Cecilia,

I have several of the binding attachments. They clamp to the bed of the machine rather than the presser foot bar. I like them. Get the binding started and the attachments folds and wraps it around the piece as you sew. Then only thing I've had trouble with is sometimes the fabric wants to back out of the slot it needs to pass through on the binder.
You've got to pay close attention there and keep the fabric positioned properly. These tools make binding easy.

I like the 201s as well. I rarely use mine cos it's in a cabinet upstairs and I do most of my sewing downstairs.
But it's a working machine and will get the job done.

Joe

Cecilia, I'm not aware of a 201 clone. However the 15 clones are very common and very good. For what I sew, a 15 is as good as a 201. The 201 harp (throat) is a little larger than the 15. Direct, belted or treadle is personal preference. I can deal with each with equal enjoyment.

As to the binding attachment, personally my fingers can't manipulate a good binding without the attachment. Mine is 1". The gentleman I purchased mine from has many widths-not sure he has 1 5/8. I got the impression he made them himself so he might be worth talking to. He sells on eBay and I will get his moniker for you if needed.

Also, Sailrite yesterday started a sewing basic blog which will give a good view of their machine. It is here.

Http://sailrite.wordpress.com/2014/0...ewing-machine/

Ron in windy Mid-West

YCecilia, there is a 1 3/4" binder available from this supplier.

This supplier also has the Reliable Barracuda 2000 for $499 at this link.

Thank you all! I am going to put all of this info together for my friend. Meanwhile, online in her area, I found this for sale. Is this a 15? A 201? Sorry for my ignorance. All I know is that my blue avatar is a 15 clone. Also, when you speak of the 201, I assume you are not meaning the 201 K, which looks more modern and comes in green and sometimes Pepto-Bismol-Cappucino-Camel-Off-Beige, right? So assuming not the 201K, but please let me know if I am wrong, then I am helping her to find a 15 or 201. So back to my question from which I rambled.... which is this?

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMj...SwKnP/$_20.JPG

This is another one which is available in her area. Comments on its appropriateness appreciated:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjEyWDgxNg...Sky5u/$_20.JPG

Cecilia, the pictured is a 15-90, I believe. I would get that one in a heartbeat if the price is less than $100. It's lovely and not that common. It appears to have a belted motor (15-90) not the potted one (15-91).

The 201K is as good as any 201, just modernized and more prevalent in UK.

The most obvious difference in 15 and 201 is the upper tension assembly. On the 15 it's on the nose plate. Also, the 201 has an integral light on the front of the machine, the 15's light is not integral to the machine. On the 201 the upper tension assembly is on the machine body facing the operator. The other big differences are not so obvious. The 15 is somewhat smaller and has a vertical bobbin assembly. The 201 is somewhat larger and has a drop-in bobbin. Each bobbin assembly, to me, has it's advantages.

Cecilia, that's a 306K and takes 206x13 needles, available but not as common as the 15x1. The 306 machine is a good machine but not as simple as others. As a novice I'd stay away from it unless for a collection. There are other more friendly machines less expensive - Singers 403, 401, 201, 15, 301 and I'd sure look at the 15 clones as you are aware.

I have expanded to a Kenmore and am really impressed. However, my collection will be contained to current machines, famous last words.

It appears we are having a dialog. I hope others will join the conversation.

Hello Cecilia - I have a 1941 Singer Model 241-2 that I use for making and mending dog coats and mending horse blankets. It is powerful enough but it is a high speed machine and it takes a bit of getting used to the foot control. Once that is mastered it works quite well. It has a large table and a large throat for working on some of the bulkier items. If it is too big at places, say in a horse blanket, I have an old Singer 29-4 treadle I use to do the work. I am not sure wherre I read it but I found it to be true. "No one machine will do all the jobs there are to do. So get you self a few that cross the spectrum of the jobs you want to do." That being said, some one who wants to do a business of working with some heavier material would do well to have a few machines capable in different areas.

x2 on the notion of no such thing as the perfect machine...

great combo BTW, I have a 241-12 and a 29-4 and along with a 201-2 they cover the range pretty well for anythign I have ever needed to do.

Good to hear I am not the only one with a "Ferrari" (241-2) and a Model A (29-4). One can be lightning quick and the other super slow and VERY steady. Love them both!