New to me 401
 

I got a 401 on Craigs list. So far it has a nice stitch, but what I noticed is the fabric on the bottom is being gather in as it sews?? I don't know what adjustment I can make to have it feed evenly? Hope you can help me..Thanks

pressure foot tension is probably too high. there's a knob on top. looks like a silver tire valve stem on the upper left side try loosening that.

If the foot pressure doesn't solve it, the bobbin tension may be too high. If the seam is stitching without obvious upper or lower thread loops, then both tensions are too high. I'd back both tensions off and slightly adjust each while test sewing. It could have been tensioned for a rigid fabric and a lighter fabric will bunch if tensions are too high. You will like the 401. Other than the old black beauties, the 400 series is my choice.

It might also have a gathering foot on it.


Joe

Congratulations on your "new to you" 401! I have a 403-A and I love it! It really does a great job. I'm sure you'll get your machine "tuned" as needed to sew nicely! My 403 has a great stitch!

Jeanette

I recently acquired my first 401. They're very nice machines. They take the same black tophat cams and accessories as Touch&Sews so all that is easy to find as long as you don't care if they're in a 401 box. Good luck with the bunching. Once you get that problem solved I think you're going to like the machine.
Rodney

I believe the foot pressure knob is inside the left-hand side door, not on top. If it is like the one on the 500, it is numbered 0 to 9.

Tate

I've run into several slant machines needing the eccentric adjusted.

Whats the eccentric?

Thanks everyone..The fix is so easy, I just didn't know where to start. It's working great now...Great machine..