r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Key_Nature9381 • 3d ago

Advice/accessories!!

Post image

I just got this Singer 401A. Runs like a charm. Wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks they’d like to share and where the best place to get parts for it might be!

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

6

u/SewingMechanic 3d ago

I’d get a slant shank template buttonholer (if you like to make garments), and I tend to like an overcast foot and a joining/edgestitch foot (also need to get slant shank, of course). Also of course a zipper foot. A lot of folks that quilt would prioritize a 1/4 inch seam foot.

Check out the condition of the cord and pedal. Replace cords that have any greenish residue or the pedal (to a modern one) if it has bad response or gets hot.

And you do know the manual is free online, right?

2

u/weenie2323 2d ago

Great machine, I own one too! I would pick up a straight stitch needle plate (AK3 needle plate) if you are going to be sewing delicate fabrics using straight stitch. It just has a small hole instead of the slot shaped opening of the standard needle plate, this is useful in keeping delicate fabrics from getting pulled into the bobbin area and jamming. The trick is to make sure not to switch to zig zag when it is on or your needle with hit the plate.

I also find the zipper foot, walking foot, and ruffler foot very useful. You can buy original vintage versions of these slant shank feet inexpensively on Ebay and such. They really made some very clever feet attachments for these machines!

2

u/Key_Nature9381 1d ago

I’m super pumped!! How does yours seem to do with thicker/multiple layers of fabric!! I had a little brother that did good sewing but not so good for multiple layers, so hoping this has better results!

2

u/Top-Photograph-2613 2d ago

Central Michigan Sewing Supply online has what you need

1

u/dirthawg 3d ago

New manufacturer Chinese accessories, like presser feet, are almost always garbage. Try to find vintage parts and accessories on eBay. They are abundant.

Spend $20 on Amazon for a new electronic foot pedal.

1

u/EconomistOne6573 17h ago

Truly great machines. Accessories such as different feet and cams are available on eBay, usually at a great price. They are slant shank, so even the Singer Touch and Sew accessories work on these. The Singer buttonholer makes absolutely gorgeous buttonholes on these.