I had an older Singer from 1964 and it wouldn't go over a denim seam to save its soul. So in the 80's I got a newer one and it would sew thick seams. My new Brother hasn't been tested on denim yet. LOL

the 306 is a really great machine !!! check the manual for the size of the needle. This may be one of the Singers that takes a 206x13 needle. it is little shorter(or is it longer ?) than usual, but you do need this size to sew well. people have talked of using regular needles, but do not do it.
just check the manual to be sure of size. needles are available at Singer repair shops or lots of places online.
you will love this machine. be sure to first oil and clean everything that the manual tells you to. and maintain by oiling when the manual says to. if you do not have a manual, check online. Singer site sometimes has free downloads.

I also use a 201 and think it is one of the finest Singer has ever made. so soothing to sew with.

[quote=smitty]
I love my 201! It is the quietest and smoothest machine that I have worked with. I use it to sew clothes too.

The 306 uses special 206x13 needles, the modern 15x1 needles sold today won't work with it.

what a treasure, I have a kenmoe I got 30 odd years ago, still runs like a champ...have fun.

I have that exact machine the 306W !!! I LOVE IT. It was my Moms and she ran it HARD. It is still running great after years of hard work I have put on it. It always runs, just keep it clean , and a bit of oil now and then. Needles can be hard to come by. They take a shorter needle. And only a few sizes are still avaiable. I used to be able to get the heavier and the lightweight fabric needles till a few years ago. Shmetz ( not sure of spelling) makes a needle that fits but is a special order.

I love using the older machines, only have 1 new plastic wonder in my herd. Its a Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 875. Most of the time I use one of my Singer featherweights or one of my treadles. I'm mainly a quilter, but also sew garments. The Viking is the only computerized machine I own, all the rest are older mechanicals, most are older than I am.
Sharon W.

I love my new machine but If I have anything heavy to sew its off to my vintage machines. Lets see I have a Household machine that I swear is 80 lbs. lol I have a Kenmore 158-480 in a parlor cabinet that I am looking to sell maybe depends on whether it takes up too much room in my sewing room I have a Singer Slant 401,403 and 503. I would like to add a 500a and a 301 to those. I love sewing on my slants. I wish they would make machines like that now. I have a 201 that is visiting TX and getting fixed which when it comes home will go in a refinished art deco style desk. I want to use that one for straight stitiching. But I still would not give up my automatic needle threader. lol

When I was a little girl my mom had a machine called an International Two Spool. It used a spool of thread in the bobbin area. It was a portable and the case was wood. I have never heard of another one.