Best needles and thread size for Singer 301
 

As posted earlier, I recently acquired a 301. Since the threading of right to left is different, do I have to buy certain needles for it? What size needles and thread do you generally use when piecing, quilting, and free motion with your 301? I usually stick to Schmetz or Organ needles as I've found the quality of Singer needles to not really be there. Thanks for any suggestions, I'm excited to start using the machine.

The 301 takes a standard home needle. Great machine!

Schmetz and Organ are fine. I use sharp point or unversial needle 70-90 when using a sew-all weight thread. Piecing should be no trouble.

For freemotion on several layers you can up the size to 100, the sturdiness of a thicker needle can be an advantage. The most important thing is to match neelde size and thread weight to each other, as well as fabric. When using top stitch thread you might have to max out with 110 and 120 in some cases. Densely woven fabrics and several layers often require larger size, especially if you get loops under the fabric and there's really nothing wrong with tension.

I sew almost everything on all of my machines with a regular size 11 sharp needle.

Cari

Congrats on your "new to you" machine! I use sharps needles in sizes from 70-90, depending on project. Also use size 50 or 60 threads. Happy stitching!

I use Schmetz or Organ 80/12's for piecing on my 301a. I like Microtex best. I use Aurafil 60 wt thread mostly. If I'm doing other sewing I use regular Metler thread and the appropriate needle for the weight thread. It seems to be a very forgiving machine and not that picky about thread. My mom sewed on mine for years and Coats and Clark was probably the best thread she used.

LOVE LOVE LOVE my 301's! They are workhorses and not picky. I have 5 and am looking for my 6th. I have shortbed black, mocha and cream/tan. I have longbed black and mocha. Still hunting for the longbed tan-cream. My cousin loves to come down from Rapid City and sew on them too. So if I get a duplicate one its for her! Happy sewing!

The LBOW(light beige/oyster white) machines did not have a long bed version.

Cari

I have a long bed 301 in solid beige ! Love it but it isn't the most beautiful machine as the handwheel has darken. It will sell it as I have 2 other short beds & 5 Featherweights. Yes I take turn using them all ! Lol

I also use all of my machines. I rotate them with each project