Singer Model 101-13

For a little background on the model 101’s history, my research reveals that it was first introduced in 1920 and production ended in 1932. During its twelve years of production only 230,475 machines were manufactured. Compared to every other model singer made, this is a relatively small number. Costing between $140.00 to $170.00 when it was introduced, it was most expensive machine Singer produced at the time. For this reason there are not a lot of these machines to be found and they are generally “missed” in the Singer model line.

The model 101 was Singer’s first domestic sewing machine specifically designed to be used as an electric sewing machine, unlike electrified sewing machines that were designed to be used as a treadle or hand cranked sewing machine and adapted to accommodate the use of an electric motor and light. It has a built-in (potted) motor that drives the sewing machine crankshaft via gears instead of the typical friction wheel or belt systems common to the time period.

The 101 the first Singer machine offered some innovations that distinguish it from every other domestic sewing machine at the time. Aside for being designed only to use electricity.  It is the only domestic Singer sewing machine that uses an oil sump and wicking system to lubricate all the components under the bed of the machine. It is also the only machine that uses  a removable bed plate so all cleaning and regular routine maintenance can be performed from the top side of the machine.

The stitch length is regulated by a rotary dial mounted on the bed plate surface beside the machines pillar. The 101 uses a 15×1 needle and a class 66 drop-in bobbin. The needle threads left to right same as the model 66’s and the 99’s.

The Stitch quality of the model 101 is known to match the stitch quality of the venerated model 201. The biggest disadvantage of the model 101 is that it does not have the capability to back tack.