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| Singer:201 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1153 time(s) |
8 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Very Helpful by 31 people | | Reviewed by: | Soolip | 
| About Soolip | | CA USA | | Member since: 6/18/08 | | Reviews written: 1 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | Favored by: 3 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 9/11/09 2:33 PM | | Approx price paid: | $60 | | Had this machine for: | 2 Years | | Recommended? | Yes |  | Features
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Drop-In bobbin
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
| | What Soolip likes about this machine
People have said that the 201 is the finest sewing machine that Singer ever made. I have sewn on a number of different machines, industrial and domestic, in both professional and private capacities, and I can say with considerable confidence that the 201 is the finest domestic sewing machine that ANYBODY ever made. I have a modern computerized machine, which I like very much, and I have owned a Viking Lily, a Bernina 930, and a 25-year-old Kenmore. All are good machines, but none of them compare to the 201 in regard to quality, performance and overall sewing experience.
That's not to say that this machine is for everyone. Some people like the conveniences available on new machines: adjustable needle position, computerized settings, needle up/down, wide decorative and utility stitches, etc. I thought I did too, for awhile. Then I started cursing the needle up/down setting, because I would always forget how I had set it (once I actually ripped through a seam allowance because the needle was down when I thought it was up). I often forget the stitch length I have chosen for a particular project (was that 2.2 or 2.5?). The adjustable needle position is also a problem, because I always forget to return it to center. More than once I've had to take a seam apart because the needle position was wrong and I had sewn a seam with the wrong allowance. Also, to be honest, the decorative stitches are fun, but I have never used them on a single item I have sewn. Granted, I sew menswear, so there's no opportunity for applied decoration. It's a feature that seems to be a selling point on fancy machines, but one that doesn't get used much (or at all), at least in this house. I think this review will show that some of the biggest advantages of an older machine are its limitations.
So, enough of what the 201 can't do. Why is it a great machine?
It is entirely made of metal, except for the rubber bobbin winder tire, the plastic light switch, plug and controller casing. I have never seen any of these break, and all off these parts are still available new. In fact, the machine is so durable and well-designed that you can service and maintain it yourself. It will run smoothly and reliably until the end of your life, as long as you keep it clean and oiled.
Speaking of smooth, this machine has the best FEEL of any machine I've sewn on. The rotary hook causes very little vibration. It's also super-quiet -- all of the works are either under the cast iron bed of the machine, or encased in the cast-iron body. You can't hear much coming from the machine when it's running.
This is a straight-stitch-only machine, and it produces the best straight stitch you can get on a domestic machine. When the tension is properly balanced, the stitches look identical on both sides and form a perfectly straight line. This is crucial for garment sewers, who need to be able to top stitch on the front bands of shirts, and need both sides, which are fully visible, to look the same. In my experience, there are very few domestic machines that can claim their stitch looks the same on both sides -- I had to ditch my Bernina 930 (supposedly the best machine Bernina ever made) because the stitch quality was simply not up to my standards.
At this point I should mention a related machine, the Singer 15-91. Its features are identical, except it has a vertical oscillating hook, and the tension assembly is on the side rather than in front. It produces the same high-quality stitch, but some people prefer the vertical hook for free-motion work. There are also plenty of people who think that the orientation of the hook doesn't make any difference for free-motion -- I honestly can't tell you who is right because I don't do this sort of thing. It's also been said that the 15-91 has more power than the 201. This I can confidently say is not true. Both seem to have the same piercing power, and both use the same motor. The 15-91 produces more vibration when it sews due to its oscillating hook, but the difference in feel is slight. Both are wonderful machines.
Back to the 201 (though most of this review could also apply to the 15-91). Because it only produces a straight stitch, there are only two narrow feed dogs, and the presser foot is also quite narrow. The needle hole is just... a hole. I think this also contributes to the reliability of this machine -- it will not suck fine materials down into the bobbin area. Another big plus to all of this is the ability to turn the fabric much more easily than on a zig zag machine with wide feed. You don't have to stop/needle down/turn/sew/stop/needle down/turn, etc, to even sew around very sharp curves. With enough practice, you can sew tight curves at full speed. I often top stitch patch pockets with curved bottoms, and only stop at the ends. The narrower presser foot also means less drag on the top layer.
This is not an industrial, or even an industrial-strength machine (in spite of what the crooks on ebay say). It does, however, have as much power as you will need to sew just about anything, short of saddle leather. There is a lot of hype about the power of these old machines, but I think that all this attention on power is misguided. Most domestic sewing machines have ample power -- it's not really an issue. What sets this machine apart is the design of its feed. Sewing from 8 layers of denim to 2, and back again is the real test. The 201 does this easily, without skipping stitches or varying the stitch length. Yes, you can hem jeans with it. Now stop already.
At first, the stitch-length control may seem odd, but once you understand why it was designed as it was, it makes complete sense and is very easy to operate. Most garments are sewn with one stitch length, which you occasionally may need to shorten in order to sew around tightly-curved seams (like the fronts of collar bands, to keep them smooth on the outside). When I am sewing shirts, I set the stitch length to around 15, and lock it there. When I need to shorten the stitch length, I simply nudge it up a bit (small increments make a big difference here). You can even do this WHILE YOU ARE SEWING! Very handy, and something that a computerized machine is not capable of. You can return it to the default you've set by just pressing the lever down to where you have set it to stop. You can also temporarily move the stitch length to 0, which will tie a knot at the ends of seams, if you don't want to backstitch.
Some modern machines leave out the ability to adjust the pressure of the presser foot. This is a crucial feature, and you can adjust the pressure in an infinite number of steps on the 201, not just 3 or 5 settings. This can make all the difference in the world when sewing on fine satins and lingerie materials.
The bobbin-winder tire always rests on the hand wheel. This means that if you have a second spool of thread, you can wind your bobbins while you sew. If you start a project, and use the winder from the onset, the new bobbin will be completely wound by the time the old one runs out of thread.
One of the fun things about vintage machines is the sheer number of nifty attachments and accessories that are available. The 201 comes standard with a narrow hemmer, adjustable hemmer (my favorite), a bias binder, a ruffler, a shirring foot, and an edge stitching foot. You may also find a tucker and a zipper foot, though these were not provided with these machines originally. All of the accessories work well, and some, like the narrow hemmer and adjustable hemmer, actually work better than their modern counterparts. Specifically, the groove on the bottom of modern narrow hemmers is a serious design flaw. You will find that it is much easier to hem steep curves with an older Singer hemmer that doesn't have the groove, than with a new hemmer that does.
Enough praise cannot be heaped on the buttonholers that are available for the 201. There are two models: one that uses templates, and one that is adjusted with thumb screws. The template-less buttonholer is sometimes also called the "Famous" buttonholer (the early ones were distributed under this name). They can make straight buttonholes up to an inch long, and all the aspects of the buttonholes it makes are fully adjustable -- length, width, cutting space and stitch density. I use this model to make perfectly thin buttonholes on shirts, and I have never seen a computerized machine's buttonholes look as good as these, even those made by high-end Vikings and Berninas. It can also make bartacks. The other buttonholer uses templates, and it also makes excellent buttonholes (both straight and keyhole) and eyelets. The older metal templates total exactly ten: seven sizes of regular buttonholes, two sizes of keyhole buttonholes, and an eyelet. I have not been limited by the template sizes, but the manual explains how to make buttonholes that are different sizes than the ones provided. I have not tried this myself, however.
There are numerous attachments available, some more easily-found than others. Gauge feet, free-motion and embroidery attachements, hemstitchers, blind stitch attachments, zig-zaggers. Most work beautifully, but I have been less-than-impressed with the zig zag attachments. I just don't think they work very well. The blind-stitch attachment works fine, but I prefer to use a blind-stitch on a machine that has the stitch built in, or a dedicated blind-stitch machine.
At first I thought this machine could be operated on a tabletop -- and it can be, provided that it rests in a base. You can use the base of one of the original wooden Singer cases, which are not difficult to find, or a new base made for full-size vintage Singers (Cindy Peters of the Yahoo Vintage Singer Group sells them, and they are not expensive). However, my machine seems to be at its best in a desk that was designed to hold it. I found an old Singer cabinet model 42 and refinished it to new condition. The cabinet has a built-in controller that I like better than the standard Singer button controller, and the cabinet provides plenty of storage space to hold a moderate amount of notions and attachments. The matching bench has a compartment under the seat that provides even more storage.
If you dislike the carbon-pile controller that comes with the machine -- admittedly, it gets quite hot when sewing slowly for extended periods -- you can replace it with a generic electronic controller. It's very easy to wire the new controller in place of the old one. And you may also find that the electronic controller is more responsive. I do, but I still like the fact that my machine is wired into its desk.
The original needle plates for these machines are not marked, but replacement plates are available that are marked in 1/8" increments. I have used a replacement plate without any problems on one machine, but I experienced tension issues with another machine that used the same replacement plate. Alternatively, you can get an adhesive template that will stick onto the original needle plate from Sew Classic. This is less expensive than a replacement plate, and you won't have to worry about potential tension issues. Also, you may find that your thread cutter has become dull with years of use. It's very easy to sharpen with a small whetstone. What Soolip does not like about this machine
There are a couple of things about this machine that are awkward. Firstly, the bobbin case is a real chore to remove. You won't have to do this often, only to clean underneath it periodically. It's enough of a pain to make me dread it every time. The manual describes the process accurately, but until you are actually able to get the bobbin case out yourself, you won't have any idea what it's talking about.
The other issue is that it's inconvenient to lower the feed. The adjustment is under the machine, and you must tilt all 30 lbs back on its hinges in order to drop the feed dogs. No wonder that all the attachments that require the feed to be disabled include a feed dog cover! Being a guy in good physical shape, this isn't difficult for me. I think that it would pose a problem for an older person.
These two points are, for me anyway, minor annoyances considering the overall quality and dependability of this machine. I think that computerized features and decorative stitches are little more than selling points to get a person to spend thousands of dollars. People who actually sew will find that they never require anything more than a straight stitch and good buttonholes. Professionally-made clothes are either lined, or have felled, bound or serged seam finishes -- so even a zig zag stitch is unnecessary. You could spend twice what I paid for this machine, and still have money left over for a serger (if you think you need one).
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| Reader Comments | | Doris W. in TN | 9/11/09 | Thank you for a such a thorough review, and a good one, too. ITA about turning corners with narrow feed dogs as opposed to the wider ones in modern machines. | | * * * | | Betakin | 9/11/09 | Wow, what a nice review. You covered so much for a straight stitch only machine. I found it very interesting to know that the machine needed to be tilted back to drop the feed. | | * * * | | reneeb4930 | 9/11/09 | the best revue I ever read, Thank you. | | * * * | | AnneMarie60 | 9/11/09 | Beautifully written, comprehensive review. You covered everything about this gem of a machine. | | * * * | | Joey in Katy | 9/11/09 | Excellent review -- love the detail! | | * * * | | catsmeow | 9/11/09 | This is an outstanding, well written review of this beautiful machine -- very interesting! I liked your comparison of the computerized machines vs. a very good ss one. I agree with you 99% -- the other 1% is that I do like zigzag! | | * * * | | RadarRadiance | 9/11/09 | Enjoyed your review! They are very cool machines and fun to work with. I did have one that I sold; still kept my 15-91 only because it was portable and the 201 was in a cabinet. Had to downsize :(
I know the gentleman who bought mine did a lot of research before his purchase and he was in love with it and sooooo excited, it made me feel better knowing it will get the use and admiration this classic deserves. It was hard to let it go…. So glad you love yours!
| | * * * | | jilly cooper | 9/11/09 | Soolip I enjoy reading your knowledge about these beauties. I have a 99K and I have been wanting a 201 since reading the Yahoo group info and your comments on here. I think the most important thing for my sewing is a perfect stitch and the 201 sounds just the right machine for me. | | * * * | | emmyhonan | 9/11/09 | I'm in total agreement with the above comments regarding your review. Although, I have a 15-91 and not the 201, I love it for the reasons you stated in your review. I can sew any type of fabric by just changing the needle size and it is always a perfect stitch. | | * * * | | Sewing Joe | 9/11/09 | Now that's a thorough review. Thank you for doing such a great job. I had a 201, but I'm kind of a Singer 15 fan, so I let my 201 go a few years ago. | | * * * | | Franksdottir | 9/11/09 | What a wonderful, thorough review. It is so nice to read a lengthy, well-written discussion of a particular sewing machine by someone who really knows it. | | * * * | | Donna H | 9/11/09 | Great review. Thanks for reminding me why I love MY 201 so much! | | * * * | | melly298 | 9/12/09 | Soolip, I enjoyed your use of the English language as much as the content of your review. Very well presented! I would say to me, it is easy enough to get the hook and race (or bobbin case) out, but getting it back in!!! I have broken my thumbnail and said unsavory comments over that! Also I never thought about using the 0 stitch length to anchor a stitch; that is very handy. | | * * * | | Ripple Dandelion | 9/12/09 | I too loved your review, and it makes me itch to try one of these machines. My only Singer is a 128 that I converted to hand crank--a very different animal. | | * * * | | Manalto | 9/12/09 | Thank you, Soolip, for the definitive 201 review. I'm in total agreement with your comments about the need for decorative stitches. They have been a seductive selling point for sewing machine since the 1950s, yet I've never seen anything made with them! | | * * * | | Celeste | 9/12/09 | Super job on the review. I have an old Singer "Rocketeer", (slant needle) and those wonderful old attachments just really do have no modern counterparts. But at times (on the older Singers like mine that do zig-zag) you do miss being able to do very wide stitches--so I have my simple electronic Babylock for wide stuff... you just can't have enough machines..... | | * * * | | Mufffet | 9/12/09 | Although I do love my computerized machines, your review does make me hanker after on of these babies...;) | | * * * | | nfield | 9/12/09 | Great review. I love my 201. Set it up for button holes only. Don't you just love the rounded off button holes?I have ripped out so many of my bernina 1630 button holes.... It (201)works great on button holes for all the shirts that I make for my husband. | | * * * | | nfield | 9/12/09 | Great review. I love my 201. Set it up for button holes only. Don't you just love the rounded off button holes?I have ripped out so many of my bernina 1630 button holes.... It (201)works great on button holes for all the shirts that I make for my husband. | | * * * | | Warbler | 9/12/09 | So comprehensive! I especially like the the comparison to 15-91 which I have. I wondered what I was missing with the 201 but little except for the differences you noted. Thanks! | | * * * | | CJ Tinkle | 9/12/09 | It is a terrific machine and you're right, it's SO quiet! I love those narrow feed dogs. The only thing that keeps me from using mine more often is oiling it. I find all those places it needs oiling just a bit overwhelming to make me want to do it very often. | | * * * | | seweibhlin | 9/13/09 | good review, I would never part with my
201, and I have modern machines. It makes the PERFECT straight balanced stitch- beautiful on both sides (and if it doesn't -get it adjusted. Good tip about putting it in an old singer cabinet-got ours at the thrift shop-and refurbished it. Measure the width of opening for hinges first to make sure it fits the Singer machine. Also worth noting - the Singer 201 is the quietest machine-barely hums, this is a marvel to me each time I turn it on. Keep it oiled and lubed, check the wiring--and it will last another 60 years. They just don't make them like they used to. | | * * * | | Soolip | 9/13/09 | Thanks everyone for the kind comments. I'd been wanting to do a review for awhile, and I'm glad I found the time to write this one.
Nfield, wondering if you have tried the template-less buttonholer. The ends of the buttonholes are only slightly rounded, and you can adjust the density of the stitch � I like this, because sewing around a buttonhole twice can make it stiff. | | * * * | | Soolip | 9/13/09 | Thanks everyone for the kind comments. I'd been wanting to do a review for awhile, and I'm glad I found the time to write this one.
Nfield, wondering if you have tried the template-less buttonholer. The ends of the buttonholes are only slightly rounded, and you can adjust the density of the stitch. I like this, because sewing around a buttonhole twice can make it stiff. | | * * * | | KillerDuck | 9/14/09 | Good to see another one of the guys out there! Great review! Peace out Bro! Scotty | | * * * | | Peter in NYC | 9/14/09 | Thanks for such a detailed review, Soolip. As another guy who loves the old machines, I really enjoyed reading it. I'm going to look out of these around town! | | * * * | | MaryEllenBarnatt | 10/1/09 | Thanks for the info, great review, just got this machine yesterday for 17.50 + tax in Rhode Island at the Salvation Army store. It's in pristine condition in the cabinet which is also in perfect shape. Can't wait to make something with it. Still figuring out the tensions on the bobbin and thread tension, but it runs like a top already!
| | * * * | | Peter in NYC | 10/3/09 | What a great detailed review! I just got a Singer Spartan 192K and I love that little machine, a 3/4 size but very strong and quite heavy. Now I'm curious about these other old black Singers.... The 201 sounds terrific! | | * * * | | Lil Flo | 10/7/09 | Soolip, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your review. I actually went out and found a 15-91 today. It is in great shape. I found it at a flea market for $10 and it looks great and works. There was no instruciton book or attachments, but my local sm guy keeps parts and books on these machines. He told me he would rewire and give it a thorough cleaning for $59.00. I think this is great. I am bringing it to him in the morning. I think you started something. Everyone wants one now. | | * * * | | Lil Flo | 10/21/09 | Soolip, hi there. Well I just had to tell you that I was shopping today and walked into a consignment shop and there was the most beautiful Singer 201 in mint condition. I asked how much she wanted and said $100. I asked if she would take $75 and she accepted. This one was very clean and ready to sew. Except one thing, no foot control or attachments or instruction book. I still couldn't pass it up. I took apart the 15-91 and cleaned out everything following JennyG's instructions on her website. My husband was rewiring the foot control and motor. My husband called and told me he had the foot control wired. I was so excited. I was able to use it to try the 201. Talk about smooth and quiet. So now I have two beautiful machines for under $100. I will take the motor off and give thee 201 a thorough cleaning like the 15-91. I am waiting to for the motor to be rewired so I can see how the cleaning affected the sewing. It was already smooth. I cleaned all the old grease out of the motor and refurbished the entire machine. My husband couldn't believe I had did it by myself. He was proud and so was I. I too am VERY particular about straight stitches. I've seen thousand dollar machine with terribel straight stitches. Anyway, I thought I'd share this good fortune with you. I now have the best of both worlds. | | * * * | | Soolip | 10/22/09 | Flo, that is wonderful news! I'm so glad you are happy with your machines. And what a luxury, both a 201 and a 15-91. Two of the best sewing machines ever made! | | * * * |
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