Need a little help with 301a
 

I have a 301A that I use all the time, but I can't for the life of me, figure out how to drop the feed dogs so I can do free motion quilting. Everything I have read says that I can do the free motion quilting on this machine, I just don't know how.

Thanks!!!

I have a 301A myself and just took Dave McCallum's class on servicing Featherweights, which also applied to my 301. If you look to the left of your bobbin case, you will see a black plastic knob. Turning this knob lowers and raises your feed dogs. However, it may well be frozen in place from lack of use. Dave took a small hammer and freed mine. Me, I would not have had the courage. Good luck. His web site is Featherweight 221. He is a great guy and is located in Washington state on the coast. He graciously gives some advice over the phone.

If you lift up the extension thing like you would to change the bobbin you will see a black screw type thing. Looking straight on it is to the left of the bobbin area. Turn it left, counter clock wise and the feed dogs go down. The other way to return them to where they are normally. I can turn mine by hand but there is a slot for a screw driver if need be. Hope this helps.

Ah, ya beat me, LOL.

I found this for a 201 - maybe it'll be the same (or close to it on your 301)?

Re: singer 201 drop feed dogs?
Reply #1 on: November 18, 2009, 06:14:08 PM
I have a 201 also. To drop the feed dogs, tip your machine back so you can see under the machine. There will be a silver thumb screw that goes into another metal piece with two holes. Basically, loosen the thumb screw and move the piece down so that you can put the screw into the other hole. Once it's tight, you should be able to do free motion.

Ooops! You got the correct answer while I was trying to post that - so ignore it! Thanks!

Thanks everyone! I did finally figure it out last night, but it is great to know I can always ask for help here! They lowered without any issues at all! I'm so excited!

I see you have it figured out, but thought this link might be of help in the future. It's the 301 manual - look at page 60 for a description of how to lower the feed dogs. http://static.onecreativeblog.com/fi...301-manual.pdf

Agreed. This is the greatest quilt board!

I have found with my 301 that I can fmq better with the feed dogs up and stitch length to zero. I tried both ways and this works better for me. I still need lots more practice. Good luck!!