We have quite a few machines in our shop and I own this type of Singer 201, just like your's. For stitching garments and light weight bags this one is my favorite. It is mounted to a K type industrial table with a servo motor and is so easy to maintain, adjust, and repair and so very smooth. The machine outlived it's former owner, and I expect it will outlive me.

Harry I appreciate your videos. You're humility, humor and great information are all so so refreshing. Thanks for your work.

Oh, also, I wanted to thank you very much for your getting me interested in leatherworking a few years ago. I have just finished my first bag, and have made lots of other things over the past few years as I have learned. It has become a new passion for me, and I am getting quite good at it. It has also connected me with a wonderful online community - ever more important during these lockdowns we are all experiencing.

I recently purchased a 201 (sight unseen) and it is being restored for me. Your video has helped me know what to expect. Thank you.

Thank you Harry Rogers. Your videos are always impressed and educative. Blessings

My goodness, Complements sir! When you do something you do it well. By that I mean you actually took the time to sew various thicknesses of different kinds of leather and let us see the results. BRAVO!

Thanks, Harry. Always glad to see a new video from you. I think I'm going to try light weight leather for wallet interiors.

Thanks Harry. Appreciate your videos. I've learned a lot from them.

Thanks for this! Love learning more from fellow leather workers. I’ve been very happy with my sailrite LSZ-1. Does 2-3oz well for bags, pouches, etc. otherwise it’s all hand stitched for me!

Excellent video! Thanks Harry!

i read a in depth article about the singer 201, 201k, and they are the most expensive sewing machines made , one comparison was a house cost £500 and the sewing machine cost £63 .they are thought of as the best straight stitch machines ever made , both the stitch quality and the machine quality have never been equalled , at those prices it explains why they are so good, hopefully i will have one in a few days to join my Brothers model 888 that just reminds me of a 1950s/60s car with the chrome and 2 tone solid pastel blue colour, i can do some leather work and make my zoot suit, yippee

Harry, Thank you for the advise to retain the original solid cast iron balance wheel for your Singer 201K23. Excellent point about the weight and belt drive diameter of the original balance wheel. I appreciate the sound advise of using a leather point needle when sewing leather. It makes perfect sense. The history of these aluminium Mk 2 machines is so interesting. Reminds me of the sacrifice that the British made during WWII.

I love your videos Harry! Thank you!!!

A very helpful video! Love your explanation

Thank you Harry Rogers...cheers from Australia.. we have a lot of old English Singer machines here... best ever machines, simple and easy. Your explanations are easy, very informative, uncomplicated and your voice and diction just lovely and smooth. l use my 201P regularly. TIP... for you l suggest, if you would start to consider writing a book/s... there are none out there, that cover all your tutorials. Another tip, kick start the book from all your comments on all the videos... genuine people with genuine problems to be solved, and no where to go. Really like your presentation.

excellent clear video and very helpful info .Thanks for posting

You da man Harry! Thank you AGAIN!

Cheers, thank you so much for your inspiration.

Sir, I enjoy your videos although all my leather sewing (which is very little) is done by hand with a chisel point needle and waxed cotron thread, and I have used my sewing machines strictly for fabric. However, you have helped me to understand much more about how my machines work. Thank you.

Thanks very much for this video and demonstration. Seems like I could sew patches on my riding leathers with this. I'll look for one.

very well made , its helped me understand my machine thanks for making and showing

Hi Harry! Thanks for posting this! I took lots of notes so that I can refer to them later! Bob in Virginia, USA

Love the wooden case!

Great job as usual Harry. Nice one mate :)

I found the limit of my 320 when adding a leather cuff to a wax jacket. 4 layers of soft possibly pigskin and 2 of wax cotton stopped the motor, I had to turn it by hand for those few stitches. It handled the rest of the cuff (2 layers wax cotton, 2 leather) admirably though using a standard needle and polyester thread.

“Al u mi nee um “? 🙄😬🤔😳 ! Being from Michigan, I was like ....! 😂😅! Now in New England area, had to THINK , Accent is BRITISH , ooohhh, “ALUMINUM “! You are TOO COOL! Your honesty & History lessons are APPRECIATED ! At 71 , STILL LEARNING!

Good info Harry......thanx.

Yes...the older fully cast body machines are incredibly robust. I'm also quite impressed with the old treadle style machines from the early 1900's. Keep in mind these machines not only had to make clothing, but often had to repair items around the family farm, like blankets, jackets, light horse tack, etc.

Great video. Thanks !!!

My understanding is that V69 equates to 40S. I use 40S bonded Nylon in my 201K and a size 18 needle. Needed bobbin tension tweaking slightly but sews a few layers of PU coated leather without flinching. I do have it mounted on a table with an industrial motor and mechanical clutch which must help. I'd be interested to see how the gears compare to a proper industrial machine

yes this a great machine for thin leather and other heavier material like tent canvas and tarps, webbing etc.

Out of interest what thread tension have you got it set at as I notice you don't change it for different leather thickness ??.

That smaller pully would actually change the ratio for the better to save the motor, at the sacrifice of speed. Great videos!

Hi, I'm working on a heavy singer sewing machine with a flat platform, can I install some kind of walking foot on it?

I have this very machine as well I love it ,I use a bonded 60 too ,I found I have to use my original foot with a leather point or Denim 16 , I'd like to find a roller for mine . I've got a hideaway table for mine ,What are you using to hold the thread spool ?

I have a 201-2 I’m getting worked on . My wife Inherited from Grandmother I’m going to use for small leather goods . Thanks Harry from Texas .

Great video as always. Do you know if there is any way of reducing the speed? I just picked one of these up for next to nothing and whilst it works beautifully, the speed is hard to control with old small button foot pedal. Thanks

Hello harry would a walking foot attachment be helpful for multiple layers ie 3mm scrim on vynil or 6mm foam on vynil regards mike

Which can sew heavy leather upholstery? Thank you!

The singer 201 was used to sew dash and door trims for rolls royce

I'm searching for a machine to sew leather. Can you tell me which on of these will do? Morse e-999 Industrial zig zag Industrial Singer single needle lockstitch 188KI sewing machine

My PFAFF 230 works great sewing leather.

So this machine could do leather jobs for wallets and phone cases?

Nicely done Harry. I'm a new subscriber and wondering about your thickness gauge/micrometer, seems very handy.

Thanks dear I have the same machine, but after 2 or 3 stech broking the thread. Can you help me about the problems.

Thank you for sharing this instructive video. Do you think this 201 is similar to 66 for light leather work?

Hi Harry I recently bought a singer 306k, i am very happy with it apart from the needle thing on these machines, the needles that fit are to expensive, have you found a way to hack the bobbins or whatever, i would be happy to hear your advice. Thanks

Harry you mentioned this is the second version of the 201. Do you think the first version would also work about the same for leather? There appear to be a couple for sale near me. It's tempting....

had my doubts, surely a manually pedal 201 machine should be able too, but it doesn't seem to penetrate it well at a slow speed, might disengage the sewing part of the machine(maybe it's intended to not be forced or maybe it could be tweaked a bit). somewhat worked with high speeds though but it could be more smooth.

Thanks Harry, I tried using my new Janome domestic machine to sew quite thick leather and it didn't work, as you would imagine. The feed dogs really scratched the underside of the leather does that ever happen with the Singer 201? I'm trying to make leather tabs for zip ends for fabric bags.

Hi, I have the black version, what is the thickest thread and needle size can be used on them? I am trying to saw some thick fabrics to design my own hiking gear, tents, hammocks, backpacks, belts, leather for sheath and so on. I am based in the UK. I bought the machine 25 years ago and the sound on the machine is as new, it sounds ever so quite, love the machine! Also, I have an Brother walking feet and a detachable overlock that I like to use. Love your work and please keep going. Thanks Harry :)

Is the singer 99k good for leather

Hi Harry do you think the 201k will sew through cork fabric for bag/purse making? Thanks for the video 👍

Very interesting. I have been watching quite a few videos on machine's that will sew leather. I'm looking at restoring leather flying jackets mainly fitting zips but I've yet seen anyone sewing leather and fleece. Would this machine handle this sort of work? Thanks

Hey Harry from a fellow Harry... what is that thicknesser guage thing you're using ?? looks handy!

Realy educational video mate, I am looking at a few different machines at the moment and was just wondering how the 201k would cope with light canvas as a posed to the leather. Thanks

Nice video, what would you suggest for a hobby or part time upholstery work on the automobile side. Sailrite not included

I have a 201k & it will get through up to 3mm or about 3.2 thick leather, anything thicker & it drops stitches. I figured there's too much pressure against the needle thread & thus the bobbin hook won't pick up the loop...'cause there' isn't one. Cornering also has a tendency to drop a stitch here & there. Using thick threads leaves the thread hard up against the needle when it withdraws. I too use leather 100's. As you said, regular size threads work perfect. My machine handles reversing well but not by hand using the balance wheel. It snaps the needle thread as it withdraws 5 times out of 6. Strangely it also offers up smaller stitching when reversing, regardless of what size stitching I've selected. Snaps needles as a result. I simply cannot reverse if sewing more than about 20 stitches per inch as the dog foot barely moves. Maybe my machine is just eccentric like me! Still, a damn fine machine considering mine was made in 1955, also have a 1951 model that mum uses in emergencies (when she breaks her janome) I picked mine up for less than AU$50 a few months back & I've been pumping out double layered leather keytags ever since. Have also sewn cafe blind poly clear stuff, only hazard there is the plastic doesn't like to slide . Masking tape is your friend here! Seat belt material is no issue as with most auto fabrics, even thick, rubber backed car floor mats. These machines are great, they offer adjustable bobbin winder, adjustable foot pressure & adjustable foot height. Just the thing for thicker fabrics. The engineering is also top notch in my opinion, all metal gearing, sprockets & driveshafts, all that means you'll snap & fold plenty of needles long before you break the machine! You taught me how to service mine too, thanks Harry.

The American version of the 201k has a potted motor with a direct drive (as opposed to the European belt drive). I wonder if these handle leather better.

I have the fortune to have an old pfaff 332, does well on light leather

Hi Harry, really enjoyed your video, are you using a standard 1x15 needle wedge for leather? Or is that just a standard needle?

Thanks Harry. I have a Singer 237 Model sewing machine and I was wondering if I would be able to sew a zip into a leather knee boot of my wife that needs a new zipper? I would like to thank you for your videos on leather craft. Thank you very much.

Great video! Thanks for the info. What is the tool that you measured the thickness of the leather called? Cheers!

Great Video. I have a Singer 215 G. Looks very similar to the 201 but has the bobbin spool in a vertical carriage underneath the foot as opposed to horizontal next to the foot. Is this machine of similar strength and quality to the 201 and can I use it for light leather as shown in this video. Cheers. Guy.

I know. My question is do you recommend a 301 to work on LEATHER. thanks

Your machine is a beautiful dual tone color and in great condition. You seem to enjoy what you do. I have a machine that looks like that, but it’s a 316G. I just received it, so I haven’t sewn much yet. I believe you said your machine is a Singer 201. Do you know the difference between a 201 (yours) and a Singer 316G, in terms of functions or capabilities? Very nice demonstration. Thank you. I always enjoy your videos...

Hi Harry. I've bought a 201k and she is a beauty but not great at sewing layers. Do you know anything about the singer 660 A2? It's got a clutch motor could it be replaced with a servo? Thanks Marie xx

Thanks Harry, looking at machines at the moment for wallets and small pouches etc. Current wallet builds are made from veg tan, 2mm out with 1mm internals so around 4.5mm total of Veg Tan. Trying to avoid the Chinese Patch machines so looking at something that will do the job but won't cost a small fortune.

hello harry, I recently purchased a 1940's 201k after watching your videos it has inspired me! where do you buy your spare parts and oil?

I was just given a singer Touchtronic 2000 - do you think it would work for leather? I also got a Pfaff 1222E, but it needs some work before it can be used for anything.

You certainly covered a lot of territory exposing critical sewing information of leather on a domestic machine, for which I thank you. However, you didn't expirment with presser foot adjustment. I would like to see the reaction difference on layer climbs and thicker leather with a twist or two on the presser foot adjuster.

Harry, I have a similar 201. Im sewing two layer cordura nylon, i keep getting knots on the back, my tension is at the max and it is still quite bad. Any tips ?

what is the difference between this machine and the Singer 15-125? I'm more interested in sewing Canvas rather than leather.

Could you use a kevlar thread in this Machine?

harry i have a singer 99. does your 201 have a bigger motor or are they the same? thanks

How may Amps is your 201k motor?

what machine can I use to do leather belts, thick leather belts? I am looking for something to start. HAve a singer 4411 and it will not do what I need. Thanks

Hi Harry am looking to have ago at some leather crafting and have found both a Singer 201 machine and also a Singer 185 k both quite close to me and for similar price, just wondered if you would offer your thoughts on which would be the better machine to go with? Thanks for any help and I’ve a lot of videos to catch up on!!

Hi Harry, I have hust acquired one of these lovlies and I wonder if you could answer a query for me. The foot pressure knob top left of the machine....where does it need to be for lighter and heavier pressure. I don't have a manual and I'd be obliged if you could help. Thanks, Clare.

My 201 came with the thread pin on top broken off just below the top of the machine. I haven't been able to pound it out or drill it out. Will a separate cone thread holder work just as well?

How does it compare to the cast iron 201 in slightly thicker material.?

Hi Harry, did you say that your 201-2 in the U.K. is belt driven? The U.S. versions are direct drive and therefore a little more powerful.

Hi Harry I cant find anything about a 201P treadle machine the same colour as the one your talking about. Can you help ??? do you know anything about them or anyone who does

Hi, I use this machine daily on leather and it's great but can the motor be upgraded? Mine is 90w and I get a bit of clutch slipping. Great tutorials.

Hi Harry hope you get this question - can I sew canvas or vynil

Hi, I was looking for the 201 on Craigslist and found a 301. Do you recommend that machine. And where can I buy a used 201? Thanks 1.21.19

Hi. Thanks for the great videos. I have a very keen interest in leather crafting and projects. I am slightly worried that searching online I have read of carcinogenic hazards of working with leather. I hope that is just me being too cautious? 🙏🏻😁

Hey have love your videos, been watching you for a while now. You say there's no cheap leather sewing machine, I would love to see what you can do with one of those chinese leather patcher handcrank sewing machines, not that expensive, you can get one for less then $200 USD, now they are crude but with tinkering I was able to sew up to 2 layers of 10oz veg tanned skirt leather, and sew as thin as 3-4 oz chrome tan boot uppers. Id think that be a great challenge for you and will make a great video. Take care

Hello I am a good tailor from Iraq looking for a job as a tailor out of my assistant does my living conditions not allow me to even pay college fees!

Harry are you familiar with the Singer 31-15 machine? One came up locally for sale near my home and not sure if it walking foot or just straight stitch? Any thought? Thanks once again my friend!

Thats great! What kind of price point is reasonable for these? Thanks!

I imagine if you were really flogging one of these on thicker/harder leathers it might be worth swapping out to a spoke wheel and hand crank for finer speed control and eliminating the risk of burning out the motor

I tried using my (1953) 201 hand crank for some light leather upholstery samples with leather needle, ordinary cotton, and 2 layers, but found the stitch length was too short, and uneven, set on full length? I have bought the roller wheel though haven't fitted it yet. Any ideas why mine has an uneven stitch on leather?

Hi Harry, my father brought this exact same machine today and asked me to get it sewing. I found your video on cleaning and oiling, which I’ve done. I’ve threaded it correctly but the thread keeps bunching up under the sewing plate(bobbin issue I assume). I saw your tension on left by the needle was 6-5. The lever on the right looks to be at 7 on your machine but mine only slides down to 10. Shame I can’t upload a picture on here. I don’t have any leather to practise on so used a 3 thickness cotton. Still the needle it game with which is quite heavy and a strong thread. Is it ok to practise on cottons to just get it stitching. The belt seems fine but maybe a tad looser than it should be. No obvious wear. Any advice you van give me would be hugely appreciated. Your video’s are great, step by step and detailed. I really didn’t expect to be able to find help on this machine, due to its age.

Hello there Mr Harry- I wonder if you have any idea of singer model190.i just cannot find any instruction-problem is the needle does not pick up bobbin tread

Hi Harry, been watching your Chanel for a while. I am retiring soon and love leatherwork. I looked for the singer, but it is not available. I have run cross, by some research, a REX RX607 any thoughts?

Do you think the steel old one is better than aluminium ?

As someone on a budget who is buying his first machine, I'm wondering if I should get a Singer, Pfaff, or Juki. I can't afford an Adler.

Looking for a minuture case for a singer from 1900. Any tips

So the black 201 is more powerful?