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Singer 401A Problem Issues Sewing Knits
Mishmoore84 Beginner AR USA Member since 2/4/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/5/13 1:57 PM Ok, so I'm pretty new to sewing, I'm extremely new to vintage sewing machines. I had a inexpensive brother I had purchased from Walmart that I had been working with for a few years and last year I purchased my Singer 401A. I love it. I've hemmed jeans, repaired horse blankets with it, which is usually the type of sewing that I do. I just tried to play around sewing on an old knit skirt today and it was a nightmare. I was using a 15x1 universal ball point needle (new not vintage) and just some poly thread. First the back of my work there were huge loops so I thought maybe my tension or bobbin tension was off. I adjusted that, which fixed it, but then after sewing a few inches of material the top thread would become "looped" under the material and under the needle plate through the hole there. It looked as if the top thread was looping down under the bobbin thread, looping back up and repeating making a huge knot. I took a piece of medium weight cotton and ran it through no problem, would go back to the knit and it would happen again. I rethreaded, and changed bobbins, I dusted the bobbin holder. I have no idea how to fix it. I was just using the zig zag foot and needle plate in case that helps.
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2516	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mishmoore84 << Like this post Date: 2/5/13 2:08 PM Hello and welcome! I just happened to be reading up on this very subject right before your post! I found reference to a knit foot for slant shank machines I think I will order to try out. I have a 401A also and have recently started sewing on it again and may make it my main machine for awhile. Here's the link to the foot for sale: Knit Sewing Foot for Singer Slant Shank It's worth a try!
Mishmoore84 Beginner AR USA Member since 2/4/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post In reply to karen149 << Like this post Date: 2/5/13 2:12 PM LOL! It wouldn't be this one would it?http://www.gonesewing.com/servlet/Detail?no=2352# Sounds like we were both doing the same thing!
Mishmoore84 Beginner AR USA Member since 2/4/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post In reply to karen149 << Like this post Date: 2/5/13 2:12 PM Have you ever had that knotting up issue though?
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2516	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/5/13 2:29 PM I just pulled out a cheapo polyester stretch and tried a seam. I used a narrow zig-zag, lightened up on the pressure and it turned out fine. I'm not crazy about the results on the right side, though. I can see the thread. I might be more inclined to use my serger for knit seams.
tlmck3 Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 7/11/05 Posts: 3613	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/5/13 7:48 PM Personally, I've never had much luck with ball point needles. I prefer to use the Schmetz "stretch" or universal needles. My main machine is a 1964, low shank Singer--not a 401. ------ I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work. Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage St. Augustine
Mishmoore84 Beginner AR USA Member since 2/4/13 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post In reply to tlmck3 << Like this post Date: 2/5/13 8:45 PM Thank you, after doing some research I found that stretch needles are what people are recommending for sewing knits on the 401, or the 301. So, I will make sure and have those for the next time.
NonieA1   Advanced FL USA Member since 11/3/10 Posts: 73	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/6/13 5:26 AM Enjoy your 401A-I love mine and use it frequently-especially when I attend classes. One of the last to be made in America. Welcome to PR-I love all the sewers and their wonderful help.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4982	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/6/13 6:21 PM No matter the brand, model or age of the SM, use stretch type needles to avoid skipped stitches. I don't buy the BP type any more...just the stretch type.

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