Mom's 301A
 

I have a Singer 301A that belonged to my mother. I have never done anything with it, but y'all have inspired me to get it out while my Bernina is in having a tune up and see if its still working. My mother complained a lot about the machine, but I have a feeling that most of the problems were "operator error" :D At one point she called me because it wasn't working. When I asked when the last time she had cleaned under the throat plate and she said "I never have". :shock: This machine was purchased in the late fifties (I think) and this was in the 80's. She told me later that it looked like a little felt pad under there. I was amazed that the poor thing had sewn at all. But its clean and pretty and I'm anxious to see how it sews.

I"ve downloaded the manual so I can reference it. It's been 30 or 40 years since I've sewn on it and I"m not even sure I remember how to thread it. I do have some bobbins and I"m going to the store tomorrow and I'll pick up some machine needles. With my other machines I usually use Schmetz needles. Can I use those on the 301 or do I need to buy Singer needles? I have about 4 bobbins and will probably be looking for some of those, too. Any suggestions will be appreciated. :)

Schmetz needles should be fine in your 301, Good luck and if she is oiled up nicely and clean I have a feeling you will have a Very positive experience with your little 301

I hope so. This is the machine I learned to sew on so it would be nice to use it again.

i cant remember if its a class 66 bobbin or not. If it is, get the plastic bobbins, the metal ones are hit and miss with quality.

order the 301 bobbins from sew classic .....have never​ seen a plastic 301 bobbin

I sew on 301s every day. Best machine ever for piecing. I used to FMQ on them until I bought a longarm. Oil every 8 hours of sewing. Use Tri-flow oil. Keep it clean from lint. I use Organ titianium needles, usually a 90/14, but smaller for paper piecing. I replaced the regular bulb with an LED and it stays cool. I just love, love them. Make sure the bobbin case finger is engaged in the needle plate slot when you take off the needle plate. It is a direct drive machine, so smooth, strong and easy to use!

Good luck and have fun! I think my mom's machine was a 301 (after intent study of all pictures posted on this board, that's the closest I can remember!)

You are going to love it. I think the 301 is my favorite machine of all my vintage machines. It's just a joy to sew on!

Nice!! I think you will like the machine, I don't have one myself but all I hear are positive things. I do love that era for Singers. And it being a family machine makes it at least 5 times more awesome. :)

I second the comment about the bobbins - if you go to someplace and buy Singer brand class 66 bobbins you are going to be very disappointed - they literally do NOT make them like the used to! I can't get new 66's to even fit into the bobbin case of any of my vintage Singers! I found some very nice steel 66 bobbins on Amazon that are beautifully made; and people also say good things about the Sew Classic 66 bobbins. You'd think Singer could make bobbins that would work in their own machines but....nope. They're awful - cheap metal, irregularly shaped...big bummer.

The 301A does NOT take class 66 bobbins. It's bobbins are same as the ones for a Singer Featherweight. Go with the suggestions about shopping at SewClassic for bobbins. I have bought them off the wall at the local quilt store, the blister pack said Singer, but they were a poor fit.