Dande413

Lucky me. I am being gifted a machine but can only choose 1 and I get first choice. I have read through the forum on all these machines and each have good qualities which makes my decision so hard.

My choices are: A 401a, a 15-91 or a 201-2. All are in cabinets. All are in good condition. All come with the designated attachments. I like the look of the 401a. I like the cabinet that the 15-91 sits in. The 201-2 needs a new cord, which is easy to get and fix. Are the cabinets interchangeable?

If given this opportunity, which one would you choose and why?

quiltingcandy

I like the 15-91 - it is a very basic machine and easy to use. My reason is because I learned to sew on 15-91 and love to use it.

Someone else will need to comment on the interchangeability of the cabinets - but I think the machines are different sizes, not totally sure on that point.

Rodney

It depends. What is your intended use? The 15-91 will have an edge on the others if you want to free motion quilt due to it's vertical bobbin. The 401A is the only one with decorative stitches. The 201 is strong and precise. All three should fit the cabinets.
Rodney

crafty pat

I have had my 401 A from 1958 and would never trade her for any other machine.

Cari-in-Oly

I would choose the 15-91 only because I already have a 201-2. I'm one of those few that don't care for the 401s.

The cabinets may or may not be interchangeable. The 15 and the 201 will fit in the 401 cabinet with a bit of empty space to the right of the machine. Starting with the 401, Singer machines were a little bit longer than previous machines. Hinge spacing is the same though. If the 15 and/or the 201 don't have that little bit of empty space to the right of the machine then the 401 won't fit.

Cari

J Miller

Dande,

Oh what torture a choice like that would be ......

Well, since we already have all three, here goes ..........

We use our 201-2 for quilting and working on large things that need straight stitch only. It has the largest space under the arch, and no motor hanging off the back to get in the way.

We use our 15-91 very little. It does the same job as the 201-2 but has less space under the arch.
It's a good machine for FMQ or so I've read here on the QB.

The one we use the most is our 401a. It will do a great straight stitch plus many other functional and decorative stitches.

So, if we didn't have the ones we have and were given this choice, here is my choices:

1 = 401a; an excellent machine that can do most anything anyone needs done.

2 = 201-2; a great straight stitcher that wont stop when it hits a bump or two.

3 = 15-91; if I did FMQ'ing this one would be #1. Otherwise it won't do anything the 201 wont do.


Joe

Annaquilts

I own all three and my go to is the 201. I use it for piecing. The 401 is awesome, mine comes in the most amazing cabinet too, but I do not like it for piecing. It is a work horse and I would really consider it as I do not see them that often for resale. It is my DD's go to as she does jean purses etc. I would skip on the 15-91 as it is easy to get one used and I did not think it as great for free motion as my Janome 6500 or Bernina 830 , vintage. For me the machines do not work in different cabinets. For one the 201 has a longer bed.

Manalto

I like them all for the reasons already given by others. I'd choose the 401 because it's the hardest machine to find for free.

Macybaby

I'd also pick the 401A, if I had to choose. Mostly because, like Manalto said, the others are easier to find, especially the 15-91.

The 15 and 201 should fit in the 401 cabinet, but they'd need a lift assist installed to fill the gap. The 401 needs a different style front flap than what is typically found in a 15 or 201 cabinet. Or you can modify those to narrow the front lip and put the 401 style supports on it. The hinge pin location and size is the same.

Also, the 15 or 201 cabinets have to be the style with the lift assist- which you would remove so the base of the 401 can fit. If it's the style without a lift assist, than the 401 will not fit.

didi

I have all three, but use the 15 the most. I love the way it sews and also I do FMQ. Second would be the 401A.