Originally Posted by
gale
It didn't come with anything but the zig zag plate and foot. What else do you like to use with yours? Do you use snap on feet? I saw that sew-classic sells a slant snap on shank but no snap on feet-do they just work with any singer brand snap on feet? Do you prefer plastic or metal bobbins? Any other must-have accessories while I'm placing an order?
I sew on a 401 regularly. What accessories you need depends on what kind of sewing you do. I quilt, mostly, so I use a zigzag foot. I use the zigzag plate only when I'm zigzagging, as that big hole in it eats my piecing sometimes. So far, that is one foot and two needle plates. I also use a walking foot. I bought a darning foot, but haven't used it much. The only cam I use is the zig zag one, but I think I have most all of them and have played with them a little bit.
The 401 didn't come with snap on feet. Those came with the Touch and Sews. There is no reason they shouldn't work on your 401. I just never tried them.
I've used both kinds of bobbins. It seems like the machine rattles more with the plastic, but it works just fine with either one.
If you are buying a buttonholer, do your research on it. There are two kinds of bobbin cover plates. The older slants (300, 400 and 500 series) use one kind and the Touch and Sews use another. the buttonholer attachment is the same, though. Make sure you are getting the right plate. There have been discussions on here about them in the past.
I've found that my 401 hesitates under a heavy load or lots of layers of fabric. If I wanted to make bags, I might consider one of the Japanese zig-zaggers from the 60's that has a 1.5 amp motor.
I really like my 401, though.
bkay