Hi, Andy :-) Here's a tip for our sewist friends who might have a feed regulator screw stud which has a tendency to get loose very often. You can wrap the end of the thread with 2 or 3 turns of Thread Sealing Tape ( 1/4 of an inch will do ). It worked for me. *thumbs up
Thanks for doing the video on how to do this. Your a sweetheart.... I tried fixing it this morning and got confused about the part to screw tight first...lol. Anyhow..I did end up taking off the wheel to get to the big screw and my fiance was holding the lever (big mistake) the screw was so tight it would not move. Well it went from bad to worse...lol the lever broke off from the part that holds the lever inside.I used WD40 to get the screw loose and finally it turned ( a little too late) I got brave and took it apart and took the pieces out. I saw the end of the screw was so tiny where it broke off we couldnt get it off. So I went digging for the name of the part and found out I only had to replace the piece inside holding the lever. I ended up finding a lot of 301 pieces and got the part. It doesn't seem too complicated to put it back together. Thanks again and look forward to seeing more of your videos. Can I email you from here in You Tube?
I'm glad you gave it a go! We all try to learn from mistakes. Nice that you already found parts you need. My email is listed under the "about" button on my home page. andytube53@gmail.com Best Wishes Carolyn & fiance.
Thank you for the information on how to tighten the stitch length regulator. It's great bringing these beautiful machines back to life.I love the smoothness of sewing with the Singer 301. I think a lot of people put the washer in wrong in the first place and give up on the machine. I look forward to your next video because they have good detail.
Thank you very much, Edward. I agree with your washer comment. These are straightforward machines, but still need to be set-up as designed. The 301 has been a favorite ever since first introduced. Smooth is the word for sure. Here's a link to my channel with many for videos, tutorials, and series of the vintage Singer Machines I work on. th-cam.com/channels/USPDsHaFtRoz1VA2U1xJ4w.html Thank you for watching.
Hello Andy ! I have the same machine, was working very well but suddently the feed regulator lever moves up when I sew. I opened the machine and tried to tighten as shown in your video but everything was ok. The lever is not loose at all. Do you have any idea of what can be the problem ? thank you very much !!
It has always been a loose hinge screw on the machines I've worked on with that problem. Wondering what you were sewing when it "suddenly" started moving. If you did not change anything yourself then seems it would be something that came loose or broke. I'm trying to imagine what that could be. You can check the feed throw-out control and setting to see if the set screw slipped. You can check the height of the feed dog. You can reduce pressure on the presser bar/foot. You can turn the thumb nut on the stitch length control lever until it stops on the indicator plate to see if that helps. (You should not have to do that to prevent lever "creeping" but I'm getting des[arate here.) This video is a complete, in-depth explanation of the feed regulator system: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html This Playlist has videos for the other possibilities I mentioned. th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html
@@andytubesewing1953 hello Andy, thanks for answer! Now I remember trying to stich a thick (folded) embroidery. Could it have been the cause of the problem ? I did not insist tough, feeling the engine was forcing. In that case, wich part of the machine could have been damaged? I made two small videos to show you show how the lever moves : th-cam.com/video/FHT-_k5NEEU/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/GLKcEIfDohw/w-d-xo.html thank you for you kind help, really appreciated ( I will watch the other videos you sent me )
See in my first reply " You can reduce pressure on the presser bar/foot." It looks like you have way too much pressure on the pressure bar/foot. You also have threaded the needle thread the wrong way. You can download a free copy of the Instruction Manual here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=301 Pages 10 & 11 show the proper way to thread the needle thread. Page 20 shows how to regulate the pressure on the presser foot ( Z ) Look @36:40 in this video: th-cam.com/video/mAUgovRMg7w/w-d-xo.html do you see me check the thumb nut on top left of machine to set the presser bar tension? See how tall my thumb nut sticks up? Look at your machine and see how LOW (heavy pressure) your thumb nut is set for pressure on the presser bar!!
@@andytubesewing1953 Hello Andy, thanks for you help and charing all these videos, really appreciate your time and dedication. I tried to fix the machine according to your teachings but I still have the same problem. I guess something broke inside. I will have to bring it to a place that fix machines. Thank you anyway! regards, Rani.
The basic concept is the same, yes, but you can see the parts look different. Here are all 17 of my Model 15-91 videos: th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKJftyGwzdDiWa9R6HFEACJo.html One of those is how to remove, install, and adjust the feed regulator system: th-cam.com/video/yzSOycGMl5E/w-d-xo.html So no need to guess between the parts for model 301 and your 15-91. Good Luck, and tanks for watching my channel.
Hey Andy, I found a 503A and it obviously has been sitting around a while. When I finally got to test sew with it, I found the stitch length regulating knob is creeping up as I sew. I’m guessing this remedy for the 301 as you’re showing here will apply to get my 503A adjusted? Thanks
I mentioned but did not show the tension washer on the hinge screw behind the handwheel. It may be missing or installed backward. You can remove the hinge screw and see if the washer is in place or if it's on backward. I've seen them backward. I've never had one missing. I have a video about removing and replacing the regulator on a model 301: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html
Hey Andy. I've been following you for a few weeks and you have been very helpful while getting my 301 to work again. I have another kind of problem with my stitch length. My lever is tight but no matter where it is my stitches are always the same, very tight. I don't have loose stitches even when i set the lever all the way down. Any ideas? Thanks
OK, Nico, thanks for watching my channel. I don't know which of my 35 videos of model 301 you have watched. Let me be sure I understand your problem. You say it is with your stitch length but you explain it as "very tight". The feed control sets the length of the stitch from about 6 per inch to 0 per inch, and then reverse. By "very tight" do you mean the stitches are very short? Like how many times does the needle go up and down in 1 inch of fabric? OR, do you mean the stitches are bunched together, not flat, and make the fabric "pucker"? Short stitches would be the feed and tight stitches with bunching and puckering would be more of a tension issue. I'm going to list some videos here for you to see in case you have not seen them before. I'm not saying you should to the work in the videos but maybe just play them to see what the parts do and what is normal operations, OK? BTW, you can click on the little gear, bottom right of the screen, and increase playback speed as much as double) Feed regulator: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html Feed Throw-out: th-cam.com/video/EZdlAccPqLU/w-d-xo.html (feed throw-out means lowering the feed dog below the needle plate for free-motion sewing. If the throw-out was partially engaged then the dog may not be moving the fabric in a normal manner and you get short stitches) Set the height of the feed dog: th-cam.com/video/Du-W1k_qHHI/w-d-xo.html Now some tension videos: Assemble & Zero Out the tension unit: th-cam.com/video/VPzpLIAvz8Y/w-d-xo.html Setting the Stroke & Tension of the check/take-up spring of the tension unit: th-cam.com/video/lOLKpvonnPE/w-d-xo.html I find many problems disappear with a good cleaning and lubrication. Here is a detailed lubrication video for model 301/301A: th-cam.com/video/BIhupj5K3t0/w-d-xo.html Nico, you may have seen some or all of these videos, IDK. I listed them in case and for other viewers who may have the same question. I hope this helps you and if not then you know how to reach me. Good luck and thanks again for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you. I don't really know what I did but I think it was linked to the feed dog. Everything is working as it should now. Thank you again.
I replied to your earlier comment, but here is another video showing how to install the exterior parts of the stitch control lever; th-cam.com/video/4j4BvYpKEQw/w-d-xo.html
I just broke my screw stud off almost flush with where it goes into the feed regulator. If I can drill it out I can just screw a new one into it right?
If you can drill it out without damaging the threads inside the regulator. Very difficult, then you have to buy a used stud on eBay. I recommend just buying the used regulator parts and replscing the whole system. That's what I would do, speaking from experience. www.ebay.com/itm/SINGER-301A-SEWING-MACHINE-BLACK-STITCH-LENGTH-ASSEMBLY/152944670804?hash=item239c367854:g:79gAAMXQcVNQ6hkU:sc:USPSFirstClass!85282!US!-1
Andy Tube thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I love your videos and will have to watch more to see how that part is replaced if I can't drill it out.
Andy Tube I added the new part but have determined that the problem is that the small rectangle that this slides on is very tight. It does move but not properly. I put oil on it a few days ago and used a hair dryer too but not much change. It looks like there is a screw and flat nut holding that silver rectangle that I am wondering if that is the trouble or if I need to try penetrating oil first. I hope you understand what I am trying to say.
When you say you added the new part do you mean you replaced the whole regulator or just the broken stud? The silver rectangle is called the "slide block" and usually spins so easily that it is hard to slide the regulator on to it. The slide block just sits on a post that is mounted to the feed forked connecting shaft. You can grab the slide block with pliers and it should very easily slip off the post to the right. The hinge screw that enters the regulator from behind the handwheel is what controls the pressure as far as how hard or easy the regulator slides on the block. If the hinge screw is over-tightened it is very hard to move the stud up and down. If the hinge screw is under-tightened the stud is so easy to move it just flops up and down. th-cam.com/video/EQtGwmOYtic/w-d-xo.html Did you find rust on the machine? Could your slide block be rusty? If it is really the problem, and not the hinge screw, then a rust remover or several applications of a penetrating oil shoul help. If you'd like more help, just email my channel at andytube53@gmail.com. Pictures always help.
Well, it could be a few differnt reasons. Here is an older 301 video I did. The bobbin winding starts @ 7:30 th-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=fgVHq8gGECo Here is a more complete video about winding the bobbin: th-cam.com/video/jWwdH05g9n8/w-d-xo.html If this does not help, then just email me at my channel email address andytube53@gmail.com and give me more detailed information other than "bobbin won't fill". Thanks for the question Faye. Good Luck.
Hi Andy :-) This morning I set to remove the feed regulator of my 301A to clean it and apply a thin coat of oil for rust protection. When I unscrewed the hinge screw, I was surprised to find a friction washer instead of a tension spring. If I say "surprised" that's because Singer's 301-1 Parts List indicates that there should be a tension spring PN#170169. I've looked on the net and all the 301 hinge screws that I've found are sold with that friction washer. Here's a picture of my hinge screw & the friction washer: i.imgur.com/GExA6p5.jpg .Could it be possible that the tension spring is a later revision?
The 301 in this video is a 301 vs 301A. I believe the first year or so they had the spring. Second and later years is the 301A and they had the friction washer from then on. It is Part No. 8217, the "Feed Regulator Hinge Screw Friction Washer". I'm guessing you have the 4-page 301-1 parts list that is commonly available online. There is a later 30-page parts list that covers all three version of the 301 model, that is 301-1, -2, -3. It shows the friction washer. If you would like a copy then find my channel email address on the "ABOUT" page and drop me a line. A great question, Maxime. Thank you!
Hi Andy, soon after reading your reply, I’ve found the 301-1-2-3 30-page parts list that you’ve mentioned, while looking for the 404 parts list ( www.hendersonsewing.com/manual.asp - In case it might be of any use ). Thank you for your offer tho :-) At first, I thought “Someone ditched the tension spring!” Haha. Then, I saw the friction washer which I recognized from your 99K feed regulator video. The friction washer doesn’t give much room for adjustment. My hinge screw needs to be fastened all the way or else the feed regulator gets loose in no time. I've cleaned the hinge barrel, the screw, the washer and applied a thin coat of oil on the non-threaded area of the screw. The feed regulator is smoother now, firm but much smoother than before. I can't wait to receive my tube of Triflow so I can finally grease the gears and try the machine :D
Hi, Andy :-) Here's a tip for our sewist friends who might have a feed regulator screw stud which has a tendency to get loose very often. You can wrap the end of the thread with 2 or 3 turns of Thread Sealing Tape ( 1/4 of an inch will do ). It worked for me. *thumbs up
Great solution, Max. Nice of you to share. I pinned your comment to the top in the hope others will see it. Thanks for watching my channel.
my Singer 224 is working great now, Thanks to you
(I went straight to 4:45 of this video)
That's great! I'm happy you found the video and it helped out. Thanks for letting me know about model 224
Fixed my issue thanks Andy!
Happy it was this easy. Take care.
Thanks for doing the video on how to do this. Your a sweetheart.... I tried fixing it this morning and got confused about the part to screw tight first...lol. Anyhow..I did end up taking off the wheel to get to the big screw and my fiance was holding the lever (big mistake) the screw was so tight it would not move. Well it went from bad to worse...lol the lever broke off from the part that holds the lever inside.I used WD40 to get the screw loose and finally it turned ( a little too late) I got brave and took it apart and took the pieces out. I saw the end of the screw was so tiny where it broke off we couldnt get it off. So I went digging for the name of the part and found out I only had to replace the piece inside holding the lever. I ended up finding a lot of 301 pieces and got the part. It doesn't seem too complicated to put it back together. Thanks again and look forward to seeing more of your videos. Can I email you from here in You Tube?
I'm glad you gave it a go! We all try to learn from mistakes. Nice that you already found parts you need. My email is listed under the "about" button on my home page. andytube53@gmail.com Best Wishes Carolyn & fiance.
Thank you for the information on how to tighten the stitch length regulator. It's great bringing these beautiful machines back to life.I love the smoothness of sewing with the Singer 301. I think a lot of people put the washer in wrong in the first place and give up on the machine. I look forward to your next video because they have good detail.
Thank you very much, Edward. I agree with your washer comment. These are straightforward machines, but still need to be set-up as designed. The 301 has been a favorite ever since first introduced. Smooth is the word for sure.
Here's a link to my channel with many for videos, tutorials, and series of the vintage Singer Machines I work on.
th-cam.com/channels/USPDsHaFtRoz1VA2U1xJ4w.html
Thank you for watching.
Hello Andy ! I have the same machine, was working very well but suddently the feed regulator lever moves up when I sew. I opened the machine and tried to tighten as shown in your video but everything was ok. The lever is not loose at all. Do you have any idea of what can be the problem ? thank you very much !!
It has always been a loose hinge screw on the machines I've worked on with that problem. Wondering what you were sewing when it "suddenly" started moving. If you did not change anything yourself then seems it would be something that came loose or broke.
I'm trying to imagine what that could be. You can check the feed throw-out control and setting to see if the set screw slipped. You can check the height of the feed dog. You can reduce pressure on the presser bar/foot. You can turn the thumb nut on the stitch length control lever until it stops on the indicator plate to see if that helps. (You should not have to do that to prevent lever "creeping" but I'm getting des[arate here.) This video is a complete, in-depth explanation of the feed regulator system: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html
This Playlist has videos for the other possibilities I mentioned. th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html
@@andytubesewing1953 hello Andy, thanks for answer! Now I remember trying to stich a thick (folded) embroidery. Could it have been the cause of the problem ? I did not insist tough, feeling the engine was forcing. In that case, wich part of the machine could have been damaged?
I made two small videos to show you show how the lever moves :
th-cam.com/video/FHT-_k5NEEU/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/GLKcEIfDohw/w-d-xo.html
thank you for you kind help, really appreciated ( I will watch the other videos you sent me )
See in my first reply " You can reduce pressure on the presser bar/foot." It looks like you have way too much pressure on the pressure bar/foot. You also have threaded the needle thread the wrong way. You can download a free copy of the Instruction Manual here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=301
Pages 10 & 11 show the proper way to thread the needle thread.
Page 20 shows how to regulate the pressure on the presser foot ( Z )
Look @36:40 in this video: th-cam.com/video/mAUgovRMg7w/w-d-xo.html
do you see me check the thumb nut on top left of machine to set the presser bar tension? See how tall my thumb nut sticks up? Look at your machine and see how LOW (heavy pressure) your thumb nut is set for pressure on the presser bar!!
@@andytubesewing1953 Hello Andy, thanks for you help and charing all these videos, really appreciate your time and dedication. I tried to fix the machine according to your teachings but I still have the same problem. I guess something broke inside. I will have to bring it to a place that fix machines. Thank you anyway! regards, Rani.
@@ranimsafar8031 Sorry I could not lead you to a better result.😞 Good Luck.
would this be the same adjustment on my 15-91 ?
The basic concept is the same, yes, but you can see the parts look different. Here are all 17 of my Model 15-91 videos:
th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKJftyGwzdDiWa9R6HFEACJo.html One of those is how to remove, install, and adjust the feed regulator system: th-cam.com/video/yzSOycGMl5E/w-d-xo.html So no need to guess between the parts for model 301 and your 15-91. Good Luck, and tanks for watching my channel.
Hey Andy, I found a 503A and it obviously has been sitting around a while. When I finally got to test sew with it, I found the stitch length regulating knob is creeping up as I sew. I’m guessing this remedy for the 301 as you’re showing here will apply to get my 503A adjusted? Thanks
Good Guess! Very minor differences between the two. You'll be fine using this video.
HI Andy, I have singer je series and feed regulator lever won't work properly. Any suggestions
Sorry, I don't know what "je series" is. Maybe you could post pictures on your TH-cam Channel or somewhere I could see them.
Mine will get tight first time I push it down it wobbles again
I mentioned but did not show the tension washer on the hinge screw behind the handwheel. It may be missing or installed backward.
You can remove the hinge screw and see if the washer is in place or if it's on backward. I've seen them backward. I've never had one missing. I have a video about removing and replacing the regulator on a model 301: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html
Mine is a 401A
Hey Andy. I've been following you for a few weeks and you have been very helpful while getting my 301 to work again. I have another kind of problem with my stitch length. My lever is tight but no matter where it is my stitches are always the same, very tight. I don't have loose stitches even when i set the lever all the way down. Any ideas? Thanks
OK, Nico, thanks for watching my channel. I don't know which of my 35 videos of model 301 you have watched. Let me be sure I understand your problem. You say it is with your stitch length but you explain it as "very tight". The feed control sets the length of the stitch from about 6 per inch to 0 per inch, and then reverse. By "very tight" do you mean the stitches are very short? Like how many times does the needle go up and down in 1 inch of fabric? OR, do you mean the stitches are bunched together, not flat, and make the fabric "pucker"? Short stitches would be the feed and tight stitches with bunching and puckering would be more of a tension issue.
I'm going to list some videos here for you to see in case you have not seen them before. I'm not saying you should to the work in the videos but maybe just play them to see what the parts do and what is normal operations, OK? BTW, you can click on the little gear, bottom right of the screen, and increase playback speed as much as double)
Feed regulator: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html
Feed Throw-out: th-cam.com/video/EZdlAccPqLU/w-d-xo.html
(feed throw-out means lowering the feed dog below the needle plate for free-motion sewing. If the throw-out was partially engaged then the dog may not be moving the fabric in a normal manner and you get short stitches)
Set the height of the feed dog: th-cam.com/video/Du-W1k_qHHI/w-d-xo.html
Now some tension videos:
Assemble & Zero Out the tension unit: th-cam.com/video/VPzpLIAvz8Y/w-d-xo.html
Setting the Stroke & Tension of the check/take-up spring of the tension unit: th-cam.com/video/lOLKpvonnPE/w-d-xo.html
I find many problems disappear with a good cleaning and lubrication. Here is a detailed lubrication video for model 301/301A:
th-cam.com/video/BIhupj5K3t0/w-d-xo.html
Nico, you may have seen some or all of these videos, IDK. I listed them in case and for other viewers who may have the same question. I hope this helps you and if not then you know how to reach me. Good luck and thanks again for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you. I don't really know what I did but I think it was linked to the feed dog. Everything is working as it should now. Thank you again.
@@Nico-go7uc If it's working that is the important thing. Take care.
How do you put the silver nut that adjusts stitch link bake together and on lever
I replied to your earlier comment, but here is another video showing how to install the exterior parts of the stitch control lever;
th-cam.com/video/4j4BvYpKEQw/w-d-xo.html
I just broke my screw stud off almost flush with where it goes into the feed regulator. If I can drill it out I can just screw a new one into it right?
If you can drill it out without damaging the threads inside the regulator. Very difficult, then you have to buy a used stud on eBay. I recommend just buying the used regulator parts and replscing the whole system. That's what I would do, speaking from experience.
www.ebay.com/itm/SINGER-301A-SEWING-MACHINE-BLACK-STITCH-LENGTH-ASSEMBLY/152944670804?hash=item239c367854:g:79gAAMXQcVNQ6hkU:sc:USPSFirstClass!85282!US!-1
Andy Tube thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I love your videos and will have to watch more to see how that part is replaced if I can't drill it out.
Good luck.
th-cam.com/video/jXqPKo1ctxg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/Ee3ZHhXWrWk/w-d-xo.html
Andy Tube I added the new part but have determined that the problem is that the small rectangle that this slides on is very tight. It does move but not properly. I put oil on it a few days ago and used a hair dryer too but not much change. It looks like there is a screw and flat nut holding that silver rectangle that I am wondering if that is the trouble or if I need to try penetrating oil first. I hope you understand what I am trying to say.
When you say you added the new part do you mean you replaced the whole regulator or just the broken stud? The silver rectangle is called the "slide block" and usually spins so easily that it is hard to slide the regulator on to it. The slide block just sits on a post that is mounted to the feed forked connecting shaft. You can grab the slide block with pliers and it should very easily slip off the post to the right. The hinge screw that enters the regulator from behind the handwheel is what controls the pressure as far as how hard or easy the regulator slides on the block. If the hinge screw is over-tightened it is very hard to move the stud up and down. If the hinge screw is under-tightened the stud is so easy to move it just flops up and down. th-cam.com/video/EQtGwmOYtic/w-d-xo.html
Did you find rust on the machine? Could your slide block be rusty? If it is really the problem, and not the hinge screw, then a rust remover or several applications of a penetrating oil shoul help.
If you'd like more help, just email my channel at andytube53@gmail.com. Pictures always help.
I have a 301 and my bobbin won't fill. What could be the problem.
Well, it could be a few differnt reasons. Here is an older 301 video I did. The bobbin winding starts @ 7:30
th-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=fgVHq8gGECo
Here is a more complete video about winding the bobbin: th-cam.com/video/jWwdH05g9n8/w-d-xo.html
If this does not help, then just email me at my channel email address andytube53@gmail.com and give me more detailed information other than "bobbin won't fill". Thanks for the question Faye. Good Luck.
Hi Andy :-) This morning I set to remove the feed regulator of my 301A to clean it and apply a thin coat of oil for rust protection. When I unscrewed the hinge screw, I was surprised to find a friction washer instead of a tension spring. If I say "surprised" that's because Singer's 301-1 Parts List indicates that there should be a tension spring PN#170169. I've looked on the net and all the 301 hinge screws that I've found are sold with that friction washer. Here's a picture of my hinge screw & the friction washer: i.imgur.com/GExA6p5.jpg .Could it be possible that the tension spring is a later revision?
The 301 in this video is a 301 vs 301A. I believe the first year or so they had the spring. Second and later years is the 301A and they had the friction washer from then on. It is Part No. 8217, the "Feed Regulator Hinge Screw Friction Washer". I'm guessing you have the 4-page 301-1 parts list that is commonly available online. There is a later 30-page parts list that covers all three version of the 301 model, that is 301-1, -2, -3. It shows the friction washer. If you would like a copy then find my channel email address on the "ABOUT" page and drop me a line. A great question, Maxime. Thank you!
Hi Andy, soon after reading your reply, I’ve found the 301-1-2-3 30-page parts list that you’ve mentioned, while looking for the 404 parts list ( www.hendersonsewing.com/manual.asp - In case it might be of any use ). Thank you for your offer tho :-) At first, I thought “Someone ditched the tension spring!” Haha. Then, I saw the friction washer which I recognized from your 99K feed regulator video. The friction washer doesn’t give much room for adjustment. My hinge screw needs to be fastened all the way or else the feed regulator gets loose in no time. I've cleaned the hinge barrel, the screw, the washer and applied a thin coat of oil on the non-threaded area of the screw. The feed regulator is smoother now, firm but much smoother than before. I can't wait to receive my tube of Triflow so I can finally grease the gears and try the machine :D