Hi and good morning to everyone. This is such a wonderful and informed group, I thought perhaps you could help me. I am considering purchasing a Singer model 301a. This is what is called the "big sister" to the 201 featherweight. I want a little heavier machine and have an opportunity to get what looks like a nice one. If anyone has this machine can you tell me how you like it? Also, since I know nothing about these vintage machines, will I be able to do FMQ on this machine? Can you even purchase a FMQ foot for it? It is supposed to have a long bed on it which I like and the seller says there is no rust and it has been recently serviced. Any comments or opinions would be very helpful. Also, I would like to thank everyone that participates in keeping this forum going. Like a lot of other people, I so look forward each day to reading the posts and viewing the wonderful pictures of the quilts. Although I don't post often, I feel very comfortable here!

Can you look at it in person and take her for a ‘test run?’ How much are they asking?

Have you seen the thread here ‘Vintage Sewing Machines?’ Here’s the link http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1.htm Vintage sewing machine lovers (and Billy who has a ton of knowledge about vintage sewing machines) participate in this thread. You could also post a question on that thread directly to those who collect, use and love these vintage machines.

I have a FW 221 and would like to get the 301 also. My little FW is not made for heavy fabrics like denim although she would probably do it. I’ve read that you can FMQ with the FW but haven’t done any FMQ yet. Both machines are similar but the 301’s motor is about 4 lbs. heavier than the FW’s so I’m guessing but don’t want to give you the wrong advice.

Good luck and please keep us posted on how this goes. If you do get this machine share a pic with us.

Do I? I have two! Just recently purchased them. They are awesome! I do know the feed dogs drop on them. It would depend on how much they are asking, what kind of condition it is in. Does it come with a book?

Love my 301s. Much better than a FW in my opinion. They are gear driven rather than belt driven, so they are more powerful. The handle on the top makes them easy to transport. The dogs drop for FMQ and the harp is a little larger.

Thanks Scrap Happy and deedum. The machine is currently on ebay as a buy it now for $200 and $40 shipping. The pictures that are posted look very nice and I have asked the seller several questions. Yes it does come with a lot of accessories and the book and it is in a case that looks great. I did a lot of reading about this machine last night on the internet. It is quite impressive and I love the fact that it is heavy duty. I can remember my mother had a 301 in the tan color when I was just a kid. She was a seamstress and made her living sewing. She put many a mile on that machine. She simply loved her Singers and would have nothing else. I have asked the seller one more question and am waiting for an answer from him now, then will make my decision. I will keep you informed. Thanks, Barbo

Your Mom was a smart lady. They are wonderful machines!!
The 301 is starting to go up in price I noticed. I got one on ebay too but a lot cheaper.

Still, if you can afford it go for it, you won't be sorry.

I recently bought mine from craigslist for $125 with the cabinet, original chair, and 4 of the expensive attachments plus the regular set of attachments. I know that I got a great deal, but when I looked on my craigslist today, there were at least 2 more of the things for sale under $200, and one for $400 with the cabinet, so try looking there.
I love this machine for FMQ! I bought the foot for it and it works really well. I also have a featherweight, and the 301 feels just like it.
You wont regret getting this machine, it is a workhorse, mine is a 1951 mocha short bed 301.

I have three 301's that I recently purchased. The black 301's cost more than the other ones. You can adjust, clean, and maintain yourself. Great feature and saves money to spend on fabric! I have only practiced FMQ with it. I loved it!! I got the FMQ foot from April 1930's. Nice foot. I just purchased the even feed foot that fits this machine. I also purchased the instruction and maintenance booklets. Well worth the money. Good luck!

Nancy
Quilter711

The 301 is a wonderful machine and a real workhorse. Mine is tan with cream in nearly perfect condition. I found it on Ebay for just $80, plus shipping, a couple of years ago ... a lucky find! The prices are going up on them, so waiting will probably just get more expensive! You will love it.

Thanks everyone! I just purchased the 301a and I am so excited. I don't know how I am going to be able to function until it gets here. LOL. I am already shopping for the free motion, walking and 1/4" foot. Just can't wait to get my hands on "Agnes". That was my mom's name and that is going to be the name of my new girl. Proper tribute to the woman who "made" me learn how to sew. She would be so "tickled" about my passion for sewing and this Singer 301a. I will post pics. Barbo

Barbo, so glad you got it!!! I agree with the other poster- the prices are just going to keep going up.
You will LOVE it!! :D:D
PLEASE post pics when you get it.
And Agnes is the perfect name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D
Sue

That's one of the other things I love about the 301. So far the prices aren't out of sight, but they are moving up as people discover them.

Just saw this post, sorry I am late putting my two-cents in. I have 2 of the 301's and LOVE them to death! I don't free motion quilt on mine, no feet for that, never knew they had them, but I piece quilts like crazy on both of them! One is the cabinet model with cabinet and the other portable in what looks like an old time "suitcase"...I am so attached to BOTH, they will be with me till I die...you are going to love it!

I free motion quilt all my quilts on my old Kenmore, but never liked piecing on that one, so SINGER 301's forever is my motto! P.S. I have two friends that own them too and will never let them go!

I have a 301A and love it. I just bought a 1/4 in foot from April's 1930 shop on Ebay. It was $19.95 and had free shipping. It only took a few days for me to get it. I can't wait to try it after hubby goes to work tonight.

Guys thanks so much for all the positive information. I am just totally in love right now. I have been looking at Featherweights and 301's for over a year. I got a new Janome for Christmas and thought maybe that would quell my thirst so to speak for a vintage Singer, but NO! I just could not stop wanting one of these old gems. Every couple of days I look at them on ebay and last night saw this 301s that was beautiful. Of all the machines I have looked at this one spoke to me. I know that sounds weird, but it's true. Talked it over with DH and he said go for it. Slept on it overnite and now it is mine. Life is good! Barbo

Wonderful! You will love it! Nothing like an old singer! I have 4 vintage singers and two janomes! Happy with all!

Woo Hoo! Congratulations! I’m happy for you. You won’t regret the wise decision you just made. Love that you named her after your Mom. I understand about the wait for her to arrive. I went to see & pick up my FW but didn’t have the cash with me and had to go back the next day. Oh the anticipation of it all!! Can’t wait to see a picture.

Not weird at all that ‘she spoke to you’ I always thank my girl for sewing so beautifully before tucking her in for the night. I also remind her that she’s not just a pretty face LOL! :-P

Barbo, not at all weird!!
My Bernina has been neglected lately. I'm in love with my old Singers :D:D
Never thought I'd be saying this!

I HAVE A301 AND WOULD NEVER PART WITH IT ITS A 1951 LOVE IT LOVE IT

My mother was also an "Agnes" and she made most of my clothes on a 301, a tan one! I don't have one, but the memories are there. Oh for the good old days! :-D

My 301A was purchased especially for FMQ. She does a wonderful job. Any problems are with the operator, not the machine. AnnieRose also pieces much better than my 'good' machine. I have purchased the FM foot, a 1/4" foot, a SITD foot, bobbins and a new bobbin winder wheel from April1930s shoppe. Great service with no shipping.

I have one and I really like it. My 10 year old grandson loves to make his quilt squares on it

Hi mommaB. Oh yes, I can remember my mom bent over that singer sewing machine turning out the most wonderful things. I was probably around 10 years old when Barbie dolls came out. I was very lucky to have a doll but there was little money for the store bought doll clothes. Since my mom sewed for a living, doing repairs and alterations and sometimes making gowns and dresses she always had an abundance of leftover fabrics. She always saved every bit of material and then she would design and sew fancy clothes for our dolls out of the scraps. My best momory was the real mink coat that she made my Barbie out of the collar that a customer has her remove from a coat. I was the envy of all my little friends because of the wonderful clothes my dolls had. Mom was a smart woman too. There was a man that was a president of a large shoe manufacturing plant located near our home. He always bought silk pajamas and brought them to my mom to alter. He always insisted in trying on the pj bottoms and having her pin baste them as he wore them so the fit would be just right. My mom hated it when he came and she always made sure all of us kids were there in her sewing room while he was there. Didn't understand it when I was 10 but I do now. When I look back, they were certainly special times. We were poor in a lot of ways but so rich in the memories that my mom made for us. Barbo

I recently purchased a 301A Shortbed and I love it. It is a little heavier then the 221's, but it is all gear driven as opposed to the belt on the Featherweight. It handles the fabric so well, especially when you are going over those intersections. I have a Bernina, that is now put away and I am using the 301.I purchased mine from "Duanes Singer Original Vintage Product Parts". He is just great. He guarantees the machine and even has a 60 day layaway program with 1/2 down. If you're looking for anything Singer Vintage,either he has it or can get it. And if you are looking for a particular machine, he will contact you when he gets one in. I can't say enough nice things about him. :)

I just have to join in too! I have three 301 machines. Two black and one beige. All are the long beds and I would not part with one of them. My son asks me how many machines I can use at one time!!! I tell him to just don't worry about it! Absolutely the best machines.

Thanks SherriB for the heads up. I recently bought a magnetic stictch guide for my wonderful 301a and it has helped my 1/4" seam trememdously -- will check out the 1/4" foot.

Just love my little 301a, she has a short bed, and just hums away contendedly. I really think she likes guild meetings and UFO days as much as I do. Just recently discovered the feed dogs can be lowered for FMQ. I may dabble in this a little later, but for now I am strictly a handquilter (if it was good enough for my dear grandmother, it is good enough for me).

You definitely cannot go wrong with a 301a. I bought a second one for backup and I even have a 221, but like the added weight of the 301a.

I own the 301A machine & love it. My quilt teacher bought it new in 1954.She learned to quilt on it & taught me on this machine.When she could no longer see how to quilt,she gave the machine to me.Her daughter has no interest in sewing.This machine is the one I quilt on. Still haven't tried all the feet that came with it. Enjoy your new machine as much as I enjoy Ms.Dee.

I have a featherweight (1950), a Red Eye (1914 motor) and a WHITE, which was made in Japan at the end of the war by, I understand, Singer.
This third one is heavy duty and I can also drop the feed dogs on it for silk, embroidery and of course the normal setting.
These are the only machines I sew on.

Congrats on your "new" machine. You will be very happy with it. I have both a FW 221 in black & a 301 in tan; got both @ a great price from a friend who has a houseful of vintage machines. I am very sentimental about remembering my grandma & great aunt sew on the black singers. Yet after using my 2 vintage machines, I don't think of the tan ones as such "an ugly duckling" anymore; the lighter surface is easier on the eyes to see what you're doing. I love them both, 221 for piecing & classes, the 301 for FMQ (feed dogs drop). I have about 6 other machines, newest being a mid-priced Viking, but I find I like the feel & sound of the vintage Singers best. If I need a fancy stitch I use the Viking.
I also bought some 221 & 301 parts from "April's 1930 shop" on Ebay & would highly recommend her in confidence based on several experiences there. Others may be a little less, but you won't need to question the accuracy of condition, & specifics, as you may for the odd-lot seller.

BTW, my great-aunt is still living & stopped working at age 96 (seamstress for 70+ years), still sharp as a tack at 98! She made all of the families clothes on an old black Singer 201 (the greatest full-size singer made), as well as sewing men's suits & wedding gowns (career). Favorite aunt:)

I have a black long-bed 301 and a tan short-bed and both of them are terrific machines. It's hard for me to decide what to sew on sometimes. I love the convenience and bells and whistles of my newer Janomes, but the Singers are dependable, just as accurate and sew through anything. I enjoy them all!

Congrats, I bought one last fall and just love it.

I bought one on E-Bay last week...it was delivered Friday and has already been put to use. I just love it!!! Mine is a mocha short bed ; it came with attachments, 6 extra bobbins and the manual. There's not a scratch on it!! I only paid $76 for it so consider myself very lucky. The seller told me that she was really disappointed that it went so low...only 2 bids on it...but I assured her it had gone to a good home. Now I want to get the walking foot for it and a 1/4 foot...then I'll be a happy camper.

hi. i have a 301A my mother bought it for me in 1959. It came with a card table type table and sets down in it. It just sews forward and backword, i would hate to guess how many quilts i have peiced on it over the years. and no problem with it. I have a babylock esante and go back to the little work horse for piecing. i love it.

i just bid on one on ebay and it's up to 73.00 so im leaving it alone now as it has no cover, book and was taken out of a beautiful cabinet of which seller is selling seperatly from machine...sigh! I hear it is just a few lbs heavier than fw and a little stronger too.
FLASH NEWS....it went up from my 71 to 153.00 in 2 minutes!
Whoa!!

For all of you FW and 301 owners - don't be afraid to use it for heavy fabrics. They are work horses! I have used my FW to make many snowmobile seat covers. It sews that vinyl as nice as my good Janome. They can sew about anything. I have also put zippers in leather jackets with it.
Enjoy your new machine!

I have one!! Actually, I haven't used it a whole lot, but what I've done with it, it's worked just great. I'm glad I didn't wait for a Featherweight. This was much cheaper.

This is my second favorite machine. With the Singer Dressmaker 201 being my first. 3rd is the 221 of course, but the 301 is just a dream machine. I have mine in a cabinet as well, but nice thing is that they have that cute little trapezoid shaped case and the handle on top.

Have you all checked with any old sewing machine shops? I always suggest to people looking to buy a new machine that you can get a better deal that $400 for a new modern machine by asking for an old Singer 301 first :)

Congratulations on your recent 301 purchase. :thumbup: I'm a recent owner of one, too. I've had mine for a whole 8 days now, and am SO happy I found one. I'd heard so many wonderful things from others about this machine, I just had to have one for myself.

Unfortunately, my tan short bed came bone dry, so I'm in the process of restoring some life to her with oil and grease. There are about 4 different places you need to use either Singer Motor Lubricant or Tri Flow Grease instead of sewing machine oil once in a while (at least once a year, I've read). Two places are underneath the top plate on those two spiral gears, the other two are underneath the bottom of the machine; another gear and the motor pot, a little silver tube on the right side of your machine. A manual will point all these places out to you. You'll need a little syringe pump to get the grease in the motor pot.

I too, have heard great things about these 301's for our quilting needs. I just purchased a 1/4" foot and a walking foot for "Polly", and look forward to getting to use them on her.

Happy stitchin',

Edited to add:

Oops, I see you haven't purchased it yet, still considering. Sorry for the miscue.

If the price is right, grab this machine! I had one years ago, and didn't know what I had. A fast-talking salesmen talked me into trading it in on a new model. Well, I would kill to have that old 301a back! In case no one else on here has mentioned it yet, these were legendary for their ease of use and always-perfect stitches. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to get another one if the opportunity came up.