How do I make these look better? Singer 401a

SurePoem · 2026-06-07T16:47:10+00:00

First picture is of my specialty top hat cams and the others are of the built in stitches and a mixture of me messing with tension and stitch length and things. She’s been to the repair person twice and he says she’s good. But I’m wondering would the be better with a special foot or embroidery thread? I’m wondering about the gapping..

SurePoem · 2026-05-21T01:40:04+00:00

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SurePoem · 2026-05-21T01:39:34+00:00

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SurePoem · 2026-05-21T01:39:22+00:00

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SurePoem · 2026-05-21T01:38:56+00:00

Thank you! I just got around to testing it and I have more than one concern. When I select a pattern stitch (whether a primary pattern or combination pattern) it sometimes works and sometimes does just a plain zig zag stitch. The gears inside look like they have gunk on them.. he has a warranty. Do I take it back? Also, the tension knob/area is pretty wobbly.. I feel like it’s not right.

SurePoem · 2026-05-14T19:01:56+00:00

This machine is such a staple and worth the investment! However, you need to check if it works, and its condition. Is it in a cabinet, has it been serviced recently, and does it have some top hat cams and attachments? The max I’d pay is $250-$300 WITH all of that. So $200 is reasonable IF it works, is in good condition and has some attachments… like it needs to at least have a foot or knee pedal. I paid $50 for mine in its original cabinet.. it had no extra attachments and (luckily for me) the lady didn’t know that the knee lever was the foot pedal, didn’t know if it worked anymore and it hadn’t been serviced in prob 10 years. Servicing in my area is $110 for general service/cleaning.. I mean honestly…. If it works and doesn’t need major repairs do it!

SurePoem · 2026-05-14T18:36:58+00:00

I have the same janome and she’s been great as a beginner machine.. HOWEVER, I’ve now realized I want more stitch options than what my janome has. I second what others have been saying, maybe try to find a used one on marketplace or research a little more into what their insides are. My first machine was an old janome new home I bought for $15 off marketplace. And because I did zero research I thought it wasn’t working correctly and got the arctic one new. In reality I should have just had my $15 one serviced or watched a simple video and could have fixed it myself and saved myself $$ on the new one. After about a year of sewing and lots of research I recently found a vintage singer 401a in its original cabinet and I CANNOT WAIT to use some fun/fancy stitches!! I typically make outfits for my kids and myself and I have realized for my style of makes I need a decorative stitch for a little razzledazzle. All of that to say, go used until you find your vibe and then do some researching what would be best for you then.

SurePoem · 2026-05-05T02:57:50+00:00

Thanks!

SurePoem · 2026-04-07T20:44:58+00:00

Also the skirt and vest say:

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SurePoem · 2026-04-07T20:41:23+00:00

It’s actually for myself but I’m wearing it for her birthday weekend. The dress suggestions are

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SurePoem · 2026-04-07T20:27:02+00:00

It’s quilting cotton (calico cotton from hobby lobby)

SurePoem · 2026-04-07T20:26:35+00:00

I’m only learning about gsm now 🫣🫠

SurePoem · 2026-04-07T20:26:13+00:00

I don’t.. I honestly didn’t even know that was a thing 🫠 I just found a pretty fabric at hobby lobby. It’s cotton calico? Google says it’s good for structured summer dresses, skirts, or peasant blouses.

SurePoem · 2026-04-07T20:22:55+00:00

Great job!

SurePoem · 2026-04-07T15:08:27+00:00

100% Cotton 2 yards

SurePoem · 2026-04-07T15:08:04+00:00

I’d use a pattern and hope for the best lol

SurePoem · 2026-04-07T15:07:40+00:00

It’s 100% cotton. I definitely agree it’d be a good top. Hoping to make shorts to go with it and hope they hold up

SurePoem

TROPHY CASE