Hello,
I am hoping someone on here can help me. As of Monday I become the proud owner of a mocha Singer 301. But I am haivng problems with her tension. I have done everything I can think of to 'fix' it. I even called the sewing repair man and they START their cleaning and tension adjustments at $69.95! UGH
So I am turning to you all for help.
Here is what I have tried:
.
I have
(1) put in a new needle
(2) re=threaded it several times -left to right
(3) re threaded the bobbin (which is all in great shape!)
(4) bobbin & top thread are the same threads,
(5) cleaned in and around bobbin case and machine
What happens is that once I start sewing the top thread gets REALLY loose and comes un-done from the needle and so I stop. without even making a stitch.
What should I try next?
Tensions is one area on machine I have never been very good at. I usually just take them to a repair man to fix, but last time I had to do that it was only $35.00! I'd prefer to learn how to fix it myself, with yall's help of course.
Thanks everyone! This is my 'new' machine :)

There is a thread on here about vintage machines, I think you should go ask there. Good luck
Kat

I don't have a 301 but I think it threads like its little sister the Featherweight, Right to Left. Try this and see if it is the magic fix!

I am unable to help you or myself! I've been struggling with the same problem with my Singer 15-91 & for the life of me can't get it fixed. My list of what I tried looks identical to yours! So...I'm biting the bullet & taking it to the repair shop. Otherwise I may never get to use it & I want to because it is the only machine I have that I can use for FMQ.

My 301 threads right to left as well.
Try that and see, it should make a difference.

Blessings,
Sandi

My other suggestion would be to sew into a leader or a small scrap of fabric or hang on to the threads when you start. yes, right to left threading.

I had the same problem the other day with my 301 drove me crazy, then I threaded it as the others have said right to left and it worked.

That's diff your problem...Right to Left...Also make sure you threaded your bobbin the right way thru the slide piece in your bobbin case...If you do that wrong it also causes that problem...

Also don't forget to give it a good oiling and greasing...Did it come with a booklet showing you where and how...You can find them online or on ebay.

okay Ill go try the right to left and see how it does,
Thanks everyone. I knew yall could help me!

That's what I was thinking. As I recall my Mom's 301 has an arrow on the needle plate showing the direction of the thread. And it's definitely right to left (inside to outside).

I downloaded one for my Mom's machine cause it hadn't been oiled in ages and I wasn't sure of all the places to lube and oil. There's also lots of other useful information in the booklet and they're pretty easy to get.

My 301 threads from right to left as well.
I couldn't really tell because the picture is too small, but i believe you are missing a guide. To the left of the spool and just behind the front guide. It would attach to the back of the machine. I think you will find a small hole on the back left of the machine at the top. I bought a set of guides on Ebay for a total of $9. Check out some pictures on the Singer site to see it. DO you have the book? you can d/l that free from Singer.

THAT WAS IT!!! i THREADED the machine from RIGHT TO LEFT and it sew like a dream !!! Maybe I'll call her 'Dreamy'???? LOL

Oh I am so excited now to go sew something! THANKS EVERYONE AGAIN FOR THE HELP!

Awesome, I have been following this thread closely to see if you got your machine to sew properly.

I know I love mine and she sews like a dream too, but I haven't named her yet.
I have a black shortbed 301.

Blessings to you,
Sandi

I was going to make the same suggestions about the threading. Glad it's all working now. Have fun!