BarbaraSue

I don't have a FW, but I do have a 301. I love it, and sew on it more than the 15-91, the treadle, the Wards signature, the old Kenmore, the Viking Rose, or the Pfaff expressions 3.0. But I do still sew on the others. I just do different things on them.
I primarily use the 301 because I can sew in the evening or at night, and not keep anyone up (except the cat, he thinks he helps me sew). The 301 is such a quiet machine for an electric. It just barely makes any noise, or at least mine doesn't. So, I think you'd like it. It is just a bit bigger than that of your FW.

patdesign

You will use the FW for piecing and the 301 for quilting the finished, pieced top. 301 machines have ability to drop feed dogs, they have a larger underarm space, they are slant needle, the bobbins are same as 221 and they are all metal gears, hard to find a better lightweight quilting companion. They are very portable and only weigh about 17 lbs.

Canada Kate

Thanks for everyone's input on this! I don't see any resounding negative opinions, which is kind of what I was hoping for. I think I'm going to get her. :-) It's a beige one and according to the serial number, she was made in 1951. I've emailed the seller to ask if I can go and see it tomorrow.

I'm going to assume that my 1/4" foot that fits my FW will also work for this? I guess I'll have to get a walking foot for this, since I haven't learned how to FMQ yet - would a generic one work, or do you need a specific Singer walking foot?

MaryLane

The 301 is a slant needle. You have to have slant needle feet. I am pretty sure the FW is not a slant needle but the feet are readily available.

I love my 301. Just sewed on it this afternoon before coming to work. Have a headache today so the quietness is appreciated!

Candace

Unfortunately there are no "good" walking feet available for the 301. There are many that are marketed as fitting the 301 and they do, but they are too wide for the feed dogs. There is not one walking foot one the market that will do what it's supposed to and that is feed the top in conjunction with the bottom feed dogs. I'm hoping that eventually some one will get smart and engineer a proper walking foot for the 301, as of now you can either got without or buy one of the modified ones for sale that will fit, but won't work 100% like it should.

Your 301 will take different feet from your FW.

patdesign

As already posted, although the 221 and 301 can share bobbins, they cannot share feet, the 221 is a low shank machine, and the 301 is a slant shank, but feet are readily available for it. You can get older singer slant shank walking feet on ebay for this machine.

SunlitenSmiles

here is another 2 cents.........the 301 without a walking foot is like other machines with a walking foot..the way the slant needle feeds and works with the feed dogs (and the visability may play into this) is a joy !!!! the 1/4 inch marking on the plate is accurate and if you sew still able to see the line you have a perfect scant 1/4 inch (using aurifil thread). hope you post photos... mine is light beige and oyster white and has the table.

Sew happy

I have a 301. It's a great machine but enjoy some of the features on a computerized machine more, ie,needle down or up feature, push button reverse. Also, some machines do a secure stitch automatically at the beginning of your sewing project. Also, I think the price is a bit high and you may be able to find a better price if you look for it. 301 is strong, dependable, faster than the featherweight and has beautiful straight stitches.

deedum

I think the price is a bit hit on that 301, I love the 301. I have two but paid a lot less.

Canada Kate

Well, that may be the case, but I've been watching my local Kijiji and Craig's List (CL), as well as eBay, for several months and can't seem to find one that has been fully restored and guaranteed by the restorer for less. There was a black 301A that recently went for $135 on eBay, but by the time I pay to ship it to Canada, and get it restored, I'm closer to $300.

I see posts on here where people get FW's and other antique machines at roadside sales and Goodwill for like $20, but I have to tell you I have never seen anything near that in the large Canadian city where I live. There is someone on CL right now who is trying to sell a FW - not refurbished - for $500. If y'all know where someone in Canada can get vintage machines for less, by all means, let me know!