Do I Really Need a 301???
 

My newest obsession is finding a 301!! I have two Featherweights and a 15-91 and I love all of them. I just finished a baby quilt with the 15-91--as usual she FMQ like a dream. Will I love a 301 as much as I do my other lovely ladies?

I have a 301 for $100 and 3 FW's (all were gifts). I love them all, but unfortunately, they don't do zig-zag and various other stitches without attachments. I have all vintage machines (a 403A and a Kenmore 158) and decided to go with a new Brother SQ9050 to see if a newer machine makes quilting easier with the added features: ZZ, walking foot, 100 different stitches, FMQ foot, needle down/up option. Have to say I really like having the newer machine to quilt on. Piecing is great on the smaller machines, and they are so portable for classes and such, but I really enjoying the conveniences of the newer machines too. I guess it's what you can afford and what you already have, versus what you want and can't live without to make life easier. Enjoy whatever you decide. - stitch124

I actually have that exact Brother--found it on clearance at Walmart a couple of years ago for $50. It has such a small harp space--don't understand how they can call it a "quilting" model with such a small space. My dream machine is s Juki, ah maybe some day. I just love the sound of sewing on an old vintage machine--therapeutic.

I don't know if you need one but I think I do. I also am looking for a 15-91 like you have. Then, I think I'm done looking for machines...... well, maybe if they're not too expensive I would get more........ maybe.

I am a bargain hunter, so I will wait patiently for a 301. I really don't want to pay over $75. I paid $50 for 15-91, and $200 and $125 for the FW's. Problem, I've only seen one listed on our local Craigslist since I've been on the lookout, which is about three months. I've never seen one at the thrift stores, flea markets, etc. I may have to resort to Ebay, but I've heard horror stories about shipping though.

Deals do come along, especially if you're willing to get a diamond in the rough. I haven't paid more than $45 for any of the 3 I had here, all 3 needed some TLC though.

If you want one in ready to use shape, they're getting hard to find for under $100, because they're becoming the "popular" vintage to have.

I have one and I love her!

You might also try etsy.com. I got my 301 there for $80 plus shipping.

Mine both came from ebay - the first shipped perfectly, the second had some damage to the case but not the machine. The seller did a great price adjustment as she said she was ill and her employee used the wrong box for a sewing machine. I can repair the case and really don't care about it so I'm pleased.

Yes, you need a 301.

You will LOVE a 301! I found my first one (LBOW) last September at GW. Walked in and there she was! She works beautifully, stitches so fast and smooth. I found a second one (also LBOW) in June at a thrift shop. She was a little noisy but bought her anyway because cosmetically she was perfect. There is an issue in the bobbin case/shuttle area that I have not yet resolved. I hope I can get her to work like 301 #1. Now I am on vacation and spend all my time watching local CL's and calling thrift shops to see if they have any old machines. 301's are like potato chips: one is never enough!

I also bought two 301's. Both through e-bay. Shipping was great. Machines are great. One is now at home at our cabin. Yes, I do sometimes miss having the zz stitch, but not too often! I agree with the person who said the sewing on these old machines is therapeutic; great little clicking that doesn't happen with those new plastic machines. Good luck!

You absolutely don't need one...but you should have one. You'll find it sews similar to the featherweight, but on a grander scale, and the slant needle allows you to sew over needles which was it's big selling point. It is not good for FMQ, but it is a pleasure to use.

I wouldn't be without my 301. The slant needle makes the sewing area so visible for me. And she runs fast!

I found a second 301 at the estate sale of the Singer repairman. It was stored among other machines in a shed. Here is west Texas, that means dirt. Luckily the dirt is only on the case. The machine itself was clean. All I had to do is oil it and change the needle for wonderful sewing. I did replace the worn power cord and dried up tire.

The family of 3 girls who live next door are moving next week. We have been doing sewing projects on my first
301 for months, and I plan to give them this next 301 to take with them. The oldest girl (age 10) has taken an interest in the workings of the machine, so I think she is ready for the responsibility. I have a Kenmore which would zigzag for them, but I think that a child would be a lot less likely to be seriously hurt by a 301 if it fell off the table than by a heavier machine. Ha!

Dayle

No sure if you need one yet I sure I thinking you want one! Here a link for you to decide how much you really want one! Lol

http://singer301.com/about/default.html

Well after reading that link I believe I need a 301 now!

I have 4 of them currently in my hands and have only parted with 2 because they were duplicates. One of Singer's best IMO.

Yes, you need a 301. I have two. Paid $30 for one (black short bed) and $35 for the other (beige short bed). They almost as easy to carry around as the FWs are. I wasn't looking for either one so maybe if you act like you don't really care, then you will find one :).

No sewing machine can sew over pins if you value your eyesight. I have badly bent a pin with the 301, though it didn't break it and throw the pieces like my Elna does.

caroloto, thank you for the interesting site.

I just finished quilting a t-shirt quilt on this Brother and it was such a pain in the neck, back, shoulders! It does have a small harp space but it got quilted with a lot of cussing thrown in.

If you find you do need one, I have two so my answer is yes, they do FMQ very well because the feed dogs drop. Actually, my black 301, Rebeckah, is my go-to machine for everything my DH's jeans repairs. She could do them but I use a heavier vintage machine for them and the seams.

Could you say why you don't think a 301 is good for fmq, DanofNJ? I think mine is the best machine for fmq I've ever used.

You need it if you want it...That's what I say....Can't have too many machines...I don't think???

Hello, my name is Chris and I am addicted to collecting vintage & antique sewing machines. Too many machines depends upon whose perspective is being provided.

I've found that the 301's really don't work well for FMQ, the angle of attach of the needle doesn't lend itself, IMHO, to consistency in stitch or motion. Most FMQer's, I believe, will agree with this. Though the machine does have a vertical bobbin, a "straight" up down motion will yield better results such as in the 15-91 etc. The needle, in my experience, gets hung up with the slanted attack in the piercing. I'm sure there are some who can do it, but I've tried with the 301 and it doesn't yield good results for me. For straight stitching, it does beautifully, but certainly not the first choice for FMQ.

I have a black 301 that I got from Craig's List for free. Its in great condition and it sews very nicely.
Sharon

Dan, I have only FMQed with my 301 and a Necchi, but the 301 does everything I've asked of it with no problems. Any thread, an inexpensive needle (size 12), cotton batting, thick poly, etc. Stitch so well balanced that color doesn't matter. I do have a little problem with inconsistent stitch length, but that's operator error.

301 + walking foot = :cool:

Just purchased a 15-91 on Ebay. It was just beautiful and had a coffin case in perfect condition. I got tired of my Elna bogging down on the seams. I hope I'll really like it for quilting. I was also looking at the 301. I think I'd prefer a 301 to a 221. If I get a chance to get one at a decent price, I'll probably get one.

I have one that I paid $3 for. Just needed to clean the feed dog area and a little oil. My favorite machine.

Actually, I think most FMQers would not agree. I've got a lot of experience FMQing. I would suspect if the 301 you're using is giving you issues, it needs adjustment or it's an end user problem. It takes a lot of practice to FMQ.

Yes, keep looking 'til you find yourself a 301 for what you want to pay for it......I have two, and love them both too much to even consider selling one of them--what a mis-statement that was, I don't sell anything--anyways, I love both my 301s, they sew beautifully and are very easy to tote around (I am an old lady, so that matters). I don't know about the FMQ part though, I have a Gammill for my quilting efforts. Good luck in your search, and keep us posted on your progress.

I agree with Candace.

It's one of 3 machines I used regularly for FMQ until I got my short arm/ frame last week. Now, I guess we'll see what happens as far as FMQ on a DSM. The other 2 were the Pfaff 6122 and a 15-90, both low shanks.

The 301 is quite possibly the -only- slant that almost everyone will tell you is great for FMQ.
"The Singer 301 is highly coveted by quilters for it's power, precision and wonderful free-motion capabilities." - Jenny at Sew Classic - http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/03/...=3&view=linear
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...t226197-2.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...a-t114744.html

I really want and have been looking for a 301 sewing machine to FMQ, but have not seen one close to me for sale. I am in Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area). The reason I want one is because everyone says they are great Vintage machines for FMQ. Perhaps one day...!

[QUOTE=kepeters7;6197687]I really want and have been looking for a 301 sewing machine to FMQ, but have not seen one close to me for sale. I am in Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area). The reason I want one is because everyone says they are great Vintage machines for FMQ. Perhaps one day...![/QUOTE

I tell ya what. You tell me your budget (PM ok) and timeframe and as a fellow SF Bay area person, I will help you track one down in the price range you need.

I have three FW's (2 for sale) and would LOVE to have a 301! I keep an eye on CL (saw two in Washington State, but didn't get any response to my inquiries) - I was willing to make a three hour drive to buy it, oh well. I also keep an eye on www.shopgoodwill.com - I bought a Singer 40K recently from our local Goodwill (won the bid on the website). I only bid on things locally so I don't have to worry about them being shipped - didn't have a good first experience and not willing to chance it again.

Bargains are out there, keep looking. I found one in a nice cabinet on CL. They listed it for $50. I went to see it. It was leftover from a garage sale to clear a grandma's house for sale, one of the only items left before closing on the house. They had a piece of tape on it stating $25 OBO. The lady whipped that off. She said she wanted $50. I offered her $40 and told her it was the best offer. I still got a bargain. Have to replace a cord, but she's in great shape.

I have had an issue with new bobbins I bought for it, they won't wind, but the 3 originals I got with the machine work great. Was told here on QB to get the ones from Sew Classic, so next order I'm going to do that.

I would love to round off my collection with a nice 301. I have ten machines and a serger but still pine for a 301:):)

Thank you for answering, DanofNJ. I wish I was closer so I could take a look at the machine for you. I've never had problems with a 301 and I wonder if yours might need an adjustment? What foot do you use? That can make a difference. Or, forgive me for saying this, it could be technique, maybe just a small thing. I've never had a problem with stitch quality on a 301 and I've free motion quilted at least 50 quilts on mine. (I have two.) If you ever find yourself and your machine in Massachusetts, I'd be happy to help you with this.

I completely agree with this. I have the "Big Foot" darning foot, and it skips stitches. The other 2 feet I have don't. I can literally not change anything but the foot and it will skip. There are a lot variables. I don't think I've noticed the slant needle itself causing problems, though before I tried it I was sure it would, and was pleasantly surprised when it didn't.

I've been asking myself the same question! I've been wanting and waiting for a 301 to show up on our local craigslist or at an estate sale. When an ad came up for a vintage sewing machine in cabinet with no other description other than it was a singer (the lady was really trying to sell the cabinet), I could tell by the picture that it was a 301. Then my want became a need! I had to have it. She was willing to take less than she wanted and I am now the proud owner of a Singer 301! A very dirty 301, but it works! Cue Donna Summer...I'm so excited!

I don't really need one, either - but, I have 2 and love them!