Thank you thank you thank you!! It worked. For the life of me I could not figure out why this machine wouldn't stitch. I so appreciate you sharing your knowledge and talking me off the edge. I have been through the ringer with this 201, someone must have worked on it who had no idea what they were doing. The needle bar was turned around too! sheesh All is good, finally finished restoring this gem. These are my fav machines.
Thank you. I would not have been able to get my 201 working without this video. I couldn’t get the bobbin thread picked up and had no idea what the problem was until I saw this. Thank you so much!!!
Thanks a bunch for this video and the laughs along the way ;) There's definitely something about these machines that draws me to them. They are a workhorse for sure and really worth the time to learn their maintenance. I do treasure fine equipment in the sewing industry which probably comes from some past life. Thanks again!
My machines timing was off causing reverse stitches to skip. Followed your video and now she purrs. Thanks so much. My $50 machine is now a sewing beast.
This helped me thank you , i thought the timing might be out on a 201 i just got and just to verify , mine is same as you showed 👍 , i dont like to run my new slash old machines until i make shur all is in time and safe . Thank you
Thank you for posting this, it’s great! On mine, it was skipping stitches, making the top thread “shrivel up” (not sure how you say that), and getting locked up. (I should add my machine was working perfectly until I had the grand idea to try leather (vegetable tanned, 2 pieces, about 1.5 mm each). It did ok at first, but then started having difficulties. I tried garment leather next and it started skipping stitches, and quit catching the bobbin thread a lot. I switched back to the heavy needle I usually use (Singer 18), and it was acting weird so I tried a 16, which worked better, but then started skipping stitches sometimes and breaking thread. I adjusted the pressure of the foot and thread tension, which didn’t help.) I found this video, so gave it a shot. First off, I found the timing tab was up too high, so I lowered it to the correct position when the needle was all the way down. Unfortunately, when I got to the last step, I wasn’t able to rotate the bobbin by hand. (Mine is slightly ahead of the needle, about 1 mm.) I tried loosening the two screws more, but nothing helped. I hoped the problems I was having were caused by the part that was set wrong (which I addressed in the first adjustment I made), but after putting it back together, the machine still seems off. Has anyone encountered this before? Cheers!
It is not unusual for these parts to be stuck together after all these years. Try adding sewing machine oil to the parts and letting it sit. Then try moving them back and forth until they move freely. Sounds like it still needs adjustment. Also the needle size and thread matter. There has to be friction between the needle and the thread so that it forms the loop that the hook grabs. My guess is the timing is still off
@@scratchnbell Finally managing to get around to it, cleaning out oily lint along the way. BUT those two screws from the gear to the shaft, under the deck won't move at all even though I only want to loosen slightly. Have applied Singer oil, and letting it sit, fingers crossed and praying ;)
@@jevvvNZ That screwdriver that I use in the video is from harbor freight. I'm sure you can get something similar from home Depot or Lowe's. It really makes all the difference. Careful not to strip those screws have good fitting bits.
@@scratchnbell Hubby stepped in with some CRC & a more solid screwdriver than mine. I let him use the spray & loosen the screws, then I dried it out and applied Singer oil to counteract any cutting the spray might do if left. It's all adjusted and going beautifully now
Nice! I have a 201K from 1939 in a nice table! I rebuilt the motor but I'm a noob at sewing so this video is really helpful. A strip and clean of the bottom thread stuff is needed methinks
I love my 201k. I more of a fixer than I am a seamster. I figure how hard could it be to sew. Turns out alot harder than I thought. Ill keep working on the machines and slowing learning how to sew. I think a thorough cleaning and lubing is always a great place to start with these old machine.
Thank you for making this video, it is of great help and very much appreciated. I do have a question though: My machine doesn't skip stitches, but the stitch line looks a bit uneven. What is the reason for that? I came across a video showing that the needle and the presser foot need to be in time as well, unfortunately, that was for another machine. Would you know how to do that on a 201 and/or do you know how to fix an uneven stitch? And the fabric feeds a bit uneven as well, if I let go of it, it will turn to the left instead of sewing a straight line. Lots of questions, thank you!
I believe it's from Harbor freight l, but the bits are high quality hollow ground from a gunsmithing kit so to not mar the screws. I like the ratchet because it can get into places that a typical screwdriver can not. Thank you, Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you! I have a 1200 still gettting acquainted and dialed in. The bobbin plate is very stiff and difficult to slide. Cleaned the slot and inspected it- can't figure out why. Been sewing for years on 15-91.
Fab. It really did help BUT the needle barely clears either the bobbin holder bracket or the hole in the needle plate. It seems to be about just touching or barely touching the right of the needle plate so is there any adjustment on the needle bar or is it bent??😱😱😱
Two things here... one is I would make sure that you had the right needle type for this machine. The second and I've had this happen is make sure there's no lint up in the top or the needle goes. This will prevent the needle from inserting all the way..
h vic make sure that you loosened both screws on the bottom gear. If that doesn’t work remember some of these machines are 70 years old. They have a bunch of accumulated goo on them. You might need to put some sewing machine oil or better yet triflow oil on it and let it work in a day or two.
hi! would you say the timing hook is pointing at the eye of the needle at the second position? I am concerned that my needle bar is not at the right height because the needle is not going low enough. thanks for any help you have provide
@@scratchnbell hi! This was over a month ago, so thank you for getting back to me. You're absolutely right! I somehow have a small supply of needles which are a different size. I have no idea where I got them. But my 201 sews now. It's not perfect, but acceptable. Usually I'm dealing with tension issues.
Forward stitch on 2 layers of fabric works fine, but backwards or 4 layers of fabric has random skips. The timing looks fine, but is there something that changes for extra fabric and reverse that would cause that?
I would start with the needle. Make sure it is new and a match for your machine, fabric, and thread size. Adding layers of fabric changes the friction between the needle and thread. This changes how the loop coming off the needle interacts with the hook and thus causes the missed stitches.
I've followed your video to the point of moving the hook in line with the needle... However, I can NOT get the hook to budge. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!
And I didn’t take the feed dogs out. I used a torch and could see the needle through a gap to line it up. So I only took off the needle plate and the drip pan off the bottom. I turned the screws on the bottom under the drip pan one and a half rotations each. The rotary hook was still tight but I could push the spiky bit to the needle with my thumb. Hope that helps someone.
Hi, we adjusted the timing and everything works fine pour about 3 inches of stitching, then the adjustment messes up again. The screws are as thigh as possible... What could be the problem?
When my needle is at the complete bottom on my Singer 201K 1938 (treadle) machine the feeler gauge doesn't line up with that top line. You say to move the feeler gauge so that it does, but I can't seem to figure out how to move it. Do you show that somewhere else and if you don't can you please describe to me what I need to do? (Unless, of course, I've misunderstood you, in which case please set me straight). :-D Thank you... Megan p.s. If anyone else knows the answer to this or a video showing it please do chime in.
I have a singer 201-2 with a potted motor and front light and knee treadle with a drop in bobbin. Mine is a AK 382978. But in you video is in vertical view instead of horizontal view so I cannot see it full screen. My needle keeps jamming in the needle plate. I need to see a video tutorial on how to fix this but with full screen view thanks
The first thing I would do is change the needle. That is always my first trouble shooting step. Second make sure you are using the right right needle and that it is seated all the way. Maybe invert the needle to make sure you don't have anything keeping the needle from seating all the way.
Been there done that. Make sure it's clean top and bottom. Check the needle is in the right position and the right size thread for your needle. Should be easy to check the timing from the video
Amelia, I spent some time playing with one of my 201 that has been skipping stitches after your comment. I was able to fix the skipped stitch issue by using a much smaller needle than what was in the machine. I did several running stitches on some scrap and it appears that this may have been the issue. So I would suggest either putting in better matching needle for the thread your using to a smaller needle or try larger thread. Good luck
I always start with the needle , believe it or not most of the time i get a machine its a worn out needle and bobbin tention issues and people think its timing , if you have never played with the timing it should be good but its not to say something heavy was ran threw it and forced it out , if timing is good then theres only 2 things left needle or tension ...
I would first look to make sure I have the bobbins in correctly and threaded right. Then make sure the bobbin tension is adjusted correctly for you thread. There are videos on you tube that demonstrate this.
Number one new needle. Number two. Check your bobin tention and your thread tension. Number three. Make sure everything is moving like it's supposed to and nothing is slipping. Number four. Check the timing again just to make sure nothing moved
Leave the bottom plate off. Try turning it all by hand and see if you can figure out. Is the hook catching the thread properly? I've come across some of these that the hook was bent or damaged or even the wrong one
@@scratchnbell I pulled a 1955 singer 1200 w/ original table from the curb on garbage day. Still fine tuning it to sow but i cleaned out the motor and have it running strong!
One of my 1200s is running pretty slow as well. I rebuilt the foot controller but maybe I need to clean the motor as well. What did you use to clean the motor with and thanks for the info
@@scratchnbell For cleaning it was pretty much just q-tips and rubbing alcohol. I followed this blog guide almost step by step vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/01/complete-how-to-re-wire-potted-motor.html?m=1 One of the brushes had broken off inside the motor and was causing all kinds of mayhem.
What on earth do you mean when you keep refering to the feeler gauge ?,in the uk here a feeler gauge is a set of thin steel strips for example setting valve clearences on an engine,can you clarifie it please?,cheers Paul l.
Thank you thank you thank you!! It worked. For the life of me I could not figure out why this machine wouldn't stitch. I so appreciate you sharing your knowledge and talking me off the edge. I have been through the ringer with this 201, someone must have worked on it who had no idea what they were doing. The needle bar was turned around too! sheesh All is good, finally finished restoring this gem. These are my fav machines.
Thank you for this video. I was able to fix a skipped stitches issue I was having with a 201-2. Very helpful!
Thanks for this video. It helped me get my old girl sewing again.
Very helpful; my hubby is restoring a 201-2 as I speak. We just watched this and it is
invaluable. Good work!!
Thank you. I would not have been able to get my 201 working without this video. I couldn’t get the bobbin thread picked up and had no idea what the problem was until I saw this. Thank you so much!!!
I'm glad it worked out for you!
Thanks a bunch for this video and the laughs along the way ;)
There's definitely something about these machines that draws me to them. They are a workhorse for sure and really worth the time to learn their maintenance. I do treasure fine equipment in the sewing industry which probably comes from some past life. Thanks again!
Right on! Thanks. Finally got a 201-2 and needed a quick reference to fix the timing. Perfect!
My machines timing was off causing reverse stitches to skip. Followed your video and now she purrs. Thanks so much. My $50 machine is now a sewing beast.
Thanks for making and posting this! Very helpful to many of us that need help with timing our 201s.
You bet!
Thanks so much! Finally my recently purchased 201 is working perfectly!
I definitely needed this. Thank you so much
Fantastic work I just used this video and set my 201 thanks for posting
Excellent video, straight to the point. Thanks
Good video bro, excellent explanation. Thank you for posting.
This helped me thank you , i thought the timing might be out on a 201 i just got and just to verify , mine is same as you showed 👍 , i dont like to run my new slash old machines until i make shur all is in time and safe . Thank you
It worked. Even I could do it and I can hardly wire a plug! My 201k is now sewing beautifully. So easy. Thank you.
Great job!
Thanks. This has been much appreciated.
Thank you for posting this, it’s great! On mine, it was skipping stitches, making the top thread “shrivel up” (not sure how you say that), and getting locked up. (I should add my machine was working perfectly until I had the grand idea to try leather (vegetable tanned, 2 pieces, about 1.5 mm each). It did ok at first, but then started having difficulties. I tried garment leather next and it started skipping stitches, and quit catching the bobbin thread a lot. I switched back to the heavy needle I usually use (Singer 18), and it was acting weird so I tried a 16, which worked better, but then started skipping stitches sometimes and breaking thread. I adjusted the pressure of the foot and thread tension, which didn’t help.) I found this video, so gave it a shot. First off, I found the timing tab was up too high, so I lowered it to the correct position when the needle was all the way down. Unfortunately, when I got to the last step, I wasn’t able to rotate the bobbin by hand. (Mine is slightly ahead of the needle, about 1 mm.) I tried loosening the two screws more, but nothing helped. I hoped the problems I was having were caused by the part that was set wrong (which I addressed in the first adjustment I made), but after putting it back together, the machine still seems off. Has anyone encountered this before? Cheers!
It is not unusual for these parts to be stuck together after all these years. Try adding sewing machine oil to the parts and letting it sit. Then try moving them back and forth until they move freely. Sounds like it still needs adjustment. Also the needle size and thread matter. There has to be friction between the needle and the thread so that it forms the loop that the hook grabs.
My guess is the timing is still off
great instruction wonderful help
Many thanks for this video.
THANK YOU for posting this! I'm certain this is what is wrong with my daughter's 201K so now I am looking forward to setting it right!
Me too 😍
A 201K? That is a nice one! After my 1200 that is my favorite.
@@scratchnbell Finally managing to get around to it, cleaning out oily lint along the way.
BUT those two screws from the gear to the shaft, under the deck won't move at all even though I only want to loosen slightly. Have applied Singer oil, and letting it sit, fingers crossed and praying ;)
@@jevvvNZ That screwdriver that I use in the video is from harbor freight. I'm sure you can get something similar from home Depot or Lowe's. It really makes all the difference. Careful not to strip those screws have good fitting bits.
@@scratchnbell Hubby stepped in with some CRC & a more solid screwdriver than mine. I let him use the spray & loosen the screws, then I dried it out and applied Singer oil to counteract any cutting the spray might do if left. It's all adjusted and going beautifully now
Thanks, this is very helpful.
Nice! I have a 201K from 1939 in a nice table! I rebuilt the motor but I'm a noob at sewing so this video is really helpful. A strip and clean of the bottom thread stuff is needed methinks
I love my 201k. I more of a fixer than I am a seamster. I figure how hard could it be to sew. Turns out alot harder than I thought. Ill keep working on the machines and slowing learning how to sew. I think a thorough cleaning and lubing is always a great place to start with these old machine.
Thanks for the help!!!!
Thank you for this video.
Thanks I needed to know how to do this.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for making this video, it is of great help and very much appreciated. I do have a question though: My machine doesn't skip stitches, but the stitch line looks a bit uneven. What is the reason for that? I came across a video showing that the needle and the presser foot need to be in time as well, unfortunately, that was for another machine. Would you know how to do that on a 201 and/or do you know how to fix an uneven stitch? And the fabric feeds a bit uneven as well, if I let go of it, it will turn to the left instead of sewing a straight line. Lots of questions, thank you!
TobiasSebastien I have not had the need to do this to any of my 201s. Search google for 201 service manual it is very easy to follow.
What brand is your rachet set? I need one of those. Great video! Thanks!
I believe it's from Harbor freight l, but the bits are high quality hollow ground from a gunsmithing kit so to not mar the screws. I like the ratchet because it can get into places that a typical screwdriver can not. Thank you, Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you! I have a 1200 still gettting acquainted and dialed in. The bobbin plate is very stiff and difficult to slide. Cleaned the slot and inspected it- can't figure out why. Been sewing for years on 15-91.
The 1200 is my favorite!
I need the video for disassembly in order to do the timing.
Did nothing for mine? Tried twice. Still same problem, zero stitches taking. Wondering if one of the gear screws is actual on a cam.
Fab. It really did help BUT the needle barely clears either the bobbin holder bracket or the hole in the needle plate. It seems to be about just touching or barely touching the right of the needle plate so is there any adjustment on the needle bar or is it bent??😱😱😱
Two things here... one is I would make sure that you had the right needle type for this machine. The second and I've had this happen is make sure there's no lint up in the top or the needle goes. This will prevent the needle from inserting all the way..
Hi, thanks for the video. It is really helpful. But I couldn't adjust the hook at all? What did I miss?
h vic make sure that you loosened both screws on the bottom gear. If that doesn’t work remember some of these machines are 70 years old. They have a bunch of accumulated goo on them. You might need to put some sewing machine oil or better yet triflow oil on it and let it work in a day or two.
Thank you for a highly informative video!
Btw, why do you call the 201-2. "fire-breathing unicorn"?😊
I called the 1200 a fire breathing unicorn. It is based off the 201. I have 2-1200s and one 201k all 3 of these are very rare machines
hi! would you say the timing hook is pointing at the eye of the needle at the second position? I am concerned that my needle bar is not at the right height because the needle is not going low enough. thanks for any help you have provide
Victoria are you sure you have the right needle type
@@scratchnbell hi! This was over a month ago, so thank you for getting back to me. You're absolutely right! I somehow have a small supply of needles which are a different size. I have no idea where I got them. But my 201 sews now. It's not perfect, but acceptable. Usually I'm dealing with tension issues.
Forward stitch on 2 layers of fabric works fine, but backwards or 4 layers of fabric has random skips. The timing looks fine, but is there something that changes for extra fabric and reverse that would cause that?
I would start with the needle. Make sure it is new and a match for your machine, fabric, and thread size. Adding layers of fabric changes the friction between the needle and thread. This changes how the loop coming off the needle interacts with the hook and thus causes the missed stitches.
Sorry taking it from 2 layers to 4.
I've followed your video to the point of moving the hook in line with the needle... However, I can NOT get the hook to budge. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!
These old machines can get stuck with old oil and dirt. Soak it with penetrating oil and let it sit for a while. It may need to be done several times
And I didn’t take the feed dogs out. I used a torch and could see the needle through a gap to line it up. So I only took off the needle plate and the drip pan off the bottom. I turned the screws on the bottom under the drip pan one and a half rotations each. The rotary hook was still tight but I could push the spiky bit to the needle with my thumb. Hope that helps someone.
Hi, we adjusted the timing and everything works fine pour about 3 inches of stitching, then the adjustment messes up again. The screws are as thigh as possible... What could be the problem?
I'm wondering if you have the correct length screw.
When my needle is at the complete bottom on my Singer 201K 1938 (treadle) machine the feeler gauge doesn't line up with that top line. You say to move the feeler gauge so that it does, but I can't seem to figure out how to move it. Do you show that somewhere else and if you don't can you please describe to me what I need to do? (Unless, of course, I've misunderstood you, in which case please set me straight). :-D Thank you... Megan p.s. If anyone else knows the answer to this or a video showing it please do chime in.
Sorry for the late reply. That little Gage or feeler gaugeis not screwed down or glue down you can push it up or down as you need to.
I have a singer 201-2 with a potted motor and front light and knee treadle with a drop in bobbin. Mine is a AK 382978. But in you video is in vertical view instead of horizontal view so I cannot see it full screen. My needle keeps jamming in the needle plate. I need to see a video tutorial on how to fix this but with full screen view thanks
The first thing I would do is change the needle. That is always my first trouble shooting step. Second make sure you are using the right right needle and that it is seated all the way. Maybe invert the needle to make sure you don't have anything keeping the needle from seating all the way.
Ugh< I wish I could get your help with seeing if my 201 needs timing adjustment or not. It's skipping stitches.
Been there done that. Make sure it's clean top and bottom. Check the needle is in the right position and the right size thread for your needle. Should be easy to check the timing from the video
Amelia,
I spent some time playing with one of my 201 that has been skipping stitches after your comment. I was able to fix the skipped stitch issue by using a much smaller needle than what was in the machine. I did several running stitches on some scrap and it appears that this may have been the issue. So I would suggest either putting in better matching needle for the thread your using to a smaller needle or try larger thread.
Good luck
I always start with the needle , believe it or not most of the time i get a machine its a worn out needle and bobbin tention issues and people think its timing , if you have never played with the timing it should be good but its not to say something heavy was ran threw it and forced it out , if timing is good then theres only 2 things left needle or tension ...
Help when I slide cover over bobbin it will allow thread to spin off. Remove cover and thread will spin off
I would first look to make sure I have the bobbins in correctly and threaded right. Then make sure the bobbin tension is adjusted correctly for you thread. There are videos on you tube that demonstrate this.
First time I see the "Singer Elna". What's the name of that tool, please?
What tool? The Harbor Freight offset rachet screw driver?
Where do you get a tool like you have?
This one is from Harbor freight
OK next question. I finally got the hook to move and line up to time the machine, but now it's skipping stitches worse than before. :( Any ideas?
Number one new needle. Number two. Check your bobin tention and your thread tension. Number three. Make sure everything is moving like it's supposed to and nothing is slipping. Number four. Check the timing again just to make sure nothing moved
@@scratchnbell yup, done all of those things. Still skipping. ☹️
Leave the bottom plate off. Try turning it all by hand and see if you can figure out. Is the hook catching the thread properly? I've come across some of these that the hook was bent or damaged or even the wrong one
Also, make sure that you're using the right size thread for the needle
hello friend greetings could you tell me the needle number for this machine gra
Is that fire breathing unicorn a 1200??
Yes it is a singer 1200 or two
@@scratchnbell I pulled a 1955 singer 1200 w/ original table from the curb on garbage day. Still fine tuning it to sow but i cleaned out the motor and have it running strong!
One of my 1200s is running pretty slow as well. I rebuilt the foot controller but maybe I need to clean the motor as well. What did you use to clean the motor with and thanks for the info
By the way great trash find!
@@scratchnbell For cleaning it was pretty much just q-tips and rubbing alcohol. I followed this blog guide almost step by step
vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/01/complete-how-to-re-wire-potted-motor.html?m=1
One of the brushes had broken off inside the motor and was causing all kinds of mayhem.
What on earth do you mean when you keep refering to the feeler gauge ?,in the uk here a feeler gauge is a set of thin steel strips for example setting valve clearences on an engine,can you clarifie it please?,cheers Paul l.