We've all heard the old saying: "If it looks like a duck..."
Well, if a sewing machine looks like a 401, threads like a 500, chain-stitches like a 600 and treadles like a 328...it's a 411!
Which makes the 411 more of a Platypus than a duck.
The 411 features a number of unique characteristics, beginning with its manufacture history. The 411G shown above was a puzzle, because the "G" in the model number indicates Germany, but the serial number points to Canada. After some research it appears that the head was cast (and stamped with serial number) in Canada then the machine was assembled in West Germany.
The two machines look similar but the 401A is "squarer" in styling. Stylistically the 411 more closely resembles the 403.
The 411 and 403 share a prominent pointed ridge on top and distinctively shaped light cover. However the 411 has a couple of mechanical features that mimic the 500 Rocketeer.
Note the additional thread tension regulator just above the tension knob. This was a new feature when the 500 was introduced and was also used on the 411.
The 411 and 500 also share a top-mounted bobbin-winder.
Another unique feature is that while it looks like a Slant-o-Matic, the 411 can chainstitch like a Touch & Sew!
The final twist is that the 411 can also be used as a treadle machine, making it one of the very rare zig-zag treadle models. This feature is also found on the vertical needle 328 Style-o-Matic.
Note the channel for the treadle belt in the base just directly below the handwheel.
The 411 is truly a fascinating member of Singer's Slant Needle family. It does not feel as well built as the 401. The casting feels lighter and the paint job and trims appear to be lesser quality. But the unique versatility of this machine make it a strong contender for the title of "Best All-Around Slant Needle!"
Ah, I see from your other article that it is definitely Style-o-matic. Maybe I was thinking of 317/327, but on second look those appear to be just basic ZZ machines.
I see you answered your own question! Style-o-Matic is the name printed on the instruction manual for the 328. "StyleMate" makes sense, though! Easier to say, too. Thank you for visiting!
You are correct! the 411 and German-built 401 are practically identical. There are not many of them over here, all of the 401's I've encountered are the Anderson-built 401A. Thanks for sharing!
Knowing nothing about sewing, I picked up a 411G on a flea market for 35€ on Saturday. I came home with mixed feelings, would the machine run, was it a good deal? I was just carried away by its looks, felt in the worst case the machine would be nice decoration and all the accessories should have some value on ebay. After I found your site and started to experiment i was soon absolutely captivated. At first the machine always started at a slow speed when connected, I then found out the Capacitor in the Pedal was broken - it now run it without the cap. In only 2 days i learned how to thread the machine, stitch straight, zig zag, loopy and I now arrived at free-hand stitching with it. I hope to find some time after xmas to take some pictures and will let you know. This machine will sure stay with me for a while!
If you see it - hope the embedding works somehow - there's a metal dome in the front left, i'm not sure if it belongs to the machine, it was found in one of the drawers. Maybe you can tell something about it?
Sorry, the photo links didn't work so I haven't been able to try and identify the spare metal part. If you use the Contact Us page I can respond with an email address to send the photo to.
I don't have one right now but I'll let you know if one turns up!
Thanks Barbara, I will keep checking back. still locking after a year.
This chainstitch plate #21913 will not work on the 411g only the 503599 will work. I was lucky enough to find one from a fellow Winnipeg collector. Thanks for the help guys.
Interesting to see your 411 article since I recently found a 411M. (Milan built, not Monza as some people believe) that came with the chain-stitching plate, 503599. Not sure of the differences,if any, between the 401G yet.
Very little online about the 411M so it seems quite rare in UK, let alone America. All I find on Youtube, for example, is a 412M.
I'll get comprehensive pics uploaded shortly.
The 411g looks like my 411g so I am going to say the 503599 is going to be the only chainstitch plate that can be used for that machine. Hope this helps.
My 411G has the opening in the front base for a treadle belt but no corresponding opening at the back. I also don't see a channel for a belt to run over the hand wheel. Were some of the 411s made which could not be turned into treadle machines? Or am I just missing something really obvious? I've only had this Singer 411 for a couple of weeks and haven't got it set up yet but I was thrilled to read that it could be treadled. I love my old 127!
So glad to find your site. I own a 411G cabinet machine with a knee control attached to a foot pedal inside the cabinet. I love the machine, I find it way better than newer machines, even though it doesn't have all the bells/whistles such as Speed Control. I'm just learning to Free Motion Quilt. I'm having problem with controlling the speed. I have to press fairly hard with my knee to get it started, then have trouble slowing it down for Free motion. Any suggestions would be appreciate. Thanks for your help.