Singer 15-91 vrs Singer 201 , What one would i keep ..

[@lizzyhazel4085]

Comparing Singer models is a fun way to learn about vintage Machines. Thanks

[@891gennyop]

I believe that your 201 has an additional thread guide that rides on the needle bar. The glass lens over the bulb may also be missing. I would like to find a LED replacement bulb that is warm white around 3200K and full spectrum / high CRI. A dimmable LED would be a bonus with a dimmer switch retrofit. Thank you for showing these machines.

[@4486xxdawson]

Your correct on the neddle bar guide , all machines should have one there and mine does but some of my machines are missing it and the still run fine , but as for the glass on the light im afraid you may incorrect there , the 201 potted motor version with the light in the front does not use a glass cover , only rear mounted lights do , ive looked at many machines identical to mine and none have glass covers over the lights , now maybe im wrong but ive yet ot seen one with the glass over the bulb on a potted motor version , im with ya on the LED lights too , i like the warm yellow glow better then the bright white , if its vintage then the bulb should match in my opinion ,but im a novice collector so what do i know lol , thanks for watching and if you have a photo of the glass cover for the potted motor 201 id love to see it , like i said im a novice collector i could be wrong .....

[@sadiejosiemom]

I don't have a 15-91 but I do have my mother's 201 and based on that, I would have to keep the 201. Glad I don't have to make that choice because she does have a pretty face! There hardly was a day that mom wasn't sewing something on her machine and she told me once her vision kept her from sewing that she sewed it to death. At the time, I wasn't into vintage machines and never really thought about it but when we had to move mom to a care facility and sell the house, I took the machine for sentimental reasons. I can't tell you how many years ago that was but probably 15. In the meantime, it's been in my garage and since then I lost mom and my husband. Just a few days ago, I got one of my sons to move it in the house and I went all through it (my first time and as good as a newbie could) and she still sews a beautiful stitch!! Mom would be proud! I have a few vintage Singers - a 115 treadle and a 66 redeye - both non working at the moment, a black 221 and a white one and I have my vintage 1970s 6268 that needs a new foot pedal and throat plate. The 201 is a great utilatarian machine - nothing fancy but she makes a beautiful stitch, even with the stitch marks rubbed off! She is everything you said and more. I want to get an LED bulb because you're right - it gets very hot and is dangerous! Thanks for the challenge!

[@engelbob8402]

I'm enjoying this series. Keep them coming please.

[@4486xxdawson]

Thanks i will do my best ...

[@annm8680]

I think the Singer we had was a 15 when I was a child. I made all my clothes with it. I don’t remember oiling it or changing needles unless they broke. Even then, it worked beautifully. I don’t know what happened to that machine. My latest machine acquisition is a 201. It is the machine I presently use the most. I do oil it and change the needles. 😉

[@4486xxdawson]

I grew up watching my mom sew on a singer , just cant remember if it was a 15 or a 99 , i know it wasnt a 201 , but i never was interested , its funny because we had shop class in grade school and for the girls they had sewing but all in one room , i remeber kids asking me to help thread thier machines and thought how do you not know this ! Not realizing i had just naturally learned it from seeing my mom sew , never sewed at all back then , and now in the last 3 years ive become obsessive about old machines only because i needed a patch sewn and decided to buy a kenmore vintage machine to do the job . Im happy to know you oil and change the needle now lol , 201 is a machine you want to take care of , it will always hold value , mind you the memories have more value then the machine but thtas another story , well thats enough jibber jabber for know , take care my friend and hope we talkagain soon ...

[@joeschueler8587]

Choosing one machine over another is an interesting exercise. I have enjoyed every challenge you have filmed. It might also be worthwhile to start with, say, a dozen machines and decide which three or four you would choose if you were required to downsize before moving to a smaller apartment. It just might be that a number of your viewers are in just such a situation.

[@4486xxdawson]

Thanks but its only my choice , not saying any are better just having some fun with my collection ... i will think about your video idea , i did do a tripple machine video if you havent seen it yet, its a 66 ,99 and a spartan , it did get good views so you might be on to something there ...thanks for watching and comnenting, i appreciate your input ,.stay safe and hope to hear from ya again soon ....

[@paramtrx9558]

I found a mint condition 15-88 about two months ago.. It must have sat in the corner it's entire life untouched. It's the face plate detail I like the most, it's beautiful! It will continue to just sit around and look good as I just picked up a Consew industrial. I showed it to my old business partner and he said he just visited the Singer Castle.. check it out!

[@4486xxdawson]

Its funny you say you its sitting and like to look at it , its why i collect, i think the old machines are art and machine in one , you dont need to sew to love to look at them . Im going to see if i can find a video on that castle , sounds awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting much appreciated , hope to hear from ya again soon , stay safe my friend .....

[@JonPHX]

My first VSM was a 15-91 and I just love her. Got her a couple of years ago including a cabinet, and accessories at a thrift store for $42.00. She runs like a top, and will likely always be my favorite. I recently acquired a 201-2 at another thrift store for only $10.00, including a water damaged cabinet and accessories. (Couldn't leave her for that low price.) She ran initially, but has since seized up, so I'm sure she just needs a good cleaning/oil and re-greasing to run again, which I'll enjoy. Thanks for the comparison. I've heard many folks mention that the extra harp space on the 201 is a ideal for quilters.

[@4486xxdawson]

Nice purchase , i havent seen a 15 91 vsm , going to look into that , thanks for commenting,,

[@joeschueler8587]

@@4486xxdawson I think the initials VSM as used by JH may refer to Vintage Sewing Machine, as opposed to Vibrating Shuttle.

[@4486xxdawson]

@@joeschueler8587 your probably right i allways refer that because i own a couple VS3 and and VS2s ... VS does stand for vibrating shuttle but if you put an M behind it i guess it could mean anything lol .thanks for correcting me ...hell when texting came out i thought my buddie was gay ,he kept sending me lol and when i was young that meant lots of love not laugh out loud so am i wrong there too hmmmm guess ill just use words laugh out loud .....

[@curiouscat3384]

I inherited my mom's 201 which I learned to sew on in the 60's. Just a tip, don't neglect to examine and clean the foot pedal. Lots of lint gunked up with oil that affected mine and didn't allow electric to flow :)

[@lawrencethompson465]

I don’t think the 201-2 is supposed to be greased since the gear tolerances are so close. Just oil it.

[@bella-bee]

I found a 201 and realised it was the machine I learned to sew on, so I bought it and delighted in the muscle memory. But I want to do free motion quilting, and I was told by an expert that the 15 is better for that, because when the dogs aren’t in play (dropped or covered) the threading of the bobbin has an effect . She said that because the bobbin thread of the 15 is vertical, and so in the same plain as the top thread as it comes down to make the stitch, you get better stitch formation for quilting. The 201 bobbin thread is at right angles to the top thread. I’ve not tried it out yet, although I also have a 15. But I have seen people successfully FMQ on a 201. 15 class bobbins hold more, there is that about it If you like quilting think also about the size of the arch, which you will fill with quilt fabric as you’re trying to wrestle with it. They are much larger than modern machines, but not all the same size. Could be the 66 is the biggest of these domestic machines. Even bigger is a 31, a tailor’s machine. Basically a giant 15 Ooh I must get them fettled and start working with them!!

[@4486xxdawson]

I wounder how good a 115 would be for quilting ? Its a virtical rotory hook so like a 15 but much much smoother like a 201 , it makes sense to me that the vertical hook of a 15 class would be better for free motion , this is why its nice to have many machines , you get to learn and use them all for different things , its like i say they all have thier pros and cons ...happy to know you use and enjoy your machines , after all thats what they were built for , thanks for watching stay tuned for more on my collection......

[@quadraphonicfreak]

The 201 is not the best choice for free motion quilting or darning. The 15k machines do everything well in spite of being a bit more noisy than the 201. The 15k machines were made far longer than any other sewing machine in history!

[@4486xxdawson]

True , the 15 is iconic, we all know most clones are based off the 15 , bomb proof pretty much but the 201 quality and smooth running makes for a more desirable machine , dont forget the rotory design is still used today so both are great , with that said you are wise to choose the right machine for a project , key is knowing what you want to do and the right machine for the job , i always say all of them are great machines you just need to make the right choice for you , i dont sew much but to be hounest i use my vibrating shuttle more then any so choose any and it wont be long before you love them all , thanks for watching and leaving a comment, i always enjoy chatting with my friends , stay safe and hope to hear from you again soon ...

[@mjsews]

I enjoyed the comparison since I recently got a 201 and also have a 15-91. My 201 is slightly smoother and quieter than the 15-91, but my main issue with the 201 is getting the bobbin assembly apart for cleaning. It's just a bit fiddly and easy to put back in wrong. Cleaning the 15 bobbin assembly is so easy and straightforward. The rotary bobbin area on my 404 is easy to clean too. I'm not sure why they designed that retainer ring like they did on the 201. Sliding that spring thing with a screw driver while holding the handwheel etc...well, I have to consult the manual every time. Maybe eventually it will be second nature, eh? Perhaps part of your "stay or go" comparisonon of machines could include ease of maintenance, too. Anyway, thanks for the video, I look forward to more!

[@4486xxdawson]

Thanks for the imput i will try and make some videos on maintenance but to be hounest im no expert, just a pretty new collector so dont know as much about them as some others like Bob Fouler and his channel , i use him more for repair and maintenance so really i try and keep my videos simple and short and refer people to watch the pros for repair , but i can try 👍

[@Sunshine-un5ww]

I’m in this exact situation. And i was born in the 80s. Lol. Can’t stand seeing this beautiful machines go to waste

[@shmuelarom5773]

I have a Singer class 15-88 and a 201K. One thing that is better on the class 15 is that it's easy to change the tension on the bobbin case screw, and it is harder to do that on the 201, as you have to bring the screwdriver at a certain angle.

[@4486xxdawson]

I agree thats for shur , even a vibrating shuttle is easier bobbin is easier then a 201 , but such a smooth runner ...Thanks for watching and subscribing i appreciate it

[@user-xs4nn5vc9w]

I love my 201, wish I had it when I was younger to have more time e to use it.

[@terrifuentes2589]

I love love my 201s! I have a 1940, 1947 and a 1951. Two of them found literally in the gutter. Restored them and they run beautifully. They do one thing and they do it perfectly. I have a Japanese 15 clone, it a good machine but I just don't like the tension on the face, I've turned down numerous 15-91s.

[@4486xxdawson]

Ya the 15 -91 was one of my early collection pieces , fugured i would start with the 15 and go from there , still good machines but i agree with the upper thread tention in the front , its an odd place for the tention , the reason for that is that machine dates back to 1800s and there never used to be a numbered tention so it was something peoeple learned to adjust on the fly by watching the stitches .You do have to agree they did something right though , look how many clones are designed after the 15 91 , not just japan clones but other countries made machines based off the 15 as well , the 201 is the best strait stitch ever made , i love my 201 , feel like im lucky to own such perfect engineering , what a perfect machine . Funny how we can build such amazing things , and then say ah its garbage , who tosses such quality to the curb , its not a plastic piece of crap ..lucky you came along and saved them , your a hero in the sewing world . Dont let anyone ever say you are nuts for loving such machines , we are the ones preserving history for the future , our grandkids need to know it wasnt always a throw awy world , some people remember when we cared about our products ....thanks for watching ....

[@131dyana]

I would keep the 201.

[@4486xxdawson]

Good choice , i have 2 , 201s now and going to do a video real soon o them both , one is potted motor and the other is belt and motor , going to compare the 2 , should be good video as nobody has done one yet

[@ecay]

I just got into refurbishing these and I have four 15 class. One is a 15.90 the other three or 15.91. I have two 66 class I would like to get my hands on a decent 201 to refurbish and I'll find one eventually. But from what I've been able to find out, the 201 puts out a really nice stitch. It was considered the dressmakers machine but the 15 class was considered the farm machine. It was capable of handling tougher material than the 201 I don't know. This is just what I'm finding out but it would make sense that they would have one that was for more along the lines of a seamstress or Taylor and one for a farm being more rugged

[@4486xxdawson]

The 15 class are tuff thats for shur but the 201 is as well ,depending on what you want to do , the 201 was iconic because Rolls Royce used them to do all the leather interiors way back so hard to say what one is better , the 15 is easier to work on but the 201 is soo smooth you will never go back to the 15 once you try one , but i do use my 15 for tuff jobs because i dont want to work my 201 to hard , its just too nice to do the trench work , thanks for watching and welcome to the sewing machine addiction club , sounds like the bug is already set in lol ...sorry

[@ecay]

@@4486xxdawson yeah I actually like fixing these. I like fixing things and these are easy to fix for me and I can pick them up everywhere. People are just screaming to get rid of them My current project is a class 15.90 that I'm converting over to a hand crank but I'm going to rewire the motor and the pedal and so forth. So I have the option of going back and forth if I want to and I may set it up as a treadle one day so I have a three in one

[@cynthiamandak2078]

I have a Singer 201 and a 401a. I used it for making purses. Now I have an industrial and I can use thicker material.

[@ryndl]

Just curious, did you use the same controller on both machines? I have a lot of old singers and the style and condition of the controller sometimes has more to do with sewing control than the machine itself. Some are very linear in response with great low speed and some are closer to an on = off switch

[@4486xxdawson]

Yes i used the same foot controler for both , being both potted motors the are the same amps ...

[@ryndl]

Thanks. Choosing from the 2 best Singers is not easy! I have 3 of each, can't pass them up at $20-$25 in thrift stores. My favorite for control is a 1914 15-30 hand crank, very good for heavy repairs on backpacks etc. I can go one stitch at a time if needed. 201s are the nicest to operate, smooth and quiet. Also love our old vibrating shuttle machines! Keep the videos coming, love your content!

[@arcticcod8403]

Nice job:) I have 201 hand crank and 201 belt motor. And the 15 hand crank and 15 belt motor, super nice machines!👍🏻😃💪🏼

[@4486xxdawson]

Oh no potted motor versions ? Hmm you need to get them to complete your collection , you will love the potted motor models , the hand crank 201 would be cool in my collection lol .thanks for watching ....

[@arcticcod8403]

@@4486xxdawson it’s hard to find potted versions here in Norway

[@jackyf3505]

I'm enjoying the couple of challenges I've seen but this one solely looked at stitch quality. I was really hoping you'd compare their ability to sew layers. We know the 15-91 will sew 8-layers of denim but what about the 201?

[@4486xxdawson]

I have a video on the 201 with a 221 as a quest appearance and i sew 8 layers on that video with the 201 if you would like to see it , i dont recommend doing it i just do it to show how strong they really are , im happy your enjoying that little series i havent done one in a while maybe i will continue with some ,,,what one would i keep ,,,videos , thanks for watching always appreciate the feed back....

[@mjremy2605]

Note to Viewers: Bulbs - Amazon and Ebay have LED bulbs. Measure length of your lightbulb from tip to tip. Measure diameter of base. These are usually standard sizes C5, C7, C9 base diameter - look it up. Screw in or Push in type base. Screw has threads spiraling. Bayonet base is Push In type - smooth with two prongs sticking out. Single contact, or double contact - this refers to the bottom of the socket base - do you see one blob of lead or two? So you would look for bulbs with this search criteria: 1. LED bulb bayonet double contact 2. LED Bulb screw in single contact .... etc. All bulbs come in Kelvin ratings. This is the 'color' of the light ranging from 2700 Kelvin to 6500 Kelvin. I like the 3000K best, as 2700 is very mellow yellow and 3000K is a bright white light. It turns very bright almost bluish fluorescent light from 6000 - 6500K but also works well. Choose 2700K for bathroom soft light or RV bulbs but always a brighter light for desk or sewing work. The LED bulbs can be encased in plastic, glass, silicone. Pick Silicone every time. This is a clear rubbery silicone casing on the LEDs that is far superior to Plastic which distorts the light and puts lines in it, or glass which breaks. Silicone is wonderful. You MUST CHANGE OUT YOUR INCANDESCENT BULBS in all machines. Why? The heat generated from regular bulbs damages your plastic, rubber components inside the machine, makes the plastic shrink and crack, rubber crack, and dries out the oil to become gummy faster. You use more wattage electricity, and the light is dim and yellow, the glass can shatter, and they have a short life and cost a lot. LED bulbs have low power, light is bright, no glass, long life, and cost much less than proprietary conventional bulbs. Wonderful difference.

[@a.guerra2139]

Is there any difference between a 1950 201 and, say a 1957 ... a later version? Just curious because I see 1950 machines available but never any "newer" ones. Thanks!

[@4486xxdawson]

Thats a good question , i can tell you the belt drive 201 i have is a 1951 but the 1957 i have is a potted motor version , so i cant really say for sure because i have 2 versions , but i think the belt drive 201 did run a long production period , id say there are probably 1957 belt drive 201s and they wouldn't be any different then a 1950 , they made the 201 right the first time it was invented and the only change ive seen was the potted motor version then after that they came out with the more modern versions but i stop at 1960 , anything newer then that im not interested in , well hope i helped with your question, lots of jibber jabber for ya lol thanks for watching......

[@a.guerra2139]

Thank you so much for the response. I'm going to jump on the 1950 machine for $100! @@4486xxdawson

[@howardlovecraft750]

Solid video.

[@ЮлияШваб-щ3л]

Здравствуйте! Замечательные машинки, вы их продаёте?

[@4486xxdawson]

Lol noi dont sell ......

[@delynndehardt1859]

I have a 201-2 & I use it almost exclusively for stitch by stitch control on very close tolerances 8n the sewing. The most control. My main machine for joining is the Davis Vertical feed. Cant beat it's non slip. But the 201 is for precision.

[@4486xxdawson]

201 , what great machines , i have 2 now one is the potted motor version and the other belt and motor style , love them both but dont do too much sewing yet , but soon hopefullly , thanks for watching, im going to go look at a davis vertical feed video now , i dont think ive seen one , thanks .....

[@peggyflowers6755]

I had both, and I kept the 201-2.

[@terrigelbaum8066]

I'm a 15-91 girl myself. Have five.

[@4486xxdawson]

Wow 5 , i have two 15-91s , one was in ruff cosmetic condition so i painted it and my second one i got because it was in a bundle and near mint , both mine are potted motor versions but i keep looking for belt and motor ones for cheep so i can do a comparison video ,no luck yet but il keep looking , im shur one will pop up ..thanks for stopping by and i appreciate your positive comments , hope you enjoyed the video and come back again soon for more on my collection , stay safe and hope to talk again soon....

[@danamakesit4623]

I have a 201 also and I love it!

[@4486xxdawson]

Great machines , what version do you have ? i have the potted motor version as you seen , there is one with motor and belt also in the 50s they came out with a more modern looking version , regardless they all do awesome work . Thanks for commenting , enjoy and stay safe ...

[@theprojectproject01]

Interesting. I have a 15-125 and it makes a stitch that's slightly superior to my 201. Mind you, my sewing starts at #18 needles and Tera 40 thread, maybe that makes a difference.

[@4486xxdawson]

As much as i love sewing machine i dont know much about sewing yet , so needles and thread im still learning, my hobby is more about saving these great machines and restoring them to working order , when i choose machines its just for my situation, i cant really say what machine is the best , just the one i would keep for my situation, i dont think ive seen a 15 -125 now i will go check one out , thanks again for watching and commenting i appreciate it...

[@theprojectproject01]

@@4486xxdawson I'm mostly the same way. I love the machines *as machinery.* But part of my process in getting them into tip-top shape is evaluating how well they stitch. I *can* sew, but so far, I'm not real good at it.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

Just inherited a family 201 and didn't realize the foot controller was missing, so ordered one right away. My actual first thought as I sat the machine on the table to admire it was, " I need an LED light! That thing will burn!" Foot controller today, led lights tomorrow, bobbin tire on Saturday. Amazon Prime has lost its glow. Second day now means 4 to 6 days and so many commercials with the TV.

[@4486xxdawson]

You might want to be careful ! dont sit and admire too long, thats how you get addicted to them , have you learned nothing from me , lol thanks for watching and commenting , if you like the way it looks , wait till you sew with the 201 .... good luck and there are help groups if you feel you cant resist buying another vintage Singer

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

@@4486xxdawson Actually, the only other machine I want is for my 1990 Kenmore/Janome, I want to buy a working donor. They are usually about $40. Does zigzag and makes great buttonholes. Easy to travel with. Probably will service my basic needs until death do me part. Mom has given me a 15-88, great for upholstery and jeans. I have a small serger for minimal serging needs. With the acquisition of this 201, I have a Morse that I'll probably give away or sell. Thought this 201, was a 401 that my Grandmother had for years. Wasn't that excited. Was stunned and confused to find a 201 in the cabinet instead. My 88 year old Dad very quickly solved the mystery. "That's not your Grandma's machine! That's Aunt Birdie's machine. I KNOW that machine!" Great Aunt Birdie had no children and therefore had things my Grandma truly envied. I doubt Grandma had much opportunity to sew on the 201 though she had coveted it for 40 years! She knew that of everyone in the family, I'd be the one to appreciate this machine. Grandma was one of a kind. We have a photo of her - in her 80's - riding an elephant! I'm actually more interested in the sewing than the machines. Little chance of SMAD for me, but oh so happy guys like you get addicted. Gives me the opportunity to keep my tiny herd functioning without repair bills. Thank you so much for your wonderful videos. BTW- this isn't my device- I'm a woman. Ergo- the emphasis on sewing rather than mechanics.

[@4486xxdawson]

@@cliftonmcnalley8469 im so happy you enjoy my videos , when i first started my obsession i wasnt looking for singers or did i want to collect , it sorta just happened , see i got a 1970s kenmore to sew a patch on my leather vest , didn't care what machine i had , just wanted a all steel vintage , well got sewing and found it rather relaxing and a place i could go to get away from every day stress , well i came accross my necchi BU for free and figured i try a restoration project and that same week found 2 separate machines tossed to the curb ,singer 237 fashion mate zig zag , then a 401 slanted , got all 3 restored and working perfect , sold the singers , kept the necchi and after that it was all vintage and antique singers , and here we are today , glad things are working out in witness protection lol alias Clifton lol ....stay tuned for more on my collection and thanks for sharing your story , i truely enjoyed it ....

[@uppereast74]

why does it seem that every review of a vintage machine focuses on how many layers of denim the machine can sew. the stitch quality on a variety of materials would seem to be more important than the power of the machine. its a sewing machine not a muscle car. the reviewer doesn't mention that the 15-91 does not reverse while the 201 does.

[@4486xxdawson]

The reason we show it sew 8 layers of denum is because thats pretty tuff to do on any machine thats made today unless its commercial , get a new machine and show me ot sewing threw 8 layers of denum and it still be here 100 years later , as far as the 15-91 having reverse , The 15-91 DOES have reverse , the earlier models may not have but this version does , if you would like to see other materials being sewn just let me know what to sew , im always up for better content and if you have some good ideas, i would love to hear them

[@mermaidelina]

The 15-91 DOES reverse. Mine is from 1936 and it even has reverse function.

[@lindamorgan2678]

The 201 is quieter and smoother .. Do a test with heavy thick material or light leather the 15-91 is tougher and is better for heavy duty stuff. I have good speakers on my desktop and I could hear the difference right away.. Compare the undercarriage the 201 has the oiled gears with the round cups on left and right on the bed. I was looking for a comparison of a 66 and 15 and came across your video. :-) will check out you other vids Thank you

[@4486xxdawson]

The 201 is 100% a better machine , my choices are just for me not saying one is better , everyone knows the 201 is king but try working on one , not so easy , my videos are for fun not reviewing and everyone does comparison videos , mine are called what one would I keep , so i base them off my situation , i own over 20 machines and i love all of them for all the different types of of sound and ways they stitch so please dont use my videos for comparison , im just a novice collector haveing some fun showing my cocollection , if you would like a comparison for the 66 to a 15 -91 that i can do but not a 15-92 , you leave a suggestion video and i will do my best to make one for ya , thanks for watching and i appreciate your feedback.....

[@lindamorgan2678]

@@4486xxdawson Yes and your video was fun to watch too. I see I made a typo I meant 15-90 the belted one. I can only assume it must be better than the 66 or why would Singer make a change ? It seems so many people like them still. I will have to compare the underside and the bobbin casing maybe one is more heavy duty ? Sewing machine are amazing these old ones and I am like you have to buy one just to see how it sews and compare. Is that 201 slower than the 15 -91 ? I read it only did 800 stitches per minute and also read the 15 -91 did over 1,000 but you can't believe what you read. ha ha.Anyhow like I said that 201 sounded amazing so quiet even over the hum of the potting motor seems like the noise was coming from the front end of the 15 but hard to tell a clackey sound maybe. Keep up the fun videos and good luck on adding to your collection :-)

[@ronalddevine9587]

I have both of them, and I would definitely take the 201-2. Smoother, quieter, better stitch quality. The 201-2 was known as the dressmaker's machine, while the 15-91 was the farmer's wife's machine. The 15-91 is better on very heavy material, such as burlap, and it was also less expensive.

[@sunnasmilieu]

If I ever come across a 15 for cheap I might pick it up just to have a go. I've got 2 201k's and so far they do whatever I need them to do.

[@4486xxdawson]

15 Great machines but when you use the 201 your already got the best ..but i have both and use my 15 for sewing patches on my leather vest because i dont want to work my 201 to hard lol , ya my 201 can handle it but 15s are easy to come by if it fails ....big if lol havent beeen able to break one yet .....thanks for watching, hoping to get back to some sewing videos soon but its been super busy summer for me so hoping things slow down in the fall so i can make some new videos , stay tuned and stay safe my friend take care......

[@doylekoehn220]

The 201 has larger harp space, wood be great for free motion sewing. I still like my 15-91.

[@4486xxdawson]

I like my 15-91 as well , the 201 is nice but the 15 just feels like its made for hard work , after all they used to call the 15-91 the farmers wifes machine,,thats got to be tuff lol ...

[@Cj032188]

Also did you modify either of these for the longer stitch length?>

[@4486xxdawson]

No i did no modifications to any of my machines , they are all set at stock stich length , are yoh having issues with the stitch lengths?

[@Cj032188]

@@4486xxdawson no, but seen someone on another video asking how to mod the 15-91 to hey 5mm stitch

[@4486xxdawson]

@@Cj032188 oh , no i dont try and do mods , j lke them just the way the work from factory .....

[@mjremy2605]

The 201 is the better machine. Sleek needle plate with Art Deco vibes, elegant and tall, and far better stitch than 15-91. Very nice comparison. Thank you. FYI - You may want better lighting for your videos and wait a bit on the closeups for the camera to focus. I could not see the 15-91 stitch very well but it did look uneven with wrong tensioning.

[@4486xxdawson]

Oh i know my videos need work , they are alk done with an old tablet , i need to get a better camera thats for sure , thanks for your input i alwsys appreciate any feedback , ive learned to balance out my tention and tighten it up now , as i always say im a novice collector not an expert , i dont do much sewing just love vintage machines ...

[@robinmeadows4758]

Please don't assume that anyone watching your videos has already seen your previous videos. I just discovered your vids today, so therefore haven't watched any of your previous ones. I liked the 2 that I watched, but was a little irritated that you assumed I'd seen your other's and that you didn't include links so I could go back and watch them. Please remember that many of your viewers may be new to your channel at any time. Keep up the good content and good luck with your channel 👍

[@4486xxdawson]

Thanks for the input i will keep that in mind , thanks for watching i do appreciate it 👍

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I don't understand chastising someone that's providing excellent free videos. Subscribe to his channel and just go to his channel when you have the time. Very simple to do.

[@M10000]

I want you to compare a 201's stitch to a 306 or 319's straight stitch. Then I want you to explain why 306's and 319's stitches are more perfect than other Singer sewing machines.

[@4486xxdawson]

201 and 306 i have but i do not own a 319 ,,,,,,,yet lol , as for the perfect stitch its more about adjustment really , my 66 singer does a beutiful stitch , just as nice as a 201 , i think people like the 201 for how smooth and quite it is . I will put a note on the board for a compared 201 vrs 306 and do a video come fall , im real busy at work right now and my camper needs closing before winter so if you have the time i will do a video comparison video in the future ...thanks for watching and commenting....

[@sewingmachinesindetail]

Thank you for showing this. I have not tried the Singer 15, but I have a Singer 237. From what I know about the Singer 15 I would agree, that the Singer 201 is a better machine compared to the 15. I have got a Singer 201 and a Pfaff 30 and made a comparison here in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2OnY3d7gNmafLM The sewing shown is with somewhat modified machines. But in this comparison I would consider them to get equal total score, but on some parameters one would be better than the other. The Singer 15 is in some ways equal to the Pfaff 30 and it is most likely easier for the motor to drive these two machines, than it is for the motor to drive a Singer 201. However the dialed tensioners of the Singer machines from that time period got a poorer quality than the Pfaff 30 and many other brands, and that is the main reason why I think the Pfaff 30 is a better machine than the Singer 15. I think the Singer 15 design regarding the cam driven take-up lever and position of tensioners is not as preferable. I have seen many users, that consider the Singer 15 a better machine for heavy duty work, and I think it is because, it got lesser friction (at hook) and it is easier to drive by the motor. You cannot do much about that with the potted motors. But with belt drives it is possible to install speed reducers on the machine, and with a lower gearing to motor, I think the Singer 201 have the ability to make a better stitch with thicker thread and heavier fabrics. This is another video about the Pfaff 30 from "The Stitches". kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4jYhXSjdrJ3a6c He consider the Pfaff 30 better than the 201. I have not seen a comparison to the Singer 66 anywhere, but it do have one significant drawback, because it do not have full reverse stitch length. You like to have that if you sew vinyl or leather. Unfortunately many of the vintage Singer machine do not have full reverse stitch length, but the two machines, that you show here, have got that.

[@4486xxdawson]

Ah the 237 fashion mate , had one of those and sold it , i also own a pfaff 332 just trying to sorce a belt , i agree that there are better machines , i also own a Necchi BU from 1951 , way better then my singers but thats another video lol ...thanks for watching and commenting i do apreciate it 👍

[@4486xxdawson]

I will take a look , i had a fashion mate as well , found on side of the road , that 237 worked fine i cleaned it and sold it for 40 bucks , new life , thanks for commenting

[@vaccavo]

First time I see a 201. We don't find them in Brasil.

[@4486xxdawson]

Thats too bad they sew great and smooooooth like buttaaaa .....lol thankx for watching and subscribing 👍👍

[@Cj032188]

I believe I have a 15-91 , but appears to have faceplat that looks like your 201's, but threads like a 15

[@doylekoehn220]

where is the tention assy,if it's in front of you ,it's 201, if it's on the end plate it's 15

[@jeffccr3620]

Hard to beat a 201

[@4486xxdawson]

Yes its a iconic machine and im happy i have a potted motor version but still looking for a motor and belt one , i want to do a comparison video , stay tuned for that one if you like the 201 , thanks for subscribing im having a give away at 500 subs so thanks for helping us get there ......

[@lordsgirl1123]

The challenger is a 201-2. Not a 201. The 201K is more like the 15-91

[@4486xxdawson]

Thanks 👍

[@3000waterman]

You say "The 201K is more like the 15-91" No, it's not. It's a standard 201 with a belt drive from an external motor. And the K means it was made in Scotland. Belt drive allows for very easy motor upgrading. The 201 with a modern 1.5amp motor and electronic foot control is a dream machine. That's 1.5 amp on 115 volts, and .75 on 240 volts.

[@jonstivers]

Sorry, music is too hard core for a sewing machine challenge, haha.

[@4486xxdawson]

Sorry , i will make sure to check my levels for future videos , thnk you for you input , much appreciated