Vintage Singer 401a, a.k.a. the Slant-O-Matic. I won this from Ebay and picked it up last night. I got a good deal on it but it needs a bit of work. I started cleaning and oiling the machine and realized later that I wasn’t supposed to oil the gears…I was supposed to use a lubricant on them instead. D’oh!
I also spent quite a bit of time looking for the ON switch (which was not mentioned in the manual by the way) and finally realized that all I have to do is press on the foot pedal (duh). I’ve got lots to learn about this older machine but it is so cool to be able to see the innards and all the gears and parts (all metal). This machine is so much quieter than my Brother and feels totally solid. OK, no more buying sewing machines for awhile.
This is a remarkable machine!! My Mom has one on which I learned how to sew. After trying a few different modern machines, I too, went to ebay to purchase not one but two of these machines. (I bought two so that my kids can share one and I don’t have to.) It is worth it to try to find a manual for this machine–or to have a sewing repair person show you some of the things this will do and how to oil/lube it. For example, it is not immediately obvious, but you can use two needles at once without buying a special twin needle.
Enjoy.
Hi! I have one of the Singer 401 machines that I am going to sell. It was my mother’s. I have no idea what to sell it for. Can you give me an idea of what you bought yours for? Thanks!!!
Today I found one of these at a yard sale for $18 (that’s including the table)! I am absolutely excited, but it didn’t come with a manual. Is there any chance of someone scanning their copy?
I’ve heard that these sewing machines stand up to heavy-duty work. What’s your sense of this with the new machine? Will they sew heavy material?
Learned to sew on my moms 401A. I have since bought several more at sales. (far and few between) under 20.00. One wouldn’t even budge but after persistent oiling and greasing it slowly freed up and now purrs like a kitten. It sews through anything I’ve tried, even multiple layers of vinyl. I saw one at a sewing machine store for just under 400.00 used. Quilters like them cause they are all metal and no belts. I have found many fashion plates and all kinds of feet, attachments. Repairman said to ck by letting it run 5-10 mins and watch for hot smell to indicate bad motor. They cost over 200.00 to replace and he also said it was one of the BEST machines Singer ever made.
Anyone interested in buying one of these machines? I have one that I need to unload. I’m not a seamstress and it was my grandmother’s…It’s in excellent shape with the hideaway cabinet. I have photos too. Please email your offer. You would have to pick it up locally and I live in St. Louis suburbs. n1haskin@hotmail.com
Thank you!
Is there supposed to be a foot pedal for the 401A? I didn’t notice one in the drawers and need to know. Thanks!
Ok, no separate pedal for this model. There’s a pedal built into the underneath area of the cabinet where the sewing machine folds into that you use your knee to activate. Awesome.
Hi there… the pedal for the machine fits into a holder so that it can be used with the knee lever, but you should also be able to slide the pedal up and out of the holder if you’d like to use it on the floor as a foot pedal.
I have had several 401a machines and all the cords were combined Pedal/electric that plugged into the side of the machine. Mine were all in portable cases, does yours have a Lever or is the cord/pedal just mounted at knee level and operated by something built into the cabinet? I have seen a big margin in the prices these machines go for. Guess its all about supply and demand. It took me 15 years to find one in my price range and now I have 3!!! Watch close at estate sales, people just dont seem to know that these OLD machines are better then ANY of the new ones.
Just wondering if anyone has one of these Singer 401 slant-o-matic machines for sale?? Please contact me with your price plus shipping. Thanks, kkamarillo@yahoo.com
Thank you for the inquiries I’ve received for the Slant-O-Matic sewing machine. I sold it to a very happy woman in December. She was told she would never find another machine like the one she used to have but it was identical. I love happy endings!
I work at a non-profit org and we were given one of these machines. We are looking to sell this. The info here is very helpful… I may buy it for myself.
So glad others love this gem. Mine was a freebie from Freecye in perfect shape
with a priceless user’s manual. Lots of handwritten tips ¬es included. I can’t find bobbins for this relic though. Any tips there
Tenho uma maquina Slant-o-matic 401, tenho o manual dela, mas esta toda em english, quero bordar mas nao sei como lidar com ela, se alguém poder me ajudar eu gostaria de saber se tem o manual em portugues.obrigado se poder me enviar uma resposta para o meu e-mail
deisesuelli@yahoo.com.br
Ruby, the original bobbins for the 401 were metal. They are really very easy to find at most fabric stores, like JoAnn’s, Hancocks, etc. They also now come in a plastic version, (same exact size and shape), which I think is much cheaper. Do you have at least one bobbin? The correct bobbin information might also be in your manual. Take your bobbin/manual with you and ask the sales staff for help. It should be very easy to find the right ones to fit.
That machine so reminds me of my grandmother’s! Isn’t it amazing how vintage items seem to be made so much better and more solid than what we have today?
I just found another 401A machine at a local second hand store for ONLY FOUR DOLLARS!!! Looked dirty but just needed oil and grease and now its running perfectly. (this makes the fourth one I’ve found under $25) So Ladies keep your eyes open! It’s the ONLY machine as far as I’m concerned. I don’t need more then one but will keep watching until all my friends have one too. Fashion plates, etc are getting harder to find but my local repair shop seems to have alot of replacement parts at reasonable prices. Finding one of these machines so cheap almost feels like stealing.
I have 2 singer slant o matics. I have learned how to sew on this machine when I was way younger. I got these 2 machines when my mom passed on. This is the best to me machi8ne around. I have the manual as well as all the extra parts you can use on this machine. I love it and will not let them leave my side. If you need info, do not be afraid to e-mail me.
hi – i would dearly love to have a manual for the slant-o-matic 401g13 – was considering getting rid of mine as it does not sew properly – but now am thinking i will put it in for a service and see how it goes – had it in the family since new – got all the other parts – just no manual – mine has ‘made in Germany’ stamped on it – does anyone else’s? (PS i live in Australia)
thanks so much for the info.
Hi I have been looking for one of these for ages and still cant find one!!! If anyone is looking to sell I would love them to contact me with their price inc. shipping costs. Thanks!! rleeson1@hotmail.co.uk
The bobbins are a common type, 66 I think. For those wanting manuels join one of the singer groups on yahoo (there are seveal) or you could go crazy and join them all (I did). They have manuels that can be down loaded in their files section on the group page, and of course lots of people willing to answer any questions.
I was given my Slant o Matic sewing machine 5 years ago from my Aunt
it was my Grandmothers, she bought it brand new in 1957 for $700. All the attachments are still in the original boxes And I am just learning after all these years sewing again and I love it