Singer Model 404 Sewing Machine Parts

Singer Model 404 - Slant-O-Matic Straight Stitch Machine

Find vintage genuine and quality aftermarket replacement parts for the Singer Model 404, introduced in 1958 as the successor to the Singer 301/301A. Built at Singer's Elizabethport, New Jersey factory, this slant needle machine features a gear-driven motor and drop feed capability, though its short production run (1958-1960) makes it a relatively rare find today.

History of the Singer Model 404

Introduced in 1958 after the Anderson, South Carolina plant closed, the Model 404 was manufactured at the Elizabethport, New Jersey factory. Despite its solid engineering, only about 400,000 units were produced before it was discontinued in 1960 due to poor sales.

• Production Period: 1958-1960 (only 2 years)
• Manufacturing Site: Elizabethport, New Jersey
• Successor to: Singer Model 301/301A
• Production Numbers: Approximately 400,000 units (relatively rare)
• Discontinuation: 1960 due to poor sales

Why the Model 404 Was Discontinued

Despite solid mechanical engineering, several design choices made the 404 less popular than its predecessor:

• Appearance: Flesh-tone beige paint with brown decals was considered less attractive than earlier models
• No Carrying Handle: Lack of portability features made it less appealing to quilters
• Horizontal Bobbin: Unpopular with quilters due to limited thread capacity and need to remove fabric to change bobbins
• Market Timing: Introduced as zigzag machines were becoming more popular

Important: Slant Needle System

The 404 uses slant needle presser feet exclusively. These machines require slant shank feet, which are specific to Singer's Slant-O-Matic models and not interchangeable with the more common low shank feet used by other brands. When ordering presser feet for your 404, make sure you select slant needle feet - standard low shank feet will not fit this machine.

Key Features

• Stitch Type: Straight stitch only
• Bobbin System: Horizontal drop-in Class 66 bobbin
• Needle Type: Standard 15x1 needle
• Motor: Internally mounted gear-driven motor - no belts, strong torque and smooth operation
• Feed Dogs: Can be lowered via lever on bed - useful for free-motion sewing and darning
• Throat Plate: Quick-release design for easy access
• Shank Type: Slant shank (Slant-O-Matic series)

Singer 404 vs. Singer 301A

Advantages of the Model 404

• Gear-Driven Motor - No belts to replace, strong torque, smooth operation
• Drop Feed Dogs - Lever-operated drop feed for free-motion sewing (improvement over 301A)
• Quick-Release Throat Plate - Easy access for cleaning and maintenance
• Class 66 Bobbins - More readily available than Class 221 bobbins
• Solid Engineering - Reliable straight stitch performance

Available Replacement Parts & Accessories

• Class 66 Bobbins - Horizontal drop-in bobbins (more common than Class 221)
• Bobbin Cases - Replacement bobbin cases for horizontal system
• Slant Needle Presser Feet - Complete selection including zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, walking, and specialty feet
• Needles - Standard 15x1 needles in all sizes and types
• Motors & Controllers - Internal gear-driven motor components and foot controllers
• Electrical Components - Power cords, switches, and light bulbs
• Mechanical Parts - Tension assemblies, feed dogs, drop feed lever components
• Throat Plates - Quick-release throat plates
• Restoration Parts - Faceplates, decals, and cosmetic components

Maintenance & Care

The 404's gear-driven internal motor requires no belt replacement, making maintenance simpler than belt-driven machines. Regular cleaning and oiling will keep the gear system operating smoothly. The horizontal bobbin system should be cleaned regularly, and the quick-release throat plate makes this easy. The drop feed lever mechanism should be kept clean and lubricated for smooth operation.

Collector Notes

The Model 404's short production run (only 2 years, approximately 400,000 units) makes it relatively rare compared to other Singer models. While it was less popular than the 301A during its production, its rarity and solid engineering make it interesting to collectors today. The flesh-tone beige finish with brown decals is distinctive, though not universally loved.

The 404 represents an interesting transitional period in Singer's history - built after the Anderson plant closed, discontinued as zigzag machines gained popularity, and featuring design choices that didn't resonate with the quilting market that loved the 301A.

Need help finding the right part for your Model 404? Our team has over 20 years of experience with vintage Singer machines. Whether you need Class 66 bobbins, slant needle presser feet, or help with setup and maintenance, we can help you find exactly what you need. Remember: this machine requires slant needle feet - we'll make sure you get the correct parts for this rare Slant-O-Matic machine.