ontheriver

I had posted earlier about getting a 401 at thrift store. Well, today I started an appliqué project, raw edge and used the 401 to zig zag the edges. I love it. I am so impressed with the stitch it makes and it is so smooth and quiet. I may never use my new machine again! How do you other 401 owners like yours and are there any tips I need to be aware of?

joyplace

Hi...........I have had the Singer 401 since l957. My first Wedding anniversary gift. It is a work horse. I also have a Kenmore (l976) and a Brother Model LT3750...... Enjoy the Brother. I can move it from one place to another. So light. The 401 is heavy, heavy but I always go back to that machine for my heavy work.

Enjoy........I sure do
Happy Sewing.

thepolyparrot

This machine is my sentimental favorite of the whole "herd" - I have an attachment to it that I don't have with any of the others and I take better care of it than all my other machines. But, (whispering here, so she can't hear me ;) ) it's not my favorite machine to sew with, although for most things, it's just fine.

The weak spots in the 401 are the slant needle and the stitch selector system.

The slant needle leads to needle deflection and a lot more broken needles than a similar machine with a straight vertical needle would have. You can avoid most of this by just slowing down when approaching heavy seams and by sewing the really heavy or dense fabrics on a vertical needle machine. (tight canvas, denim, suedecloth - anything that resists penetration) I'm not saying that the 401 can't handle them, because it can. But, if you have a choice, take the heaviest stuff to your vertical needle machine. :)

The followers and posts which create the different built-in stitches tend to gunk up and become unusable rather easily. Keep them clean and well oiled and don't use anything like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil in there, because those will harden and become varnish inside the machine. Use sewing machine oil or TriFlow liquid or spray. (I like the TriFlow because it never gunks up)

I hope you have fun with it - it's a wonderful machine! :)

Evelyn

Mine is going srong since 1960! I made most of own clothing and tons of outfits for my 6 children.After 20 years I did have to replace the motor but the repairman said "Never get rid of this machine- there will never be one as well made in the future. Itg is so easy to clean and oil myself.

CarrieAnne

I have one and LOVE it!

Lyncat

I love mine too, it's so much fun to sew on.

intoquilting

I have one in a very nice cabinet. It is a real workhorse.