Introducing The Singer 101

Introducing the Singer 101
The Singer 101 is not commonly known, but can lay out some of the best stitches. There were about 230,475 machines made from 1920-1932.
This is Singer's first potted motor, straight stitch machine.
Low Shank
Direct drive 0.6 amp potted motor
About 30% faster than the Singer 201 - about 1000 stitches per minute
Horizontal, rotary hook
Class 66 Drop In Bobbins
15x1 needles, threaded left to right - flat side of needle to the right.
Cannot drop feed dogs - use a feed dog cover (original accessory)
No reverse - use stationary tack, 30 spi, or manually turn/hold fabric.
Large throat area
School Bell Bobbin Tension
Entire Bedplate removes for easy access to lower gears
Oil Sump and spider wicking system
This is a strong, stable, reliable workhorse machine. Some prefer this one to the 201 and 301 - two of the more/most popular Singer machines. Stitch Quality definitely rivals or exceeds the other machines, but the difference will be if you want portability, reverse, ability to drop feed dogs, etc... . Definitely ranked up there as an extremely capable and high quality machine.

[@olgabarmenkova5966]

I bought the same today in Goodwill store for $18 😊

[@GLPglpGLP]

My mom was married in 1932 and she was given this machine. I was born in 1948. She used this machine until the day she died. About the reverse. I distinctly recall that when sewing, if she pulled the fabric toward her it would reverse sew until she released the fabric. That way, she could anchor stitch at the beginning and end of a run. Try it. I think it will do this. I know I did not dream it. Thank you for bringing back fond memories with this video.

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome! What wonderful memories, thank you for sharing! Yes, you can absolutely do that to anchor stitch! Thank you!

[@chevydude658]

I have this machine and it is like a stuck of buttah! I have all the Singer models and this one is truly a gem. You can get 1000 stitches a minute with this baby. My close friends gave me their mother in law's 101 that was her mother's. It has the manual, all the attachments and the original cabinet. It is almost pristine, but because she sewed quite a bit the decals are worn somewhat on the front of the bed. Very classy machine.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Great machine and review. Thank you

[@alexnpax]

Mom got a used model 101 in 1963. Many years later I got the machine...not knowing model number etc. Thanks for posting. I am planning on refurbishing it as a winter time project and your video was extremely helpful.

[@Peppermint1]

I wonder if there are modern straight-stitch machines for sale. I've seen a Janome but not much else. Why don't companies offer a simple robust reliable inexpensive straight-stitch sewing machine when most sewing is straight-stitching ?

[@violetgove1204]

Love your videos they are very clear and informative. Thank You. Do you know how I can get a manual for my 101 Portable Electric It is aluminum not hard steel, and has a knee control lever.

[@nmjerry]

I think you can probably make it look beautiful, if you take care. I ancwatch a vid on it, the had an exact number, but it was less than 250,000 made. It was the expensive model at the time to. There is bo wires or belt coming out of the top side, which makes it look elegant.

[@debmilton7605]

Hey, did you do any more videos on this machine? I just got one and am working on it. There is so very little info on these. I can not wait to sew on mine!

[@DawnSChampion]

No, I didn't. But it quite similar to other vintage singers like the 201

[@stevesoldwedel]

How did your restoration come along? I just rescued one of these from the curb and it was totally seized. I've gotten the balance wheel moving when the clutch is disengaged, but the drive arm still doesn't turn. I've got the balance wheel off, and the clutch assembly totally removed. Tried using two locking nuts to see if I could turn the drive arm with a wrench, but it won't give and I'm not going to force it. Not sure where it's still seized. Stuck over what to do next. Soak it in kerosene?

[@aaronjohn6586]

Wow, high quality and looks amazing. Not many 87 year old anything is going to run as well

[@DawnSChampion]

Lol...Yea...these guys will last forever!

[@morecoming]

Just picked one up today for 59.00 at a thrift store in a cabinet.. aug 30th 1930 according to the serial number...also have the same cabinet as yours with the knee lever..when i got it home i noticed the plaque was missing or so i thought that usually designates the model number..just two small holes.. good to know now they didnt send these out with model number plaques.. not sure why though.. was very surprised to find this today, been looking for awhile .. my clue has always been the dial on the base.. when looking

[@woolandwaterknits4801]

Great video! Do you know if a missing bobbin plate can be replaced with a 15-91/201/66 plate? Thank you for posting!

[@DawnSChampion]

Thank you, sorry, no I don't know...

[@shawnvanhorn3754]

FYI... 101 didn't have cabinet choices, you either got the portable or you got this cabinet. As for the knee level, you should look inside the cabinet, the 101 was one of the very few machine wired usually with both a knee lever and a foot pedal simultaneously, meaning you had both. I have this machine, I have rewired it, I will say, it was the hardest machine to rewire, because of the potted motor and all the wire is hidden. There wasn't really a cabinet choice, because of the wiring. In the cabinet is the knee pedal control, but also wired in directly a foot control that is just clasped up into the cabinet.

[@DawnSChampion]

Thank you!!

[@twinstar9]

What cord would fit this? I have one that did not come with a cord or knee pedal.

[@DawnSChampion]

I don't remember now. You would have to look at the connectors to see what would fit. It might be something like this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L2Z73A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 But you need to double check.

[@twinstar9]

@@DawnSChampion Well that link shows one that wouldn't.

[@inthehalflight9303]

There's one at the thrift store for $60.00. Should I nab it now or should I risk waiting days and days until it's half off. In cabinet. Most probably will need rewiring.

[@DawnSChampion]

That's a good price

[@inthehalflight9303]

@@DawnSChampion Thank you. Will check it out again tomorrow.

[@annwaters9484]

I bought a 101 in a Queen Mary cabinet. It's a beautiful machine! Unfortunately, the wiring underneath looks like it needs to be replaced. Can you tell me what type of wire is needed so that I can rewire it? Thank you!

[@DawnSChampion]

Ann Waters - I used lamp wire

[@annwaters9484]

@@DawnSChampion Thank you!

[@kenkracko9303]

Quality lamp cord will work fine, however wire for the light runs through a lead tube inside the head and motor wiring is also inside the head. Lead tube corrodes and rewiring lamp is challenging.

[@twistknit1]

I have this machine. I am hoping that I can have it put on a base, and have the questionable wires replaced along with a foot pedal.

[@gip068]

Beautiful vintage Singer ♥️Is it Foot Control or Knee lever ? Glenn in Australia ♥️

[@DawnSChampion]

gip068 - knee lever

[@007380]

Where is the serial # located?

[@ThadWilliams7]

under the machine, basically under the bobbin minder.