Direct-Drive Vintage Singer Sewing Machines, 201-2 vs 15-91

A comparison of the only two vintage Singers with the direct-drive "potted" motors: model 201-2 ("The Dressmaker's Model" or the "Rolls-Royce of Singers") and the model 15-91 (the "Farmer's Wife Model". Hear the difference in their sounds.

[@blondwiththewind]

I own and use BOTH a beautiful 15-91 and a gorgeous 201-2 as well. They are a joy to work with....the operation is a wonder to behold (absolutely mesmerizing to watch)...and the quiet operation is just wonderful (especially as I typically work in the late of night....when it tends to be very quiet, and the purring of these machines is so soothing). These machines were owned (and apparently loved) by several generations of owners prior to me, and they will be owned (and hopefully appreciated) by several generations after me. There just is no longer ANY sewing machine made with the strength and staying-power of these machines: before OR since. They do ONE THING and ONE THING ONLY....but they do that better than any other machine ever created: THE MOST GORGEOUS, WELL-BALANCED STRAIGHT STITCH EVER. Just beautiful to behold. Interestingly enough, my 15-91 is my preferred machine.....but that might be because I simply prefer the way it looks: the operation and performance as compared to the 201-2 is practically identical. When I use these machines, I feel the closeness of my long-departed beloved grand-mother who taught me how to sew fifty years ago (with all those great "do it the right way" and "take no shortcuts" 1920's sewing skills).....and the generations of other women and men who have used these machines as well. There is history here.....and now I am part of it as well. To me: owning one of these machines is not just a pleasure....it is a responsibility as well.

[@rmwtsou]

+blondwiththewind Thank you for your comments and they are so well-said! These are amazing machines built before the concept of planned obsolescence. With proper care, I don't see any reason why these beauties won't last another 500 or more years. You are right. How can we truly own anything that is going to out-last us? We are just the current care-takers of these machines. It is indeed our responsibility to maintain them well for future generations of care-takers.

[@blondwiththewind]

+rmwtsou Exactly....and you are welcome. Thanks for this upload! :-)

[@mrgroovestring]

I feel the same way. My grand parents bought our mother a brand new Singer 15-91 from the Singer Store "on-time" when she and dad were newly married back in 1948. Sadly, all of the old folks are gone now and I still have this beautiful machine. I too, sit up late at night and sew on it to this very day. I have great memories of listening to it when I was just a little boy while mama used to sew our clothes 60 years ago. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

[@chevydude658]

This is really funny to read because I have a 15-91 too. I also have a 66, 99, 301a, 401, and a 127. My favorites are the 15-91 and the 301a. The 15 I use late at night because it is a quiet machine. My senior mother lives with me and I can use that 15 late at night and it doesn't make much noise to wake her up. I love this machine because it is so strong and capable, while being so quiet. It makes a great stitch, it has the reverse for back tacking, and it's overall just a great machine. My model is a 1951. I would love to have a 201 though.

[@tx2128]

Recently inherited a 15-91 and have been using it on heavier materials, sewing bags and the like. Is it good on light and fine fabrics like silk and for garment construction?

[@davidmessa1419]

The important differences between the two is that the 15-91 uses an oscillating hook while the 201-2 has a horizontal rotary hook. That's why the 201-2 sounds smoother.

[@rmwtsou]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@halehughes2639]

I have a 201-2 from that same batch (Apr 4, 1947) & I also have two 15-91's. This is a great video that I can definitely relate to! Thanks for posting!

[@iamsharon3306]

Thank you! Just hearing the difference between the two told me everything I needed to make a decision between them. Thank for this video!

[@scorpioninblue]

A friend of mine bought the 201 I currently own at an auction without any idea of what it was! It truly is Singer's masterpiece of design and craftsmanship! Today the name has lost it's greatness and they now make plastic junk! Consider yourself very lucky to have one in your possession!

[@thesergeant3524]

See if you can find a Singer 101. It's the predecessor to the 201. It also has a 'potted motor' but it is built directly into the body of the machine, unlike the 201 and 15-91 where the potted motor is bolted on. It's smoother and faster than the 201. The 101 is the nicest of Singer's machine in my opinion. I have an overview video on my channel. Feel free to check it out.

[@jaenellie]

Bought a 201-2 today in original #65 cabinet with stool, buttonhole attachment, zig-zag attachment, original book, and 8 bobbins. Haven't plugged it in yet. It needs some cleaning -- cabinet is solid but needs to be refinished. Wiring looks new. Decals are decent -- not perfect, but not worn off either. Machine finish needs a cleaning too. I paid thirty dollars for it!!!! Woo-hoo!!! Can't wait to try it out.

[@hourglas39]

Congratulations !! 30 bucks is a good deal for sure, what a steal!! For the decals you can always replace them, sell them online pretty cheap.

[@gracieferguson1653]

This is an excellent video. Having them side by side is wonderful. Thank you for sharing

[@rmwtsou]

You are very welcome!

[@philliplafollette2062]

As someone already pointed out both the 15-91 and the 201-2 use the same motor. Singer also made the 101 which was the predecessor to the 201-2. Singer did make THREE potted motor machines. I have all three and they all run great.

[@joluongo552]

Gorgeous! Look brand new!

[@naticristellavi8236]

Thank you for your reply, great buy you got there.

[@rosimerimattos2730]

😍 de Jaguarão-RS, fronteira com Uruguay.🇧🇷💞🇺🇾👏👏👏👏 Não entendo inglês, a máquina e maravilhosa! A voz calma, linda!

[@major3078]

first i wanna say thanks for taking the time to make the video, but i wanna make a point that singer makes many more than just two potted motors. they have a singer 201, 19-51, and similiar model 15's such as the 15-125, and the 15-75, also the singer 101

[@musical.0uija]

I just bought a 15-91. These are in beautiful condition

[@944gemma]

Beautiful machines. I'm glad they're in a good home where they are appreciated.

[@UnkleAL1962]

I have a 1941 201-2 and the faceplate on it has fancy scroll work thats the only thing different about it. Kind of faded paint but runs amazing. Wiring is scary though I need to replace or update. Got at a yard sale in cabinet with attachments, tons of bobbins etc. all for $10. My cousin sat down and sewed 14 curtains for my old front porch windows and marvelled all night how satisfying it was to use it compared to her newer Brother. We went on a binge and found a couple more for her and she gave her Brother away to make way for an old Singer.

[@rmwtsou]

You got your 201-2 for a great price! Congrats. These will last decades.

[@rachelmiller7465]

Thank you - I was comparing these 2 models and your video was just what I needed. Very helpful! Do you have a video on oiling?

[@stoneblue1795]

You have great videos.

[@007380]

I have both of these. Nice machines.

[@fpham8004]

301, 401, 501 all have direct drive.

[@tumanskychikov7255]

The 15-91 is called the farmers machine while the 201 is called the dress maker . The 15-91 is more for heavy sewing . Itl go through leather and heavy blanket if ite fine tuned and factory specs ( needle the right way / bobbin right way anti clock wise placement / needle charge and right size etc )

[@learntocrochet1]

yes, they are some of the direct drives by Singer, but not the only ones. The 101 and the 301 also had direct drive - those are the other two I know about, there may be others.

[@karynparkinson369]

Love Music .. the 191 J is a potted motor (brown)

[@4486xxdawson]

I own a few singers now including a featherweight, looking for a good codition 201 now .

[@rmwtsou]

I measured the motors. They are the exact same size.

[@kitebabe05]

great machines!

[@mikekendall5932]

I have a 201 and want to get a 15-91 but must correct your statement about the only two direct drive Singers. The 101 is also direct drive and predates both the 201 and 15-91. Not as many of them around but great machines. The motor cover screws onto but otherwise is similar and is the same design as the 15-91 and 201 when it comes to the direct drive portion.

[@lisalu910]

Some - if not all - of the Singer Slant-O-Matics are direct drive as well (the 301 and the 400 and 500 machines.)

[@domingorios8559]

Maravillas de maquinas kiero tener una son magnificas no e visto una sola en mi pais eso del motor con engrane me encanta un saludo desde la ciudad de mexico tengo una paresida pero es de banda pero estas estan de lujo

[@KAONANAONA]

Correction.... There were some belt drive model 201's but were mainly treadle and industrial units. None wit the standard external motor/belt drives found on home machines. By the way neither the 15-91 or the 201-2 are commercial, heavy duty, or industrial machines. Strictly made for home use! The direct drive motor set up gave the machines more punching power but not more running power.

[@gladtidings4all]

My aunt has a AH 751997 her cabinet has an under mount pedal but not for a knee lift. It’s for sewing! With a front drop in bobbin. Hers is a 66-16. But not sure of the year

[@KAONANAONA]

When I mentioned the 201 for industrial use means they were used in factories for light duty task's. Commercial and industrial are two different things when referring to sewing machines.

[@karenthomas4169]

Omg...I DO hear it. I have a 1951 19-51, and a 1948 201-2. And they sound the same as these. Thanks of this, I can really appreciate it when I hear someone else's machines.... I LOVE both, the 15-91 a bit more because it is knee-operated and was a gift from someone I care for.... but both, totally wonderful! I hope one of my daughters/stepdaughters/granddaughters will appreciate them in the future (-:

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

The 15-91 you have is knee operated because of the cabinet it is in. It can work either way. I have a Centennial 15-91 that my dad bought new for my mother as a gift upon the birth of their first born son, their second child. It has always been in a WHITE treadle cabinet with the foot pedal on the floor. This year I came across two more Centennial 15-91s with their foot pedals mounted in their cabinets for use with a knee part that presses upon the foot pedal to operate the machine. I, too, enjoyed hearing another machine like mine. Such a wonderful sound! 69 years old next month and still running strong!

[@cottonconfections7188]

I have a 201-3, a belt-driven model. It's a great machine, super fast, super quiet. In Canada, I don't see the gear driven model, I think it's mostly made in the US.

[@totalchaos290]

I would rather have the external motor you can change it fast and the gears in the 201-2 are plastic and do have problems.The wiring in the potted motor is fixable but lots of work.

[@aspec42]

Dont know what 201 you are looking at but my 201 is a ll metal, inside and out.

[@totalchaos290]

IF you take the motor off the gears are nylon and do strip and you cant put an external motor on it because the crank is potted motor only. I have scrapped many potted motor machines. Believe me I was surprised to find this out myself

[@karenthomas4169]

Thanks for making this....I am currently bidding on a 201-2 right now on Ebay; I was wondering what the difference between the two models was!!!! Literally agonizing over it, ha ha....this tells me a lot, and I do think the 201-2 is worth the extra $.

[@rmwtsou]

The 201-2 is absolutely the best of 8 vintage Singer that I have. My brother, also a collector, loves it too. Good luck with your bidding.

[@belindaleighfrazier8165]

Luv it

[@1aliveandwell]

Have an old Singer that looks like a 201 (light in front , light switch, tension front) but SN AK 807667 according to1 website is 1952 15 model. Any good ideas for more info? It sounds nice when runs.

[@stephenv.6145]

the "base" of both machines are equal dimensions, whereas it is true the "body" of the 201-2 is larger. Both these machines in good condition are quiet and run very smoothly. Although they "can" sew leather...they were not made to and it it not advisable to put the machines to that use. They are for "home" projects not for sewing leather.

[@penguinn6038]

Would you please show how to do embrodery on singer 15ch machine .

[@Maivong]

I just got a model 15 but it's missing the power cord. Does your model 15-91 uses a pedal or is it single corded?

[@rmwtsou]

It has the typical 3-prong Singer electrical cord, with a foot pedal.

[@Maivong]

Thank you so much, rmwtsou! I have ordered the parts and am awaiting to test out my machine.

[@paulage1art]

I would love to own a 201-2 that runs and looks as amazing as the one you are showing here! How much should I expect to pay for such a beautiful machine?

[@rmwtsou]

I believe I paid $275 for it on eBay, plus about $50 for shipping.

[@tamerraconnolly9434]

3 they made 3.... 101, 201-2, 15-91

[@naticristellavi8236]

You mentioned you bought the machine/s in eBay, can you share how much went for? Was an auction or buy it now deal? I was looking to buy a machine on eBay, but they all look run down.Thanks

[@rmwtsou]

Don't quite remember. I believe it was in the $200 - $300 range.

[@rosey-rae]

So the 201-2 has a longer arm than the 15-91?

[@elviradonaghy5422]

These are like new condition How much did they cost?

[@charlesfaulkner8653]

Do you still have the 1947 201? If so would you sell it? I was born in 1947 and I’m looking for a 201. Thank you.

[@bidil6719]

I own a Singer that looks exactly like the 15-91 model but minus the direct drive motor. What might it be?

[@LoveMusic-pd5iz]

It could be a copy. Does it say Singer? If so, then maybe it was made for Canada, or another country.

[@gladtidings4all]

What year is this Vintage singer machine G1835-2B Singer CAT.NO. RF -5-8 S.S. AU 52-35-1 VOLTS 110-120 AMP 0.80 SIMANCO Made in the USA

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

That's the information on the motor, not the sewing machine. Use this link to look up the serial number if you haven't figured out how by now. ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html

[@mistynguyen8414]

Thank you Rosemary!!!!

[@domingorios8559]

Donde se fabricaron diganmelo en español

[@KAONANAONA]

Both machines can be converted to external motor/belt drive. A 15-91 becomes a 15-90. and the 201 becomes unique as there were no external motor/belt drive 201's. Components for a 201 conversion can be pirated from 66 and 99 machines!

[@oscarhedden8828]

201-3 is belt drive

[@danielross59]

It depends what country you're in. I have five 201s, all belt drive and I prefer them. Easier to maintain, you can switch motors out for more power if you want, or put them on tredle table and sew without power of necessary. More versitile.

[@mukhwindersingh4585]

What will price of these machines

[@imahaingtia]

I just snagged a BIN 201 on ebay. Grungy but appears to have good decals, and I can't wait to get my hands on it to clean it up and make it shine like this one. Why do you think they sound so different if they have the same motor? Perhaps the actual motor specs are different?

[@rmwtsou]

I suppose the motor is not the only factor. It also depends on all the mechanical linkages attached to that motor to drive the needle shaft. A mechanical engineer might be able to tell you more.

[@davidmacauley9355]

I think the difference in sound is because of the difference in design of the bobbin mechanism. The 201 has a rotary bobbin whereas the model 15 has an oscillating bobbin. I think the oscillating bobbin is a lot noisier as it will by design, "slap" back and forth instead of a continuous smooth operation. Another factor in sound difference, is the gear driven shafts that drive the bobbin in the 201 compared to the back and forth motion of the linkages that work the bobbin of the model 15's. I could be wrong, but there is always a slight noise where there has, by necessity, to be enough "tolerance" in moving parts.

[@jang.2133]

That 201 sounds like the family 15-91. Does something need adjusting on yours? That clicking noise is odd sounding.

[@karenthomas4169]

oops, I meant I have a 15-91, lol!!!

[@gladtidings4all]

Are these with drop in bobbin?

[@ceecee8757]

The 201-2 has one. The 15-91 is on the side.

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

@@ceecee8757 And the 15-91 is a vertical bobbin.

[@henrye718]

I have found the 15-91 belt drive is more powerful of a machine. Will easily sew canvas or upholstery materials like butter. .

[@chevydude658]

I was talking with my Singer repair lady and she told me the belt machines actually had more power than the potted motor. She was telling me that many people think the potted motor is all muscle and can sew leather and wooden rulers, etc. (All the things people do to prove how strong they are.) She said they actually chip the worm gears by trying to sew things the machines weren't designed to sew.

[@ajbal989]

Paid $5 today it's amazing 😂❤

[@rmwtsou]

Great deal!

[@elviradonaghy6425]

Are you selling this 201 , I am interested could you give me the price?

[@rmwtsou]

Not really. Thanks for asking though.

[@robinj.9329]

You, Sir! YOU HAVE A "Time Machine"! You borrowed that super-duper, Time Traveling DeLorean from Dr. Emmet Brown, shot back in time, and bought that Machine BRAND NEW! HA! "Look what I bought off e-Bay" Bull Pucky! I know "Brand New"! When I see it! 😁😄😊

[@rmwtsou]

Ha ha. It does look brand new and unused. It still is!

[@nancycogar3864]

I have both and they sing like a bird!!!

[@Drottninggatan2017]

The 15-91 sounds the best. The 201-2 sounds more like a diesel engine.

[@nasirkhan-jy8ch]

Praic

[@luigiprovencher8888]

They must not be original. They look brand new.

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

They are original machines. It's the way they were made. A layer of black paint, decals, then lacquer to protect them and make them shine. IF they are cared for with the proper stuff they can be restored to look like this. Isn't it wonderful?

[@domingorios8559]

😯😯😦😦😦😮😮😮

[@virginiapallay82]

Model AJ859798