Singer 301??
 

I recently bought a 221 Featherweight and LOVE it..but the throat (?) area is to small as my quilt top grows..wondering if the Singer 301 might be a good step up for quilting my lap size quilts and bigger, tops..won't "quilt" on it..just sew the pieces and rows to complete the tops..
another Singer I was considering is the 201 but awful heavy for retreats and going to quilt groups.???
Do you or a friend own one? thoughts on how it performs? Problems?
What is a fair price for one in really good condition?
thanx for any input..
Carla/OR

Ihave one and I like to use it for piecing. It is a super machine, it does not walk all over he table it is a very stable sewing machine. I paid $125.00 for it. I hope you enjoy this machine. I also have featherweight machines, it is fun to use them And they are super for taking to retreats and classes.

Don't have one yet myself - read YET. While I believe it has a larger throat/harp, I don't know that you will gain that much with a 301 vs FW. Those that own both will jump in soon, I'm sure. I don't know that I'd have a problem stitching my tops, regardless of size, on my FW. Then again, I've only done baby/lap quilt tops on my FW.n But I WANT a 301 anyhow!

OHSTR Do you find there is much difference in the throat area between the two..??
I have read the 301 is a FULL SIZE machine? Don't need alot more space than the 221,but a bit would help?
Also love the idea of a handle on it..

I am a big fan of the 301s, I own quite a few. The throat space is 7 1/2inches which is really not too shabby. The 301 has a knob that lowers your feed dogs so you may free motion quilt. I am not an expert at FMQ but I find that I do not have as much "eye lashing" and issues with the vertical bobbin which the 301 has. These are very sturdy machines with the same beautiful stitches that the 221 has. The 301 has gears instead of the belt and the motor is much stronger. I love that it is almost impossible to throw off the timing. You do not need to get service, just oil and grease. They are not at all fussy about thread and you don't need to worry about surge protection-no motherboard. The only drawback is that awful button controller-same as the featherweight. I find it terrible uncomfortable at retreat or extended sewing. Two of mine have updated foot controllers, just remove cord from button controller and wire it to just about any controller that you find/ want.i would rather sew on my 301 than my Janome 6600. I think the tension and stitching is exceptional. Everything is so solid, no plastic.It seems that I can maintaina really consistent seam allowance. I believe that is also why everyone loves their featherweights. If you decide to purchase one,here's a few pointers.
I have purchased 301s in Singer desks for as little as$50- prices vary a lot ! The originals in cases are more expensive.Watch craigslist to avoid shipping. Make sure bobbin case is in machine-these are the same ones used by the featherweight and the originals are the best but Expensive- more than buying the machine sometimes. The presser feet are slant shank. Featherweight feet will not fit.

SewNSewSue, thank you so much for all the great info..I did bid on the one on ebay..it is kinda expensive BUT I am particular about the LOOK of the machine,so will pay for it..my machines are most likely ones I will keep the rest of my life and I take good care of them.
Not sure what you mean by "button controlle",do you mean the foot control button..? I really prefer the one on my Featherweight to my Brother Quattro..easier on my bursitis in my hip..
again, many thanx for your post full of great info..think I will like the slant needle..

I have gotten several 301s on Ebay, never paid over $75 for them. They needed a little cleaning, some new feet on the bottom and Boom! Wonderful machines@

I believe they are considered a 3/4 size rather than "full size" machine. I'll let the more seasoned vintage people correct me, if I'm wrong. I have both the FW & 301a machines and absolutely LOVE the 301A. It's the "big sister" to the FW and usually can be had for a lot less $ than the FW. Mine (I have 2) are dependable, workhorse machines. Great for dropping the feedogs and fmq. Easy to maintain. I've quilted queen size quilts on mine. Good luck in you bidding!

I much prefer my 301 over my FW. One of the main reasons is the slant needle, which makes the stitching action so visible. I recently sewed on a nice new modern machine and noticed that it and others have the needle tucked back so far that I almost have to stand on my head to see it.

I love my 301. The feed dogs are narrow, and I understand that there is no walking foot specifically made for them, but I have a slant needle walking foot that operates perfectly on it.

Prices vary. I got lucky and found mine for $20 at a garage sale. Her name is Sissy (big sister to FW). My second one was purchased at the estate sale of a sewing machine repair man. It was $25 or $30. It worked fine, but had been stored in a shed and was extremely dirty. I cleaned it up and eventually gave it to the neighbor girls who sew with me. That one is named Missy.

As far as weight goes, the 301 is a few pounds heavier than a FW, but still light enough to be ideal for carrying to classes.

I have 2-FW's and 2-301's, and yes the 301 has a wider quilting space. They both use the same bobbins but the feet are not interchangeable. Have not done any FM quilting with either machines as I have a LA and only do straight line quilting with my vintage machines (placemats & small projects, etc.). FW are a lot more exensive than 301. Paid $35.00 for one and $50.00 for the other 301.