Cheshirepat

I've only had 2 sewing machines so far in my life, a truly cheap White, and my current smallish/ok Janome DC 1050. I long to have a Singer 301, as it's the one my Grandmother taught us to thread/wind bobbins/sew on ever so long ago now. I have come across a few decent deals (just over $100) locally. My hesitation is, I don't know how to maintain it, or have anyone to give me pointers learning it's quirks. Do you think there enough web resources for a complete antique machine newbie to utilize?

Steelsewing

If it were a different model, I might hesitate, but the Singer 301 is still being used a lot right now. People actively seek out this model. They still have a good resale value. I know people that restore and resell 301s. The owners manual is still available online, and bobbins and needles continue to be sold at retail stores. The 301 has become the other quilt club portable when a 221 isn't in the budget. And... Singer originally promoted and sold the machine to schools as a teaching machine. So, it's not a difficult machine to master. When it comes to a 'first' vintage sewing machine... the 301 is a pretty good bet. That being said, you still have to go over the machine before purchasing; is it complete? Does it have its bobbin carrier in place (65 dollar purchase if it doesn't). Are all, or most of the attachments available. How's the wiring look? Does it sew right now... etc.

NZquilter

I don't own a 301 (yet!) but I would think it is very easy to maintain, much like all of the vintage mechanical Singers. Oil is your best friend. There are many knowledgeable people here on the QB who could help you should you bump into a problem with it. I think nostalgic value would be enough for me to jump in and buy one for $100!

toverly

My answer is yes! I recently purchased a 500A which was in the same table as the one my mom had for years. No way it is hers but, everytime I enter my sewing room I smile. Your memories will be enhanced when you sew on your machine.

Cheshirepat

Thank you both! I'm glad to hear it's still fairly commonly used, therefore perhaps not the toughest to use/repair.

Follow up question: Are accessories (other feet than the original) tough to find? Or even necessary? I don't sew clothes much (read: at all) and I usually quilt on the Janome with straight stitches as I'm not talented yet in FMQ.

cashs_mom

This is so true! Reading how much people liked 301's here encouraged me to get my mom's out and use it. The manual is available for free online and is very complete as to maintenance. I mostly just clean and oil, clean and oil and it just goes on stitching. I do have an OSMG that I can take machines to if they have a problem or for a good tune up every so often, but there's really not much of that needed with the 301.

NZquilter

The 301 is a slant shank, and you can certainly still buy extra feet for them. Check Ebay or Sew Classic https://shop.sew-classic.com/Slant-Shank-Feet_c10.htm for feet and such. Some quilters love to FMQ on the slant shank Singers because it gives them a better view of the needle and where they are going.

Mickey2

I would say yes too, nostalgia is enough in your case. I swear by an old cast iron 201, it's my favorite. Several of the old straight stitch models will surprise you in a positive way; very capable, smooth running, well behaved machines on all kinds of fabric. They take both top stitch and more light weight threads with a bit of adjustment. For the 301 there is good buttonholers and I think there are walking feet too. These models were made to be maintaned by the owner, and it's much easier than on modern machines. Cleaning and lubricating are well within a basic DIY task.

WIChix

A 301 was my first vintage machine. Easy to maintain and use. It is my go-to machine.

Cari-in-Oly

A walking foot for a 301 was never made, that is the only foot that Singer didn't make for a 301. The slant shank walking foot fits zig zag slants so its "foot" is too wide for the straight stitch 301. However, Sew Classic modifies the walking foot she sells so it fits on a 301. The reviews are mixed, some people state it works fine and others say it doesn't.
Like everyone else has said, the 301 is a fantastic machine. Prices for them have been jumping up there in the last couple of years due to their popularity though, so be patient and watch for a good deal unless you have a deep pocketbook.

Cari