Vintage Sewing Machine Shop.....Come on in and sit a spell
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 508
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Illinois...near St. Louis
Posts: 392
Candace, melinda1962,
I have some different feet, matter of fact a complete set of attachments. A "Q" foot would be a quilting foot?
As for the needles I'm kinda stuck there. This machine originally used a Kenmore #49 or Boye 2 1/2 needle.
Those are all but extinct. As per the advice from Kevin Pinkerton from ISMAC, I've got some DCx1F serger needles for it. All they come in is sharp, in sizes 11, 14, 16, 18. I'm using size 14s.
Could the presser foot tension have something to do with this? I'm not sure where it's set, works good on regular type materials so I left it alone. For fleece should it tighter or looser?
Joe
I have some different feet, matter of fact a complete set of attachments. A "Q" foot would be a quilting foot?
As for the needles I'm kinda stuck there. This machine originally used a Kenmore #49 or Boye 2 1/2 needle.
Those are all but extinct. As per the advice from Kevin Pinkerton from ISMAC, I've got some DCx1F serger needles for it. All they come in is sharp, in sizes 11, 14, 16, 18. I'm using size 14s.
Could the presser foot tension have something to do with this? I'm not sure where it's set, works good on regular type materials so I left it alone. For fleece should it tighter or looser?
Joe
I can't imagine why it won't make ANY stitch at all. Have you tried different thread/needle? It sounds like the thread is clinging to the fabric so tightly that there's no loop for the shuttle hook to catch....sometimes that will happen sewing elastic or velcro BUT you usually just get skipped stitches. Another possibility is that the needlebar is set slightly too high. Anyway, good luck with it.
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
If the "Q" foot you're talking about is clear plastic, it's the Kenmore foot for knits...they started making it in the late 60's or early 70's. I think the "Q" stood for Qiana, a kind of slinky knit that was in style then. They made a special "Q" needle also, it was blue.
I can't imagine why it won't make ANY stitch at all. Have you tried different thread/needle? It sounds like the thread is clinging to the fabric so tightly that there's no loop for the shuttle hook to catch....sometimes that will happen sewing elastic or velcro BUT you usually just get skipped stitches. Another possibility is that the needlebar is set slightly too high. Anyway, good luck with it.
I can't imagine why it won't make ANY stitch at all. Have you tried different thread/needle? It sounds like the thread is clinging to the fabric so tightly that there's no loop for the shuttle hook to catch....sometimes that will happen sewing elastic or velcro BUT you usually just get skipped stitches. Another possibility is that the needlebar is set slightly too high. Anyway, good luck with it.
This machine was very used when I got it. It's insides was filled with what looked and felt like wool lint.
I've not touched the needle bar or any of the physical adjustments. All I've done is get it clean, oiled it, and now rewired it. The needle is ,thanks to your little suggestion, sitting at the same length as the original.
I'm using an older spool of what looks to be #50 thread on top with a lighter thread in the bobbin.
Later today I'm going to check with the manual to make sure I have the bobbin in right. Then perhaps I'll try a different thread in both. Your thought the thread might be clinging to the fleece might be right. It's something to check anyway.
Joe
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Martinsville, Indiana
Posts: 1,430
I just bought a button holer that I thought would fit on my 401A, but am now unsure and need help. It is aSinger Professional buttonholer and says it is for vertical zigz-zag sewing machines. In the book it shows 3 different cover plates. I have the # 86748, and it says that is for vertical-needle zig-zag sewing. Will that one work with my machine?
Thanks for any help you can give me. I'm totally new concering these slant shank sewing machines.
Thanks for any help you can give me. I'm totally new concering these slant shank sewing machines.
I just bought a button holer that I thought would fit on my 401A, but am now unsure and need help. It is aSinger Professional buttonholer and says it is for vertical zigz-zag sewing machines. In the book it shows 3 different cover plates. I have the # 86748, and it says that is for vertical-needle zig-zag sewing. Will that one work with my machine?
Thanks for any help you can give me. I'm totally new concering these slant shank sewing machines.
Thanks for any help you can give me. I'm totally new concering these slant shank sewing machines.
I have one of these, they're nice buttonholers! You can use it on your straight, short shank machines!
Sharon, sorry about your fall hope you get better real soon.
Glenn and Miriam, glad you had such a good time and Glenn your new machine is very nice and I love the way the top opens out. Sorry you don't have any work to do to the cabinet but, then you can start using it sooner.
Miriam did you get to see Glenn's quilt in the flesh?
Glenn and Miriam, glad you had such a good time and Glenn your new machine is very nice and I love the way the top opens out. Sorry you don't have any work to do to the cabinet but, then you can start using it sooner.
Miriam did you get to see Glenn's quilt in the flesh?
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Question for those who work with plywood.
How do I get a 1/4 thick piece of plywood to take a bend and stay bent?
So far I've tried clamping and weighting it with water on both sides. I don't want to get it so wet it separates, but the darn thing needs to bend.
Joe
How do I get a 1/4 thick piece of plywood to take a bend and stay bent?
So far I've tried clamping and weighting it with water on both sides. I don't want to get it so wet it separates, but the darn thing needs to bend.
Joe
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 674
It depends how much you want it to bend it.
“You can steam it” in a box or plastic bag, then bend it into shape, and stabilize it to dry.
For more bend, you can cut “v” groves on the back side then bend it. The more the cuts the more you can bend it. This is better with solid wood not plywood.
Good luck Joe.
“You can steam it” in a box or plastic bag, then bend it into shape, and stabilize it to dry.
For more bend, you can cut “v” groves on the back side then bend it. The more the cuts the more you can bend it. This is better with solid wood not plywood.
Good luck Joe.
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 2,609
Skip
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Martinsville, Indiana
Posts: 1,430
The one I got will work with my short shank zig- zag machines then. I wouldn't have been out too much money if it didn't work with any of my machines. It was priced at $5.00 and when I got up there to pay for it, the woman said that it was half price. so I got it for $2.50!!! I have only one slant machine and 3 short shank machines that will do zig-zag. The plate that I got will work with them, I'm guessing. It's got 20 plastic cams for the button holes. so that's not too bad.
Does anyone have a buttonholer in the red case or pink egg they want to sell?
Last edited by Janis; 08-11-2012 at 07:06 PM.
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