PURCHASING SERIES #41: Fashionably Late to the ZigZag Party! A Deep Dive Look at Singer's 401A

[@famasmaster2000]

I love this era of Singer. They were so fun !!

[@lanceanderson8318]

I just got one. The waking up makes a lot of sense. I was trying to get the tensions right for the decorative stiches for hours one night, it was just so fussy. The next morning, perfect. I got mine for 20 bucks cause i was interested in the cabinet it was in. A total surprise.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Wonderful!

[@DeebeeNonya]

Great job describing and showing us how to "wake up" one of these grand ladies! I have one that I am working on now and I will take your advice. Thank you!

[@BubbleT567]

Hey there, I just want to thank you and I figured I’d do it on the latest video so you definitely get it. Your videos are SO well made, so informative and have been incredibly helpful. It seems that whenever I have had a question about what’s going on with my sewing machine it’s your channel that ultimately answers it. I’m currently on your cabinet restoration series, as I have a table with very warped veneer, but I’m enjoying the other lessons I’m getting along the way. Thank you again, your dedication and authenticity really shines through.

[@Idaho-Idaho]

Thanks for the video. I have three 401A machines. The first came ready-to-sew. The second was ceased up and took a few days to slowly bring back. The third was a mess and I am still working on it. One item to note is second-hand smoke will kill a machine. My third machine suffered from this for 30 plus years. Yes, exercise occasually and I leave the knobs at B - L. This gives you straight and zig-zag. Thanks again.

[@christineguo2001]

I am so glad you posted this video!!! I have three 401s in various working order. I love them!! But they can be persnickety. Can you post a video on the tension assembly? I am struggling to fix one of mine. Love your channel!!!! TIA - Christine

[@ro6742]

The engineering back then was astounding. All of the manufacturing disciplines that had to come together to make that machine are lost arts today. I should add that I am a manufacturer certified machine technician. While at home my machine of choice was manufactured in 1957. When customers bring older machines like this into the shop I just smile knowing I’m in for a educational experience and a nostalgic walk back through engineering excellence. Most people don’t realize what they have.

[@johndeere1951a]

I love maintaining my late mothers 1966 Singer Zig Zag 623, along with my 1982 NECCHI 523. Both heavy metal machines are still humming. Lubrication is crucial. I can't find the oil filters though 🤣‼️. 73, man, New Hampshire Great channel 🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵 🪡 ps, the word your looking for when soaking all the stuck parts with your valve oil is " marinate " 👍

[@stillstitchin]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I might have passed on a 401, thinking it would be too fussy to keep up. I seem to remember one at my local thrift store but it had some parts missing. I bet I’d love sewing on one, so I’ll be on the look out. Have a good day! 😊 -Deborah

[@debraclogston9379]

Awesome! I've got a Singer Stylist 533. I'm trying to replace both sets of bevel gears in her. Wish me luck! I like that you are not doing just the "princess" machines. Asking for 1K for a common machine is outrageous!

[@moeytoo]

Thanks so much. I watch just about all of your videos. How does it compare to the Pfaff 360 in terms of waking up? I"m working on one and feel she's almost there. The decorative cams just came alive a few days ago. So exciting! Ps I'm a horticulturist and you sure sound like a guy I used to watch on tv. Could that be true?

[@paisley293]

I have a 301A (little brother to your 401A I suppose 😃) that I haven't used in a while; it was working just fine. But about 6 months ago when I tried to sew, it just kept making nests in the bobbin case after one or two turns. I've made sure it has all the correct bobbins and am using the correct needle size. Now that I've taken encouragement from your video here, I'm going to try to gently, carefully and patiently (thought about taking it to Sally Ann 😅) to inspect it more closely, to see what might be causing the problem. I really do like the machine; it's a powerhouse for anything I've sewn in the past. Bought it for $25! If you read this and have any suggestions, I'd be most grateful. Thank-YOU!

[@ThatisSewSilvia]

Wonderful piece a jewelry! My 411G is now my main machine and I will never ever go back to a newer one. I still would want to have some cams and the chain stitch plate but here in Europe they are expensive to get. Do you maybe have one there? 😊

[@thelinnjo]

Hi have you ever worked on a Kenmore 158.540? I’m thinking of buying one but I’m not sure?