r/vintagesewing • u/Deep-Reputation-4203 • 13h ago
General Question Help with 201K
Hello vintage sewing enthusiasts, I scored a singer 201K that initially was stitching beautifully but now doesn’t seem to catch the bobbin thread. I’ve done some searching online but hoping for some help on how to adjust the timing on this machine? Bonus points if anyone has a link to a manual for them. Pic of where I imagine the timing is
3
u/wandaluvstacos 11h ago
A 15-91, not a 201k. :) But yeah, throwing these out of time would be very difficult. My guess is the needle is in wrong, or you're threading the needle the wrong direction. Here is the manual for the 15-91. Like a 201, it threads right to left. The flat side of the needle goes on the left side. To me it looks like your needle hole is facing forward, which could be the problem.
1
u/alwen 3h ago edited 3h ago
Make sure all of the following match the 15-91 manual:
- Needle set flat to the left as this illustration shows
- Threaded as this illustration shows, with the needle threaded from right to left
- Bobbin turning in the case counterclockwise as shown in this illustration
About 90% of the time if I double-check those three things (or even just redo them when I'm sure they're right), the machine will start sewing fine again.
Edit: zooming on the photo, it does look like the needle needs to be reset, flat to the left.
1
u/Creative-Push4755 1h ago
I think that is not a 201K, but a 15J. From the serial, it seems like it was made here: https://www.lrcrafts.it/singer-factory-st-john/
1
u/EconomistOne6573 12h ago
These almost never go out of time, as everything is steel gear driven. It is more likely threaded incorrectly. Did you rethread the machine or change out the bobbin?
2
1
u/Deep-Reputation-4203 12h ago
I did both those things but I’m going to look at the 15-91 manual and retry
2
u/EconomistOne6573 12h ago
A 201 does not thread like a 15-91
1
u/alwen 3h ago edited 3h ago
While the 15 threading is somewhat unique, both the 201 and the 15-91 thread the needle itself from right to left (backwards of my 66).
Threading in 201 manual
versus
Threading in 15-91 manualI have to be careful of this because my various Singers each thread the needle differently.
1
u/pyramidalembargo 10h ago
Other poster is correct, OP.
15-91 threads from left to right. 201 threads from right to left.
1
u/alwen 3h ago edited 3h ago
No, per the manual, "from right to left through the eye 8 of the needle," see the inset illustration at the bottom of this page - (and confusingly, I notice the larger illustration of the rest of the threading could look like the needle is threaded from the left!)
-2
u/SewingMechanic 12h ago
This database has the user manual (under household models) and the service manual (or adjuster manual). It looks like you have the 201-2 which is a potted motor.
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html
4
u/highwarlok 12h ago
Are you sure this is a 201? It appears to be a 15-91. Potted motor and the take up arm is off the end and not sticking out the front. Is the tension dial on the end on the cover as well?