soman2

Hello all,

If you had just one Singer to pick, which one would it be. This question is for anyone that uses and not just collects machines. The machine would be frequently used, and is used for domestic sewing on cotton fabrics light and heavy weight. I am thinking about adding just one more machine to the herd and would like a few user reviews. Thanks for your assistance.

Soman2

The other Rodney

J Miller

Rodney,

I'd pic a 401a or a 500a. Within your criteria that's the machine(s) that would do it for me.

Joe

crafty pat

401 A for me also. I have had mine for 57 years and it has never let me down no matter how thick or thin the fabric I put through it. It is still my right hand for all my sewing. I have a newer Brother about five years old I bought as a backup and for more stitches and I like it but when I set down to start a new project I go to my old friend that has never let me down.I have had several people who have tried to buy it from me but I will never let it go.

ThayerRags

Singer 401A

CD in Oklahoma

Rodney

I love my 401A - actually Olivia's now. Somehow that kid always manages to get my better tools.
The 401A is a very smooth running machine and has plenty of power. It's also all metal inside. No plastic gears or cam stacks to fail. There are good reasons why they tend to sell for more than other models. At least they seem higher priced in my market and they get plenty of bids on Shopgoodwill. Rocketeers? All the advantages plus some very cool styling.

I don't remember the exact model numbers but there are some German made Singers from the same period that are also free arm machines.

I know you asked only about Singers but I think some of the European makers might have machines that fit what you want too.
Rodney

Cari-in-Oly

Elizabeth, my 201-2. It was my first Singer and if I could only have one this would be it.

Cari

KenZ

My wife has 401a and a 500a and she likes them both. However when she has a heavy job to do she goes to the 401a.

Macybaby

After dealing with my MIL's Golden Touch and Sew 625, I'd also pick the 401A. Though my MIL sewed a lot on that machine and it was very good, it hasn't aged as well as the 401 has. So it's not that I feel the 401 is a better machine, just that I feel a 55 year old 401 is a better bet than a 50 year old 625.

manicmike

Hi Rodney.
Hmm... a 411G will do everything, but 201K23 with accessories will also do everything. In Australia we didn't get 500A so that's not an option and you wanted personal opinion.

If it could be any machine at all, it wouldn't be a Singer.

Vridar

403A with cams or 201 w/ZZ, buttonhole and invisible stitch attachments.