Vridar

What are your thoughts of the Singer 101? Is it similar to the 201? Are there advantages or disadvantages compared to the 201? I am thinking of acquiring one as a project, probably not as a user, just a fixer-up for the collection.

lovelyl

I have a 101 from 1929. It is straight stitch only, sews a beautiful stitch! Mine just stopped working, I am pretty sure it is a wiring problem. Not sure if I will fix it or not as I have too many machines!
I have a 201 also. It is very heavy, straight stitch only, quiet and sews through anything with a beautiful stitch! The feed dogs drop and you can FMQ on the 201.

Rodney

The 201 has been said to be the best Singer ever made. I don't think anyone has said the same about the 101. I don't own a 201(yet) and I gave my 1926 101 to my daughter. My daughter's 101 seems a little slow and possibly underpowered but that could be an issue with the motor too. It does run smooth and quiet though. Both are true rotary hook machines and use class 66 bobbins. The 101 is interesting as Singer's first electric only design. I don't know how many years they were made but I think it was a comparatively short time, most likely due to high manufacturing costs compared to other machines. I wouldn't say they are rare but they are not as common as other models either. If you want a 101 for your collection go for it though chances are you already own better machines. Not every machine needs to be 100% practical.
Rodney

Cecilia S.

Dear Rodney,

Could you please talk to my friends?

Thank you.

Caroline S

The Singer 101 was the first sewing machine produced with a potted motor. When I bought mine the electrical cords were cut. My OSMG repaired it and she is a sweet stitcher. She was alloted in 1931. By all means do add a 101 to your collection.

Macybaby

The 101 comes in two styles, one has the controller built in and then it needs to be in a cabinet with the special knee control. Since my husband has worked on both, while the 201 is one of his favorites, the 101 he considers one of Singer's worst ideas. I think Singer must have agreed as they greatly improved things with the 201.

I wanted mine specifically because I wanted the special cabinet setup that it goes with. Parts can also be harder to find as there were so few of them.

It's very neat to have an example for a collection - sort of like having an Edsel in a car collection. Of all the older Singers, I think it's near the bottom of my list of what I'd recommend to someone as a regular sewing machine. while the 201 is nearer the top.

Vridar

...and my wife.

Ron

Vridar

Caroline, I've got it covered. Thanks for the support. Needs much work, but to this point I have pretty much just had to clean, lubricate and adjust my collection (a few replacement parts, also, I guess). This one will be a challenge - very rusted

Ron

Vridar

Caroline, I've got it covered. Thanks for the support. Needs much work, but to this point I have pretty much just had to clean, lubricate and adjust my collection (a few replacement parts, also, I guess). This one will be a challenge - very rusted

Macybaby, I agree about the 201. It was my first acquired Vintage Singer. I lucked out, $0.99 + shipping. Seller's quote - "...won't pick up a stitch." Upon receiving, I reversed needle and have been sewing with since. Just yesterday decided to cosmetically clean it. It is now shiny black beautiful in addition to a perfect stitcher.

Ron

oldsewnsew

I take it this GW machine is a 101?
[ATTACH=CONFIG]455744[/ATTACH]
sure looks heavy duty and hi-tech to what comes later...
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look at this undercarriage
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It's appealing, but I take the warnings seriously.