this is the best tutorial I've watched so far. I can hear you and read the cc. I worked for Singer years ago as a Bookeeper and also demonstrated the machines. I will have one of these machines soon, can't wait. I remember it well! I am downsizing, but still want to sew. I am 88
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Good for you for continuing to love sewing. It is fun but also very therapeutic for the mind. Enjoy your singer machine! Keep in touch and let me know how you are enjoying it @ tailorsdaughter1955@gmail.com. (my email) Hugs, Fern
Thank you for this 401A video. I purchased one several years ago. It was missing the high hat fashion disk's. I was felaid by lices distractions. Finally and hopefully I will be cleaning, greasing and oiling it this month. I have been a textile lover for many years. Regrettably the in person classes are just never giving to happen, for me. Thus youtube and DVD's will have to suffice, for my education in construction technique's. I hope to do religious icons in a textile medium. Thus I am keenly interested in quilting construction. Any advice or moral support will be thankfully recieved.
@@weldoncross2059 I know this is very late, but I thought I would mention that you can easily get "Top Hat" cams from eBay.. The 401-500- 600 machines all used the same cams and many times people are selling attachment sets for the "plastic geared" #600 machines cheaply ( The gears broke and they tossed the machine and sold the accessories )… All the best..
These old girls are wonderful machines. I use one all the time. You can wind the bobbin from the spool on the lower right side as you're sewing so you can have a fresh one to use.
I just recieved a 401a complete with the cabinet. It was my mom's best friend's late mother in law's. She left it in perfect condition. No accessories but she put together a little bag with small metal scissors, bobbins, and a tiny screwdriver. I am teaching myself to sew. I've never used any sewing machine, so I'm glad I get to learn on such a historic masterpiece 🙂 thank you for the video it was vv helpful!
I’m sure you will enjoy your 401A. It sews like a charm. Thanks for watching my channel and glad the video was helpful. Best wishes with learning how to sew. xx Fern
Thank you! my neighbor's mother just passed and she asked if I wanted it and I said YES! Very close to my mom's Singer, Thanks for posting....watching all of this vids so I can make some masks for friends!
My aunt just gave me her 60+ year old Singer Slant ‘o matic 401a sewing machine. She said she LOVED the machine, and never once in all that time did she have a problem with it, except recently she took it to be serviced - I don’t know why - but she said it hasn’t worked properly since. I think the tension is messed up and she can’t get it right again. So I’m researching now, attempting to learn how to get it going again, and how to use it. I remember so many things she made on it. A new project for me. 😊
This is the model my mom had and the machine on which I learned to sew. Very sad we sold it when my parents moved to a memory care facility. Would love to have it now-nothing I've used since then comes close to stitch quality!
Sue Kalnasy I agree. Nothing compares to the stitch quality of this machine. I have two of them exactly the same. Love them. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Hugs, Fern
I have the 411G model looks very similar to 401 apart from different locations of bobbin wonder mines on top . Bought mine from a charity shop £30 in its own built in cabinet came with all the attachments and even manual must have been someone’s pride and joy . Sees like a dream I absolutely love it . Love from the UK Anita
The side bobbin winder was for the American market, the 411G, was made in Germany, it is a slightly better machine. That was a bargain. I have two 401G and a 411G, they are great machines, tension can be a bit fussy on them.
@@dwarfsbaneironfist2527 Do you know how to "Zero out" the upper tension ? Lower the presser foot to engage the tension and when the tension knob is set on zero, there should only be a "whisper" of a pull on the upper tension ( Use a loose piece of thread to gauge ).. After that, you can easily set the lower tension on the bobbin case.. I hope this assists you !!!
I inherited my grandmother's 401A, and probably the only thing wrong with it is that it hasn't been used in ~8 years (and was used infrequently for some years before that). My husband asked me to do some research to see if it would be better to get the old machine serviced/repaired or just purchase a new one. After doing my research, it's no wonder that this machine was precious to my grandmother! Now to do some research on good machine mechanics/repairers near me...
Just picked up a 401 in a cabinet yesterday for $35. Did some cleaning and oiling and sewed with her some today. Have to get an instruction manual printed so I can do more. She sounds great but upon trying some of the stitch combinations on the cam cover, I wasn’t able to get anything more than a straight stitch for some of them. Came with all five starter cams and an assortment of the beginning essential feet and attachments. Looking forward to figuring out how to get those decorative stitches to work once I have a paper copy of the manual. I already own a 301 and a Viking Husqvarna 6440. Hoping to use this 401 to finish the quilting and binding of a quilt I started for my mother.
Update: Got this machine working pretty well and doing the deco stitches. TH-cam videos were greatly helpful. I used it to straight line quilt the quilt intended for my Mom. She died in a memory care unit in the middle of July so I wasn’t able to give it to her. I did give it to my Dad who loves it and has it on his bed. It was made out of fabric I inherited from her so a memory quilt of sorts. The 401 is a wonderful machine and I’m so thankful to have gotten one in good condition and for a good price.
I have just bought one of these machines this week and am waiting for it to be delivered I have wanted one for ages and did miss out on some machines that. were for sale, but I found one in excellent condition so it was meant to be mine
Hi Fern I was during around my neighborhood and saw this Singer 401A give away in someone’s driveway with a beautiful blonde mid century table. Left a note and it was free for the taking !!! I’m so excited to have this jewel !! There is a one pressure foot and a button holed. Can you send me any information? Going to look on line for attachments. Thank you Diane
It comes with about 8 cams for your different stitches, and about 6 different foot attachments, a small brush, and a small screw driver basically. There may be a few more items. The stitch quality is fabulous. Enjoy!!
I have one of these and love it. it doesn't have the oomph of my Husqvarna 21-- few domestic machines do-- but it is smooth, precise, and just so nice to use. It takes a nicer stitch than either of my Necchis, and absolutely puts my old Morse Photomatic 4300 in the shade. I'll even go out on a limb and say it's nicer than my Rocketeer.
I absolutely agree. I guess it depends on what shape it’s in. If it’s been serviced and working as it should, it certainly is a great sewing machine. Thanks for your feedback and thanks for watching. Fern.
Thank you for the lovely video! I inherited my grandma's 401A, and have only recently mustered up the courage to use it. The problem I'm running into is with the thread bunching up and knotting under my fabric. My thread is also very loose going through the upper threading mechanism from spool to needle. I followed the manual's directions for how to adjust needle and bobbin thread tension, but neither seemed to help. Would you have insight on how to fix this?
Hi. Sorry I wouldn’t be able to advise without seeing the machine. Are you threading the machine properly? Is your bobbin wound up properly? Sounds like something hasn’t been done correctly. Also check the needle. Change the needle and put in a new one. Make sure you put the needle in correctly. There are a few things on this machine that are finicky but once you figure it out it’s a gem. Thanks for watching and good luck.
Hi, I'm considering buying this machine. Ive heard it's a great machine from multiple sources. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! My question is will it sew lighter weight vinyl and/or leather? Not heavy. Im very new at learning about vintage machines and also at bag making. I'm hoping to find a vintage machine that is heavy duty and wi6sew heavier, bulkier projects. Thank you 😊
Hello. In order to sew vinyl or leather, you require a much heavier duty machine. There are machines specifically for leather. This machine is a work horse but not adequate for sewing leather. Thanks for watching.
I have the singer 401A with the stand. Mine has the knee presser...and I absolutely love it. Bought it at a yard sale some years ago but whoever had it didnt quite care for it correctly, and the cams were not included. I would love to get my machine working to its original capacity. Can you tell me where to buy the cams. I also just bought a baby lock jazz II..love it as well. However I will not get rid of my 401a singer its a strong machine😊thank you for sharing
imfinesse7 Hi. Yes the 401A is a fabulous machine definitely worth keeping. Have you looked online for the cams. eBay usually has them. Also ask your local sewing machine repair shop. They are getting harder to find as the years roll on but I would do a google search. Thanks for watching.
Hi Verne, What an excellent demo! I received a new Singer Slant-o-Matic - which has all these features - in 1959 when I graduated from 8th grade, and used it for decades on leather, suede, upholstery fabrics, etc. Last year I got a second one, “trading in my original,” which was “locked up” from lack of use. have always been under the impression that this machine doesn’t work with knit fabrics and wonder whether you have found otherwise. Would a specialty foot perhaps make it work w/knits? Many thanks!
Hi you need a needle for knits or just a ball point needle. That should help. Also using a walking foot helps. If you don’t have one you can get one online inexpensively I think on Amazon. Although may I say you shouldn’t have traded in your old machine if it was purchased new because it can be repaired. These machines just need to be oiled up to unlock them. Glad you like these machines as I do. Thanks for watching. Hugs, Fern
@@TheTailorsDaughter Thank you SO much for this very helpful advice! Had the pandemic not hit (and the repair businesses not closed because of it, I would never have given up my old machine. I was eager to start making masks for friends, family and myself, and the replacement has worked out pretty well. How fortunate you were to have a father who was a tailor! Many thanks!
Hi! Thanks for the video! I'm going to give quilting a try-- do you use a walking foot when quilting with the singer 401? If so, any recommendations? Thank you so much!
Yes I have a walking foot but for seaming and piecing together you don’t need it. You can use the regular 1/4 inch presser foot. You can email me at tailorsdaughter1955@gmail.com with anything else I can help you with. Thanks for watching. Fern
I believe it needs an attachment. I don’t use it to make buttonholes because I have new machines as well which I would use for buttonholes. Thanks for watching.
Hi. I haven't sewn any denim or canvas with it because I don't tend to make projects using these but I understand it is supposed to work very well with thick materials. You would need a heavy gauge needle though such as a size 16 or 18 of course. I have been doing quilting and sewing projects with it and I love it.
me Da The table has little hooks at the back which have screws and if you look at the machine it’s made to be screwed into one of these types of tables. You need a sewing table which fits a singer 401a sewing machine. Hope this helps.
Hi, I just pulled this machine out of the garage after a few years. I have cleaned and oiled it and I am experiencing some issues with it. I cant seem to adjust the stitch selector knobs. I have pushed and pulled them while attempting to turn but they wont budge. I opened the top and remove disc number 5 so now there are no discs in it. When I try to sew, the thread bunches up under the material. I have tried to adjust tension on the needle and the bobbin but it still happens and the thread breaks. Do you have any thoughts on any of these issues. Thank you
Yearend2006 Sounds like it is really ceased up. If you’ve left it in a garage for a long time, it’s probably all dried up inside and all your knobs, etc. Won’t work for sure. Sounds like you may have to take it in for servicing to someone who can repair older sewing machines.
Hi, thank you for the demo video, I found this machine for $30 at a consignment store, Only thing it’s missing is the bottom plate. I really wanted to buy it but first I tested it out, it worked but the motor made a burning smell only after a minute of running it. Is that how yours is? Or would you say the motor needs to be replaced?
Hi thanks for watching. I think the motor needs to be replaced if it smells like it's burning. It wouldn't be safe. No, my machine runs like a gem. I know how to clean and oil older machines and if you can do that, you can get it running really well. They are all metal inside with no plastic parts but any part can still be found and replaced. My machine runs like new. Very smooth and it works great. I do lots of piecing for quilting with it. Good luck with your machine. By the way, it is worth repairing these machines because they are fabulous when working optimally.
If you look at your presser foot by placing it sideways on a flat surface the correct one is slanted. A non-slantomatic presser foot is straight up and down. The button hole attachment should say slantomatic on it if that’s what it is. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.
Hello! Thank you for the tutorial! My MIL is letting me use this machine I believe it was her grandmother's. I am wanting to get into quilting. I'm wondering what attachments I would need and where to get them to make learning how to quilt easier?? Thank you so much.
Hi you will need a quarter inch foot because most quilted seams are 1/4 inch wide and I recommend a walking foot. I tried to use the walking foot but it didn't work well with this machine for some reason. So it will sew beautiful seams but as for when I need to use the walking foot, I use my newer sewing machines. There are many learn how to quilt videos on TH-cam as well if you want to learn more about quilting. Hope this helps. Tfw.
@@TheTailorsDaughter Thank you for the reply! Does a darning foot touch the quilt fabric at all to keep the fabric from coming up with the needle or is it completely up in the air? Also for this machine what needle would you recommend for what I want to do? Thank you again. Sorry for so many questions.
I've never used a darning foot for quilting so I can't tell you. I use singer needles size 12 or 14 with this machine. However, I love the brand called "Organ" needles and I bought 100 in a small box from Amazon for like $10 or something like that. The needles are great quality and are individually wrapped in bundles of 10. I used to buy these needles from my local sewing machine store.
Hello yes the machine does buttonholes but you need a special buttonhole attachment. Sorry but I haven’t been doing videos for quite a long time now so I won’t be doing this type of video. I’m not sewing as much because I am busy with other art forms. I do watercolour art as well. Thanks for watching my channel.
I’m not sure because I don’t sew canvas. Apparently others have used it to sew through canvas but sorry I can’t help you with this one. Thanks for watching my channel.
@@TheTailorsDaughter Your reviews have been a big help. I'm repairing a sail for a moderate size boat. It seems like it will handle the job if I equip it with a walking foot and the right thread and needle.
The house I moved into, the previous owners left one in my closet. It’s a 421G. I have always wanted to learn how to sew.. but just looking at this thing is intimidating and scary lol. It has no manual.. I don’t even know where to start.
How many cams come with this model? I just bought this machine but it has no cams and I don’t know what to look for on eBay how many should come with it like, what are the cam lettered up to?
There are many cams that work with this machine. Most of them are for embroidery. You just need to search for cams that are used with the singer 401A and make sure they are all different when you purchase them. I don’t have all of them either and I really only use straight stitch and zigzag so if this is what you do, you really don’t need all the cams. Thanks for watching. Hugs, Fern.
@@TheTailorsDaughter thank-you. So I am guessing that there weren’t cams that automatically came with the machine….rather that could be purchased as extra accessories.
The machine did come with cams when they were purchased new in the 50’s. I believe there was about 6 of them. Unfortunately at this point in time rarely will you find this machine with all the original cams. But they can still be found to buy.
Thank-you so much for your helpful information. I have an orphanage in Sierra Leone, Africa, and I wanted a reasonably priced, good sturdy mechanical machine. Your review has made me feel good about my purchases. I want three or four of them. Thanks again for your help.
The American machine did not chain stitch. "Some" German #401 machines did, but "buyer beware", I have seen some that had the permanently installed hook ( In the left nose end ) removed by repairmen. The German #411 and 431 chain-stitched, but the 3 pieces are crucial for it to work. If you can find a metal geared Singer #600 machine, they will chain stitch and accessories are plentiful on eBay...
Hilary, I think the J stands for St. Johns in Canada. Was simply assembled in Canada rather than Anderson, USA. They were also produced in Germany, 401G, & Italy, 401M. Cams are available. Look on Ebay for starters. The 400 series Slants were superior machines in the day, & I'd recommend you keeping & enjoying using yours: ) Very cool machines they are, & I have more than a couple; )
Yuri Angulo You either put your bobbin in the wrong way or your bobbin is wound up incorrectly. You can find any manual for your sewing machine online or find a you tube tutorial which shows you the correct way. Thanks.
Yuri Angulo You have either put your bobbin in the wrong way or you have threaded your bobbin incorrectly. You can look up the correct way by finding the manual for your machine online or lookup you tube tutorials which show you how to thread your machine properly. Thanks
No. You control the stitch speed yourself on these older machines. This is a machine made in the 50’s. No speed control back then. Speed control is only on newer machines. Thanks.
I took the race apart to clean it, removing the black metal thing on the right. Neither I nor the sewing machine repair guy can reassemble. Suggestions?
You don't remove the black metal thing on the right. It pushes to the right even further to allow the race to be removed. You've gone too far in removing the race plate holder. You need to figure out how to put that black plate back in. There is a manual online as well for this sewing machine. Hope's this helps
this is the best tutorial I've watched so far. I can hear you and read the cc. I worked for Singer years ago as a Bookeeper and also demonstrated the machines. I will have one of these machines soon, can't wait. I remember it well! I am downsizing, but still want to sew. I am 88
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Good for you for continuing to love sewing. It is fun but also very therapeutic for the mind. Enjoy your singer machine! Keep in touch and let me know how you are enjoying it @ tailorsdaughter1955@gmail.com. (my email) Hugs, Fern
Thank you for this 401A video. I purchased one several years ago. It was missing the high hat fashion disk's. I was felaid by lices distractions. Finally and hopefully I will be cleaning, greasing and oiling it this month. I have been a textile lover for many years. Regrettably the in person classes are just never giving to happen, for me. Thus youtube and DVD's will have to suffice, for my education in construction technique's. I hope to do religious icons in a textile medium. Thus I am keenly interested in quilting construction. Any advice or moral support will be thankfully recieved.
@@weldoncross2059 I know this is very late, but I thought I would mention that you can easily get "Top Hat" cams from eBay.. The 401-500- 600 machines all used the same cams and many times people are selling attachment sets for the "plastic geared" #600 machines cheaply ( The gears broke and they tossed the machine and sold the accessories )… All the best..
@@1953childstar
Thank you Richard.
The 401 is widely considered one of Singer's masterpieces!
Yes it is one of Singer's masterpieces and they are work horses. I use it all the time and it is as smooth running as silk.
These old girls are wonderful machines. I use one all the time. You can wind the bobbin from the spool on the lower right side as you're sewing so you can have a fresh one to use.
Yes I use mine all the time too. Great sewing machine. Thanks for watching.
I just recieved a 401a complete with the cabinet. It was my mom's best friend's late mother in law's. She left it in perfect condition. No accessories but she put together a little bag with small metal scissors, bobbins, and a tiny screwdriver. I am teaching myself to sew. I've never used any sewing machine, so I'm glad I get to learn on such a historic masterpiece 🙂 thank you for the video it was vv helpful!
I’m sure you will enjoy your 401A. It sews like a charm. Thanks for watching my channel and glad the video was helpful. Best wishes with learning how to sew. xx Fern
Thank you! my neighbor's mother just passed and she asked if I wanted it and I said YES! Very close to my mom's Singer, Thanks for posting....watching all of this vids so I can make some masks for friends!
MarkfromLodi Thanks for watching.
I just found one, like brand new!! I cannot be more happy! This is a work horse! You can sew 6 layers of heavy denim and 4 layers of leather!
Wow that’s wonderful. It certainly is a fantastic sewing machine. I have 2 of them and just love them. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your machine!❤️
I inherited my Mom's 401A, which she bought brand new in 1958. She used it for decades with minimal maintenance. Great machine!
Hello. Yes it is definitely a great machine. I love mine. Enjoy your 401A. Thanks for watching!😊
My daughter bought me a Singer 401a for Mothers day this year and I just received it. Love it!
Enjoy. It’s a great machine. Thanks for watching.
My aunt just gave me her 60+ year old Singer Slant ‘o matic 401a sewing machine. She said she LOVED the machine, and never once in all that time did she have a problem with it, except recently she took it to be serviced - I don’t know why - but she said it hasn’t worked properly since. I think the tension is messed up and she can’t get it right again. So I’m researching now, attempting to learn how to get it going again, and how to use it. I remember so many things she made on it. A new project for me. 😊
They are amazing machines. Hope you can find a way to get it going again. Enjoy it! Thanks for watching!😊
@@TheTailorsDaughter I’m working on it. I’m determined. Thank you. 😊👍
My mother just happened to buy one of these from a coworker in the Seventies, but never really used it. So happy to hear what a good machine it is!
Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching.
Quieres venderla ?
This is the model my mom had and the machine on which I learned to sew. Very sad we sold it when my parents moved to a memory care facility. Would love to have it now-nothing I've used since then comes close to stitch quality!
Sue Kalnasy I agree. Nothing compares to the stitch quality of this machine. I have two of them exactly the same. Love them. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Hugs, Fern
I have seen a few at St. Vincent’s and there is one near me with a lovely cabinet..$50! Sadly,I already have two…
I have the 411G model looks very similar to 401 apart from different locations of bobbin wonder mines on top . Bought mine from a charity shop £30 in its own built in cabinet came with all the attachments and even manual must have been someone’s pride and joy . Sees like a dream I absolutely love it . Love from the UK Anita
Glad you enjoy this machine. It is definitely a dream to sew with. Thanks for watching. Hugs to you, Fern
The side bobbin winder was for the American market, the 411G, was made in Germany, it is a slightly better machine. That was a bargain. I have two 401G and a 411G, they are great machines, tension can be a bit fussy on them.
@@dwarfsbaneironfist2527 Do you know how to "Zero out" the upper tension ? Lower the presser foot to engage the tension and when the tension knob is set on zero, there should only be a "whisper" of a pull on the upper tension ( Use a loose piece of thread to gauge ).. After that, you can easily set the lower tension on the bobbin case.. I hope this assists you !!!
@@1953childstar Thx, my wife never uses them. She uses her Bernina Bernette, a lot lighter and it goes through everything she wants to sew.
I inherited my grandmother's 401A, and probably the only thing wrong with it is that it hasn't been used in ~8 years (and was used infrequently for some years before that). My husband asked me to do some research to see if it would be better to get the old machine serviced/repaired or just purchase a new one. After doing my research, it's no wonder that this machine was precious to my grandmother!
Now to do some research on good machine mechanics/repairers near me...
Sorry for the delay. It is worth repairing and servicing. I have both old machines and new ones. I love them all. Thanks for watching my channel.
Just picked up a 401 in a cabinet yesterday for $35. Did some cleaning and oiling and sewed with her some today. Have to get an instruction manual printed so I can do more. She sounds great but upon trying some of the stitch combinations on the cam cover, I wasn’t able to get anything more than a straight stitch for some of them. Came with all five starter cams and an assortment of the beginning essential feet and attachments. Looking forward to figuring out how to get those decorative stitches to work once I have a paper copy of the manual. I already own a 301 and a Viking Husqvarna 6440. Hoping to use this 401 to finish the quilting and binding of a quilt I started for my mother.
Update: Got this machine working pretty well and doing the deco stitches. TH-cam videos were greatly helpful. I used it to straight line quilt the quilt intended for my Mom. She died in a memory care unit in the middle of July so I wasn’t able to give it to her. I did give it to my Dad who loves it and has it on his bed. It was made out of fabric I inherited from her so a memory quilt of sorts. The 401 is a wonderful machine and I’m so thankful to have gotten one in good condition and for a good price.
I was gifted this today im soo happy. Hope to get it running💗 love ur channel
MeLissa Bee Thank you for watching and I hope you enjoy your sewing machine!
I just bought one of these today for $150. including the fold a way table and all the attachments. I too am used to an industrial
Let me know how you like your Singer 401A. Thanks for watching. xx Fern
I have just bought one of these machines this week and am waiting for it to be delivered I have wanted one for ages and did miss out on some machines that. were for sale, but I found one in excellent condition so it was meant to be mine
It is a great machine. Nothing compares to the stitch quality. Hope you enjoy your new Singer sewing machine.
Hi Fern
I was during around my neighborhood and saw this Singer 401A give away in someone’s driveway with a beautiful blonde mid century table. Left a note and it was free for the taking !!!
I’m so excited to have this jewel !!
There is a one pressure foot and a button holed. Can you send me any information? Going to look on line for attachments.
Thank you
Diane
You can find the manual online too. It explains everything to you. Thanks for watching. Glad you found one of these gems. Awesome.
Thanks for the video. We just purchased this unit so we really appreciate the Run down. Hoping to put it to use very soon.
My mother taught me how to sew with one of these machines. They are very nice and sew so well. Wish I still had it. I'm currently looking for one.
I just bought one yesterday and so far I’m loving it. I came with a few accessories, so not sure how much it’s missing.
It comes with about 8 cams for your different stitches, and about 6 different foot attachments, a small brush, and a small screw driver basically. There may be a few more items. The stitch quality is fabulous. Enjoy!!
I have one of these and love it. it doesn't have the oomph of my Husqvarna 21-- few domestic machines do-- but it is smooth, precise, and just so nice to use. It takes a nicer stitch than either of my Necchis, and absolutely puts my old Morse Photomatic 4300 in the shade. I'll even go out on a limb and say it's nicer than my Rocketeer.
I absolutely agree. I guess it depends on what shape it’s in. If it’s been serviced and working as it should, it certainly is a great sewing machine. Thanks for your feedback and thanks for watching. Fern.
On button winding, place spool on spindle next, about inch away, to bobbin winder tension thread guide up to the winder.
Awesome! Very helpful. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Cheers. 🙂
Thank you for the lovely video! I inherited my grandma's 401A, and have only recently mustered up the courage to use it.
The problem I'm running into is with the thread bunching up and knotting under my fabric. My thread is also very loose going through the upper threading mechanism from spool to needle. I followed the manual's directions for how to adjust needle and bobbin thread tension, but neither seemed to help. Would you have insight on how to fix this?
Hi. Sorry I wouldn’t be able to advise without seeing the machine. Are you threading the machine properly? Is your bobbin wound up properly? Sounds like something hasn’t been done correctly. Also check the needle. Change the needle and put in a new one. Make sure you put the needle in correctly. There are a few things on this machine that are finicky but once you figure it out it’s a gem. Thanks for watching and good luck.
Hi, I'm considering buying this machine. Ive heard it's a great machine from multiple sources. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! My question is will it sew lighter weight vinyl and/or leather? Not heavy. Im very new at learning about vintage machines and also at bag making. I'm hoping to find a vintage machine that is heavy duty and wi6sew heavier, bulkier projects. Thank you 😊
Hello. In order to sew vinyl or leather, you require a much heavier duty machine. There are machines specifically for leather. This machine is a work horse but not adequate for sewing leather. Thanks for watching.
@@TheTailorsDaughter thank you 😊 I appreciate your reply!!
I have the singer 401A with the stand. Mine has the knee presser...and I absolutely love it. Bought it at a yard sale some years ago but whoever had it didnt quite care for it correctly, and the cams were not included. I would love to get my machine working to its original capacity. Can you tell me where to buy the cams. I also just bought a baby lock jazz II..love it as well. However I will not get rid of my 401a singer its a strong machine😊thank you for sharing
imfinesse7 Hi. Yes the 401A is a fabulous machine definitely worth keeping. Have you looked online for the cams. eBay usually has them. Also ask your local sewing machine repair shop. They are getting harder to find as the years roll on but I would do a google search. Thanks for watching.
Hi Verne,
What an excellent demo!
I received a new Singer Slant-o-Matic - which has all these features - in 1959 when I graduated from 8th grade, and used it for decades on leather, suede, upholstery fabrics, etc.
Last year I got a second one, “trading in my original,” which was “locked up” from lack of use.
have always been under the impression that this machine doesn’t work with knit fabrics and wonder whether you have found otherwise. Would a specialty foot perhaps make it work w/knits?
Many thanks!
Hi you need a needle for knits or just a ball point needle. That should help. Also using a walking foot helps. If you don’t have one you can get one online inexpensively I think on Amazon. Although may I say you shouldn’t have traded in your old machine if it was purchased new because it can be repaired. These machines just need to be oiled up to unlock them. Glad you like these machines as I do. Thanks for watching. Hugs, Fern
@@TheTailorsDaughter Thank you SO much for this very helpful advice!
Had the pandemic not hit (and the repair businesses not closed because of it, I would never have given up my old machine. I was eager to start making masks for friends, family and myself, and the replacement has worked out pretty well.
How fortunate you were to have a father who was a tailor!
Many thanks!
Hi! Thanks for the video!
I'm going to give quilting a try-- do you use a walking foot when quilting with the singer 401? If so, any recommendations? Thank you so much!
Yes I have a walking foot but for seaming and piecing together you don’t need it. You can use the regular 1/4 inch presser foot. You can email me at tailorsdaughter1955@gmail.com with anything else I can help you with. Thanks for watching. Fern
Very informative and well presented. Dose the 401A have a build-in buttonhole maker or will need to buy attachment for it?
I believe it needs an attachment. I don’t use it to make buttonholes because I have new machines as well which I would use for buttonholes. Thanks for watching.
Hi there. Liked the demo. I have ben considering a 401A. Given your experience Would this machine be able to handle some denim or canvas projects?
Hi. I haven't sewn any denim or canvas with it because I don't tend to make projects using these but I understand it is supposed to work very well with thick materials. You would need a heavy gauge needle though such as a size 16 or 18 of course. I have been doing quilting and sewing projects with it and I love it.
Thanks so much for this info, any info about where to look for one to buy?
Have you looked online at all. Sometimes you can get a lead. They are not that easy to find. Good luck searching. Thanks for watching my channel.
Hello. I have my grandmother's 401A. I would like to know how did you mount it into the sewing table?.
me Da The table has little hooks at the back which have screws and if you look at the machine it’s made to be screwed into one of these types of tables. You need a sewing table which fits a singer 401a sewing machine. Hope this helps.
Hi, I just pulled this machine out of the garage after a few years. I have cleaned and oiled it and I am experiencing some issues with it. I cant seem to adjust the stitch selector knobs. I have pushed and pulled them while attempting to turn but they wont budge. I opened the top and remove disc number 5 so now there are no discs in it. When I try to sew, the thread bunches up under the material. I have tried to adjust tension on the needle and the bobbin but it still happens and the thread breaks. Do you have any thoughts on any of these issues. Thank you
Yearend2006 Sounds like it is really ceased up. If you’ve left it in a garage for a long time, it’s probably all dried up inside and all your knobs, etc. Won’t work for sure. Sounds like you may have to take it in for servicing to someone who can repair older sewing machines.
Hi, thank you for the demo video, I found this machine for $30 at a consignment store, Only thing it’s missing is the bottom plate. I really wanted to buy it but first I tested it out, it worked but the motor made a burning smell only after a minute of running it. Is that how yours is? Or would you say the motor needs to be replaced?
Hi thanks for watching. I think the motor needs to be replaced if it smells like it's burning. It wouldn't be safe. No, my machine runs like a gem. I know how to clean and oil older machines and if you can do that, you can get it running really well. They are all metal inside with no plastic parts but any part can still be found and replaced. My machine runs like new. Very smooth and it works great. I do lots of piecing for quilting with it. Good luck with your machine. By the way, it is worth repairing these machines because they are fabulous when working optimally.
ow do I know if the feet I have are for slant machine. Also have button hole attachment that was added later so unsure if it is for slantomatic
If you look at your presser foot by placing it sideways on a flat surface the correct one is slanted. A non-slantomatic presser foot is straight up and down. The button hole attachment should say slantomatic on it if that’s what it is. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.
Hi, this is great, it looks a lot like a Singer 401G. I have issue the bobbin thread not being picked up with my 401g,can you help.
Is your bobbin wound up properly. Most of the time that’s the problem. But thanks for watching. 🌸
@@TheTailorsDaughter yes tried with another bobbin used in past. How do I reset the timing for the bobbin as that is the issue?
You will have to bring the machine in to a repair technician to set the timing.
@@TheTailorsDaughter where are you, what's the address? Do you have a London address?
Hello! Thank you for the tutorial! My MIL is letting me use this machine I believe it was her grandmother's. I am wanting to get into quilting. I'm wondering what attachments I would need and where to get them to make learning how to quilt easier?? Thank you so much.
Hi you will need a quarter inch foot because most quilted seams are 1/4 inch wide and I recommend a walking foot. I tried to use the walking foot but it didn't work well with this machine for some reason. So it will sew beautiful seams but as for when I need to use the walking foot, I use my newer sewing machines. There are many learn how to quilt videos on TH-cam as well if you want to learn more about quilting. Hope this helps. Tfw.
@@TheTailorsDaughter
Thank you for the reply! Does a darning foot touch the quilt fabric at all to keep the fabric from coming up with the needle or is it completely up in the air? Also for this machine what needle would you recommend for what I want to do? Thank you again. Sorry for so many questions.
I've never used a darning foot for quilting so I can't tell you. I use singer needles size 12 or 14 with this machine. However, I love the brand called "Organ" needles and I bought 100 in a small box from Amazon for like $10 or something like that. The needles are great quality and are individually wrapped in bundles of 10. I used to buy these needles from my local sewing machine store.
Oh and the organ needles are size 12 and they fit fine on this machine
Why does my 401A keep jamming? The bobbin keeps trying to jump out.😢
Can the machine do buttonholes? Could you please show us this? Thank you from Ann in Australia
Hello yes the machine does buttonholes but you need a special buttonhole attachment. Sorry but I haven’t been doing videos for quite a long time now so I won’t be doing this type of video. I’m not sewing as much because I am busy with other art forms. I do watercolour art as well. Thanks for watching my channel.
Hi there, do you think that this machine would be good for heavier materials?
Absolutely! I repaired a camping tent with mine. BTW I also sewed wedding gowns with it. Great work horse.
Hi, how many layers of canvas will this machine sew through? I appreciate your help.
I’m not sure because I don’t sew canvas. Apparently others have used it to sew through canvas but sorry I can’t help you with this one. Thanks for watching my channel.
@@TheTailorsDaughter Your reviews have been a big help. I'm repairing a sail for a moderate size boat. It seems like it will handle the job if I equip it with a walking foot and the right thread and needle.
I just bought one. Is there a chart for how to service and oil this machine?
The instructions for maintenance are in the manual. You can download or read the manual online at manual for Singer 401a.
The house I moved into, the previous owners left one in my closet. It’s a 421G. I have always wanted to learn how to sew.. but just looking at this thing is intimidating and scary lol. It has no manual.. I don’t even know where to start.
Sorry I didn’t see your comment. You can download all manuals online. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.
Me gustó mucho quisiera preguntar cómo hace el surfilado gracias
How many cams come with this model? I just bought this machine but it has no cams and I don’t know what to look for on eBay how many should come with it like, what are the cam lettered up to?
There are many cams that work with this machine. Most of them are for embroidery. You just need to search for cams that are used with the singer 401A and make sure they are all different when you purchase them. I don’t have all of them either and I really only use straight stitch and zigzag so if this is what you do, you really don’t need all the cams. Thanks for watching. Hugs, Fern.
@@TheTailorsDaughter thank-you. So I am guessing that there weren’t cams that automatically came with the machine….rather that could be purchased as extra accessories.
The machine did come with cams when they were purchased new in the 50’s. I believe there was about 6 of them. Unfortunately at this point in time rarely will you find this machine with all the original cams. But they can still be found to buy.
Thank-you so much for your helpful information. I have an orphanage in Sierra Leone, Africa, and I wanted a reasonably priced, good sturdy mechanical machine. Your review has made me feel good about my purchases.
I want three or four of them. Thanks again for your help.
I’m glad I could help. Good luck with your machines. Wow….what you do is wonderful. My best wishes to you.
La meilleure des vielle sincère
Merci beaucoup! ❤️ Thanks for watching!
Hi can u do chain stitch on this , because I see some people do it but I don't know how to ,. Thanks
Hi yes there is probably a cam for chain stitch. Not sure if I have it. Thanks for watching.
The German # 401 machines will chainstitch- with the three accessories… Not a cam !!
The American machine did not chain stitch. "Some" German #401 machines did, but "buyer beware", I have seen some that had the permanently installed hook ( In the left nose end ) removed by repairmen. The German #411 and 431 chain-stitched, but the 3 pieces are crucial for it to work. If you can find a metal geared Singer #600 machine, they will chain stitch and accessories are plentiful on eBay...
What’s the difference between 401A and 401J? Thank you
Hilary Sutherland Sorry I can’t help you. I’m not familiar with 401J. Thanks for watching.
Hilary, I think the J stands for St. Johns in Canada. Was simply assembled in Canada rather than Anderson, USA.
They were also produced in Germany, 401G, & Italy, 401M.
Cams are available. Look on Ebay for starters. The 400 series Slants were superior machines in the day, & I'd recommend you keeping & enjoying using yours: )
Very cool machines they are, & I have more than a couple; )
The "J" series was made in Canada...
Hi i want to learn but I’m at the beginning I’m trying to put my thread in. If it keeps getting tangled on the bobbing spinner can you help me
Yuri Angulo You either put your bobbin in the wrong way or your bobbin is wound up incorrectly. You can find any manual for your sewing machine online or find a you tube tutorial which shows you the correct way. Thanks.
Yuri Angulo You have either put your bobbin in the wrong way or you have threaded your bobbin incorrectly. You can look up the correct way by finding the manual for your machine online or lookup you tube tutorials which show you how to thread your machine properly. Thanks
Wish I could see the bobbin area.
It’s a drop in bobbin. There is a small sliding plate and the bobbin gets dropped in and the thread hooks just like any other sewing machine.
Thank you. Great video
Thanks for watching.
is there way to slow the stitch speed?
No. You control the stitch speed yourself on these older machines. This is a machine made in the 50’s. No speed control back then. Speed control is only on newer machines. Thanks.
@@TheTailorsDaughter is there a way to reduce the speed?
I took the race apart to clean it, removing the black metal thing on the right. Neither I nor the sewing machine repair guy can reassemble. Suggestions?
You don't remove the black metal thing on the right. It pushes to the right even further to allow the race to be removed. You've gone too far in removing the race plate holder. You need to figure out how to put that black plate back in. There is a manual online as well for this sewing machine. Hope's this helps
I am having trouble with the threaded needle grabbing my bobbin thread
Check your bobbin. Sounds like your bobbin may be winded incorrectly.
Manufactured 1957
I cannot see the bobin guides in this video
I have a 1957 401A for sale. Machine only