Originally Posted by Carol Jean
The Kenmore 1301 is a high shank sewing machine. I think it has a 1.0 or 1.2 amp motor on it. But check to make sure. I had one and it will sew alot of heavy fabric with a # 18 needle. The Singer 301 is also a very heavy all metal machine. It is your own preference. They are both nice machines.
I found one recently for sale for $60.00 in a cabinet. I see lots of Singer 301s on Ebay, but not this particular Kenmore, so I wasn't sure if it was any good or not. I'm looking for another machine to sew some heavier projects that I make which include zippers, and my machine hangs up on those thick seams. I learned to sew on a Kenmore that was probably made in the 1950s. I think one difference between the Singer 301 and the Kenmore 1301 is the weight - 17 lbs. vs. about 26 I think???