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In praise of the Singer 201-2
quantum leap Member since 2011 Posts: 42	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 9:41 PM I just finished quilting a twin size quilt using my 1936 Singer 201. Oh My Gosh. It was wonderful. The 201 is in a cabinet, and I can't believe what a difference that flat surface makes. I've sewn two other quilts on my new modern machines, one of which even has an extension table, but the quilt kept getting stuck underneath it. Quilting was a real chore. When I was done using the newer machines, my back hurt. My neck hurt. My shoulders hurt. I felt like I had been wrestling with bears. My wise sister- in- law suggested using the 201, and it was great advice. THe 201's stellar reputation is well earned! I just finished ordering a low shank straight stitch walking foot and 1/4 foot for her. I can't wait to start my next quilt
lareine   Advanced Beginner NEW ZEALAND Member since 2006 Posts: 860	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 10:39 PM So glad to read this praise! I have a 201K and it is a joy to use, but I don't have a cabinet (or room for one). Your post makes me wish I did... They are great machines, aren't they? So smooth and quiet.
quantum leap Member since 2011 Posts: 42	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/12 11:33 PM TO: Lareine Yes, they are great machines!! Smoot, quiet, not fussy or cantankerous! Doesn't matter what thread I use, she sews like a charm! She will be my "go to" machine for all my larger quilting projects... And I am very glad the cabinet came with the 201, because I would not have bought one separately. I have some space constraints, too, as my sewing room is also the spare bedroom. When my sister-in-law and niece come over it sew, its all we can do to keep from running over each other. Sometimes one of us has to climb over the bed...
SoWalQuilter Advanced FL USA Member since 2007 Posts: 57	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/29/12 7:39 AM Were you free-motion quilting, or straight? I am pondering (another) vintage machine for FMQ. My Janome 6600 is just okay for it - I love the big harp, but it's really sort of fussy about thread. It hates Sulky rayon for FMQ (breaks every three feet of thread) and I love using that shiny thread for machine quilting, it mellows so nicely and the colors are so bright. I have a 221, 301 and 500a. The 301 doesn't FMQ well, and I haven't played with the 500a enough to know yet - still refurb-ing the cabinet. ------ Tina in Sowal Janome 6600P Singer 301a Singer 500a Rocketeer Singer 221 Featherweight Singer 115 treadle
quantum leap Member since 2011 Posts: 42	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/29/12 8:42 AM TO: SoWalQuilter I was straight stitching. However, I did switch from Gutermann cotton to a Sulky embroidery thread for a potion of the quilt, and the 201 handled it like a champ. I did not have to mess with the tension. I read somewhere that the 201 may not be the best choice for FMQ because of the bobbin location, (something about the bobbin thread having to make a 90 degree turn?) but I have not tried it since I don't have an embroidery/darning foot yet.
Jennifer Hill Advanced AB CANADA Member since 2002 Posts: 1229	Login to reply to this post In reply to SoWalQuilter Like this post Date: 1/29/12 3:24 PM Quote: SoWalQuilter I have a 221, 301 and 500a. The 301 doesn't FMQ well, and I haven't played with the 500a enough to know yet - still refurb-ing the cabinet. I'm surprised you haven't had any luck with your 301. Of the machines you've listed, it would be my first choice for quilting with unusual or non-standard threads. The 221 is a bit too small except for maybe potholders, and the 500 has a horizontal hook which can make it much touchier for odd threads. What exactly are the problems it has given you? I have FMQ'd on a 201, but it was awhile ago and I don't remember what threads I used. Lots of folks do FM with horizontal hook machines, though, as that seem to be the configuration that dominates the home machine market these days. Jennifer in Calgary
lisalu Advanced Beginner GA USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1265	Login to reply to this post In reply to quantum leap Like this post Date: 1/29/12 9:40 PM A good alternative, of course, is the red headed stepsister to the 201 which is the 15-91. It seems to be preferred for FMQ because it has the vertical bobbin. (I don't quilt so can't verify that it makes a difference, that is just what I've heard.) The machines are nearly identical in stitch quality and performance according to Jenny's comparison of the two models on her Sew Classic blog. I have my machine in a cabinet, too, and it is fantastic. No modern home sewing machine can compare with the set up of a cast iron vintage sewing machine in a cabinet. It is smooth, sturdy and stable with plenty of room to work. L.O.V.E. I.T.!!! -- Edited on 1/29/12 9:41 PM --
quantum leap Member since 2011 Posts: 42	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/29/12 10:46 PM TO; Lisalu Hmmm...I already have 4 sewing machines and an embroidery machine.... The gentleman that I bought the 201 from has some 15 91's for sale, and they are reasonably priced. Believe me, now that I know that the 15 91 may be better for FMQ, I may NEED one. It would be cheaper to buy a 15 91 in a cabinet than buying a decent cabinet to put my newer machines in....Thanks to this website, I think I might have a "slight" case of SMAD. I used to be a normal person with only one sewing machine. Then I found PR, and I wondered why anyone would need more than one sewing machine. I was so naive. You are right, these old Singer gals are beyond awesome. But if I buy another one, I will have to try and squeeze it into my sewing/guest room..... on the other hand, maybe I should get an embroidery foot for the 201 and try it first?
SoWalQuilter Advanced FL USA Member since 2007 Posts: 57	Login to reply to this post In reply to Jennifer Hill Like this post Date: 1/30/12 8:34 AM I know, I thought the 301 would be better. I think part of my problem is having the right foot - I got an aftermarket FMQ foot that is a big square plastic thing, and it seemed to drag on the quilt so I fooled with it until the quilt could move freely. It still just didn't seem to move freely - and the tension was never right. The 301 is my all-time, lifetime champion favorite machine, I may just need to work with it more to get FMQing to work for me. What foot do y'all recommend for this job? ------ Tina in Sowal Janome 6600P Singer 301a Singer 500a Rocketeer Singer 221 Featherweight Singer 115 treadle
justgail Intermediate IA USA Member since 2006 Posts: 349	Login to reply to this post In reply to lisalu Like this post Date: 1/30/12 10:01 AM I just had a 201-2 follow me home, and in the cabinet was a booklet (copyright 1952) on how to decorative embroidery and use various threads. It's interesting that all the illustrations show a 15-91. I wonder if it was because that machine was better for that type of work due to the bobbin setup, or if the 15-91 was the more popular machine at the time. All techniques were done free-hand, dropping the feed dogs, removing the presser foot and tweaking the tensions as needed.

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