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Need wise advice Singer 404 or 201K?

Need wise advice:

I have an opportunity to get a well priced 201K in a cabinet ($50) with electric knee control (manuf in Great Britain and I think belt driven). It looks good but it was the grandmother's and the son (who is selling it) does not know much about it. He says it "runs" (which could mean anything)and has misc attachments and accessories (but he is not sure what they are). Selling for $50.

Or, there is a lady selling a #404 (with accessories) she says is in good working order....asking $90. Cabinet is not much to look at. Thoughts regarding which to get?

I am a beginning sewer (not sure if I will keep at it or not) and just want something simple and inexpensive in a cabinet. I did sew on my Mom's Singer (when I was younger). I tend to like solidly built machines that don't break down a lot and have easy to get parts (no special needle sizes etc). I think both are "straight stitchers"....my thought is if I want to "zig zag" someday I will just get an attachment. Thoughts?

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Reply to
amy jo
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At those prices, get both! See which you like better and sell on the other, or keep it as a back-up machine.

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

They are both straight stitch machines, and IMHO the 201 is a better buy provided it 'runs' appropriately :) The 404 is a slant shank machine, where as the 201 is a short shank and is easier to find feet for.

-Irene

Reply to
IMS

Please remember that needle size has to do with the fabric. Barbara in FL

Reply to
Bobbie Sews More

I agree with Kate, both seem to be priced extremely reasonable and I'd probably get both. Either will most likely give you many years of service, provided they are in good condition now.

Yes, the 404 is a slant needle, which only means the presser foot arm is slanted to hold the fabric better; it does need slant-needle attachments, but you say some are included, possibly all you will need. I have a 501 that I love and I can't imagine getting rid of it.

Emily

Reply to
Emily Bengston

I grew up sewing on a 301, which is a slant shank like the 404. It's a lightweight machine because of the aluminum body, which is nice for hauling to class. The zigzag attachment (and the buttonhole attachment) for for the slant shanks were less than wonderful.

The 201 is arguably one of the best machines Singer ever made. I think I'm with Kate -- if you want a straight stitch machine, buy both, work with them for awhile and sell the one you don't like.

However, I wouldn't buy either of these for one of the reasons you want them... the cabinet. Cabinets aren't adjustable for height of the operator, unless you want to set them up on blocks or saw off the legs. And sewing at an incorrect height is deadly on the back, shoulders and arms. It can really, really make sewing seriously unfun.

Your remark about needles makes me think you're confusing needle sizes (diameter of the needles) with needle system, which is basically the length of the needle to the eye and other technical specifications. These both take the standard household sewing machine needles designated by HAx1, 130/705H, 130R, 15x1, HLx5, or SY2020 -- these are the same needle, just different ways of describing it. Needle system is pretty much tied to the machine. Needle size depends on the thickness of the fabric you're sewing.

More on sewing ergonomics, from a quilter:

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Have fun!

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

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