OldSewinGear
  • Blog
    • Blog Index
    • Site Map
  • Singer
    • Slant Needle >
      • 301
      • 401 / 403 / 404
      • 500 / 503
      • 601 / 603 /604
    • Class 15 Machines
    • Class 66 Machines
    • Featherweight
    • Swing Needle
    • Toy Machines
    • Accessories >
      • Buttonholer
      • Discs & Cams
  • Others
    • Pfaff
    • Elna
    • Necchi
    • Japan Class 15
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • Links
    • Cheat Sheets
    • Shipping & Packaging
  • Contact
    • About Us

Get the 4-1-1 on the 411 Slant-o-Matic 

3/4/2013

24 Comments

 
Singer 411G Sewing Machine
Singer 411G
We've all heard the old saying:  "If it looks like a duck..."  

Well, if a sewing machine looks like a 401, threads like a 500, chain-stitches like a 600 and treadles like a 328...it's a 411!

Which makes the 411 more of a Platypus than a duck.
 

So let's get the 4-1-1 on the 411... 

The 411 features a number of unique characteristics, beginning with its manufacture history.  The 411G shown above was a puzzle, because the "G" in the model number indicates Germany, but the serial number points to Canada.  After some research it appears that the head was cast (and stamped with serial number) in Canada then the machine was assembled in West Germany.
At a glance the 411 resembles the 401A but on closer examination there are a  number of significant differences.  Let's compare the two machines:
(411 appears on the lefthand side of each comparison.)
The two machines look similar but the 401A is "squarer" in styling.  Stylistically the 411 more closely resembles the 403.
The 411 and 403 share a prominent pointed ridge on top and distinctively shaped light cover.  However the 411 has a couple of mechanical features that mimic the 500 Rocketeer. 
Note the additional thread tension regulator just above the tension knob.  This was a new feature when the 500 was introduced and was also used on the 411.
The 411 and 500 also share a top-mounted bobbin-winder. 

Another unique feature is that while it looks like a Slant-o-Matic, the 411 can chainstitch like a Touch & Sew!  

The final twist is that the 411 can also be used as a treadle machine, making it one of the very rare zig-zag treadle models.  This feature is also found on the vertical needle 328 Style-o-Matic.
Note the channel for the treadle belt in the base just directly below the handwheel. 

The 411 is truly a fascinating member of Singer's Slant Needle family.  It does not feel as well built as the 401.  The casting feels lighter and the paint job and trims appear to be lesser quality.  But the unique versatility of this machine make it a strong contender for the title of "Best All-Around Slant Needle!"

Happy Sewing!
Barbara
24 Comments

Zigzag and Treadle in One

2/12/2013

7 Comments

 
Singer 328K Style-o-Matic Sewing Machine
Singer 328K Style-o-Matic
Looking to "Go Green? or "Get off the grid?"  Treadle sewing machines are the ultimate in renewable energy.  Like a bicycle, you pedal it yourself. 

Singer treadle machines are a dime a dozen.  The problem is that nearly all of them are straight-stitch only.  So if you need treadle AND zigzag you don't have many options. 

The 328 Style-o-Matic is the answer. 

Heavy duty power, zigzag and decorative stitch capability and
treadle ready.  Replace the motor belt with a treadle belt and install in a treadle cabinet... Voila!  The ultimate green sewing machine. 
 
The 328 was manufactured from 1963-1965 at Singer's Scotland
(328K) and Canada (328J) factories, which means they not difficult to find.  

The 328 is belt-driven which requires regular adjusting for optimum performance.  When properly adjusted it compares favorably to its gear-driven counterparts.  All of the 328's I've tested  sew lightweight leather, heavy denim, duck canvas, marine vinyl and upholstery with ease. 

If you need an all-around household machine with treadly capability, look no further than the 328 Style-o-Matic.  

The 328 uses Class 66 bobbin and low shank attachments.

Happy Sewing!
Barbara
7 Comments

Don't treadle on me...

12/16/2012

4 Comments

 
My family and I spend a lot of time on eBay and Craigslist looking at sewing machines.  Big shock, I know!  It's what we do, it's our "thing."  Another big thing in my family is words.  We LOVE words!  Whether written or spoken, we enjoy the intricacies and absurdities of words.   We particularly enjoy discovering "new" words or creative spellings of familiar words. 

Sewing machine ads on Craigslist and eBay have been a gold mine!  Who knew there were so many weird and wonderful ways to spell "Treadle"?

For those of you who may not know, a treadle machine is the old-fashioned kind with a foot pedal that turns the wheel to make the machine sew.  The word treadle comes from the Old English word 'tredan' which means 'to tread'.  OK, that's your vocabulary lesson for the day, now let's have some fun!

Some of the more creative spellings & variations we've seen lately:
        
        Trudel 
        Truddle
        Trestle
        Trundle
        Treedle

That was fun!  And now that I've found the perfect 'trundle' machine, I need to find a 'bake-a-light' accessory box and some sewing 'niddles' to complete the set!

Dad is starting a museum of other online oddities.  So far his collection includes:
       
        chomp saw
        radio alarm saw
        Swinger sewing machine (not sure yet if it's a trudel, trundel, or trestle)

Have you spotted any of these rare products online?  We'd love to hear about them!

Happy sewing!
Barbara




4 Comments

    News, Reviews, 
    & How-To's

    See "Article Index" for list of past articles by title. 

    See "Frequently Asked Questions" for quick answers to common questions.  

    Check out "Cheat Sheets" to download printable reference sheets.

    See "Resources" for links to useful websites and forums. 

    Contact Us

    Questions, comments
    ​or suggestions? 
    Contact us!  

    Categories

    All
    15-125
    15 91
    192 Spartan
    201
    221 Featherweight
    301
    328
    401
    403
    411
    500
    503
    600
    603
    626
    99
    Adjustment/repair
    Appraisal & Pricing
    Attachments
    Bobbin
    Centennial
    Checklist
    Dating
    Greist
    Historical Info
    How To
    Japanese
    Miscellaneous
    Model Comparisons
    Reviews
    Shipping
    Singer
    Slant Needle
    Tips & Tricks
    Toyota
    Toys
    Treadle
    Video


    Archives

    June 2020
    April 2020
    August 2019
    March 2018
    October 2015
    August 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    June 2012


    About Us

    OldSewinGear is the collaborative effort of retired repairman Gary and daughter Barbara.  We love old sewing gear and enjoy sharing what we've learned in our vintage sewing machine adventures.  We are located in Roseburg, Oregon. 


    RSS Feed

© 2019 OldSewinGear
  • Blog
    • Blog Index
    • Site Map
  • Singer
    • Slant Needle >
      • 301
      • 401 / 403 / 404
      • 500 / 503
      • 601 / 603 /604
    • Class 15 Machines
    • Class 66 Machines
    • Featherweight
    • Swing Needle
    • Toy Machines
    • Accessories >
      • Buttonholer
      • Discs & Cams
  • Others
    • Pfaff
    • Elna
    • Necchi
    • Japan Class 15
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • Links
    • Cheat Sheets
    • Shipping & Packaging
  • Contact
    • About Us