cashs_mom

I have a Singer 301A that belonged to my mother. I have never done anything with it, but y'all have inspired me to get it out while my Bernina is in having a tune up and see if its still working. My mother complained a lot about the machine, but I have a feeling that most of the problems were "operator error" At one point she called me because it wasn't working. When I asked when the last time she had cleaned under the throat plate and she said "I never have". This machine was purchased in the late fifties (I think) and this was in the 80's. She told me later that it looked like a little felt pad under there. I was amazed that the poor thing had sewn at all. But its clean and pretty and I'm anxious to see how it sews.

I"ve downloaded the manual so I can reference it. It's been 30 or 40 years since I've sewn on it and I"m not even sure I remember how to thread it. I do have some bobbins and I"m going to the store tomorrow and I'll pick up some machine needles. With my other machines I usually use Schmetz needles. Can I use those on the 301 or do I need to buy Singer needles? I have about 4 bobbins and will probably be looking for some of those, too. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

greywuuf

Schmetz needles should be fine in your 301, Good luck and if she is oiled up nicely and clean I have a feeling you will have a Very positive experience with your little 301

cashs_mom

I hope so. This is the machine I learned to sew on so it would be nice to use it again.

foufymaus

i cant remember if its a class 66 bobbin or not. If it is, get the plastic bobbins, the metal ones are hit and miss with quality.

SunlitenSmiles

order the 301 bobbins from sew classic .....have never​ seen a plastic 301 bobbin

lswan

I sew on 301s every day. Best machine ever for piecing. I used to FMQ on them until I bought a longarm. Oil every 8 hours of sewing. Use Tri-flow oil. Keep it clean from lint. I use Organ titianium needles, usually a 90/14, but smaller for paper piecing. I replaced the regular bulb with an LED and it stays cool. I just love, love them. Make sure the bobbin case finger is engaged in the needle plate slot when you take off the needle plate. It is a direct drive machine, so smooth, strong and easy to use!

QuiltMom2

Good luck and have fun! I think my mom's machine was a 301 (after intent study of all pictures posted on this board, that's the closest I can remember!)

Mrs. SewNSew

You are going to love it. I think the 301 is my favorite machine of all my vintage machines. It's just a joy to sew on!

Sewnoma

Nice!! I think you will like the machine, I don't have one myself but all I hear are positive things. I do love that era for Singers. And it being a family machine makes it at least 5 times more awesome.

I second the comment about the bobbins - if you go to someplace and buy Singer brand class 66 bobbins you are going to be very disappointed - they literally do NOT make them like the used to! I can't get new 66's to even fit into the bobbin case of any of my vintage Singers! I found some very nice steel 66 bobbins on Amazon that are beautifully made; and people also say good things about the Sew Classic 66 bobbins. You'd think Singer could make bobbins that would work in their own machines but....nope. They're awful - cheap metal, irregularly shaped...big bummer.

elnan

The 301A does NOT take class 66 bobbins. It's bobbins are same as the ones for a Singer Featherweight. Go with the suggestions about shopping at SewClassic for bobbins. I have bought them off the wall at the local quilt store, the blister pack said Singer, but they were a poor fit.