It isn't the machine it is the motor. The motor isn't heavy enough to punch the needle. I would use an old clone with a 1.0 or bigger motor or best use an industrial with a walking foot especially if it is a business type sewing thing. The 301 motor is .5 if I remember right maybe .7 possibly. I used a 1.5 to soup up my Singer 15-75. It hems jeans.