Thanks, Miriam. I was so discouraged yesterday I was ready to set the whole thing on the curb LOL I think I'll put it back in the case for a while and use the 15-88 to piece the blocks for my very first quilt.

I really appreciate everyone who has offered suggestions. Know what I appreciate most? No one has said to just give up and send it to the repair shop. First because the local shops I have checked with want to charge more than I paid for the machine and second because I (usually) enjoy fiddling with things. It's great fun even when it gets frustrating.

time out is good

I used to like it when I was in trouble and my Dad would take one......


CD in Oklahoma

I almost set my 401 on the curb where I found it - I did take it to the shop - the guy looked at it and made a couple vague suggestions... he wanted too much to do it so I dragged it back home but I had a new cord for it... eventually it got fixed - but you can't cure ugly on those...

I doubt that anyone here will tell you to kick a 301 to the curb OR take it in. They're really simple machines, and I'm sure it's something simple causing the issues. Can you post a good clear shot of the bobbin case with the bobbin in and threaded through the tension spring? I want to see if there's anything we can spot. It really sounds like bottom tension, but I'm starting to wonder. There are also some suggestions you could go through on these two posts on my blog:
http://www.archaicarcane.com/fragile...-equal-stress/
http://www.archaicarcane.com/bobbin-...obbin-tension/

when I got my 301a a couple of yrs ago it also had tension problems. found that if I put the bobbin case from my FW in all was good. so for a long time I switched that bobbin back & forth between the two machines, then I finally invested in a new bobbin from NovaMontgomery.com who specializes in FWs. Do not buy the reproduction bobbin. that's what I had that did not work. I believe it cost $70, but decided I deserved the best! I really wanted to use that machine!
Good Luck, Jeanie in MO

PS. If you have a friend with a FW, you might see if you could try their bobbin in your 301. and find out if that fixes your problem

I sure hope that's $70 for the bobbin case, not a bobbin. Even for an original bobbin case that's high.

People like Glenn Williams in Florida sells them for under $50. http://pages.suddenlink.net/joyof301s/glenn.htm

Additionally, a well tested replacement case works properly as well. For instance, Sew-Classic sells tested ones and offers a satisfaction guarantee: http://shop.sew-classic.com/Bobbin-C...-SCBC45751.htm

I've bought from both and have nothing but good experiences with them.

Tammi thanks for that feedback on those newer bobbin cases. I've wondered but was reluctant to try one.

One thing that was discussed here a while back is the fact that there are 2 different bobbin cases for the 301 / FW. It looks like one superceded the other (45750 and 45751). I suspect that what happened is that the replacement case was modeled on one or the other case, and the machines that have trouble are the machines that prefer the other case, but I've never been able to confirm because all of the FWs I've had here have always had the older of the 2 part numbers.

ETA: Some portion of the trouble can also be user error. Failure to properly adjust the tension - and I've had bobbin cases come from the supplier adjusted wrong - will look like a problem bobbin case, especially for someone who's never adjusted bobbin tension.

MamaKitty,
i have several 301's (don't ask how many or you will KNOW I am eccentric) and I love these machines! I would be willing to send you one of my verified working bobbin cases (they are all originals) on loan so you can rule that aspect out if that would help? I believe anyone who would quote Leonard Cohan AND have kitty in her name is completely trustworthy. Lol! I know you will return it when you have figured out whether that was the issue. :)
I love this quilting board! Give a holler either here on this topic or you can just pm me your address if you want to try it? And yes, don't give up! These are bar none fabulous machines! I would trade any of my featherweights for them, lol!