Singer Automatic Zigzagger for 301 question
 

Hi, has anyone used the Singer ZigZager attachment for the 301? Would like some input before getting it. Thanks much..

Yes I got it with my 301A along with other decorative stitch cams that go into the zigzagger...It's so diff from modern machines since with modern machine the needle moves...With this the foot moves the fabric back and forth...I've used it once...Depending on the cost some go high on ebay if you can find them 50+...personally I'd save my money and use your modern machine. I can't see using it that often unless you find it cheap, it a novelty.

I have just started to "collect" a few vintage machines and after reading this thread I am on the look out for a 301. I do all my piecing on my 99K and love it. Is there a big difference between a 99 and the 301 besides the internal motor? I also have a 185J (bought it because it was a lovely green colour) and my mom's old 15-90 that I learned to sew on. I'd like a 301 so I can try FMQ on it. I haven't been brave enough try it yet. Love this thread even if I don't own a 301 - YET.

The 99 you have is most similar to your 185. They are basically the same machine. The 185 is just the more modern version of the 99. The 301 has an internal belt system and is not like the 99 in operation or in feel. I own a 185 and although it's a nice machine, does not compare at all in stitch quality or in feel to the 301. The 185/99 is a heavy beast and does have quite a bit of vibration. The 301 is light, portable and is smoooooooth running.

Singer 301A for FMQ
 

I think you’ll love a 301A. My Mom bought an LBOW short bed in the trapezoid portable case new in the 50s while living on the family ranch, and still uses it today, although not often.

I bought an LBOW short bed for myself, and my wife quickly latched onto it after hearing how good it was for FMQ. She’s stippling her sashings on a quilt with it today. Her large Singer Model 430 Sewing Desk helps when doing FMQ. It provides a nice big work surface. She used to have her 401A in it, but has put the 301A in it instead.

CD in Oklahoma

Edited to add: The machine's spool pin in the photo is empty because she's using a cone of thread on a thread stand just out of the photo.

Thanks for the information, now really want to find a 301. I have been lucky finding machines on kijiji which is the Canadian version of Craig's List. I only paid $45 for the 99K and $15 for the 185J. They were both in excellent condition, I don't think the 185 had been used much at all. I cleaned and oil them both really well and they both work fine.

Singer 301A Comparison to Singer 185 or 99
 

The 185 is a nice little machine, but I like the 301A better. My 185J is nestled in the Singer Model 49 cabinet here under my computer monitor. I don’t ever use it. I may end up making it into a hand crank like I did the 185K that I had (and sold), and putting a 99 into this cabinet.

Although the 301A is also a straight stitch machine like the 185 and 99, it’s just much more versatile in my opinion. It’s a very good straight stitch machine, portable or cabinet-mount with the flick of a lever, and is a great little FMQ machine. I just haven’t figured out how to make a hand crank out of a 301A yet.

CD in Oklahoma

Singer 301A in a Card Table
 

The short bed 301A also fits nicely in the Singer Model 316 “Monterey” Folding Table.

I inherited my Grandmother’s (Mother’s Mother) folding table (card table) that she bought with her Singer 404 back in the late 50s or early 60s, and I plan on making it available for those few times that my Mother will need to set her 301A up for a little mending. She’s 83 now and recently moved in with us along with her own 301A, and still likes to dabble with re-homing what she calls “vintage clothing” that folks have given her over the years. Sometimes, all they need is a seam re-sewn to make them as good as new.

Most of the time, she spends her time doing cross-stitching, so there’s really not any need for a full-time sewing machine set up in a cabinet for use in her limited space. She still likes using her own machine, so I can set the card table up in her room for those few times when she’s ready to use it, and get it out of her way the rest of the time.

CD in Oklahoma

---There is a Yahoo Groups site devoted just to Singer Attachments. easy to join, very good info.

On Black Fri. I purchased a "Gidget" folding table for my 301...Can't wait for it to arrive. My 301A is in a cabinet so I'll be able to keep my 301 downstairs in the back of the LR and when I want to sew at night...Pull that Gidget from under the couch and SEW...