BEST. MACHINE. EVER. SINGER 201-DOES EVERYTHING - 86 YEARS LATER STILL SEWS LIKE A NEW 1 (video 453)

[@sewterie]

Hi. I built myself a 201 from 1948. Bought it parted out. Love this machine. Wow. Trustworthy. I also love my 15-91 from 1949. No complaints. Gotta love these machines but some people just don't give them a second look. More for us. lol. thanks for doing this video.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@sewterie you are welcome. There’s nothing like a true believer that has found an awesome “old black Singer”. The 201 is like a Formula one race car, the 15-91 is like a bulldozer. 😎👍🏼

[@ronalddevine9587]

The title says it all. The Packard Motor Co used to say "Ask the man who owns one," that says it all. If any of you people out there have any doubts about the quality and manners of this machine, do yourself a favor and sit down and sew on one for a few minutes. Randy always warns you with these modern plastic machines, jammies,and pillow cases, NO DENIM. Have no fear, this machine can take almost anything. I own one, and have refurbished several and can honestly say THAT THERE IS NO BETTER.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@ronalddevine9587 and that’s the facts Jack. 😎👍🏼

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I luv ❤️ it.

[@farmgirl369]

I have this machine, in a cabinet that has the knee lever. It also came with an original black buttonholer and the cams, and tons of feet. I got it for $10 at my local thrift shop. I cannot figure out why someone would get rid of this beautiful machine. It works perfectly!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@farmgirl369 sometimes the owner passes away or goes to assisted living and none of her heirs are interested in sewing. I see it happening on a daily basis. Just like neighborhoods are changing over to the next generation of home owners, the contents of those homes change owners as well. If the classic machine doesn’t sell at the estate sale, it gets donated to a local charity or sat on the curb. Now’s a good time to get one as the generational shift is in progress.

[@juliemulie1805]

Found myself binge watching your channel this morning. Happens whenever I have the bug for a new machine. Thanks for reminding me that the old girls in the stable are more than capable of taking care of me. Saves the $$ for fabric!

[@robeng6231]

I love these machines. I bought my fifth on last weekend for $40, including a decent cabinet. The original owner had hand painted a floral pattern on the body, and did a beautiful job. It was so nice that I just had to buy it, even though I had no need for another one. Other than the hand painting, the rest of the machine was in poor cosmetic condition. There was lots of corrosion on the plated parts, and they'd messed up the upper tension unit. The motor and light had been removed years ago, since the wiring had gone bad and was unsafe. Sadly it had been sitting neglected in a shed for many years, and clearly needed some work. The good news is that it just needed a bit of penetrating oil in a few spots, and some fresh sewing machine oil to finish it off. I had to buy a new check spring for the upper tension assembly, and bend the thread guide back into position. It now sews like a champ! Smooth, quiet, and effortless, just like my other 201s. You can't go wrong with these machines. They were so well designed, and so well made, that they're practically impossible to kill. If you just want to sew, then you can't go wrong buying one of these. Just get one.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@robeng6231 they are certainly worth the extra effort to rehab them and get them going. When you’re done,you have a machine that will last several lifetimes.

[@suno8911]

That is one type of 201. There are something like 13 different types!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@ I’ve seen a few different iterations of the 201. I haven’t seen as many as 13. If there are that many, I wish I had all of them. If Davinci had designed a sewing machine, it would’ve been the 201. 😎👍

[@kevinh5024]

Randy, I watch every video you put out there. Awesome man! Never get tired of them. Thanks for posting.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@kevinh5024 thank you very much. I’m happy to make the occasional video when i have something pertinent to add to the discussion. Thanks for supporting my efforts. I really appreciate it. 😎👍🏼

[@kyliepawlow5022]

Hi Randy. I have found your channel as a new owner of a 328P and now I have option to buy a 201K but it looks different to every other machine I can find. it appears to have a dial in place of the stitch length/reverse lever. So I thought you might be the man to ask. 😊😊

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@kyliepawlow5022 I’ve never seen one with a dial instead of a lever at the stitch length/ reverse position. Text me the link or a screenshot to 817-223-2551. I’ll leave that number up for a little while before I remove it.

[@Paul.Douglas]

Great subject! I have 2 201’s. One is a 201-2, the other is a 201K. They are jewels! And they do make PERFECT stitches. I have a bucketful of the attachments, even a zig zag and a button hole. I completely rewired the 201-2. Mechanically fine, but the wiring was shot. I was an aircraft avionics technician/electrician, so wires don’t scare me. I got that 201-2 for $25 or $30 because of the wiring. The sewing shop wouldn’t repair it for the lady I got it from. I think I only paid $75 for the 201K.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Paul.Douglas thats called a value added transaction. You parlayed your skill set into a great deal on an awesome machine. Bravo to you. There’s probably a whole community of folks who could use your help if you’re up to dealing with that challenge. It pays well, or you can donate your services. We cant let a specialist like you stop crushing the challenges. Excellent post and i appreciate your comments. Thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@Paul.Douglas]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thanks for the idea. I’ve also rewired a 15-91, another workhorse, and a 66. It’s enjoyable “work.” I’m retired, so that might be something to consider.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Paul.Douglas great. You’ve fine tuned an amazing skill set that can’t be found among our newer generations. What is easy peasy for you, is an insurmountable challenge for most regular folks. My customers give me respect, friendship, money, and awesome cookies. It doesn’t get much better than that. 😎👍

[@Paul.Douglas]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Hmmmm, cookies! 🤣

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Paul.Douglas that’s my reaction when they pay me and give me the cookie bonus. 😎👍

[@dank-365]

Nice one

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@dank-365 they’re very satisfying to work on when optimal results are achieved. 😎👍

[@alyte11]

I became interested in vintage sewing machines earlier this year and you've been a great guide! I picked this machine up two months ago w/a cabinet and it's great. I read that the potted motors fiber gear could possibly get damaged, any experience with this. I'm also surprised to hear you say its OK to use plastic bobbins, I've never tried, but figured they would be problematic?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@alyte11 I’ve ever seen a fiber gear break. If you have to buy new bobbins, the plastic ones are molded and precise. The metal ones are fabricated and are mostly defective.

[@alyte11]

​@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954Good to know you're take on the fiber gear and I am in need of bobbins, thanks again!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@alyte11 😎👍🏼

[@mizzwanned]

How do you do zigzag stitch with this

[@bonnie7433]

I have a 201 and it is awesome. So quiet. I can use it while my husband watches television and i don't disturb him. Randy just wonderong if you have an opinion on the pfaff select 4.2. i am looking for a machine with the integrated walking foot and adjustable presser foot pressure for dress making. We have pfaff dealers in Australia but that particular model is not sold in Australia. I would have to get from UK. I like the idea of it being manual. I don't want a machine that will need replacing often. I believe the select 3 was not great with a plastic bobbin basket (excuse me if i get my terms wrong, i am a newbie) but i think the 4.2 has improved on that. Anyway if you have any opinions i would love to hear them. Your the only one i trust.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@bonnie7433 there’s a great deal for me to like about the 4.2, and not much to dislike. If your heart is set on a new machine, I would say go ahead with this one. I have numerous customers who like this machine, and I’ve serviced many of them, and haven’t encountered any disqualifying issues. I like that it’s a mechanical machine, without having the eventuality of electronic component failure. Having a electronic machine means also having a technician that can find the problem and solve it. Those are more difficult to find these days. The front load metal bobbin system is versatile and proven to work for the 51 years that I’ve been servicing them. The platform is basic, functional, and not crazy expensive. If you can find one in stock, give it a go. Let me know how it works out for you, then we can tell others of your experience. Thanks for watching. 😎👍

[@user-cf4sp3it5t]

I have the Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine and it's not bad ... I have really gotten my money's worth, using it a lot, but lately I have been having issues with the thread bunching up and being loose. On this sewing machine, I have made a coat and even upcycled some coats, so I have been sewing through thick layers. I would like your opinion regarding a recommendation ... for the next future purchase, what sewing machine would you recommend for sewing through thick layers of fabric such as wool, denim, etc. and even through leather? I would really like to know the ideal, heavy-duty type of sewing machine that would allow me to make leather handbags and leather accessories.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@user-cf4sp3it5t go to a shop that makes the items that you want to make. Look at the machines that they are using. Ask them how they like them and would they recommend them. If they convince you that what they have is what you need, that’s an endorsement to buy that/those machines. An informed buyer is a buyer who leaves no stone unturned in their endeavor to educate themselves properly about the facts, both pro and con, that relate to their ideal future purchase.

[@user-cf4sp3it5t]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you ... I really appreciate this information ... really helpful! 🙂

[@engelbob8402]

Love these old girls. My 201K doesn't look near as nice as what you worked on. Sews great though.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@engelbob8402 they’re a lovable bunch of machines. If you like precision and quality, they are just what the doctor ordered.

[@allislove9890]

🌹 201 😍😍😍 I am convinced that plastic is the solidified spite of Satan 🤣

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@allislove9890 I’m quite sure there are many here among us who wholeheartedly agree.😎👍

[@musicman7078]

Can the wire to the motor be replaced?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@musicman7078 yes. I take the back cover off the motor and carefully pull the motor wire out through the hole. I splice a new wire onto the existing wire and use shrink tubing to insulate it well. Then I put it all back through the hole and reattach the cover. Make sure the new wire is long enough to reach the three prong wiring assembly.

[@shopwornbear1171]

Which version is this Randy? Does this have the Pfaff style metal gears below?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@shopwornbear1171 no plastic in this one. All steel drive gears for sure.

[@shopwornbear1171]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 No, I got that for sure. I'm wondering if it was a 201-3 with the Pfaff style gears, or did it have the timing belt setup.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@shopwornbear1171 there’s no timing belt in a 201. It’s all steel gear driven.

[@robotbuster1487]

My 1952 Centennial 201-2 has the jelly-fied wire problem at the motor. About the spool pin plate. My machine has the 3 holes in the top of the body, with the center hole for the spool pin, but it doesnt have the chrome spool pin plate like this machine has. Did some production runs/years have the spool pin plate, while others production runs didnt? My machine doesnt show any hint of a spool pin plate ever being installed on it. I wanna spool pin plate😢

[@sewterie]

Until I find a plate I found black plugs on Amazon that fit those openings nicely. You wouldn't know something else is supposed to be there, unless you know. lol.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@robotbuster1487 i wish i knew the magic solution. I see them on some, but not on others. Maybe it’s the vintage that determines the pin plate. They maybe put it on the earlier productions and not the later. I just don’t know. We have some big brain Singer aficionados on the channel from time to time. Maybe they will chime in.

[@robinishmael7980]

Hi Randy, I just ran across a listing for a Singer 15-88 maybe 15-89 (based on the manual shown) I can't see the model number in the pic. Looks immaculate, barely used but what do I know. Your opinion of this machine/model?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@robinishmael7980 it’s an awesome heavy cast iron oldie. They were in a lot of treadle cabinets and hand cranks before electricity became the newest fad. 😎

[@robinishmael7980]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thanks, I did notice the original foot pedal you had previously mentioned. That's what first caught my attention. The machine is mounted in a desk sized cabinet.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@robinishmael7980 if the wiring is good, it’s probably a good buy.

[@Doctor_Al]

I don't think anyone wants to drag their 201 to the quilt retreat....

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Doctor_Al but believe it or not, they do. They also bring machines that weigh more than that. They have those roll around carriers that are three feet long and 18 inches high. I think they have air horns and air brakes. They’re huge.

[@jeddiajones4570]

In your video "Best Sewing Machine ever made. Kenmore 158.19411" you said that was the best ever? What gives?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@jeddiajones4570 ANY Kenmore machine that is: FRONT LOAD 15 CLASS 158 SERIES IS THE BEST YOU CAN GET. A SINGER 201 IS A STRAIGHT STITCH ONLY MACHINE. BUT ITS EXCELLENCE IN PRECISION AND PERFORMANCE IS UNMATCHED. IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE MACHINE, make it the Kenmore. Then you can do about any stitch that’s required. If you want to add a machine to your stable of machines, the Singer 201 would make you very happy if you owned it. If you’re currently looking for the ultimate best machine to buy if you’re just getting started and want to do all the cool stuff, get the 158 Kenmore. If you’re an accomplished seamstress and want the ultimate smooth operating sewing machine with a fantastic straight stitch, get the 201. Does that help solve the conundrum?

[@jeddiajones4570]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thanks again, Randy. You have learned me today!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@jeddiajones4570 thanks for watching. I appreciate your input. 👍🏼😎

[@jeddiajones4570]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Yep, clear as can be.

[@jeddiajones4570]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Two more questions, then I will quit bugging you...for today. 🤨 1) how do you tell the "class" as in 15? is it marked on the machine somewhere? 2) By "front load" are you referring to the bobbin spool mounting vertically under the needle arm? Sorry if this posted twice, had a computer glitch.