Singer 201-2 Centennial
| I just finished up refurbishing a Singer 201-2 Centennial. The only difference between a "centennial" machine and another of the same model is the badge. They were placed on many of the Singer models to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary. The centennial machines sew the same as non-centennial models, but the badge is neat! Many people like to collect centennial Singers, and enjoy the "history" they signify. If you are looking for in-depth, detail information about the Singer 201-2, be certain to check out the 201-2 review on my blog. |
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| I also took a photo of some of the parts that I remove, clean, adjust, etc. during the refurbishing process. It doesn't show everything. For example, the motor is already re-wired, cleaned, serviced and reassembled in that picture, and I wasn't going to take it all back apart to include all the pieces in this photo! |  (click to enlarge) |
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More info on an INSTANT marked needle plate for any vintage machine!
Hi -
I own a Centennial and use it regularly. I am missing the metal thread holder on top. Do you have a source for them? The local shops only could offer me plastic. I'm located in Central Ohio.
That's terrible! The shop only carries plastic spool pins and they won't order a metal one for you!
This should be a VERY easy part to get- they are still made. Try eBay or another shop.
Jenny,
I just purchased a Singer 201 to make my own boat enclosure, and in doing searches on it to find information, I have come across your name many, many times.
Because of this, you probably get pestered non-stop, so I won't do that to you.
Do you know of any message boards that I could join to ask questions and get answers and share stuff?
I am a real newbie to sewing, so hopefully, they will be people with patience.
This machine has DOZENS of very complicated feet to it. Some look like machines in themselves! Some look like they may be "walking foot" attachments, some look like rufflers, and so on. The only one I need is the one that hems about 1/4" of the edge... I think. Maybe I need a walking foot, too, I don't know enough to know yet.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
-Tony
Hello! Sorry for thee offtopic comment, but which machine do you recommend for a complete beginner, if never touched a sewing machine before in my life.
Thanks
I bought a 201 at a thrift store. I thought witht the original machine parts and cabinet that was a great deal. I have a question, I have tried fixing the tension on the bobbin, because I can see the bobbin thread come through the top thread. The stitches are loose. How can I fix this? I would love to sew on it.
I have several articles on the blog about adjusting the tension
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/01/13/tension-is-it-getting-to-you.aspx
Always make sure you have the needle inserted correctly and the entire machine threaded correctly. If you need a manual, you can get a link to a free PDF here:
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/11/11/classic-singer-2012-vintage-sewing-machine-review.aspx
Nifty site! I just picked up a 1936 201 in pretty rough shape. It was stuck and would not turn. I've got it freed up, cleaned and re-oiled, but the motor gets very warm and it runs slow! I haven't had the motor off yet, but will next. Wonder if that's the reason for the slow action?
I have yet to see a Pre-war 201-2 that did need to have the motor rewired and serviced. After 70 years the old grease and lubricant is just gross.
Yep, I agree with you 100%. However, I justcompleted the motor rebuild and it's still the same. This 201 runs slow and you can hear the motor straining! This machine was stuck when I got it, and after I freed it up, it's still tight somewhere. I've oiled everything in sight after using Liquid Wrench to free it up. I just rebuilt a 15-91 with the same motor and they're are both the same. I would note that while the machine was still stuck, I tested the motor and it ran very freely without the clutch engaged. Can't figure out what to do next?? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Dave
As much as I'd love to tell you what part on your machine is binding....my internet connection is just not that advanced.....so it's pretty darn impossible to tell from over here. I could run down a laundry list of "look here, and check that."..but I suspect that in the end this will have to be sorted out "in person" by yourself or your local sewing machine repair tech rather than over the net.
Hey, I appreciate yourcomments. We both pretty much agree. I can take it to a shop, but that won't get me near the satisfaction I'd have of figuring it out for myself. Thanks so much. ps. Maybe you need acomputer upgrade? ha
Dave
I have the hand crank version of the 201K. I decided to treadle it, can't believe what a quiet and smooth machine it is. Its my favorite for piecing quilt
blocks.