Originally Posted by Patchesnposies
I am thinking about buying a refurbished Singer 301 sewing machine off of ebay, but as I have researched it it seems like the 401 might be a bit better machine as far as machine quilting goes.
The advantages to me for the 301 is that it is a lighter machine and is a bit more reasonably priced ( after a quick look see). I might be able to find a 401 without all of the bells and whistles for a similar price.
My husband remembers his mom having a 301 when he was a kid and says he used it a lot! So for sentimental reasons HE wants the 301.
If you have a 301 and it serves you well, please tell me if I will be happy using it for FMQ. I have been a traditionalist thus far but arthritis issues have me reconsidering my position on all things must be quilted by hand. lol
I own both, and the difference is the weight on the 301 makes it portable if you are taking it to a class or retreat. The 401 has the capabilitly of a lot of stitches, including overcasting edges (closest thing to serger without owning one) with disc 22 and the overcast foot. They are both excellent machines, virtually indestructible, however the weight of the 401 makes it a little harder to move around. You can also drop the feed dogs on both so FMQ works on both. I love the quality of the stitch on my 301, but if I could only have one of these it would have to be the 401, but then mine is in a cabinet, and I don't take it anywhere. :-D