How to use Singer Automatic Zigzagger on Singer Model 301 Sewing Machine

[@suegauerke543]

Thank you so much for a great tutorial. You taught a 70 year old woman how to us the zigzag attachment 😊

[@andytubesewing1953]

I am glad you found the video and thank you for such a nice comment

[@mjremy2605]

Such a joy to see a man using a sewing machine for a change! This is an excellent tutorial, it could not be improved upon. Detailed visuals from all angles, detailed explanation, no music, minimal talking, and very thorough coverage of the topic. You are the best teacher, Andy! A treasure to have and learn from. Subscribed, of course. Thank you so much!

[@andytubesewing1953]

🙏 I appreciate your comment. Thanks for the sub 😊

[@UniversalEngineer]

Very cool. I’m a new owner of a 301A. Can’t wait to restore and explore! Thank you for all of the rich information on the 301! ❤❤❤

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you 🙏 You'll be having a good time for sure. An incredible machine. Thanks for the comment.

[@rhondamercado7527]

Wow Andy I was today years old learning about this gadget! I can’t wait to get on my 301s to test them out. I know I have all three colors and I’m excited about this machine. I am also excited to learn that my 404 can use it.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Zigzaggwe Model 161103 is for slant needle machines, models 301A & 404. Model 161102 is for straight needle models, like 15, 88, 201, 221, etc. Anyone needing the Instruction Manual can download a free copy from ISMACS at this link: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf This attachment takes a little practice but can create beautiful patterns. Grandma made a western blouse using several of the patterns that was the envy of all her friends, haha.

[@rhondamercado7527]

@@andytubesewing1953 🩷

[@UniversalEngineer]

Wonderful. Thank you for distinguishing between the straight vs slant models! As always, you’re a GEM!!!💎

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@heatherlandfield7233]

Thank you! Inherited a 301a years ago and just had it cleaned up. Just got a zigzagger and learned how to use it by following along with this video. It’s amazing how it can make the machine so much more versatile.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Congratulations on getting a 301A; a fabulous machine. I agree about the ZZer and I don't think most people realize it works good and as you say makes the 301A more versatile. Thanks for the nice comment, and for watching my channel.

[@constancecondit4349]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching.

[@daffycatbennett3555]

Having the fabric move back and forth while sewing would take some getting used to! A very helpful demonstration, Andy!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I agree. It's contrary to normal sewing where the feed dog pulls the fabric under a zigzaging needle. When I was first testing it I felt like I was loosing my balance or something, haha. I have to say I was impressed with how well it worked and how even the stitching was. Thanks for watching.

[@ronalddaub5008]

@@andytubesewing1953 the feed dogs on this attachment with this machine do use the feed dogs I'm sure you know that yeah they're blocked off on the buttonhole attachment.

[@sharondavidson7072]

That was a good video Andy.I never knew about the zigzager attachment.So by adding that foot plus the cams there would be quite a few other stitches to go along with the 301 singer

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks 👍 It's a good attachment if you need the ZZ stitches on a project. Don't forget the Buttonholer! Gorgeous buttonholes easy-peasy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIfPda2cqs6CbKM

[@ronalddaub9740]

I'm picking up one of these tomorrow it's a brown-and-white one and it has a zigzag attachment I can't wait now I can just hook it up and go thanks for the explanation I hope it has all of the cams as I call it thank you.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Congrats! Yes, calling them cams is fine. If you get all four red cams you'll have 25% of the available patterns. Wait... what? Maybe in the future, you can find the yellow ones, or blue, or even the white cams. Now we're talking cams: oldsingersewingmachineblog.com/2012/04/17/the-singer-automatic-zigzagger-and-its-cam-sets/ I hope you'll love your Plamino 301A. Happy sewing

[@ronaldcamacho9458]

Buen video. Me gusta. 🤗👍🏻😊 Saludos desde C.R. 🇨🇷.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for watching. De Nada

[@jasminemorrison2556]

Hi there, thanks for the video. I was wondering if anyone knew whether this is purely for decorative stitching or could be used in place of an overlocker? Nothing having too much luck using to secure fabric edges so far! Thanks you!

[@andytubesewing1953]

It can sew decorative and blind hem stitches. No overlocking or serger function. I recently bought my wife an additional serger for $30 from shopgoodwill.com shopgoodwill.com/categories/listing?st=serger%20serger&sg=&c=&s=&lp=0&hp=999999&sbn=&spo=false&snpo=false&socs=false&sd=false&sca=false&caed=1%2F4%2F2024&cadb=7&scs=false&sis=false&col=1&p=1&ps=40&desc=false&ss=0&UseBuyerPrefs=true&sus=false&cln=1&catIds=&pn=&wc=false&mci=false&hmt=false&layout=grid&ihp=true Her preference is for Vintage Singer Model 14UXX (made in Japan) like this one: shopgoodwill.com/item/187963958 All I did was oil it properly, and wipe the dust off with a damp microfiber cloth and it's working fine. Did not even change the needle. Models 14u12 and 14u52 are her favorite ones.

[@randyc8171]

Extremely informative video. Thank you.

[@susangreen8252]

Thank you! That is great to see it in operation. My box is #161103, marked for 301 and 404, so assume it came out later.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you for mentioning your box is marked for 301 and 404. Yes, it must have come out after the 404 model was on the market. In a comment below, Randy C. mentioned about the #161103 also and that he bought it for his Models 404 AND 604E machines. By mentioning the 301 and 404 on your box it gives us a better idea of when it was made. Thank you for sharing with us, and for watching Andy Tube.

[@slee6799]

For some reason, the width of my zigzag stays pretty much the same regardless of the bight setting or stitch length. Any suggestoins? Does this work best on woven fabrics as I thoght a zigzag can be used for knits?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Use a lower upper thread tension. If very light material you may need to use a backing. I'm guessing this ZZer is new to you? did you open it and clean and oil inside. Most poor results I had were cleared up by cleaning and oiling. Oiling instructions are in the manual. I cleaned with alcohol when needed. A free copy of the manual is here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf

[@slee6799]

@@andytubesewing1953 It belonged to my Mother. Will try suggestoins. Thank you so much for the manual!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@slee6799 An heirloom, that's very nice. I asked around yesterday and got 2 replies this morning that it works on knits OK and they also mentioned using a light backing and lower thread tension b/c the material can "pinch" if light and normal thread tension will "pucker & pinch" the stitching. They have both used the ZZer for a few years. Good luck.

[@gurudeepajeancorry5730]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 301 next week. It is in excellent condition, however, it has no stand or case. Any advice or suggestions for this situation? Thank you.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Well, it does not need a stand or case to sew with it. It is also portable with a flip-up steel handle for carrying it and four rubber feet on the bottom. If the feet are hard, damaged, or missing you can replacement with a screwdriver: singer-featherweight.com/products/bed-cushion-feet They made a special trapezoid carry case for Model 301A but they are pricey now: www.ebay.com/itm/355191643079 If you want to mount it in a vintage Singer cabinet you must use a "Mounting Tray": www.ebay.com/itm/266571747172?hash=item3e10ea0f64:g:n5IAAOSwuMBlf2HA I have 38 videos for this model in a couple of playlists: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO A marvelous machine. Good luck.

[@gurudeepajeancorry5730]

Thank you for your quick reply! So excited : )@@andytubesewing1953

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@gurudeepajeancorry5730 very welcome! 😄

[@virginiapacheco7218]

Que precio tiene? Espero su respuestas ¿ para,que son los botones rojos? Donde lo venden?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Los botones rojos son las levas de patrón. Cada uno tiene un patrón de zigzag diferente. También tienen más rojo y amarillo, también. Puede descargar el manual de forma gratuita: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf Los precios comienzan en alrededor de $12 más envío en eBay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1311&_nkw=singer+automatic+zigzagger+301&_sacat=0

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Hi- very helpful video, thank you. You said you adjusted the tension, can you tell me what setting you set them to?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Glad you liked it. For any Zigzag stitching, with this device or a ZZ machine, you should use less tension on the needle thread. The idea is the wider the stitch the lower the tension. I started the demo with the widest bight setting and tension of less than one but that was not quite enough as the bobbin thread pulled the needle thread down thru the material. I then changed it to one or a little over 1 and that was good tension. You use less tension to compensate for the fabric being pulled/pushed side-to-side which creates more drag on the thread. On a ZZ machine, you are compensating for the needle swinging left to right. Each machine is different and it can also depend on the material you are sewing so you test on scraps first to get the proper tension. BTW, on this machine using just the straight stitch, the normal setting was four on the tension dial to get a balanced stitch. The instruction manual for the ZZ attachment also states to use "lighter" tension but does not give any numbers due to the variances I mentioned. The manual is very nicely done and has lots of info about the different looks of patterns you can get by varying the bight and length of the stitch. The manual is free to download from Singer at this link; www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/pattern_cam_list Thanks for asking and happy sewing.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

@@andytubesewing1953 thank you! Great info. I actually have the original manuals and as you say they have good info. I'll just keep playing with the tension and pressure on different fabrics.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@kristinjacobsen3417 It's a good plan you have. I always start with very low pressure and tension. Enough pressure to prevent my pulling the fabric and having it move. For some reason, I always find it easier to increase pressure/tension if needed than to try and lower it. Good luck and thanks for watching my channel.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

@@andytubesewing1953 sure it's a good plan, it was your suggestion. : -)

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@kristinjacobsen3417 😉

[@dorismora4488]

Thanks very much🙏

[@andytubesewing1953]

It's been a pleasure visiting with you, Doris. Thanks for stopping by and take care.

[@ronalddaub5008]

I have an almost like new 301 with the zigzaga r it really works good it will even lay down fine embroidery

[@andytubesewing1953]

Wow, happy for you, Ronald!

[@ronalddaub5008]

@@andytubesewing1953 lol My attachment uses the feed dogs .

[@ronalddaub5008]

@@andytubesewing1953 it's almost like the first slant-o-matic .

[@thirumurthy2702]

Were this Michigan Avaleble

[@andytubesewing1953]

Many are available for sale on eBay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1311&_nkw=singer+automatic+zigzagger&_sacat=0 Be sure to get the correct one for your machine. Part 160986 is for Slant Needle machines, like Models 301, 301A & 404. Part 1661102 are for Straight Needle machines, like Models 15, 66, 99, 201, & 221. Thanks for watching my channel.

[@randyc8171]

There is also another Singer part number for the zigzagger for slant needle machines. That is 161103. I just bought one for my 404 and 604E machines. Don't count on ISMACS for any correct information. They have Singer part numbers reversed for low shank and slant shank buttonholer attachments causing many people to buy the wrong ones for their machines.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Randy. We will count on you for the correct information.

[@menandroesios8407]

is that available online, how much the price

[@andytubesewing1953]

Many sellers are online. Here is an example on eBay: www.ebay.com/b/Singer-Zigzagger/41248/bn_7023534947

[@anis4553]

It was attach to any sewing machine.and it was attach to high Speed merrit machine.its working To high speed merrit machine pls reply

[@andytubesewing1953]

This attachment has two versions. One if for straight shank machines and one is for slant shank machines like Singer Model 301, 401,500,600, etc. They both work the same way. They are made for DOMESTIC Home Sewing Machines. You mention High-Speed Merrit machine and if that is a COMMERCIAL or INDUSTRIAL machine I do not know if they can sew at very high speeds. Any DOMESTIC machine can use this attachment. The Singer 301A in this video can sew between 1200 and 1600 stitches per minute and the zigzagger can do that if kept lubricated when needed. So how fast does a "high Speed merrit machine" sew? Here is a link to a free copy of the Instruction Manual for the Zigzagger >> ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf And remember if you buy one that there are two versions; straight and slant needle or shank (meaning needle bar) Hope that helps, Ani.

[@cindyfournier7003]

Awesome video Andy . Where would I buy one of these zigzagger attachments ?

[@andytubesewing1953]

There are usually a few on eBay and Bonanza. There is one for straight needle machines too. Sometimes there are extra patterns that came in a group of four in a separate box. Thank you for watching, Cindy.

[@cindyfournier7003]

Thanks Andy , I have a 301 A . and love it more than the other machines I have and it would be great to use the zigzag stitch with it . I know you said 301 . I just assumed 301 A would do well with it too . is that right or should I just avoid it for my 301 A ?

[@andytubesewing1953]

This is PERFECT for the 301. It was made especially for the 301. Sorry if I misled you. I mentioned the straight needle meaning to avoid it. It was made first then when Singer made the 301 slant-needle they made this slant-needle zigzagger. This slant model zigzagger can work on Models 404 and 604 also.

[@y1v2o3n4d5a]

Cindy Fournier I just bought a set for $16 on the Mercari app for my strait stitch 201-2 and 15-91. There is another on there for $18 but I’m not sure what model it’s for. It’s still available but I’m not sure what model it is.

[@caper695]

You're videos ate so helpful! I recently aquired a 1956 99K and I think I watched every video you have for that machine. I'm so excited to get started sewing with it but I have to get a bobbin for it. Then I'll start collecting attachments. I couldn't figure out how a straight stitch could zigzag until I watched this video!😊 Thanks for doing these videos Andy, really appreciate it! Susie😁

[@clem304]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@andytubesewing1953]

You're welcome! 👍

[@podcastwithbhiku]

From where can I get this automatic zigzger?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Ever since they closed the ZigZagger Store I've had to buy mine on eBay. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC1.A0.H0.Xsinger+automatic+zigzagger.TRS0&_nkw=singer+automatic+zigzagger&_sacat=0 I did find one once at a Goodwill store. They may also be vendors selling them on Etsy or Amazon, I don't shop there buy heard they sell vintage parts on those sites now. I expect the cost is up right now with everyone trying to sew masks and getting Grandmas machine out of the closet/attic/basement. Thanks for watching my channel.

[@clockguy2]

I suppose this only goes on a slant foot machine?

[@andytubesewing1953]

actually they make two or three different models of this The one in this video is for a slant needle machine but they also make a straight shank aversion for singer machines and they made the straight version many years before the slant needle machines came out here's a link to some information about the different models ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_zigzag_attachments.html thanks for watching my channel and I hope you can stop by again in the future

[@clockguy2]

@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks for the information.

[@induindusri5057]

Can I use for usha 301 model

[@andytubesewing1953]

Singer made two models of the ZIGZAGGER. Model number 161102 is for straight needle machines like models 15, 191, 201, 221, 221, 222, 239, and 1200 and others. Model 161103 is for slant needle models like 301, 301A, 404, 604. The model in this video is model number 161103 and is being used on a Singer slant needle model 301 sewing machine. You can download a free instruction manual for the AUTOMATIC ZIGZAGGER here ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf Thank you for watching my channel.

[@mariamarfil1620]

Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[@andytubesewing1953]

😀👍Thanks for watching my channel.

[@brandyfranklin6339]

I have one of these but I feel like my bite isn't working the way it should.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Sorry to hear that, Brandy. Page 9 of the Instruction Manual has some instructions for adjusting the bight. The manual has great info and also shows where to oil the attachment which often makes a big difference in performance. If you need a copy of the manual you can download a PDF copy for free at this safe link: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf I have cleaned and oiled a number of the ZZ and Buttonholer attachments and it always makes them work better. I do not have cleaning videos for the ZZ but here is one for a buttonholer. It's actually a playlist for cleaning and oiling and can give you some idea of how your device works kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKIVBGEISHzZeWVk8-IxpHw0 Good luck, and thanks very much for watching my channel.

[@serjershov1641]

Хорошая штука. А как шаг регулируется боковым переключатель.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Да, спасибо, что задали этот важный вопрос! На левой стороне устройства вы видите винт с накатанной головкой. Ослабьте этот винт с накатанной головкой и используйте небольшую ручку на слайде, чтобы переместить слайд вперед или назад, чтобы отрегулировать ширину / ширину, затем затяните барашковый винт, чтобы сохранить сделанную вами настройку. Вы можете бесплатно скачать оригинальную копию руководства в формате PDF по этой ссылке: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf Мне очень жаль, что я не забыл показать это в видео, и спасибо за просмотр моего канала. Yes, thank you for asking this important question! On the left side of the device, you see a thumbscrew. Loosen that thumb screw and use the small grip on the slide to move the slide forward or backward to adjust width/bight, then tighten the thumbscrew to keep that setting you made. You can download a free copy of the original instruction manual in PDF format for free at this link: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf I'm sorry I did not remember to show that in the video and thank you for watching my channel.

[@bibiancruz6576]

How much sigsager

[@andytubesewing1953]

www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+automatic+zigzagger&_sacat=0

[@rociorugama193]

Great thank you #1

[@andytubesewing1953]

It's older but works well. Like me, hahaha. Thanks for watching.

[@harmoniousembodiment7203]

This zig zagger is horribly designed! It won't even get into the needle rod!! Its so malfittong, 10 minutes im still trying to get it on without breaking something!!!! Aaarrghhh!!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Do you have a Singer Model 301? There are two different zigzagger models. You must use the one made for model 301A b/c it is a slant needle sewing machine. The other ZZer is made for straight needle machines and will not work on the 301 machine. You can download a free copy of the instruction manual for the ZZer here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-zigzagger-attachment-manual.pdf

[@harmoniousembodiment7203]

@@andytubesewing1953 yes, 301. The zigzagger box says its made for 301. I've just given up on the zigzag ataltachent its infinitely more frustrating than useful!!! Horribly made in my experience. I'm just going to stick to with the simple straight stitch needle pressure foot.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@harmoniousembodiment7203 ok

[@harmoniousembodiment7203]

@@andytubesewing1953 i love the singer 30q sewing machine itself! It works excellent! I just can't get the zig zagger to work worth anything other as a major frustrating useless distraction. Wish it would work effectively and efficiently, as I'd like to use zig zag stitching for some of my fleece things I make and want a little stretch available in them