Treadle Sewing Machine
During the “glory” days of Singer Sewing Machines, Singer produced the model 201 from the 1930’s to at least the 1950’s. It was their finest (and highest priced) machine. Thousands of these machines were produced — and most of them are still sewing as finely and strongly today as they did when first produced.
Research the Singer 201 and you’ll find more than one reference stating that the 201 is the finest sewing machine Singer ever made. While I can’t authoritatively say the same (I haven’t tried all the machines Singer ever made!), I haven’t found anything about the 201 that would make me disagree with that statement.
I really appreciate fine mechanical and electronic devices. I like old Hammond clocks and organs, tube amplifiers and vintage guitars, vintage sports cars, gizmos and gadgets like that. About 10 years ago (in a fit of mid-life crisis) I bought a used Porsche 944. When I sit down at the Singer 201 and press the foot pedal, I get a very similar feeling to that experienced when cruising down the highway in the Porsche at a way-too-fast speed — the smooth and comfortable feeling of machinery performing perfectly.
I compare it to a Porsche — and I’ve seen others compare it to driving a Ferrari!
Singer produced at least four different versions of the 201:
201-1 – Treadle version
201-2 – Potted motor and gear-driven
201-3 – External motor and belt-driven
201-4 – Hand-crank (original factory, not later conversion)
The 201 is a sturdy and heavy machine — not a portable at all! This is not a slim and sexy sports car — it’s a full-sized, classy and luxurious grand touring sedan! It’s built to last — but does need maintenance to perform its best. You’ll need to oil it regularly and also grease the gears from time to time. You can unscrew the circular silver plate on the backside of the machine to reveal the gears and the greasing points. Use regular Singer Sewing Machine gear grease (not oil!). Use sewing machine oil only at the recommended oiling points. This rotary hook machine uses a Class 66 bobbin (means very little vibration, great stitch quality, and easily found bobbins.)
The machine is easy to thread and easy to use. The fact that some of these machines are going on 80 years old and still outsewing modern machines is a telling point — they’ll probably last at least another 80 years! Maintain them well and they’ll keep sewing — well, longer than you or I probably will!
One reason the machine is so easy to use is that it is a straight stitch only machine. A single stitch … but a beautiful and perfect straight stitch! You won’t find yourself “fighting” the 201 like you might battle with low end plastic machines — less time fighting means less time fixing and redoing problems and less frustration!
Even though the machine is straight stitch only, Singer and other vendors made a host of attachments that offer a world of possibilities — free-form embroidery, buttonholes, zig-zag, blindhemming — pretty much anything you want from a quality sewing machine is easily achievable.
Best of all, prices tend to be really low (supply and demand — Singer made zillions of these machines!). You’ll often pay way less than you would for a plastic import that may die a deserved death after a few weeks or months of sporadic sewing — and you’ll gain a lifelong sewing servant.
How should you view the Singer 201? Well, think back on the Porsche/Ferrari analogy — except lower the price to less than $100! This machine purrs like the well-crafted piece of machinery it is. It feels “quality:, if you know what I mean. This machine will definitely be in your “keeper” list.
Curious — check out the Singer 201 in action!
About the Author:
Joey Robichaux rides the System’s Consultant Road Warrior circuit and also operates the popular free sheet music website, “Free Sheet Music Downloads” at http://www.freesheetmusic.net; he collects vintage sewing machines and reviews them at Sewing Machines and Sewing Projects.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Singer 201 – the Best Sewing Machine Ever Made
 |
|
|
ANTIQUE TREADLE SEWING MACHINE, RESTORED, V.NICE
$90.52 |
|
|
Miniature Dollhouse Oak Cabinet Treadle Sewing Machine
$9.99 |
|
|
White Rotary Treadle Sewing Machine 1927
$30.00 |
|
|
Antique Early 1900'S Minnesota Treadle Sewing Machine
$119.99 |
|
|
Industrial sewing machine TREADLE ROD
$13.48 |
|
|
INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINE TREADLE / PETAL / PIPE MOUNT
$13.48 |
|
|
72" LEATHER TREADLE BELT for All Treadle Sewing Machine
$6.50 |
|
|
Vintage CLOCK Sewing Machine Treadle ANTIQUE Japan movt
$24.00 |
|
|
ANTIQUE SEARS ROEBUCK CO BURDICK TREADLE SEWING MACHINE
$9.99 |
|
|
white torpedo bobbin treadle sewing machine head parts
$19.99 |
|
|
NEW HOME ~ BOBBINS antique treadle sewing machine Boye
$10.50 |
|
|
SINGER RED EYE 66 TREADLE SEWING MACHINE TIGER OAK
$599.99 |
|
|
4 Oak Ornate Treadle Sewing Machine Drawers with Frame
$12.50 |
|
|
Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Cabinet
$50.00 |
|
|
ANTIQUE CAST IRON SINGER TREADLE SEWING MACHINE BASE
$49.95 |
|
|
Antique Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Lift Assist Arm
$15.96 |
|
|
Best Leather SEWING MACHINE. TREADLE BELT Singer New
$7.95 |
|
|
Best Leather SEWING MACHINE. TREADLE BELT Singer New
$7.95 |
|
|
Antique Singer Treadle Sewing Machine 2 Drawers Sets!!
$14.99 |
|
|
1928 ? Antique Singer Treadle Sewing Machine
$9.99 |
|
|
Musical - 7¾ Inch Tall Antique Treadle Sewing Machine - Buttons & Bows
$38.25 Realistic looking miniature treadle sewing machine musical. NOTE: This is a wind-up musical only - NOT a functional sewing machine! Glory Land Corporation has been supplying photo frames and gifts to customers around the world for over 25 years. We have enjoyed a good reputation from our customers for prompt shipment of quality products at very reasonable prices. We appreciate your interest in ... |
|
|
Janome 712T 10 Stit. Buttonhole Flatbed Sewing Machine
$229.00 The 712T allows you to sew with no electrical power. Designed for use by Amish communities, it has 10 utility stitches plus a built-in buttonhole stitch, and a flatbed design to fit existing sewing cabinetry. The top-loading bobbin system and the handy threading guide make changing top and bottom thread easy. And legendary Janome stitch quality helps make learning to sew frustration-free for stude... |
|
|
Alphasew Treadle Belt 68in - 76in - P60013
... |
|
|
Crafts Sewing Treadle Machine Welcome Friends Drawer Pulls Knobs
$2.99 ... |
|
|
Instructions for Using Singer Sewing Machine No. 66 with Attachments No. 35920, Lock Stitch, for Family Use (Form 8232, May, 1916)
Instructions for Using Singer Sewing Machine No. 66 with Attachments No. 35920, Lock Stitch, for Family Use (Form 8232, May, 1916). Small paperback booklet, illustrated with black-and-white photographs. 36 pages. Stapled binding.... |
Comments
looking for a white treadle machine foot pedal. it’s model 017 or 019
Leave a Comment