I have a chance to buy a featherweight without a case for $250 and/or a 301A with a case for $128. Which would you recommend? The 301A supposedly also zigzags.

If you are planning to do a lot of sewing with either machine I would take the 301A. I like the extra room it provides for quilts. I would love to get a 301A. I just have a FW.

f/w, that's just me.

I have a 301A and it is the best machine. Wish I could get a couple more of them!

Depends! ;) Which one do you WANT the most? (You can always find another of the other model later)

They do make cases for the FW, they cost about $60 on ebay.

Those are for the newly produced cases - if that makes a difference.

I just got my hands on a 301 about 6 weeks ago and have used nothing else since. LOVE IT!!! Still love my Featherweights, but the 301 has been able to handle things much better - canvas and strapping on tote bags.

Like was said earlier - which ever you want most.

BTW - the 301 does NOT have a zigzag built-in - it is an attachment like a buttonholer. FYI

I love my 301 and would prefer another 301 over a featherweight. I am hoping to eventually get a black 301 to go with my tan 301.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Featherweights appear here in S.F. occasionally. There are three or four advertised on Craigslist right now.

I think, pricewise I'm probably going with the 301A. Hope I'm making the right decision.

You will love the 301