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"Must Have" Sewing Machine Accessories

7/31/2013

16 Comments

 
 
PictureSinger 500A Accessory Box
So you're looking to invest in a vintage sewing machine and wondering what to look for in accessories and attachments. 

Getting confused?  

You're not alone. So let's take a look at what you'll need. 

First of all, it's a good idea to acquaint yourself with what originally came with the model you're shopping for.  Do some comparison shopping on eBay to get familiar with what a basic package for your model looks like.  Then purchase the best equipped machine in the best condition you can afford. 

PictureSinger 401A instruction manual
Keep in mind that you can always fill in any gaps later, but the basic "Must Haves" for ANY machine include the following:


Instruction manual.  Original paper is best, but a CD copy or download is a good choice too.  A good manual will explain the basic functions of the machine but also cover routine maintenance and adjustments to keep your machine in good working order.  Singer's website offers free downloads of many of their manuals.  

PictureScrewdriver, lint brush, & machine oil.
Screwdriver & Lint Brush Set.  These are essential for adjusting bobbin thread tension, tightening the needle clamp and presser foot, and for attaching feed dog cover plates.  You need large and small standard screwdrivers for most Singer machines.  A lint brush is handy for keeping your bobbin compartment clean. 

Machine Oil and Motor Lubricant.  These are a must to keep your machine running smooth and strong.  Apply as directed by your machine's manual.  

PictureVintage Class 66 Singer Bobbins
Extra Bobbins.  If you do any amount of sewing you'll need extra bobbins right away.  Plan on purchasing a package if your machine doesn't come with extras.

That's the basic starter equipment you'll need for any sewing machine.  So what else might you need?  

PictureInside Singer 401A accessory box
Let's take a look at what came standard with a 401A Slant-o-Matic. 


The 401A came equipped with a hard plastic accessory case with a lift-out tray.  Divided compartments held the following:

PictureSinger 401A accessory box insert tray
Top tray:
Instruction Manual
4 Bobbins
Zigzag needle plate
Straight-stitch needle plate
Adjustable edge guide
Standard zigzag presser foot
Special purpose presser foot
Button presser foot
Straight-stitch foot


PictureSinger 401A accessory box bottom tray
Bottom Tray:
Hemming foot
Zipper foot
Multi-slotted binder
Ruffler
Oil bottle
Large screwdriver 
Small screwdriver 
Lint Brush 
Special Discs 2, 3, 4, 5  (Disc 1 was inserted in machine)

As you can see, the 401A sewing machine came with quite a package of accessories, but there were additional items that could be purchased separately.   These included Buttonholers, Even Feed Walking Foot attachments, and additional Special Discs for added creativity.  (See the article "Do I need Special Discs for my 401?" for more  information.)  

So if you're looking to invest in a vintage sewing machine, you can start with the basics and build from there, or you can look for a machine that already comes with all the bells and whistles!

Happy Sewing!
Barbara
OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear. 
16 Comments
Beverlee Gatherer
8/13/2017 07:19:04 pm

I want to purchase accessories for the 401A Singer. Having trouble locating, can you help.

Reply
Cindy
12/27/2017 11:00:47 pm

I have most of these items available for purchase. (No plastic box tho)

Reply
Julie
4/4/2019 01:07:32 pm

I am trying to find accessories for the Singer 401A. Purchased a sewing machine cabinet at a consignment shop which came with this machine. In great condition and works very well, but need to have some more accessories for certain applications.

Dwight
3/9/2020 04:26:42 pm

Loling for chainstich presser plate and bobbin holder for 401

Idania garcia link
8/8/2021 04:02:02 pm

Dónde puedo ver cómo funcionan los accesorios

Reply
Shannon Hunziker
3/17/2022 12:29:52 pm

En Youtube puedes encontrar videos sobre co'mo funcionar los accesories.

On Youtube you can find videos about how the accessories work.

Shannon Hunziker
3/17/2022 12:38:40 pm

Este video, por ejemplo, muestra co'mo usar 3 de los accessorios (es en una ma'quina diferente, pero los accessorios son similares).

https://youtu.be/Q5t84XyAanU

Bueno para saber, es el Singer 301 es tambie'n una ma'quina "Slant-shank." Asi' los accesorios de una funcionara' en la otra. Y hay videos sobre accessorios del 301, que son los mismos.
!Espero que este te ayuda!

Jo Nuno
3/20/2019 09:00:01 pm

I would like to purchase a Spider Bobbin and its needed accessories for a Standard Sewing Machine (Stout Model Sewing Machine - Hollow Pin Spider). I am having trouble finding these items, can you help? Warmly, Jo

Reply
Carolyn Shankle
2/16/2020 01:45:44 pm

I need a walking foot for my 1959 401A Slant needle singer. I am sewing on minky fabric. Can you help me? Thanks.
Carolyn Shankle

PS. This machine is a work horse!! I've had it since 1959!! I have a new embriodrey/sewing machine but use my Singer for sewing!!

Reply
Virginia walker
10/24/2020 02:52:15 am

Where can we buy singer500 Rocketeer attachments

Reply
Eileen A Taylor
12/16/2020 01:30:30 pm

I'm looking for a reasonably priced accessories package for the Singer 501a Rocketeer sewing machine! Can someone please assist me with this? Grateful thank you in advance for your assistance!

Reply
Madeana Ringstaff
10/24/2020 07:00:56 pm

I own a Singer 401A
Where can I get reason priced accessories for it?
The machine came with the table for it and that's it..... I don't even have a manual for it....
Help is needed please....
I need a link or true sight to go to....

Reply
Eileen A Taylor
1/5/2021 09:20:42 am

Hi, you can get a PDF FILE of your sewing machine manual from the Singer website. That's how I got the manual for my Singer 500a machine! Hopefully this helps you!

Reply
Alison Defrese
5/24/2021 03:04:41 pm

I have a lovely 401A that I got on eBay. I got a box of extra feet & 4 cams separately on eBay. My question, is the weird looking foot that has those three vertical posts on it the multi-slotted binder foot? I have been wondering about that crazy-looking foot ever since bought the machine & box of accessories as an early Xmas gift to myself in 2021! Thanks in advance for your answer.

P.S. I will probably need a YouTube video to learn to use that weird presser foot.

Reply
Providence Drywall Contractors link
9/14/2022 05:44:28 am

Hello mate, great blog.

Reply
Denise link
12/5/2022 02:23:27 pm

Hi. I have a vintage Singer 401 SlantOMatic and am looking for a buttonholer. I don't know what the part number is. I thought it might be 160506 but that says Featherweight, so can you help me identify the correct part number I need to look for? Thank you.

Reply



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  • Blog
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