Wilma
The first thing I would check is that the needle is in all the way and that it is a Singer needle. Nothing else will do in the old Singers. Also make sure she is oiled. Also make sure that the bobbin winder is not engaged. If the bobbin winder is engaged or in the on position it will feel like the needle is hitting when in fact the needle is getting locked down. Also take out the bobbin and bobbin case and make sure that there is no thread caught anywhere. That should take care of most of your problems.
Originally Posted by wilma A
is the 301a in the feather weight family? i have one that was given to me by my sister but i can't get it to sew the needle seems to be hitting on something and i cain't figure out what it is hitting.