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-   -   FMQ - Which machine would be better to use -- Singer 301A or Singer 403A (https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/fmq-machine-would-better-use-singer-301a-singer-403a-t219937.html)

Stitch124 04-25-2013 04:46 AM

FMQ - Which machine would be better to use -- Singer 301A or Singer 403A
 
I currently use a portable 301A but the foot controller gets so hot after a while! I also have a Singer 403A in a cabinet. Both are great machines and work beautifully.

Just wondering if one is better than the other for FMQing. Advice? Opinions gladly accepted.

Thanks!

Julie:confused:

Blackberry 04-25-2013 06:33 AM

I have a Singer 15-91 that I prefer for FMQ. I also have a 301A but haven't tried using it for FMQ

Candace 04-25-2013 08:28 AM

For sure the 301. The 400 and 500 series machines are terrible IMO, for FMQing. Go ahead and try it if you don't believe me:>

DanofNJ 04-25-2013 06:25 PM

The Slant Machines are not good FMQ IMHO, look for a 15-91. I'm with Blackberry

lovelyl 04-26-2013 03:37 AM

I have a 15-91 for FMQing but I have heard the 301 does a great job also. The 400's - not good for FMQing.

lswan 04-26-2013 04:27 AM

The 301 does a tremendous job. I sold my brand new Pfaff creative vision last year and bought 3 301s. I also have a 401 and 403 for piecing and zig zag. The 301s are precise, reliable, and can quilt very densely. I found an all metal FMQ foot and have a vintage Singer walking foot. As far as the foot pedal getting hot, see the other thread about that, but I swap pedals when one gets too hot. You can buy a different kind. eBay always has some. The 401/403 does not drop the feed dogs, but raises the needle plate for FMQ which I find unsatisfactory. The slant needles have no problems FMQ. They are gear driven and very smooth.
Linda

happyquiltmom 04-26-2013 05:25 AM

My 401 (slant machine) doesn't play well with FMQ. It always breaks the thread when I try to move to the left. However, it does a fine job straight quilting with the walking foot. As I don't own a 301, I can't give advice on it.

After doing much research, and asking advice of other quilters, I purchased a vintage Bernina 830 Record that I reserve solely for FMQ...it is a jewel!

littlesurfer 04-26-2013 06:31 AM

301's are great for FMQ...15-91's are also good.

cricket_iscute 04-26-2013 09:50 AM

The Singer 301 is the best machine I've ever used for fmq, and I've tested and used many.

ArchaicArcane 04-26-2013 10:30 AM

I agree, the 301 is a very good fmq machine. Strangely, I tried doing some FMQ on a 431G last night (think 401A with chainstitch capability, no elevator plate and an open arm) and I did just fine with it. As a rule, they're considered poor for this, but you may do OK. It's worth trying, but don't be discouraged if it doesn't work. One thing I did was set the stitch length to "zero" and stitched like that (it has a plate with a raised portion to "hide" the feed dogs, but I didn't bother with it. At first, it skipped stitches, then I changed the tension a little, went UP a needle size (from 80 to 90), and sped up a little, and it seemed fine.

tenngal 04-26-2013 12:48 PM

I found some info on how to use a walking foot on a 301 here: quiltingcrossroads.blogspot.com

Candace 04-26-2013 01:23 PM


Originally Posted by tenngal (Post 6027893)
I found some info on how to use a walking foot on a 301 here: quiltingcrossroads.blogspot.com


You don't need a WF for a 301, just lower the pressure on the presser foot.

irishrose 04-26-2013 02:18 PM


Originally Posted by DanofNJ (Post 6026377)
The Slant Machines are not good FMQ IMHO, look for a 15-91. I'm with Blackberry

Dan, my 15 clone wouldn't FMQ well at all. The first 301 has done anything I've thrown at it including currently straight lines close together with no walking foot. I haven't tried the other 301 yet. When my 301 had an plug problem, the machine that would FMQ was a 1940s Necchi (vertical bobbin like the 301s and 15s.)

Hummer Lady 04-26-2013 06:49 PM

I love my 301s for FMQ. I have 3, and am able to switch between machines if the foot pedal gets too hot. I also like it for free form FMQ (no patterns or templates). Great fun. I use my Husqvarna with a walking foot for straight-stitch quilting.

MimiBug123 04-27-2013 10:05 AM

I don't know about the 301, bot the 400s are terrible for FMQing. I have a 1951 15-91 that I love for FMQ work. I picked her up at an estate sale for $75, complete with a gorgeous cabinet, stool and tons of accessories.


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