Monie

Ok you all was so nice and helpful yesterday on my question on difference between black or tan 301 singers. So now I need to know difference between slanted and straight and which would you recommend ? Thanks in advance. Monie

DesiG

The 'slant' is actually describing the shank that the presser feet and needles attach to, different machines have either low, high or slant shanks. There are some others that have special attachments- like bernina's. All 301's are slant shank (it's not an option), so if you are looking for accessories make sure that they say 301 or slant shank on them. It was supposed to make it easier to see your sewing.
A singer featherweight 221 would be a 'straight' low shank, and needs different attachments.

Monie

Ok thanks: I am trying to do my homework before I get one since I am new and love the old machines but don't know anything about them. I have two FW's and love them I use them alot. But use my janome to quilt. Thanks again for your quick response and as always your expert information.

crafty pat

I have the singer 401A with slant and new Brother with short straight. I like the slant much better and use it much more.

Monie

Ok now I am confused what is the difference in a 301 and the 401? Sorry to be so du

MimiLinda

I have two Featherweights and two 301's. I think I like the 301 better than the FW. ( Will not part with either Featherweight though). :thumbup:

mtnative

A 301 does a straight stitch only. The 401 does zigzag and fancier stitches also.

Candace

There are Singer groups on yahoo and if you google Singer 301 you'll have tons of sites to read through.

sueisallaboutquilts

Monie, it's hard to know all the info- there is so much of it out there! :)
Our virtual machine shop has some real experts and they are always ready to help.
I'm another old machine addict lol :D

thepolyparrot

I am sentimentally attached to my 401, but I don't want to have to sew across multiple seams of heavy fabric with it.

On all of the slant-shank machines, the needle is entering the fabric at an angle. If the fabric is very dense or the needle is too fine, it may not pierce straight through the fabric but instead deflect upward, so that it strikes the needle plate or the foot.

The low shanks are straight up and down - on the modern low shank machines, there is hardly room in there to change the needle, but on older machines, there is plenty of room to set or thread the needle or change presser feet without your own fingers getting in the way. :)

Instead of pounding into the side of threads as with a slant-shank machine, the needle pierces straight down through the weave of the fabric and the likelihood of needle deflection is lessened.

The 401 will be the last machine I ever give up, but I do almost all my sewing on vertical needle machines. :)