nwm50

I have the 306 Singer, wonder what is the difference between this and the 301 ???
I really would love to have an 301a based on everybody's talk on it, the black vs tan is what im not sure of what i want!

patdesign

Does the 306 use cams or zz?, the 301 is a straignt stitch only. I love all the old black singers, so dressy, but the 301 tans is usually easier to find. ALSO did you know that the 301 can be had in a 5 inch long bed vs the short 2 1/2?

LyndaK

I am the very proud owner of a black longed 301 which I wouldn't give up for any other machine. I have 3 Featherweights, 2 are the 222K free arm variety. I like them. They are so easily taken to classes, etc, but the 301 is such a nice machine to free motion and stitch with. I'm so happy with it. I own a couple of modern Janomes that are nice machines, but my goto machine has become my black 301.
I am also on the hunt for a good 401 so I have zigzag ability. I like that I can service these machines myself and they are virtually indestructible. My computerized machines will be junk long before my vintage machines are done. Quality stuff!

phyllis 81 yrs in Oregon

I have owned several 401 machines since I purchased a new one when they first came out in 1958. I would give one to my daughter then grands then great-grand daughters, then buy another.
Besides the zz, built-in cams (and some extras) that you dial with the two dials it has heming stitch and many others.
I am not familiar w/ 301
I have not quilted with one, but have pieced many quilts and made lots of clothing with them.
Phyllis
82 yrs in Oregon
70 years quilting

julia58

I have a 401a that I would not ever give up. It is a true workhorse. Hope I get lucky one day, and find a 301 at a good price. I love to sew on vintage machines. When the computerized ones are in the shop getting fixed because the motherboard went out, I will still be stitching along. Unless the power goes out!!!

LoriMcc

I have both, but I like the 301 better! I sew a lot with my students and they seem to use the 301 better also.

nwm50

that's right....the 306 has cams! Loved it but kinda heavy but not as heavy as the 15-90 in cabinnet that i have. Fixing to give the 15-90 to goodwill...anyone needs the manual for this one? Maybe i better post online for this.

irishrose

You can't use a magnetic seam guide on the 301. The reason it's light is that the body is aluminum. The magnetic guide just dances around.

vmhlake

I bought a 301A (long bed) a few years ago off of Ebay, and I love it! It is my machine I take to church for our Tuesday quilt sessions, it sews through heavy layers like butter. I oil and lubricate it a couple times a year and it is fabulous. Mine came with a case which is so handy. Last year I had to replace the plug in on the cord, but other than that nothing has broken down. Get the 301.

krisgray

I borrowed my mom's 301 once and loved it for piecing. There's a 1/4" mark on the throat plate!