Singer Model 201
The 201 was the top tier Singer sewing machine of it’s time, and it’s still considered to be one of Singer’s best machines ever. Introduced in 1934, it’s a fully gear-driven, rotary hook sewing machine. There are more than 10 variations of the 201. There’s a handy variation chart on the Singer Sewing Info website.
Singer 201-2 – Made in the U.S.A. – Potted Motor
The most common version of the Singer 201 found in the United States is the 201-2. It’s easy to recognize by it’s integrated lamp on the front of the arm, the white toggle switch on the machine plug, and the rear cover of the “Potted” motor.
Singer 201K3 – Made in Britain – External Motor
The Singer 201K3 shown in the gallery above lacks the integrated lamp and potted motor of the 201-2, and in their place uses the more traditional “CAT S4” lamp fixture, and an external motor. The machine above has a U.S. 110-120V “CAT BR8S” motor, instead of the 220-240v “CAT BAK or BZK” motor found on machines made for British use.
Singer 201-2 Lamp Refresh and Rewire
The above gallery is an overview of how to rewire the 201-2 lamp. I will eventually write an article that goes more in depth. Each of the photos is captioned, click on the photo to see the full sized image with the caption.
Specifications
| Brand | Singer |
| Model | 201 |
| Year | 1954-1961 |
| Machine Body | All metal, Most are cast iron, but some are cast aluminum |
| Drivetrain & Gears | All metal with one Textolite fiber composite gear in the 201-2 |
| Color | Black, Some post 1960s variations where available in brown or green |
| Feed Dog Drop | Yes |
| Motor | External, or Potted motor depending on the model, also treadle, and hand crank models |
| Foot Type | Low shank |
| Hook Type | Rotary |
| Bobbin Type | Class 66, plastic or metal can be used |
| Needle | 15×1 Standard Household/Domestic machine needle |
