Sewing machine for a class
 

After a couple of beginner quilts, I'm ready to take some classes. I'm debating the "class" machine. I'm not all that crazy about featherweights, mostly because of the cost. Although, at a good price, I'd buy one. So, I'm thinking of a Singer 301 or a cheap Walmart machine that is not very heavy. (There haven't been any of those little Japanese aluminum machines around lately.)

When they list all the stuff you have to bring to the class, it sounds like I'll need a pack mule to carry it all. So, a big machine in a case sounds unworkable + really heavy! I've never actually seen/handled a 301, but it sounds light enough to carry around. Plus, the attachments would be usable on my other vintage machines.

There's a tan 301 on Craigslist for $100.00. That's about the price of the Walmart machine. The 301 has been on the list for 25 days and has no case, so they might negotiate. It looks really clean with no paint chips showing in the photo.

Any suggestions?

bkay

Even though it doesn't have a case, you can always get one at JoAnn's or a local quilt shop and Walmart. If you know the size of the machine measurements just make note and check the cases to se if it'll fit. There are also file box carts that can fit your machine. Most of these cases have compartments for your supplies. Lots of tips for class/guild situations. With the 301 on CL check to see if it works. If you go to pick it up take a test kit. My test kit includes a 10" (aka layer cake slice) of denim. I like to see how it will sew through the different folds/layers of denim. Make sure to take a spool of thread and a bobbin and a couple needles. I did this when I purchased my 401 at an estate sale. I was very pleased to get this machine in a desk cabinet for $150. My husband used it the next day to mend his denim jacket. I woke up to the slightest hum of a well maintained machine.

What bobbin does it take? I'm assuming a 66 style bobbin.

Also, I missed a belair on craigslist, which I'm inquiring about.

bkay

i don't do classes but i do belong to two quilt groups that meet monthly & weekly. i have had my grmothers fw for several decades and take that with me to the group meets. it has case and all attachments. i love the wt & portability. i put the case into a cheap rolling tote from walmart and it works great. perfect fit. there are a couple other members now bringing fw but most use janome gems or golds. many others tho use huge rolling 'craft' totes to transport standard sized machines. the drawback to the fw is it's only straight stitch so for my fellow group members who do a lot of machine embroidery etc i can understand their desire to lug around thier monster ..er ..average sized machines. but, if i were looking for a nice machine i would get that 301 or look for a janome gem or gold on cl or ebay ..they are very well rated and my fellow group members who have them love them so much they say they will never part with them! i've tried to get them to sell me one for my grand daughter :D

I have a 301 (takes the same bobbin as a featherweight, and make sure it has the bobbin case - original bobbins are better) Great machine. I also have two featherweights and several Walmart version Brother machines. I would first go for the 301 if it had the bobbin case and bobbins, (but you can get them on line at various places) but I would not hesitate for a basic Brother. Mine have all been great over the years. Remember the 301 is slant, so you would need to be sure it came with a slant presser foot or get one. Let us know what you decide!

I'd go for the 301 as well but I'd certainly try to negotiate. Then again, I'm really cheap when it comes to machines! No case would not be a deal breaker for me but it certainly would be a strong negotiating point. There was a complete 301 set up on my local CL a couple of weeks ago...machine; case; attachments; AND table for $150. I just didn't have the room or I would have jumped on that deal.

You can do a search but I think a 301 is about 14 lbs vs the 12 of the FW. And if you don't anticipate doing anything beyond straight stitching at a class, that would be my choice and you seem to be actively collecting lots of vintage machines so would think that might be your preference. But if you anticipate branching out to to some machine applique at some point, I'd go with a modern machine at a reasonable price. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

I have the FW and yet the machine I take places is a small Europro that I got from HSN about 10 years ago. It is very light weight and sews a perfect straight line and has a zig zag stitch too. I understand the 301 is a good machine, it weighs a bit over 16 pounds. It is a slant needle machine so are you sure the attachments are interchangeable?

The 301 would be an excellent choice, just make sure it has the original bobbin case. To replace it is expensive and the reproductions are usually of poor quality.

Cari

I have a 301 and it's the machine I'm going to make my going places machine. I used to lug that big Bernina around. Although I love that machine I don't love the big case and the weight. I find the 301 easy to tote around. You can probably find an aftermarket case or a "real" one on ebay.

Since the 301 is a slant needle machine it's likely the attachments won't work on your other machines.

A 301 is great to carry around. I have a lot of machines and I bought a rolling tote so I can stick any of them in it to take to class. I have taken my featherweight and my older Bernina to classes in it. I haven't tried my 301 since I haven't taken any classes for a while. I would also try to negotiate especially if it has no case, no attachments, etc. Those are readily available, but if you want a walking foot beware the newer ones. I wasn't happy with it.

Personally, I'd get the 301, but I can say that it won't be as light as a new plastic machine, BUT it will outlast the new machine by decades.

I have an old Berina 900 Nova, bought in the late 70s. It's about full size, but much lighter than many other vintage Berinas (like my 730 Record). It has a handle on top of the machine, meant to be easy to carry with you. It's sturdy and I don't find it too heavy to carry in and out of the car (I would rather not carry it several blocks).

Many of the new light weight machines are oddly light, either with suction feet under the base, or they tend to jump about. Most of the portable vintage machines are a bit heavier but more sturdy and easier to become friends with.

That Belair still intrigues me. I know it's light, too. The seller has not responded to me, but it's Saturday.

I did not know the 301 was a slant. That's great! My everyday machine has been a 503 lately and I just finished parting out 4 touch and sews, so I have plenty of feet and attachments. I also already have a walking foot, too.

I'll email the seller on the 301 and see if I can go see it.

Thanks,

bkay

Let us know if you get it. If you try it out, be aware that the needle threads from right to left. When I have tried out FW's and 301's in the field, I have found that the needle sometimes has been inserted incorrectly. So first check that and then the threading.

I use a 301 at home and also take it to classes and sew-ins. The only drawback I see for me personally is the lack of a zigzag, and that isn't something I need very often and have on another "at home" machine. I also find that my line of vision to the needle is not blocked by the tension dial on the 301 as it is on a FW. I think the slant position helps my vision tremendously.

The 301 has a handle on the top making it easy to move; just 16 lbs. Mine (have 2) work great, and I love using them. Bought a Sew Classic walking foot and do like mine.

Singer 301's are fabulous! Easy to carry and will last for years.

a low cost Janome is great

I have a couple Kenmore machines to recommend. One does a couple different stitches is small and not terribly heavy. It has a cute embossed case. Then there are some full size light weight mechanical 8, 10 and 12 stitchers from the 80's I have found to be decent machines. Until they catch on you can get them quite reasonably.

I bought a Janome Jem for classes and it only weighs 12 lbs and has 18 stitches, sews like a dream. It isn't as cheap as some others, but is well built. Check them out on ebay.

They do! Mine has already lasted for 60 years thru my mom, then me learning to sew on it, then my mom using it for years and now me doing piecing on it. It only gets taken in for service every couple years. I oil and clean as I go and it just keeps on stichin'

The 301 is a fabulous machine. I've had mine for 60 plus years. It should come with all the attachments which will fit the slant needle. Mine has its own desk in the kitchen, but the computer shares space on that desk. I can even have the machine out and can use the computer set up behind the sewing machine with the keyboard in front.
I've had my featherweight for only about 4 years, but love it as much. I set it up in the living room in the winter time so I can sew while my husband has the TV on.

Screwed that one up!
 

I drove 25 miles to see the machine and it was nice. It has a regular foot, a walking foot, a zipper foot and the controller. They wanted $100. for it, which I was willing to pay. I offered her $75.00, which she said she would not take as two other people had contacted her about the machine this weekend. (It's been on CL for about a month.) I just said, OK and turned around and left.

I don't know what happened to my brain. I walked away and was fully willing to pay her price. There's something about it when someone says, "I have a better offer" that irritates me. I have no idea why. If she had said, "I really want to get $100.00 for it", I would have reacted differently.

Oh well. Sometimes, you shoot yourself in the foot.

bkay

I know what you mean, bkay. I've walked away from sales because of attitudes. And who knows maybe in a week she'll contact you again. "Our buyers didn't come through and I'll take your $75." Such things have happened.

The 301 would be the best way to go. At 16 lbs, they are only 5 lbs heavier than a featherweight, and pack a LOT more punch. They are gear driven machines, not belt driven like the wimpy little featherweight. You can drop feed dogs and actually quilt on a 301. The slant needle makes your work more visible to you, and the bobbin case is easier to see and get to, as well. I have two of these machines and LOVE them. Paid $50 for one, and $25 for another, at estate sales-- both in cabinets! They lift right out of their cabinet to become a portable machine. They have a flip up handle built right into the top, so you really don't even need a case while traveling if you are careful with your machine.