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

GET BOTH!!! HEHEHEHE

I wish I could! Unfortunately, my children have developed a "taste" for eating. (Pun Intended!)

Do you have a zigzag machine now? If so, then I'd go with the 301. The vertical bobbin is better for FMQ than a horizontal one. My 301, AnnieRose, came from an Ebay seller last Fall. She pieces beautifully - no eating tiny edges like a zz machine and FMQs wonderfully. My vintage Elna has ZZ and decorative cams, so I only needed a quilting machine, which the Elna is not.

Thank you for your in-put. I really appreciate it. (Do you remember your ebay seller?)

So, you don't find it is difficult to maneuver the quilt in your 301?

(I read a review of which machines were best for FMQ and the 301 was in her opinion great but not for large quilts. Here is the review: http://reviews.ebay.com/Free-Motion-...00000003585145)

ONE WARNING!!! At least 50% of the ebay photos for the 301's listed show missing bobbin cases! And they don't tell you in the description that you will have to spend another $40-$80 to get a replacement. I have a thread about this subject right now http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-139697-1.htm

So, before you bid, make sure the bobbin case is included and ask for a photo. Remember, these folks don't always sew and they think a bobbin is a bobbin case and have no clue..

I have the I have a featherweight and a 301...Love both of them as they are so light and easy to take to classes. I do really like my featherweight somewhat better as my 301 is in a cabinet. Not familiar with 401. Forgot to mention that I do most of my FMQ on a Janome-New Home Memory Craft 8000 or a Juki. I haven't been doing much quilting but have made baby quilt recently doing 1/4 inch stitching and and loved the results.

Thank you for the advice! I appreciate it so much. I know there is a risk when buying off of ebay.

I bought the cutest 301 a couple of weeks ago and cleaned it all up and she sews beautifully...this weekend I found another one...in a table...I don't know anything about the 401..but do watch for the bobbin case...make sure they know what it is...

I bought a 221 a while ago and the lady told me the bobbin case was broken...I bought the machine becasue the price was good but when i got it home I saw there was nothing wrong with the bobbin case ...it was the tension unit that was in pieces and I was able to put it all back together...

Okay, showing my ignorance here. Is the bobbin case the metal part that holds the metal bobbin that has the thread wound on it?

If so, there is a picture showing that part under the machine.

Is that what is sometimes missing?