Singer 111W155: A Complete Guide to Threading, Stitch Length, and Speed

· EmbroideryHoop
Singer 111W155: A Complete Guide to Threading, Stitch Length, and Speed

Discover how to master the Singer 111W155 — from threading to setting stitch length and understanding motor speed. Derek Does walks through each step with clear visuals and practical tips for beginners learning this classic industrial workhorse.

Educational commentary only. This page is an educational study note and commentary on the original creator’s work. All rights remain with the original creator; no re-upload or redistribution.

Please watch the original video on the creator’s channel and subscribe to support more tutorials—your one click helps fund clearer step-by-step demos, better camera angles, and real-world tests. Tap the Subscribe button below to cheer them on.

If you are the creator and would like us to adjust, add sources, or remove any part of this summary, please reach out via the site’s contact form and we’ll respond promptly.

Table of Contents
  1. Introduction to the Singer 111W155
  2. Mastering the Threading Process
  3. Adjusting Stitch Length with Precision
  4. Controlling Your Machine's Speed
  5. Essential Maintenance Tips
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to the Singer 111W155

A rock-solid workhorse, the Singer 111W155 serves upholsterers, denim makers, and leather hobbyists who need reliable feed and consistent stitch quality. Derek’s concise walkthrough helps new owners get the machine running as intended.

Why it matters: With its locked-in stitch length system and mechanical precision, mastering this unit means fewer surprises mid-project. Compared to consumer models like the brother embroidery machine, the 111W155 is fully mechanical—a meticulous but forgiving teacher.

Overhead of Singer 111W155 with thread spools on a stand.
Full machine view showing setup before threading.

Mastering the Threading Process

Threading is often where frustration begins. Derek shows that a clear overhead view and correct thread-stand height can solve most tension problems.

Close-up of thread stand showing correct height.
Thread stand height is key for proper thread angle.

Start by setting the thread stand high enough that the thread descends at a vertical angle. From there, follow these checkpoints: 1. Guide thread through the top and then bottom openings of the first guide.

A hand points to the first thread guide on the machine.
The first thread guide ensures smooth thread entry.

2. Pass through the small horizontal metal guide for initial tension.

Close-up of the small horizontal metal guide on the Singer 111W155.
Small horizontal guide maintains thread tension.

3. Wrap around the main tension disks and ensure the spring engages properly.

Main thread tension assembly with two disks and spring.
Main thread tension disks balance the upper thread.

4. Engage the lower tension spring until you feel a click—use tweezers for accuracy.

Tweezers guiding thread through a tension spring.
Tweezers help engage the secondary tension spring.

5. Lead the thread through the take-up lever hole and back down through the thread lifter.

Thread passing through the hole of the take-up lever.
Thread must move smoothly through the take-up lever.

6. Pass through the needle-bar guide just above the needle.

Tweezers show thread entering needle bar guide.
Final guide positions the thread before the needle.

7. Finally, thread the needle from left to right.

Thread going through the needle eye from left to right.
Threading left-to-right ensures proper stitch formation.
⚠️ If you thread the needle in the wrong direction, your stitches may skip or break. Always follow the left-to-right orientation unique to this model.
💡 For new operators transitioning from embroidery units such as those using magnetic hoops for embroidery machines, treating threading as a meditative, routine habit helps build muscle memory.

Adjusting Stitch Length with Precision

Changing stitch length on the 111W155 isn’t a matter of guesswork—it locks into deliberate increments from 5 to 32 stitches per inch. Derek points out the left button on the machine head is the key (ignore the right-hand safety clutch). Press, rotate the handwheel gently, and view the window that reveals the current number.

Pressing the left button on the machine head.
The left button engages stitch length adjustment.
Close-up of stitch length indicator window showing number.
The stitch length window shows current settings.

Perform a test row for each setting: 12 stitches per inch (fine), 5 (coarse), and the nearly micro 32 (ultra-tight).

Sewn line at 12 stitches per inch on denim.
A 12 stitches-per-inch sample shows fine density.
Sewn line at 5 stitches per inch on denim.
At 5 stitches per inch, stitches are much longer.
Sewn line at 32 stitches per inch on denim.
32 stitches per inch create a dense decorative line.

After practice, 7 stitches per inch often turns out to be the sweet spot for sturdy seams.

Stitch length window showing number seven.
Indicator confirming change back to 7 stitches per inch.
✅ If the wheel feels tight, stop and oil before forcing it. A dry mechanism can warp precision components over time.

When troubleshooting or sharing techniques in online groups dedicated to industrial gear, you’ll notice some comparatives with brands that support modular systems like mighty hoop embroidery—though this Singer thrives on classic mechanical feel instead of magnetized accessories.

From the comments

A viewer feared their machine sewed backward after sitting for a while; Derek responded that motor direction—particularly on servo motors—can reverse rotation. Reseating the belt or correcting servo settings fixes it instantly.

Controlling Your Machine's Speed

The video concludes with an overview of motor types. Traditional clutch motors respond only to foot pressure (“feathering”). For newcomers, this can feel jerky. In contrast, servo motors let you dial in exact revolutions per minute and maintain steady speed for delicate materials.

Presenter explaining servo vs clutch motors.
Servo motors allow quieter speed control adjustment.

Derek’s own servo ran at about 300 RPM during demonstration, easily adjustable up to 900 RPM. His advice: opt for a slower-speed clutch or servo motor for better control.

If you come from modern embroidery brands that employ accessory features like baby lock magnetic hoops or sensor-based controls, this analog feel is refreshingly direct. Once you sync foot motion with motor response, precision comes naturally.

💡 Beginners sometimes think faster is better. In truth, keeping speeds low during threading, start-ups, and dense materials prevents skipped stitches.

Essential Maintenance Tips

Oiling is as foundational as threading. Derek and experienced commenters agree that you should oil any metal-on-metal point—above and below—especially before adjusting stitch length. Use a proper machine oil and allow it to settle before sewing again.

Side insight: One user asked where exactly to apply oil when the wheel resisted turning. Derek’s response summed it up perfectly: “Anywhere something moves.”

Cleaning lint from the feed dogs, keeping tracks free of buildup, and ensuring belt tension are maintenance must-dos. They keep your machine smooth even without the automation perks seen in advanced equipment such as magnetic embroidery hoops uk.

⚠️ Don’t use general-purpose oil or WD-40 equivalents. They can thicken or gum up precision parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the stitch length? Derek notes you probably won’t change it often unless you switch between multiple fabric types; once learned, the motion becomes automatic.

What are the main tension points in threading? Top/bottom guides, main tension disks, secondary spring device, take-up lever, and needle-bar guide.

Why oil before adjusting stitch length? Lubrication ensures the handwheel rotates freely and prevents strain on the mechanism.

💡 Sewists coming from computerized embroidery environments—think dime magnetic embroidery hoops setups—often remark how satisfying analog maintenance feels once mastered. The tactile dial, the click of metal parts, and that rhythmic stitching remind us why these machines still earn bench space today.

With clear understanding of threading, targeted oiling, and mechanical speed control, the Singer 111W155 proves its reputation: sturdy, reliable, endlessly fixable. Follow Derek’s process once, and the motions become instinctive—a timeless pairing of craft and machine.