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Thread Control?  What the heck is Thread Control?

5/9/2013

8 Comments

 
When Singer introduced the 500 Slant-o-Matic Rocketeer, it featured a new threading step that Singer called a "thread control." 

So what is it?  What does it do?
 
 
Picture
Singer 500A "Thread Control"

"The automatic thread control, located above the tension, ensures a smooth flow of thread from spool to needle.  This device eliminates spool weight and drag by pulling off a measured amount of thread before it passes through the tension discs." 

- Singer 500 Instruction Manual ©1961
So there you have it straight from the horse's mouth!  Thread control is clearly the greatest invention since sliced bread! 

So this thread control was a giant leap forward in sewing machine technology, right? 

Ummm...not so much, because there's no noticeable difference in stitch quality when comparing the 401A and 500A.   Singer apparently came to the same conclusion, because "thread control" disappeared after the early 1960's.  It does appear on the German-built 401 and 411 models but then Singer went on to produce the "Touch & Sew" series with a horizontal spool spindle which eliminated spool drag completely.  
PictureAlternative threading for Singer 500A
Thread control was so underwhelming that Singer went so far as to distribute an alternate threading guide for the 500 that bypasses the thread control. This threading chart was included in the "Knit Kit" that Singer produced for sewing double-knit fabrics.

I've experimented with both threading methods and I prefer to bypass the thread control because it's faster.  And the stitches look just as good without it.  

So there you have it...thread control.  No, it didn't revolutionize sewing machine technology, but it's still a cool feature that sets the Rocketeer apart.   



Visit "Cheat Sheets" page for printable threading guide.

Happy Sewing!
Barbara
OldSewinGear...dedicated to helping you get the most out of your old sewing gear!

8 Comments
Laura
6/3/2013 04:09:36 am

Your post was timely for me. I was just given a Singer 500, and it's missing the thread control. I threaded the machine without it, and it sews perfectly fine. Your explanation lets me know I don't need to spend any time trying to find this part. Thanks!

Reply
OldSewinGear
6/3/2013 07:03:12 am

Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm so glad the information was helpful. Enjoy your new (old) machine.
Barbara for OldSewinGear

Reply
Cathlin Barry
1/11/2014 09:07:45 am

I had been wanting a Rocketeer for many years and recently one fell into my lap, so to speak. I was trying to figure out how to thread it (I have a manual) but that thread control had me totally baffled. Thanks for the info! I bypassed it and everything works fine.

Reply
OldSewinGear
1/11/2014 09:56:29 am

Glad to be of service! Thank you for sharing your experience. Have fun with your machine!
Barbara

Reply
Cole
4/2/2014 12:35:24 pm

What do you know about 404 models with the thread control, I have seen these in ads but they also have 404 tags on them. Could they be
German made or maybe just later model 404s?

Reply
OldSewinGear
4/5/2014 06:44:44 am

Cole,
Singer did build a 404 in Germany, with the thread control and a top-mounted bobbin winder. It's a straight-stitch version of the 401G and 411G. I've never personally seen one, but I found a picture and discussion of it here:
http://sewingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1313
Hope this information helps.
Barbara for OldSewinGear

Reply
Joanna link
8/20/2014 01:51:38 pm

Thank you so much for this post. It solved the occasional tensions issues I was having whenever I used large cone thread on a cone thread holder.

Reply
Teresa link
4/8/2018 01:16:24 pm

I love this. I have had issues in the last year plus with my singer 500A where the thread would pop out of the tension disks. Repair shop showed me a way to thread it in reverse order across the thread control. NO improvement at all.

This way solved all my snags and thread nests and all the other nasty things that happen when the tension gets out of wack!

I love my machine but it was really frustrating me!

Thank you for posting this alternate. Working on 2 Dorothy costumes and Glenda so yards and yards of gathering! You have saved me! I bow in your presence. 😀

Reply



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