Need help learning to free motion on a Singer 401 anybody?
07-29-2011, 11:38 AM
#31
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 88
Yes, On the 401 A, the throat plate or needle plate raises to just above the feed dogs.. by using the UP position it is still locked on the machine, you have to move the lever all the way left to unlock the plate.. I have been sewing on the 401A since 1960 or 1961 when I got my first one, I now have a second one for back up.
I have never had to adjust the pressure foot pressure for FMQ as my free motion foot does NOT touch the fabric, it is like 1/8 above the fabric so it does not interfere with the moving of the material.
I actually have 6 Singer Machines in all. Treadle, featherweight from 1952 ( my 11th birthday present) 2 of 401A, ( free motion on it) Singer Golden Touch & Sew 750, Singer Confidence Quilter 7469 (which I use daily now) I also have my Bernina 1630 which I loved for Heirloom sewing.
I have never had to adjust the pressure foot pressure for FMQ as my free motion foot does NOT touch the fabric, it is like 1/8 above the fabric so it does not interfere with the moving of the material.
I actually have 6 Singer Machines in all. Treadle, featherweight from 1952 ( my 11th birthday present) 2 of 401A, ( free motion on it) Singer Golden Touch & Sew 750, Singer Confidence Quilter 7469 (which I use daily now) I also have my Bernina 1630 which I loved for Heirloom sewing.
07-29-2011, 11:48 AM
#32
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 88
Originally Posted by VickyS
I'm still at the chicken feet stage on my FMQ on my 401. It's a nice machine, but I've found my Featherweight (which has the vertical bobbin) to do a better job.
I'm really interested to read about all of these issues because it was my intent to use my Featherweight for piecing and my 401 for FMQ, instead of the other way around, so I could take advantage of all of the built in stitches.
Where do you adjust the pressure on the pressure foot? Mine seems to be set way down and it would be helpful to adjust it back. I've read the manual that came with the machine, but I don't remember anything about the pressure foot regulation.
Every bit of info helps me do a better job on FMQ on that machine!
I'm really interested to read about all of these issues because it was my intent to use my Featherweight for piecing and my 401 for FMQ, instead of the other way around, so I could take advantage of all of the built in stitches.
Where do you adjust the pressure on the pressure foot? Mine seems to be set way down and it would be helpful to adjust it back. I've read the manual that came with the machine, but I don't remember anything about the pressure foot regulation.
Every bit of info helps me do a better job on FMQ on that machine!
If you have the manual for 401A.. go to page 24 and you will find the pressure adjustments. If not, facing the machine, look at the top back, about even with the thread guide you see a round button thingie.. this is the pressure screw. to decrease presure turn upward, to increase turn it down... Hope this helps.
07-30-2011, 12:43 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: The Beautiful Willamette Valley In Oregon
Posts: 689
Originally Posted by Bluphrog
I always suggest that when you are just starting out learning FMQ to start with small projects. Use 10-12 inch squares and make potholders. As you feel more comfortable, do placemats, then tablerunners. Right now, my comfort zone is a 36" wall hanging and baby quilts.
07-30-2011, 12:46 AM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: The Beautiful Willamette Valley In Oregon
Posts: 689
Originally Posted by piepatch
Originally Posted by Stitchnripper
You are on the right track and like the other posters say, and practice, practice, practice!!!!
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