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

Good luck! Sounds like u made the right decision!

I think you will love the 301. Have fun with her.

You'd be happy with either one but I know you'll LOVE your 301.

I'm late to the party, but it's 301 all the way. Cute isn't everything!

I have both. The 301 is the one for me.....

I got rid of my FW in favor of my 301. It is a much better machine. It's gear driven, drops the feed dogs, has a larger space, a built in handle and there is only a slight weight difference. Beautiful stitches too!

Yes, and they don't move all over the table when sewing. Love the 301!!!!

I've got both machines. If you're going to machine quilt you want the 301, for piecing the featherweight is all you need.

I have a featherweight and love it. I recently bought 2 301's from a person who had many different machines. I got a tan one with a case in mint condition and a black one that is also in mint condition and is in a beautiful maple cabinet, I bought the machines and cabinet for a total of $135.00.

I love my Featherweights, but if you are not going to be taking it to classes, I would go for a 301. It is a little more versatile. The cost on a 301 is less and I would definitely want a case for my machine. In MHO, you will be happy with either.

The FW is cute and great for piecing, the 301 will work for you, much harder work than you can ask of a FW. JMHO

Yes, I think the lightweight portability of the FW is a big consideration.

I have been wavering myself on this decision. I really like the looks and lightness of the featherweight and wanted one to take to classes. But I have been looking at the 301's also, like the looks of the black one but wonder if it would be harder to see to sew on than the tan. My eyesight is not what it used to be.

Be sure you post a picture,I would like to see what a 301 looks like.

Here is a picture of a 301. They come with either a short bed or long bed, this color, plain tan and also black. I really like these machines. The FW weighs 11 lbs and the 301 weighs 16 lbs. Not that much difference in weight. :thumbup:

I have both (and a bernina 430) and would not get rid of any of them. they each have their place, but I love bringing my 221 down to my camper for piecing. My 301 is in a cabinet, but is easily removable for portability, weighs just a little more than my 221 (and a lot less than the bernina) and will do both straight stitching and FMQ. If I had to start with one, I would get the 301 first.

I just purchased my 301 a few months ago. I can honestly say I have never owned a sewing machine that I love as much as I do her and I have 4 other machines. She is my "go to" for sure. I just adore hearing her purr away with every stitch. Nothing fancy or complicated to fiddle with, just pure honest sewing. I considered both the 201 and 301 and was really attracted to the 201. Read a lot of great reviews here and decided on the 301. Wouldn't trade her for a brand new BMW!!!!

wow, I didn't even know I wanted a 301 until I read these posts-
I may have to sell another machine and put this on the top of my search list!
I love the way it looks-the perfect size-

I vote 301. I am so smitten by mine. I also have a FW, and it's cute as a button. The 301 just seems stronger and faster, probably because it's gear driven, not belt driven like the FW. Also, I know black is the preferred color, even for a 301, but I think the tan or mocha is more soothing to look at, and shows less lint and dust. Either way, you'll have a dream machine if it's in proper working order.

Happy sewing either way you decide!

I have both; the featherweight goes with me to classes, and the 301 is currently my favorite machine for piecing at home. They are both great machines. If price is a consideration, go with the 301.

Here's a link where someone compares the Featherweight with the 301. I hope you find it helpful.

http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/03/...ne-review.aspx

I agree so-sew the black does show lint and find myself with a cloth giving her a dust quite frequently. I have been watching ebay for a tan and oyster color 301. (am i nuts or what?) Just have to figure out how to get it in the house without hubby knowing. This could be grounds for divorce!!!

Can anyone tell the bed length's with the short and long bed of the 301?

Thanks a lot.

I don't have a FW, but a 301A, so my bet would be the 301A.

Actually, I was thinking the difference of the short and long bed was in the distance between the side of the machine and the needle.. I see now it is the length of the extension off to the side. Thanks. I still would like to know the distance of the quilting area. I am looking for another machine to just do quilting and would like a decent amount of space.

thanks

My 301A shortbed is 16.5" from side to side and 7" from front to back. The short bed section is 2.75" from hinge to the outside edge. The harp area has 7.5" long and 5" high, a decent amount of room for quilting.

I have the mocha color and absolutely LOVE it!! I really like the vertical bobbin case. Make sure that you find out that the machine you purchase has one, as they are often 'robbed' and cost $40-$60 to replace. :shock:

You will need machine oil and gear grease to maintain your machine. They're so easy to take care of and will give you years and years of service. Parts are really easy to come by and inexpensive too, including additional presser feet.

Let us know what you decide. :thumbup:

You have plenty of advice already given but thought I would add my two cents worth. :-D

A year or so I bought a FW with all of the attachments, original oil can; lots of other goodies, original manual, plus a book on FWs for $250 with a case.

Last week I bought a 301A with all attachments, tons of bobbins, and a cabinet, cradle adapter to set machine in the cabinet, etc. for $150. It also has a built in metal handle to carry it with.

I love sewing on my FW. Cleaned up my 301A and plugged it in and pressed on the pedal without threading the machine. It is a POWERHOUSE! I can tell that it will probably become my favorite machine to sew on. I am probably going to use it with my newly acquired 'used' Grace longarm frame.

Let us know what you decide to get. :-D

I guess I have to add that if I had to make a choice, after running the 301A, I think my choice would be the 301A. And save up for a FW for later. My 301A has the fold up bed like the FW and is very portable like the FW. It only weighs 5# more.

I have three FWs which I am extremely fond of BUT I use my mocha 301 all the time. Lovely stitch, a real workhorse, easy to thread, etc. Can't say enough about my wonderful Singer 301. I love it!♥

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my 301!! I haven't used another machine since I got it. The more I use it the more I like it.