I am so excited-I just won an auction for a Singer 301a on Ebay. I have been looking at featherweights and 301's for awhile and have never seen any that were in great shape or at a decent price. I got this one for $137-don't know if that is a great deal or not but I am happy with it. From what I have read there are not a lot of differences between the two machines-please let me know if this is not correct. I am just excited-this is my first purchase of a vintage machine and I cannot wait for it to get here :mrgreen:

Congrats!! As for price? If you're happy with it, then it was an excellent price! :)

Got a picture?

congratulations, love to see a photo of your machine you purchased

Here are some of the pics that are posted on ebay

I love my 301. In fact, I got rid of my FW in favor of the 301. Enjoy it!

Ouch NUMA - you 'got rid' of your FW - owwwwwww.

I work on a 301 a lot and love it's smooth running sound and great stitches. My 301 is in a table not a case like yours.

I have a FW in a case ready to go quilting outside the house. FW is much lighter for travel.

ENJOY they're wonderful! Heck any machine that runs well is wonderful!

You'll love the 301. The feed dogs drop and it's great for free motion quilting. You can get a generic slant needle hoppy foot at Hancocks - wait for a sale...

These old machines LOVE cotton thread too - and you have the least tension problems when you use cotton - I buy on huge cones and use a stand...

You'll love it - so don't try to second guess yourself...

I had a 301 I sold but boy did it ever sew, good stitch, a real trouper...you'll love it

That looks like a great deal, judging by the cosmetic quality of the machine, the case, and the original foot pedal.

The 301 is much heavier than the featherweight, so not as convenient for taking to class. Both are fine for piecing, but the 301 is better than the featherweight for quilting (heavier-duty motor, I think).

Hey, it looks beautiful, and going by local prices you got a great deal. I hope you enjoy it bunches!

I went to Hancocks and searched for "hoppy foot" and, of course, didn't come up with anything. Then I searched for quilting foot...nothing.

Any suggestions or links so I can see what I'm looking for.

Do you mean 'walking foot'?
Thanks

It would be a darning foot (hopping foot).

I have a 301 and I love sewing on it better then my new machine. It never messes up, it never causes me any frustration at all. The bobbin winds at perfect tension. The stitches are perfect, it's sturdy so it doesn't vibrate or wobble. It has sewn every type thread I have used on it. It takes a special bobbin so don't try to use a regular bobbin. And remember it threads from right to left. I found the light bulbs that fit it at Ace Hardware. If you find them for sale buy several. They are under $2 at hardware stores. They aren't stocked in most stores.

Congratulations on your new 301. How are you liking it?

It looks brand new to me and I think it is worth the price you paid. Enjoy it.

Its beautiful!

I haven't got it yet-am still waiting for it to arrive. I can't wait. Thanks for the helpful hints!

Boy did I make the biggest mistake, I sold my mom's 301 in a garage sale 20 years ago she made my wedding dress on it and everything else. she has past away and I had a new update singer Ha Ha, have had nothing but trouble with it. Not to mention I gave my 99 away years earlier. Do I wish I had both of them back now. I did get on ebay a 99 a couple weeks ago and am smilling at it and saying I love you!!! My husband thinks I am crazy. Enjoy your 301 It will be with you for life.
margaret

I got my "new" Singer 301a today finally. Shipping took forever-I thought it would never get here. The sad part is the box they shipped it in had those large staples in it and one came loose during transit and scratched two spots down to the metal :( Other than this it is in great shape-I think I should take it somewhere and get it a check-up so it can be oiled and whatnot though just to be on the safe side.

If you insured it, you may be able to get some money back for damage.

It was insured-I will contact the sender and let them know what happened and see what comes of it. It is just a shame that it messed up some of the beauty of the machine :(

It didn't come with a manual! I can't even figure out how to pull up the bobbin thread or even how to remove the bobbin case. Anyone esle have one of these beauties who can offer suggestions?

I love your 301a! I got one a while back on Ebay also. I lucked up and got it for $65, including shipping. Mine is also in a case but it is a short-bed. I am hoping to get it serviced soon and start sewing on in.

Hi there should be a little lever on the bobbin case itself pull it out and the case should come out. I used to sew on my Mom's 301 that was 30 years ago so i am pretty sure thats how you do it. I know you have to put the presser foot down. than turn the wheel to lower the needle and bring it up and pull and the bobbin thread should come up.
I sure made the biggest mistake when I sold my moms 301 after she died because I had a new singer and never thought I would use the 301. Mistake. good luck with yours.
Marg

My 301 and featherweights are my favorite machines. My 301 is in a cabinet and sewing with it makes me smile, it's a great machine. I got mine from a Craigslist add, drove 100 miles to get it. Enjoy your super machine!

iif it is used for quilting think it is a walking foot.
I just found a 301a and didn't know what it was.
In a nearby town, called and going back and get it for $30!

a singer feather weight weights 11 lbs and a 301 14 lbs

I have a black 301A with all the attachments. I love it. It sits next to my black FW.

I have both, the 301 and FW's. I too prefer the 301. Love tha old vintage machines. To bad they don't make them like that anymore.