How to Clean & Refurbish a Singer Model 201 Sewing Machine

A refurbished Singer 201 with new motor.

A Singer Model 201 sewing machine is an antique made in Scotland during the 1930s. The machine is one of the first electrical units made by the Singer Company. When a sewing machine is refurbished it needs cleaning and repair to work properly. All gears are inside a steel casing while the motor is in a small box under the wheel on the right. Refurbishing an antique Singer machine is facilitated by its sturdy craftsmanship.

Things You'll Need

• Singer sewing machine oil
• Kerosene
• Clean rag
• Mild soap
• Water
• Flat screwdriver
• Replacement gears

Instructions

Clean the Singer 201

1. Unplug the sewing machine from the outlet.

2. Wipe the outside of the machine head with a clean cloth using mild soap and hot water. Wring the cloth until it is no longer dripping with water.

3. Lift the machine head back by pushing on the top bar with one hand and steadying the machine head with your other hand to ensure it does not fall backward. Use kerosene to loosen any caked oil and remove it with a clean cloth.

4. Lift the rear cover plate, located between the wheel and the body of the machine head, away from you by pushing the lip with your thumb. Wipe the gears with a clean, damp cloth.

Oil the Singer 201

1. Drip three drops of Singer brand oil into the holes on the top of the machine head. Three holes are along the left side on the top pressure thumbscrew, and two holes are above the needle shaft. Four holes are on the right end of the machine head; one on each side of the spool pin, one immediately to the right of the spool pin plate, and one on the edge of the machine head.

2. Press down on the left end of the silver faceplate with your thumb and drag the plate to the left. Clean the shuttle and the bobbin case with a clean, damp cloth. Drip one drop of oil on the hook of the shuttle and the edge of the bobbin case.

3. Remove the black faceplate from the left side of the top bar by pushing the faceplate away from you. Place one drop of oil on the bottom of the spring, the spring shaft, and the three sections of the take-up lever.

4. Lift the machine head back and oil the shaft between the two gear covers on each end and each of the seven screws with one drop of oil. Replace the sewing machine head to the upright position.

5. Turn the hand wheel toward you twice to work the oil throughout the machine.

Refurbish the Mechanical Parts

1. Turn the gear covers clockwise to remove them. Unscrew the screw with a flat-headed screwdriver to remove any chipped gears with new gears of the same size and weight.

2. Unscrew the two screws on each side of the box and lift the motor casing off. Replace any frayed wires.

3. Pop the cover off the hand wheel with the screwdriver, unscrew the wheel screw and replace the new wheel.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not scrub over the gold details or rub them with kerosene; they may peel off. Gently wipe the detailing with an even stroke and only use mild soap.

• Always unplug an electrical machine before applying a wet cloth to its gears.

References

• Singer Company: Singer Sewing Machine Model Number 201 Instruction Manual
• Treadle On: Cleaning and Lubricating a Machine Head
• International Sewing Machine Collector's Society: The Care of Machines