a fully metal machine better for such works, over my Bernina.
I worked with industrials in the past and a friend nearby has one where I have worked on. So in general I know how they feel and sew like. At the moment I don't need to upgrade at all, but my mind can dream and wonder off a bit to much at times😇
I will keep the 201 in mind, I saw a video where you can attach a servo motor to the machine through a belt. I'm wondering how much effort and perhaps money it involves to convert a machine like that with table, where on the other hand for the same amount you can buy a second hand industrial 🤔
In general I'm a bit worried if a house hold sewing machine motor, will be able to withstand sewing such corset based garments. I think that's why my mind keeps wondering off, based on my industrial sewing experience 😇😁
Excellent video ! I recently bought an older 201K. I've serviced it but have not tried it out yet. Thanks a lot. Colin ( Wakefield )
Hi. I watched this video with great interest having very recently bought a Singer 201 myself. What make or brand of needles do you use or recommend? I have been testing the needles that came with my machine and despite them being the same brand and type there is significant variation in how effective they are. I expect they are worn, some more so than others, so I will be buying new needles in the near future. Thank you.
Never use old needles, 15x1 change every 8 hrs of sewing, or after a needle strike.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.
I have a 201. Love it. So quiet and does sew beautifully-- but where can I get bobbins that fit it properly? The new “66” style are horrid! That’s when I have a problem with it. I only have one original style bobbin which of course is impractical!
Check out the ‘vintage sewing machine’ fb group, and ask on there, you will find someone to supply you.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 I will! Tx.
What size needle do u use on the 201 for all those thicknesses? What is the stitch length size? What is the tension number too? Thanx so much!
Hi Rosanne, thanks for asking, Needle is an 18, stitch length is max, the tension is trial and error, I dial it in to suit the job. Hope that helps.
Thanks just bought my Singer 201 in Craigslist for $50 with table and all gadgets and manual book what you recommend for upgrading motor for heavy canvas,webbing nylon and leather? Thanks for the video
@@UA-camrkit7 I wouldn’t use a 201 for heavy work, it’s more suited to fine high quality sewing, I’d use a 15 for heavier work, a real tractor.
Thanks. I just found a singer 15-91.
Which needle did you have in the Singer 201 to sew through those thicknesses? Can today's needles fit in them? Thanks for the informative video.
It was a universal 18, standard point.
Yes a normal 15x1 needle.
Thank you.
I would like to know, what needle and thread was used for the last bit of sewing ?
Thank you.
If I remember correctly, it was a 18 needle and a V69 thread bonded polyester thread.
@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746
I showed to my 63 old sister. Who's first couple jobs involved using industrial machines and has had countless domestic machines, she said she's never seen anything like this one.
I've just got a 201k myself .
A question here --- I have a '30 Model A Coupe and would like to sew my own interior --- I have a Singer 201 -- in a cabinet ------ In watching you and some others -- I think the 201 -- will -- sew up a seat for my car --- Vinyl ---piping around the edge ---- will it sew this with --- I would like 1/2 inch sew foam --- maybe it won't do it ------ so -- maybe 1/4 inch sew foam ------ or will it do that? -----------I hear $$$$$ signs --- for they tell me --- a triple action / unison feed --- to do car upholstery ------- I have this machine - 201 - I'm in my seventies --- still that Love for old cars --------- So -- would appreciate what you might say ----- Thank You --- Rodney
Rodney, just get some scrap material and try it. The 201 will penetrate the fabric if the motor is strong, but maybe the feed will not work with the foam,
You can only try. Individual skill also has a very big part to play, some machinists can do a lot with a limited machine, others struggle with modern advanced machine, just give it a go, then you will know.
Thank You for the response back --- will give that a try @@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746
Bonjour,
Pouvez me dire, svp, comment on peut baisser les griffes sur ces vielles machines pour faire un piqué libre.
Merci
The 201 has a screw under the bed to drop the claws, on other machines you may need to remove them, only two screws.
hi, is it possible to use twin needles with the 201?
The needle plate is only for one needle, so it would net be possible with out some adaptation.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 thank you , another question, is it possible to use dbx1 needles with the 201k?
A 201 machine is designed for use with HAx1 / 15x1 flat sided needles, also called universal. They are used in the majority of domestic machines, and readily available.
@@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746 Thank you so much i asked that because the singer 306k, 319k and 320k which take 206 needles can also take dbx needles
I had worst experience with this machine
Utterly useless