Harry, thanks, that was really helpful. I've bought a 1945 Singer 201 from eBay and it was quite grimy. I followed your tutorial and cleaned all the parts of the tension knob as I went, and now it looks shiny and works lovely! Thanks again. You're very clear and explain it well.
I have to thank you for this video. I have a Gritzner machine from 1893 but recently became the proud father of a Pfaff 30 from 1952. While not the same machine as yours, being modern, it does have one of these new-fangled tensioners. Thinking that it would just go from 6 down to 1 I started releasing the tension to find it went from 6 down to 1 several times before coming off in my hand. Disassembly is easy! Thank you for the information with clear narration.
Wow Harry, this is wonderful. I am the happy new owner of the 201 which was found at a thrift store the week before Christmas and is currently at the "spa" with a man, who like you, clearly loves the old machines. I learned to sew on one similar to this one and have lovely memories of sewing with my mom. I not only want to know how to use it but how it works and this tutorial is brilliant! Thank you from a new fan in Minnisota.
Thank you Harry. I thought I had seen all your videos on TH-cam, but on searching for help reassembling my top tension assembly, up comes this recommendation. Simple, clear and joyful. and now I am confident I can get my assembly back together again on my 185K.
Thanks so much! For a while I've wondered why my stitches were just a bit wobbly. Everyone raves about the stitches on this machine but I just didn't see it. Turns out I used the manual to reassemble years ago and it just doesn't have a much detail as your video. I'm raving now!
I want to thank you for this video. I was having thread tension problems. I tried everything else but changing the tension spring. I could change it on my own after watching your video. You saved my day.
Hi Harry What a result! I was gifted a 1940, 201 K4 singer machine which looks like it has hardly been used. I've tried to make it work for years with no success. I make leather bags for friends and family and I thought inside pockets could be machine stitched to save time, although I would saddle stitch the main bag. I realised that for years the tensioner was assembled wrongly and rebuilt as per your video. The machine now runs like a singer! stitching through leather is perfect and will save so much time. I can rivet the corners of the pocket to add strength but the Gutterman thread is so strong it would cut into your fingers off!, cheers mate Dave Gibbs
I had to clean my 201 upper tension, taking it apart and then re-assembling, and could not have worked out how to put the parts back in their proper sequence, without the help of your video, thanks very much for posting!
Thank you for these excellent tutorials. I bought a fixer upper 201k and your videos have helped me sort it out. It's cleaned and oiled and a new motor is on the way. The next thing I need to do is replace this tension spring because that's exactly how it is on mine.
Thank you. By watching and stopping this excellent video I was able to replace my spring and get it all put together properly. It gives me confidence to do a repair like this. Much appreciation.
Thank you so much. No matter what I do with my Singer Stylist 513 there seems to be no tension at all. I now feel confident to replace the spring. Great video!
Thank you so much for the video. I appreciate the close up view and your pointing out and identifying each component. I had multiple tension assemblies for my 66, two 301’s, and the 201 and I just wasn’t sure which pieces went to what. Now that I’ve seen this I know which thread discs to use and that bit that follows the spring does belong. I accumulated 5 vintage/antique singers this last year and a pfaff 230 to add to my singer centennial 201 and my singer 301. All of them came with small boxes of parts so it’s been a jigsaw passel to figure out which tension assembly parts go to what after getting them mixed up with the 201’s tension assembly. It’s nice to know the 201 can handle leather as that’s what I will be sewing on it. By the way you have a very calming voice. ☺️
Hello Harry, you helped me figure out a very tough problem with my tensioner on my singer 201. I couldn't get my stitched to be consistent no matter what. After watching your video, I realized my slack take up spring was binding and therefore not working. After some investigation I found that the very back plate was slightly bent and causing interference with the spring movement. After correcting the alignment issues, it sews better than ever. Thank you so much!
Your video and instructions are clear and concise. You took the fear of working on my Singer 201 tension away. Thank you. I just finished cleaning it up and putting it back together and the tension is awesome.
Thanks, Harry! Your instructions and filming were very clear. I'm waiting for the delivery of a 201 and this was great advice. Definitely something I shall look out for.
Buen día Maestro, me encantó su explicación de como armar y desarmar el tensor del hilo superior y ajustarlo a pesar que no entiendo su idioma, muchas gracias por su tiempo y dedicación en enseñarnos los problemas que pueden presentar nuestras maquinas, me encantaría que hiciera videos en español para toda nuestra Sur América especialmente para Argentina que tanto nos hace falta, muchas gracias, Bendiciones y un fuerte abrazo desde mi Argentina!!!! 👍👏👏👏🤗🙏🇦🇷
Thank you, i wont be replacing a spring just yet, but this gave me a confidence to take the unit apart to send away for refurbishment, or replacement. Much appreciated.
Thanks Harry! I have the 201k treadle and the tension wheel came to me in pieces with the machine, thankfully you’re here to help me put it together! You’re a star - keep up the good work ❤️
Serendipity! I purchased a 201 just today and while it sews like a dream, every so often something happens with the upper tension. The spring just seemed off and while I’m not sure that’s the issue I have a feeling it may be. And this video just happens to appear on my main TH-cam page just now. Thank you!
I think that’s the problem I’m having with my 185. My top stitch isn’t right but altering the tension is making no difference. So I cleaned and oiled the machine - still didn’t fix it. Watched this video and now I’m convinced it’s the spring that’s gone. I’m off to shop for a replacement. Thank you! 😁
Excellent instruction & fabulous visuals! I was given my brother-in-law's Mother's Singer 403A (?) sewing machine after she passed away. My BIL had first had it serviced by his "sewing machine guy", who said it was now good to go. Unfortunately, the first time I tried to use it I saw that the tension assembly appears "off", with that spring loop at the 1:00 position instead of 9:00. I was afraid to try to adjust it as the tension of a sewing machine has always seemed a sacred untouchable to me, since I was introduced to sewing in childhood. "If you screw up the tension, the machine will never work again", still booms in my head! I was a bit dismayed to realize that the sewing machine guy could not possibly have run a final thread up & sample sew of test fabric before declaring the machine fit, otherwise he would surely have realized his error. I don't live in that area or I would simply have asked if the gentleman could make that final adjustment he missed. I'm still nervous about it, but your video has greatly eased my mind & encouraged my generally mechanically inclined self, to give it a shot. Thank you & God bless!😇 P.S. I pulled it out to see what I could do & just now saw that there is no bobbin adapter that I am used to from my Mom's machine, on which I grew up... I'm afraid it must be missing, but wonder if this model machine doesn't have one of those... I'll have to do some more research! [5.13.2023]
you really have inspired me to do woodcrafting. I started with the beads then I made a few hand-drill handles, next I made a stand for my retort. even made a few simple carvings for my parents and a couple rings. looking forward to more woodcrafts. for my next project ill try carving a spoon.
Thank you so much for this detailed video. I had to change this same spring on my Mother’s 1950‘s Atlas. The first 90% of that which is in your video is very similar to mine. The last part was different but I was able to solve that on my own. Prior to watching your video I was on the wrong track. Thanks again!
@@choppysocks greetings, this was a good while back that I did this. I only had the one spring to replace. My machine doesn’t have 2 springs. . I wasn’t able to find the exact replacement spring but I found a close looking one at an old sewing machine repair place. I had to make an adjustment to it by bending carefully with a pair of needle nose pliers a portion of the new spring to get it to fit. I remember that the disassembly during this process was quite different from what I expected. There were a lot of precision parts that fit just so and I took a lot of pictures during disassembly to put it back together correctly. And I had to watch a lot of videos including this one before I was able to figure it all out. My best advice is take your time. Don’t force anything as these are very precision built machines, take lots of pics during disassembly and keep researching with the videos. Best of luck to you.
@daq thank you for your reply. I wish I had been able to take photos of the disassembly but I stupidly didn’t think about the spring and when I loosened the screw it all flew out so I had no idea what went where! I’ve looked around and I think my machine is a 1936 year, I’ve seen one similar tension dial (it doesn’t have numbers just lines) but it’s not disassembled. these videos are all so very helpful though.
Problem with much loved old Singer, sorted! Exceptionally clear explanation on video of how to dissemble and re-assemble the tension spring assembly. Many thanks.
Great video, precise information oand good close ups.. It helped me a lot. I have my mother's singer golden girl sewing machine. It was a model marketed in South Asian countries. But tension assembly unit is identical to yours. Your video really helped me to understand the tension assembly ..I have been using it without tension spring and facing constant absymal tension. Now I will have to find a tension spring..
Harry Rogers Yes, but I live in the other part of the globe, marketing alone will be more than the price of my 50 years old sewing machine. I have no idea when and where and how that thing got lost. I just dread to admit that I must have done something to her in my earlier phase of getting to know the machine and didn't even realize it. This golden girl is similar to singer 287, but it doesn't have a dropfeed option and stop motion for bobbin finding. But it's a pretty machine . I just messed it up thoughtlessly.
Thank you so much for showing this. It takes the worry out of trying to fix mine, if I have to. I'm trying to get my old Bernina 117 K into working shape. Must be about the same. Thanks again.
This was the EXACT video that I was looking for! And expertly narrated and produced. Mine is a Singer 457 Stylist, but is very similar to the older machine in the video. Thank you for providing this extremely helpful presentation.
Thank you I have a 1939 201 Have spent the afternoon sorting the upper tension out then after watching your vid found it had been assembled wrong in the past Thank you I shall suscribe
Well done, thanks Harry. I have a much newer machine, with a completely different assembly (White 1409) but the concepts I believe, are the same. Fixed my tension watching your video ;-)
Thanks for the instructions. I replaced the spring as you displayed and got the machine sewing again, however, during sewing it’ll sew fine then the string instantly becomes so tight that it breaks. It’s not the spring. So the issue is still there. Do you know what that could be?
This video explains exactly what I needed to know, which is the position in which the tension spring should go (between 4 and 6 o'clock). I'm repairing my mother's machine which is a Singer 226r, and the tension unit is very similar to this one, with the difference that mine has 3 tension discs, two convex and one central flat... A question, abusing your kindness: from front to back, where should the thread go? between the first disk and the central one or the central one and the last disk? (the manual doesn't say so, it's very rudimentary) In advance, thank you very much.
Hi Harry, Loved your video re replacing tension spring which I managed to do thanks to your clear instructions. My problem is that the stud that supports all the components is falling out of the machine and if I look in the front of the machine it looks like I have lost the little screw that holds it in place (there is an obvious place for a screw to go adjacent to the stud). Would you be able to tell me the name or dimensions of this screw so I can find a replacement? This 201K was purchased by my Mother in 1954 and has travelled far and sewn many kilometres. Thank you again for your lovely clear instructions.
Had issues today (turned out to be some idiot installing the needle the wrong way round...) but in my investigation, I took the tension assembly apart and reassembled with your video. I did notice that the lever inside the machine that it acts on was loose and not matching up to the bit it was supposed to (if that makes sense) - seconds to tighten with a screwdriver. I also found some thread wrapped round components inside (of a colour I haven't used) so gave it a good clean and an oil. I use V69/40s thread which is pretty thick - have to make sure it's properly inside the tension discs (top tension needs to be quite high) and bobbin tension needs lowering slightly but for the heavyweight gear I'm sewing, it's superb
Hi Harry - what's the purpose of the plate on the right-hand side of the tensioner? Its like a hook but the thread never goes near it. I _think_ I've fixed mine using this - part of my problem is someone has tried to turn the tensioner's central shaft like its a slotted screw, and spread the two sides so its all a bit off.
@@harryrogers 2 years later and I'm redoing it again - turns out the two tension disks have flats worn on the faces so they were more like two washers, giving far too much drag and breaking the thread frequently at the needle's eye. Next is figuring out the bobbin-tension underneath - leaves huge blobs of thread now. Still, not bad for a 70 year old machine from a high school.
Thank you so much for explaining tension knobs however I have a singer 101 I’m not sure if I put the disks back together and the thread tension wire back on properly but it is not working is there a tutorial for the 101 that does not have the number dial? Much appreciate any comments
The 101 is an earlier machine, but I think the principle will be the same...please check the discs are the right way and are managing to add friction and the tension spring is fixed not rotating.
I have two springs inside my Elna machine? I don't know what the original one looks like? But lately my machine has been playing up with the thread braking, etc.
ugh my tension spring is now hitting the screw that holds the "base plate" to the tensioner in. My 201 was making tons of loops underneath and I started tinkering. thanks for tutorials hopefully I can figure this out. Ok I kept watching and didn't "bring the spring round"
Thank you for the video. Only thing is when I do it ,the part with the numbers will not turn. I have done it over and over. Don't know what I am doing wrong.
Please, I have a problem in the tension of my this singer machine that i couldn't fix : the sewing make a lot of yarn under the cloth that mean the upper tension is not tied enough, but when i tie it more the yarn cut the back geared part of the middle bar has a part length of few millimeters outside its hole ---> i don't know if it is normal or not. Also, i don't know if this is the reason that make the back spring is not in touch with the back disc or not. or does the back spring should be in touch with the back disc or not ?
Heh mine's a 201K coloured tan, and is on top of a nice wooden case that someone has painted bletcherous Orange, probably in the 70s. Also got a treadle and the original leather belt still. but has had an electric motor fitted at some point, thankfully !
Hi Harry, Trying to stitch thin leather with your featured machine. looks like I now need to change the subject spring. Stitching leather what thread do you recommend?
Thanks for this. It was really helpful. I did have a problem with the tension release pin preventing the assembly going back together and adequate tension being achieved but got there in the end. For the first time in 5 years, I have a tensioner that works properly. (The tension release pin is hidden in the threaded slot and needs to be pushed home to allow everything else to seat properly).
My old-fashioned Singer machine (1889), the mechanic is workable. Only I need a new spring for the tension. Where do you think I find it? Thank you. Your video is very clear and explanation well. thank you
I would like to know your needle and tread combination for that demonstration. And also other types of combinations you recommend for that particular machine. I have one of these fine old machines and many others as well. I just was not aware that it could sew leather at all. Thanks for another excellent video, Sir.
Muy bueno el vídeo !!bien explicado !!! Yo tengo una singer igual modelo lástima aqui hay pocos repuestos!!! Gracias por compartir sus conocimientos! ! Un ABRAZO desde Argentina !!
Hello Harry, I have acquired a vintage Favta Darling sewing machine. There are unfortunately problems with the tension mechanism. From your video I can see it needs a new tension spring. However, also it has a part missing. I am not sure what spring it would need and what to do about the missing part. I would welcome any help to get this machine up and running. I am happy to communicate by e-mail. Kind regards, Janine
Hi I am sorry but I am not familiar with that machine....made in Switzerland?? Some parts can be adapted, so maybe a dealer can find a similar tension unit that you could fit or adapt?
Hi Harry, Brilliant video. I am intending to reupholster my vintage car seats using 1.1mm thick leather. I have followed your advice and bought a Singer 201K for the job? Can you please tell me what needles I need to buy and where I can purchase the tension spring? Do you have the part No for the spring. Have you any advice as to what thread I should use? I have followed your advice and bought a Singer 201K for the job. The M/c appears to be in very good condition. I have also purchased a Walking Foot Singer 331K5 but I cannot get it to sew well, continuously. Regards Paul S
Hi Paul ...you can get the tension assembly on EBay, and needle wise go for leather point...again from Ebay if you want...largest diameter they do...probably size 100 (UK)....Gutterman upholstery thread is worth considering. The 331k would take thicker stronger threads if you get it going.
Hi Harry. I have a 201K treadle machine in cabinet that was my grandmother's and I know the tension spring is broken. I am in Queensland, Australia. Are these replacement sprins easy to obtain and where from. Kind regards, Lee.
@@harryrogers Thanks for that Harry. I have just ordered one from the UK and should be here in the next few weeks. It was also very valuable to have seen the video you did on cleaning and oiling the machine as I probably have not been as thorough as you were. Once again, many thanks.
I did a video a long while back on Singer 31k timing, tge thumbnail is a scrap machine, that might be worth a look. Try and look to see is the lower thread being looped close to the needle etc.
@@harryrogers do you have link? It looks like the bobbin house and thread catcher are not alligned with the bottom dead point of the needle. Maybe I will be able to access the shaft fro underneath and make a small rotational adjustmenbt.
This is TH-cam at it pinnacle. No bull. No chat. Just first class highly knowledgeable delivery. Big thumbs up and big thanks
Harry, thanks, that was really helpful. I've bought a 1945 Singer 201 from eBay and it was quite grimy. I followed your tutorial and cleaned all the parts of the tension knob as I went, and now it looks shiny and works lovely!
Thanks again. You're very clear and explain it well.
Thanks very much
I have to thank you for this video. I have a Gritzner machine from 1893 but recently became the proud father of a Pfaff 30 from 1952. While not the same machine as yours, being modern, it does have one of these new-fangled tensioners. Thinking that it would just go from 6 down to 1 I started releasing the tension to find it went from 6 down to 1 several times before coming off in my hand. Disassembly is easy! Thank you for the information with clear narration.
Wow Harry, this is wonderful. I am the happy new owner of the 201 which was found at a thrift store the week before Christmas and is currently at the "spa" with a man, who like you, clearly loves the old machines. I learned to sew on one similar to this one and have lovely memories of sewing with my mom. I not only want to know how to use it but how it works and this tutorial is brilliant! Thank you from a new fan in Minnisota.
Thanks very much
Thank you Harry. I thought I had seen all your videos on TH-cam, but on searching for help reassembling my top tension assembly, up comes this recommendation. Simple, clear and joyful. and now I am confident I can get my assembly back together again on my 185K.
Great...thanks Nigel
Thanks so much! For a while I've wondered why my stitches were just a bit wobbly. Everyone raves about the stitches on this machine but I just didn't see it. Turns out I used the manual to reassemble years ago and it just doesn't have a much detail as your video. I'm raving now!
I want to thank you for this video. I was having thread tension problems. I tried everything else but changing the tension spring. I could change it on my own after watching your video. You saved my day.
Thanks
Hi Harry
What a result! I was gifted a 1940, 201 K4 singer machine which looks like it has hardly been used. I've tried to make it work for years with no success. I make leather bags for friends and family and I thought inside pockets could be machine stitched to save time, although I would saddle stitch the main bag. I realised that for years the tensioner was assembled wrongly and rebuilt as per your video. The machine now runs like a singer! stitching through leather is perfect and will save so much time. I can rivet the corners of the pocket to add strength but the Gutterman thread is so strong it would cut into your fingers off!, cheers mate Dave Gibbs
That's great Dave....thanks
I had to clean my 201 upper tension, taking it apart and then re-assembling, and could not have worked out how to put the parts back in their proper sequence, without the help of your video, thanks very much for posting!
Thank you for these excellent tutorials. I bought a fixer upper 201k and your videos have helped me sort it out. It's cleaned and oiled and a new motor is on the way. The next thing I need to do is replace this tension spring because that's exactly how it is on mine.
Excellent tutorial. Your teaching style is just the right pace and you explained each component's job. Thank you I needed this help.
Thanks very much.
Thank you. By watching and stopping this excellent video I was able to replace my spring and get it all put together properly. It gives me confidence to do a repair like this. Much appreciation.
Great to hear!
Thank you so much. No matter what I do with my Singer Stylist 513 there seems to be no tension at all. I now feel confident to replace the spring. Great video!
Thank you a lot, we had another problem (it was not assembled properly) and just by looking at your close-up video we menaged to solve this problem.
amar tao apnar motoi masin ✌️
Thank you so much for the video. I appreciate the close up view and your pointing out and identifying each component. I had multiple tension assemblies for my 66, two 301’s, and the 201 and I just wasn’t sure which pieces went to what. Now that I’ve seen this I know which thread discs to use and that bit that follows the spring does belong. I accumulated 5 vintage/antique singers this last year and a pfaff 230 to add to my singer centennial 201 and my singer 301. All of them came with small boxes of parts so it’s been a jigsaw passel to figure out which tension assembly parts go to what after getting them mixed up with the 201’s tension assembly. It’s nice to know the 201 can handle leather as that’s what I will be sewing on it. By the way you have a very calming voice. ☺️
Hello Harry, you helped me figure out a very tough problem with my tensioner on my singer 201. I couldn't get my stitched to be consistent no matter what. After watching your video, I realized my slack take up spring was binding and therefore not working. After some investigation I found that the very back plate was slightly bent and causing interference with the spring movement. After correcting the alignment issues, it sews better than ever. Thank you so much!
That's great Keith.
Your video and instructions are clear and concise. You took the fear of working on my Singer 201 tension away. Thank you. I just finished cleaning it up and putting it back together and the tension is awesome.
Thanks that's great Kathy.
Thanks, Harry! Your instructions and filming were very clear. I'm waiting for the delivery of a 201 and this was great advice. Definitely something I shall look out for.
Many thanks, I would never have been able to put the tension adjuster back together again without your help.
Thanks Hugh.
Buen día Maestro, me encantó su explicación de como armar y desarmar el tensor del hilo superior y ajustarlo a pesar que no entiendo su idioma, muchas gracias por su tiempo y dedicación en enseñarnos los problemas que pueden presentar nuestras maquinas, me encantaría que hiciera videos en español para toda nuestra Sur América especialmente para Argentina que tanto nos hace falta, muchas gracias, Bendiciones y un fuerte abrazo desde mi Argentina!!!! 👍👏👏👏🤗🙏🇦🇷
Thank you, i wont be replacing a spring just yet, but this gave me a confidence to take the unit apart to send away for refurbishment, or replacement. Much appreciated.
Thanks Harry! I have the 201k treadle and the tension wheel came to me in pieces with the machine, thankfully you’re here to help me put it together! You’re a star - keep up the good work ❤️
I'm envious of your treadle!
Thank you. I adjusted the tension on my spring and got back to sewing. Saved sending it far away to have it serviced.
THANK YOU: we were able to fix our machine by following your instructions!!! THANK YOU!!!
The perfect video for my needs! One of my machines has a check spring with a very tiny loop on the end but this looks like my 1929 Singer 99
Good close up shots showing everything in clear detail, plus an informative narration. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Alchemetica Thanks
Serendipity! I purchased a 201 just today and while it sews like a dream, every so often something happens with the upper tension. The spring just seemed off and while I’m not sure that’s the issue I have a feeling it may be. And this video just happens to appear on my main TH-cam page just now. Thank you!
Yes serendipity has been quite strong in my life!
I think that’s the problem I’m having with my 185. My top stitch isn’t right but altering the tension is making no difference. So I cleaned and oiled the machine - still didn’t fix it. Watched this video and now I’m convinced it’s the spring that’s gone. I’m off to shop for a replacement. Thank you! 😁
Excellent instruction & fabulous visuals!
I was given my brother-in-law's Mother's Singer 403A (?) sewing machine after she passed away. My BIL had first had it serviced by his "sewing machine guy", who said it was now good to go. Unfortunately, the first time I tried to use it I saw that the tension assembly appears "off", with that spring loop at the 1:00 position instead of 9:00. I was afraid to try to adjust it as the tension of a sewing machine has always seemed a sacred untouchable to me, since I was introduced to sewing in childhood. "If you screw up the tension, the machine will never work again", still booms in my head!
I was a bit dismayed to realize that the sewing machine guy could not possibly have run a final thread up & sample sew of test fabric before declaring the machine fit, otherwise he would surely have realized his error. I don't live in that area or I would simply have asked if the gentleman could make that final adjustment he missed. I'm still nervous about it, but your video has greatly eased my mind & encouraged my generally mechanically inclined self, to give it a shot.
Thank you & God bless!😇
P.S. I pulled it out to see what I could do & just now saw that there is no bobbin adapter that I am used to from my Mom's machine, on which I grew up... I'm afraid it must be missing, but wonder if this model machine doesn't have one of those... I'll have to do some more research!
[5.13.2023]
you really have inspired me to do woodcrafting. I started with the beads then I made a few hand-drill handles, next I made a stand for my retort. even made a few simple carvings for my parents and a couple rings. looking forward to more woodcrafts. for my next project ill try carving a spoon.
Thats great Ryan...thanks....I did post a film on carving an English eating spoon a while back.
Thank you so much for this detailed video. I had to change this same spring on my Mother’s 1950‘s Atlas. The first 90% of that which is in your video is very similar to mine. The last part was different but I was able to solve that on my own.
Prior to watching your video I was on the wrong track. Thanks again!
Mine is different too and I cannot work it out! 🙈 mine has two springs. Was yours the same?
@@choppysocks greetings, this was a good while back that I did this. I only had the one spring to replace. My machine doesn’t have 2 springs. . I wasn’t able to find the exact replacement spring but I found a close looking one at an old sewing machine repair place. I had to make an adjustment to it by bending carefully with a pair of needle nose pliers a portion of the new spring to get it to fit. I remember that the disassembly during this process was quite different from what I expected. There were a lot of precision parts that fit just so and I took a lot of pictures during disassembly to put it back together correctly. And I had to watch a lot of videos including this one before I was able to figure it all out. My best advice is take your time. Don’t force anything as these are very precision built machines, take lots of pics during disassembly and keep researching with the videos. Best of luck to you.
@daq thank you for your reply. I wish I had been able to take photos of the disassembly but I stupidly didn’t think about the spring and when I loosened the screw it all flew out so I had no idea what went where! I’ve looked around and I think my machine is a 1936 year, I’ve seen one similar tension dial (it doesn’t have numbers just lines) but it’s not disassembled. these videos are all so very helpful though.
Problem with much loved old Singer, sorted! Exceptionally clear explanation on video of how to dissemble and re-assemble the tension spring assembly. Many thanks.
That's great Baz
Great video, precise information oand good close ups.. It helped me a lot. I have my mother's singer golden girl sewing machine. It was a model marketed in South Asian countries. But tension assembly unit is identical to yours. Your video really helped me to understand the tension assembly ..I have been using it without tension spring and facing constant absymal tension.
Now I will have to find a tension spring..
Mary June you may find one on ebay
Harry Rogers
Yes, but I live in the other part of the globe, marketing alone will be more than the price of my 50 years old sewing machine.
I have no idea when and where and how that thing got lost. I just dread to admit that I must have done something to her in my earlier phase of getting to know the machine and didn't even realize it.
This golden girl is similar to singer 287, but it doesn't have a dropfeed option and stop motion for bobbin finding. But it's a pretty machine . I just messed it up thoughtlessly.
Mary June perhaps if you do not have eBay you can find a spring maker...I guess ask at a sewing shop and Google around...good luck.
Very helpful, thank you. I have gotten into restoring old Singers this year, & was thinking I need to replace springs on a couple. This was timely!
Thank you so much for showing this. It takes the worry out of trying to fix mine, if I have to. I'm trying to get my old Bernina 117 K into working shape. Must be about the same. Thanks again.
Thank you so much! I just replaced the tension spring on my Singer 201K no problem with this great video.
Thank you for this awesome quality video Harry Rogers! The close up photography gives fantastic views. 'Hi' from downtown Montréal! Grateful!
Thanks very much Jebb
Exactly what's happening. I had to look everywhere for your video because I didn't know what was wrong. This explains. Thanks.
This was the EXACT video that I was looking for! And expertly narrated and produced. Mine is a Singer 457 Stylist, but is very similar to the older machine in the video. Thank you for providing this extremely helpful presentation.
Thank you for that great demo on how to fix tension dial. From Philippines.
Gracias Harry! Me has ayudado con mis dos negritas: Vicky y Manhattan que hacían lío con el tensor de hilo. Muy bueno el tutorial. Saludos.
Gracias
This confirms that my spring is broken...off to order a new one and then watch again to get it right!!
After following your video,my singer 301 is back to stitching 🧵 beautifully Thank you so much for sharing I thought she was a goner 🙏🏽
That is great Tiffany...Thanks for letting me know.
Thanks Harry,pude acomodar la máquina de mi mamá estaba cociendo y se salio toda la pieza,y con tu vídeo la ensamble.🙏🙏
Thank you for that clear explanation, managed to sort my own machine out now!
Thank you I have a 1939 201 Have spent the afternoon sorting the upper tension out then after watching your vid found it had been assembled wrong in the past Thank you I shall suscribe
That's great thanks
Excellent video. Precise & soothing
Brilliant video thanks. I definitely need a new one on my new to me 99k, threads bouncing around everywhere!
che Dio ti benedica,hai risolto il mio problema....grazie maestro
Well done, thanks Harry. I have a much newer machine, with a completely different assembly (White 1409) but the concepts I believe, are the same. Fixed my tension watching your video ;-)
That's great
Thanks for the instructions. I replaced the spring as you displayed and got the machine sewing again, however, during sewing it’ll sew fine then the string instantly becomes so tight that it breaks. It’s not the spring. So the issue is still there. Do you know what that could be?
Good demonstration and good explanation. Thank you Harry.
Excellent way of explaining 👍very good.
Very clear and helpful video.thanks sir,stay safe and bless
This video explains exactly what I needed to know, which is the position in which the tension spring should go (between 4 and 6 o'clock). I'm repairing my mother's machine which is a Singer 226r, and the tension unit is very similar to this one, with the difference that mine has 3 tension discs, two convex and one central flat... A question, abusing your kindness: from front to back, where should the thread go? between the first disk and the central one or the central one and the last disk? (the manual doesn't say so, it's very rudimentary) In advance, thank you very much.
Hi Harry, Loved your video re replacing tension spring which I managed to do thanks to your clear instructions.
My problem is that the stud that supports all the components is falling out of the machine and if I look in the front of the machine it looks like I have lost the little screw that holds it in place (there is an obvious place for a screw to go adjacent to the stud).
Would you be able to tell me the name or dimensions of this screw so I can find a replacement?
This 201K was purchased by my Mother in 1954 and has travelled far and sewn many kilometres.
Thank you again for your lovely clear instructions.
Hello Wade, you will probably find a parts diagram on the ISMACS website.
Had issues today (turned out to be some idiot installing the needle the wrong way round...) but in my investigation, I took the tension assembly apart and reassembled with your video. I did notice that the lever inside the machine that it acts on was loose and not matching up to the bit it was supposed to (if that makes sense) - seconds to tighten with a screwdriver. I also found some thread wrapped round components inside (of a colour I haven't used) so gave it a good clean and an oil. I use V69/40s thread which is pretty thick - have to make sure it's properly inside the tension discs (top tension needs to be quite high) and bobbin tension needs lowering slightly but for the heavyweight gear I'm sewing, it's superb
That's great
Great tutorial, thanks so much for this, very clear explanation
Thanks for this. It gives me the know how & confidence to replace my 338 tension spring. Great tutorial, so clear.
Thanks Winifred.
thanks for a very informative film I now have the confidence to try to get my 201 working properly.
paul haskell-cooper Great
What an excellent video👍 exactly what I wanted to know, you explained everything very well and at a good pace. Thankyou so much😊
Thank you very much, you helped me put mine back together.
thank you harry using your guide i have replaced my tension assembly and new spring on my 201k
Arthur Milton Thanks that's great Arthur.
Thank you very much Harry, I got the same machine as a tredle. That was awesome because I think my spring is broken,... And old...👍😃🎯
Harry, thank you so much ! Your video is very helpful.
Hi Harry - what's the purpose of the plate on the right-hand side of the tensioner? Its like a hook but the thread never goes near it.
I _think_ I've fixed mine using this - part of my problem is someone has tried to turn the tensioner's central shaft like its a slotted screw, and spread the two sides so its all a bit off.
I think the plate is simply a deflector when threading up...well done on your fixing up.
@@harryrogers 2 years later and I'm redoing it again - turns out the two tension disks have flats worn on the faces so they were more like two washers, giving far too much drag and breaking the thread frequently at the needle's eye.
Next is figuring out the bobbin-tension underneath - leaves huge blobs of thread now. Still, not bad for a 70 year old machine from a high school.
Thanks so much for the detailed video. Very helpful. Looking for to more of your videos!!!
Thank you so much for explaining tension knobs however I have a singer 101
I’m not sure if I put the disks back together and the thread tension wire back on properly but it is not working is there a tutorial for the 101 that does not have the number dial? Much appreciate any comments
The 101 is an earlier machine, but I think the principle will be the same...please check the discs are the right way and are managing to add friction and the tension spring is fixed not rotating.
Well done Harry. Great job. I shall have a look out for your other videos.
Very nice and clear video .I have singer merrit 2112 machine .Do you know how to fix its tension disk .Or all the machine have same mechanism .
I have two springs inside my Elna machine? I don't know what the original one looks like? But lately my machine has been playing up with the thread braking, etc.
You are sooo good ..thanks.. my stitching got a little better
Proper and perfect guidence .Thanks lot of Sir.
ugh my tension spring is now hitting the screw that holds the "base plate" to the tensioner in. My 201 was making tons of loops underneath and I started tinkering. thanks for tutorials hopefully I can figure this out. Ok I kept watching and didn't "bring the spring round"
Thank you for the video. Only thing is when I do it ,the part with the numbers will not turn. I have done it over and over. Don't know what I am doing wrong.
THANK YOU!
This was a fine demonstration.
Thanks Robin
Please, I have a problem in the tension of my this singer machine that i couldn't fix :
the sewing make a lot of yarn under the cloth that mean the upper tension is not tied enough, but when i tie it more the yarn cut
the back geared part of the middle bar has a part length of few millimeters outside its hole ---> i don't know if it is normal or not.
Also, i don't know if this is the reason that make the back spring is not in touch with the back disc or not. or does the back spring should be in touch with the back disc or not ?
Thanks. My machine dated 1950 is about identical.
Heh mine's a 201K coloured tan, and is on top of a nice wooden case that someone has painted bletcherous Orange, probably in the 70s. Also got a treadle and the original leather belt still. but has had an electric motor fitted at some point, thankfully !
Thanks for sharing. I had the same issue ..... does the singer 191R can sew leather? Any advice?
Hi Harry, Trying to stitch thin leather with your featured machine. looks like I now need to change the subject spring. Stitching leather what thread do you recommend?
Hi David, some Gutterman upholstery thread is good for that....from sewing shops etc.
Thanks for this. It was really helpful. I did have a problem with the tension release pin preventing the assembly going back together and adequate tension being achieved but got there in the end. For the first time in 5 years, I have a tensioner that works properly. (The tension release pin is hidden in the threaded slot and needs to be pushed home to allow everything else to seat properly).
Best Lesson from Best Leathercraft Teacher ! Thank you.
Your videos are great, thanks for all your time and effort.
Andy.
My old-fashioned Singer machine (1889), the mechanic is workable. Only I need a new spring for the tension. Where do you think I find it? Thank you. Your video is very clear and explanation well. thank you
Possibly buy a complete similar tension assembly if the spring looks similar???
@@harryrogers Thank you and I will look for the spring. Thank you
Very helpful thanks, what size / thickness thread are you using with that leather ?.
Hi I am using Gutterman upholstery thread.
Lot of Thanks Sir...!
You solved our problem at home
God bless you
Mahmood Khan form - Karachi - Pakistan
Thanks
Thank you very much. You have really assisted me.
Thanks Alfred.
I would like to know your needle and tread combination for that demonstration. And also other types of combinations you recommend for that particular machine. I have one of these fine old machines and many others as well. I just was not aware that it could sew leather at all. Thanks for another excellent video, Sir.
Hi a size 90 leather point needle with Gutterman polyester upholstery thread.
@@harryrogers Thank you so much for sharing that sir.
Thank you very much, Mr Rogers.
Is the procedure for replacement the same if the tension is on the side?(my sewing machine's tension is on the plate side)
Thank you your video is very helpful !! ✂️
Muy bueno el vídeo !!bien explicado !!! Yo tengo una singer igual modelo lástima aqui hay pocos repuestos!!! Gracias por compartir sus conocimientos! ! Un ABRAZO desde Argentina !!
Buscalo los repuestos en Amazon
Hello Harry, I have acquired a vintage Favta Darling sewing machine. There are unfortunately problems with the tension mechanism. From your video I can see it needs a new tension spring. However, also it has a part missing. I am not sure what spring it would need and what to do about the missing part. I would welcome any help to get this machine up and running. I am happy to communicate by e-mail. Kind regards, Janine
Hi I am sorry but I am not familiar with that machine....made in Switzerland?? Some parts can be adapted, so maybe a dealer can find a similar tension unit that you could fit or adapt?
Thank you for your excellent video.
Hi Harry, Brilliant video. I am intending to reupholster my vintage car seats using 1.1mm thick leather. I have followed your advice and bought a Singer 201K for the job? Can you please tell me what needles I need to buy and where I can purchase the tension spring? Do you have the part No for the spring. Have you any advice as to what thread I should use? I have followed your advice and bought a Singer 201K for the job. The M/c appears to be in very good condition. I have also purchased a Walking Foot Singer 331K5 but I cannot get it to sew well, continuously.
Regards Paul S
Hi Paul ...you can get the tension assembly on EBay, and needle wise go for leather point...again from Ebay if you want...largest diameter they do...probably size 100 (UK)....Gutterman upholstery thread is worth considering. The 331k would take thicker stronger threads if you get it going.
Hi Harry.
I have a 201K treadle machine in cabinet that was my grandmother's and I know the tension spring is broken. I am in Queensland, Australia. Are these replacement sprins easy to obtain and where from.
Kind regards, Lee.
Yes easy to obtain...sewing shop or ebay or google it Lee.
@@harryrogers Thanks for that Harry. I have just ordered one from the UK and should be here in the next few weeks. It was also very valuable to have seen the video you did on cleaning and oiling the machine as I probably have not been as thorough as you were. Once again, many thanks.
Itis always a pleasure to watch your vidéo from PARIS.
So very helpful - thank you, Harry!
My 201 K, I have done the upper tension spring but the bottom thread just does not pick up. Is there also a way to adjust that?
I did a video a long while back on Singer 31k timing, tge thumbnail is a scrap machine, that might be worth a look. Try and look to see is the lower thread being looped close to the needle etc.
@@harryrogers do you have link? It looks like the bobbin house and thread catcher are not alligned with the bottom dead point of the needle. Maybe I will be able to access the shaft fro underneath and make a small rotational adjustmenbt.
I can not find a video on replacing / cleaning tension unit for a 185 j .......is it compatible to any other more popular machine ?