Which Black singer should I get??
 

I already have a beige singer 301a (use a lot), a singer 401(Not up and running yet) and a Janome MC6500 (main). I would really like to get an old Black Singer to add to my collection but not sure which one. A Featherweight is not in the equation. I hear about a 128, 201, 66 and 99. (That is all I can think of at the moment.) Are there any other models I should be considering? (My head is hurting from all this information and now I am sooo confused)
So my question is which one would be the good, better, best choice? Sorry but my space will only allow for ONE more. Access to buying parts/accessories is also a concern.
I am leaning toward the 201 as the general all around machine but the 66 seems to be everywhere.
I know everyone will have different opinions but there has to be a general consensus. Thanks for your input.

Or a 15 - been in production for more than a hundred years so there has to be something there :)

the one you find, fall in love with & fits into your budget...all of them are nice- you will know when you see the one that is right for you!
i love my 99-K; picked it up for $20 in pristine ready to take home & sew condition...after looking at machines for almost 3 years---walked into a building-saw the 99-K & knew that it was THE ONE! before asking for a price...

A 15 is preferred by many over the 201 because it has a vertical bobbin assembly, which many like better for FMQing. Really, it would depend on what machine you come across that is in the best condition, with the most attachments, for the best price, IMO. The 99 and 128 have very small throats. I wouldn't want to quilt on those for very long. My 128 is probably my least favorite machine of the herd.

My 201 is a large powerful machine and I have no trouble FM quilting on it. The stitch is great and the feed dogs will lower. The bobbin holds lots of thread and isn't a problem when quilting. The machine does not balk, growl or veer off seam intersections like my Janome 6500 and I think the throat space is just as large because the machine harp is higher. I picked mine up as a free to a good home machine. It's original owner just wanted somebody to love it and use it.

I love my 201, it is my "go to" machine and I use it every time I sew, even though I have several old singers the 201 is the one I like the best:thumbup:

Love my 201!!!!!

I like the Singer 201 or the Singer 15-91. I own many of the others you mentioned. The 99 is a cute 3/4 machine. I do not care for the 66 and would take a 15-91. It works different in the bobbin area. The 201 has a larger throat area but smaller bobbin area then the 15-91. The 15-91 is supposed to be more desirable for free motion quilting. I personally prefer the 201 but I do not free motion on it. It is a smooth ride and a nice big machine. We have one on hand crank and one electric one.By the way I also have a Janome 6500, beige 301 and a 401. I do not notice that you have a Feather Weight. I like those too and my favorite one is the white one. It is even smaller and lighter then the black one.

I used to (longarm now) free motion all my quilts on a 6500 and had no problems but I agree on the throat opening from the 201 and the 15-91 for that matter too. I think the throat space is a as big as the 6500.

Somehow, I always go to my 201...it's just so darn powerful and the stitches are beautiful..FMQ no problem here, it does everything it was designed to well.

Here's a link to a good article on why some bobbin/hook assemblies are more desirable for certain tasks. Good luck picking the right machine for your needs. http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/02/...-vertical.aspx

I have all those in my collection and they are all wonderful-----but I would go to my 201 for anything......I gave a 15 to my DSIL and he likes it so well......

evil laugh - get all of them so you have some selection.... set each one up for a task... or a thread color or just decorate your space - all those old black machines are deserving...

I think you will be happy with any black Singer! They are just so well engineered and built! I have two FW's, a 66, 101, 201, and a 15-91. All are great. The 201 is one of my favorites, but I can't FMQ on it because it is a hand crank! But for piecing it is a powerhouse and makes beautiful stitches. My 15-91 is probably my absolute favorite, even above the FW's. The stitching is awesome, it runs quietly, it is powerful, and, best of all, the feed dogs drop and it does beautiful FM quilting!
Just look for a machine that has been well cared for and I don't think you can go wrong! But I would recommend a 201 or 15-91 highly.

The 15! They are my favorite ever! I have the 301, the Janome 9500, and others. I use them all and love them all. I went out and bought a second 15 just in case something would happen to Matilda! yes, all my machines are named. I agree with the others, any black Singer you will be happy with. I must admit the 15 is my go to machine.

I love my Singer 15's for the perfect stitch and FMQ. I tend to like any and all machines with the vertical bobbins because I'm at that age where I need bi-focals. I am able to see that tiny screw to make any tension adjustments when I can hold it in my hand and adjust it to my eyesight. My favorite is my green Singer 15-125.

Some of the best machines I've seen have been machines that have been USED and USED and USED. I don't think 'well cared for' is a top necessity as long as it has no rusted parts - dirt and grime can come off, dried on grease preserves it from rust - My mom's of FW sewed everything, looks terrible but still works like a new one. On the other hand... I have gotten machines that looked like they were fresh out of the store - more than once, there has been something that was never set up right - the machine did not get used. Yeah, basically a new machine but no character... and a lot of repairs.

I didn't mean to upset anyone with the "well cared for" statement. I guess to me well cared for is one that was not left in a damp basement and rust had set in. I have cleaned up some pretty pathetic machines, also, and they sew great. I guess I should have defined "well cared for" a bit better...

It's ok - my sister and I cleaned up my mom's old FW last year for Christmas - if you missed it, we took pics and had some fun on here - here is a link: http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...t-t174236.html

It depends on what I'm sewing, really. I love my 15 for FMQ, my 66 for basic sewing, my 27 for piecing, my Janome 10001 for embroidery, and my other vintage machines for just being there. Some days I feel like just treadling and other days I want to do something else. I guess it depends on what you plan to use it for.

Black Singers ....... which one to choose?

I can't answer you. I have a 15-91, 8 66s, 2 99s, a 201-2, 2 9W-7s and from one use to the other I can't choose a favorite.

I do know that I like those with a reverse or a back tack feature better for piecing as I prefer to back tack all my seams. But for long stretches of straight stitching the ones without work great.

My suggestion, when you see one that intrigues you, buy it. Use it and learn it. Then when the next one comes along do the same.
Eventually, you'll know what you prefer. Then you can start reducing the heard to the one that makes you the happiest.

At least I think you can ..................... I haven't been able to yet.

Joe

ROTFLMBO yeah right Joe - get it down to one... LOL LOL LOL... They are all so much fun. It seems like you can have two identical machines and you will like one better than the other. Go figure.

Thanks for the link!

Do you have ALL those listed as available for purchase? Lucky, lucky if you do.

Glad to know I'm not alone in my collection of 'well loved - still running GREAT' Singer sewing machines. Off the top of my head I can name the ones (and sometimes twos) of the models I have...Featherweight, 401, 501, 99, 15, 301...I think some have As in their numbers...but I need more coffee for that.

I agree get the one that the best condition for the money you can afford.