



A versatile, high‑performance single-needle lockstitch machine engineered for universal garment applications. Featuring a “Semi‑Dry‑Head” lubrication system, tool-free presser foot adjustment, and Dürkopp Adler’s DAC classic control technology, the 281 delivers consistent seam quality, quiet operation, and durability across light to heavy-weight materials.
Semi‑Dry‑Head lubrication: Minimal oiling for needle bar and hook—prevents fabric stains, ensures clean operation, and reduces maintenance.
Adjustable presser foot pressure: Unique handwheel allows quick, tool-free adaptation to different materials with reproducible settings.
DAC classic control with OP1000 panel: “Plug and Play” control system retains all machine parameters even when exchanging control units, along with seam programming, energy-efficient settings, and free programmable functions.
Optimised sewing kinematics: Delivers perfect stitch formation with minimal thread tension, designed specifically for light-to-medium (281‑140342‑03) and medium-to-heavy (281‑160362‑03) materials.
Integrated electro valves: All automatic functions (thread trimmer, back‑tack, foot lift) are electromagnetically controlled—no compressed air needed.
Thread nipper: Ensures a neat seam start on the upper side for improved visual quality.
Built-in dimmable LED light: Provides clear visibility in the sewing area for precision work.
High quality Durkopp Adler control technology
Slightest maintenance demand and fast assembling by perfect 'out of the box' concept
Integrated electromagnets for all functions, without compressed air
Neat seam beginning on the upper side of the material by means of standard thread nipper
Integrated touch control panel for programming and calling up of seam programs
USB Slot (can be used for charging
Convincing price-performance ratio
Integrated, dimmable LED sewing light as standard


Sewing on labels and facings


Piped pockets, billet pockets and breast welt pockets end finishing


Sew back, side and shoulder seams
| Subclass | Stitch length [mm] max. | Stitches/min | Sewing material | Single needle | Lockstitch (301) | Horizontal hook, small (S, Ø 22mm) | Semi-Dry-Machine Head | Bottom Feed |
| 281-140342-03 | 4.5 | 5000 | Light - Medium | |||||
| 281-160362-03 | 6 | 4000 | Medium - Medium Heavy |
| Subclass | Automatic thread trimmer | Automatic seam backtacking | Automatic sewing foot lift | Thread nipper for a neat seam beginning | Clearance when lifting, electro magnetic [mm] max. | Clearance when lifting, with knee switch [mm] max. | Program control, operating panel OP1000 | Integrated LED sewing light with dimmer | DA-sewing drive |
| 281-140342-03 | 14.5 | 12.5 | Optional | ||||||
| 281-160362-03 | 16 | 14 | Optional |
| Subclass | Needle System | Needle Size [NM] max. | Thread Type* ** [Tkt.] max. |
Flat bed machine with clearance [mm] | Nominal voltage [V, Hz] | Rated power [W] max. | Weight, sewing head only [Kg] | Packaging size (LxWxH) [mm] |
| 281-140342-03 | 134 | 65-100 | 50/3 | C= 285 / D = 130 | 1x230V, 50/60 Hz | 550 | 42 | 785x300x694 |
| 281-160362-03 | 134 | 90-130 | 30/3 | C= 285 / D = 130 | 1x230V, 50/60 Hz | 550 | 42 | 785x300x694 |
* Max. thread size upper thread: Tkt. 10/3, max. thread size bobbin thread: Tkt. 20/3
** Max. thread size upper thread: Tkt. 15/3, max. thread size bobbin thread: Tkt. 40/3