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Member since 3/5/09
Posts: 28
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Posted on: 7/25/10 8:12 PM ET
Ladies and Gents, I've recently come across both a Singer Touch and Sew 758 and a Singer 401a for ridiculous prices (the good ridiculous). Now, my question is, which one should I get?!
I used to have the 401 and loved it, but my ex kept it when we split.
I switch between sewing everday clothes (lovely sundresses) and beautiful costumes (both halloween and renaissance). So I'm not sure how that factors into the Touch and Sew. I know the 401 handled everything I threw at it like a dream.
Now, I know some of you will say 'Just get them both!' and I have half a mind to, but space is really tight at my appartment, so it's not really possible.
Thank you all for your help.
  
Member since 7/1/07
Posts: 1726
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Posted on: 7/25/10 8:37 PM ET
In reply to yourlovealive
I'd go with the 401 as it is all metal & little to break.
  
Member since 1/20/10
Posts: 3195
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Posted on: 7/25/10 8:43 PM ET
The T&S 750 is what made me dread sewing & drove me away from fashion sewing for 20 years. The 758 is slightly different, but still has plastic gears. Don't bother.

JMHO, of course

Can't really speak to the 401, but lots of people seem to like it!
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http://jillybejoyful.blogspot.com/
a blog about creativity, sewing, vintage sewing machines, and...... life :)
  
Member since 6/11/10
Posts: 3035
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Posted on: 7/25/10 8:53 PM ET
I agree with previous posters...stick with the 401A. The Touch and Sew machines are very "fussy" about being set up properly and sewn on properly ("just right"), is what I have heard on forums;and been told by a sewing machine mechanic. Yet I have heard nothing but good things about the 401. I don't think you can go wrong. It is sturdy and reliable; and with insertion of the cams, it will do decorative stitching for you.


Forgot to mention - - go to Jenny's Sew-Classic website and blog where she has a wonderful review on the entire 400 series. I don't recall the url off the top of my head...
-- Edited on 7/25/10 8:55 PM --
  
Member since 1/20/08
Posts: 1301
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Posted on: 7/25/10 9:08 PM ET
In reply to yourlovealive
I have a 758 that I keep in working order for sentimental reasons...it is the machine I learned to sew on. Other than that, there is nothing to really recommend that particular machine.

I have a 401 and of the 14 machines I have, it is the one that I sew with the most.

If it were me, i would take the 401.
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Michelle

http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 3/24/10
Posts: 1949
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Posted on: 7/25/10 9:20 PM ET
Do I even need to post this?
All metal classic sewing machine that will outlive you, or tenuous machine that may or may not have worn out plastic bits inside just waiting to crack...
Get a 201! lol
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http://www.acdc-vintage.com
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
  
Member since 3/8/10
Posts: 11006
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Posted on: 7/25/10 11:19 PM ET
In reply to GothDom
Yes, what GothDam said. 201 very sweet stitching.

>^^<
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Member since 3/21/07
Posts: 624
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Posted on: 7/26/10 12:22 PM ET
In reply to yourlovealive
I wouldn't buy the Touch and Sew if that were the only option. In competition with a 401? No contest. Take the 401.
  
Member since 4/17/09
Posts: 1678
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Posted on: 7/26/10 12:34 PM ET
I've read nothing but good about the 401 and it's pretty too.
  
Member since 3/24/10
Posts: 1949
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Posted on: 7/26/10 1:17 PM ET
I have a 401 a 403 and a 500
for zig zag machines, these things are little wonders.

I always think of it like this:

If I dropped one of the machines on the other, what would happen?

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http://www.acdc-vintage.com
This one, that one, and a bunch of other ones!
(though the herd is getting more streamlined)
  
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