jlm5419

I have both; the featherweight goes with me to classes, and the 301 is currently my favorite machine for piecing at home. They are both great machines. If price is a consideration, go with the 301.

LaurieE

Here's a link where someone compares the Featherweight with the 301. I hope you find it helpful.

http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/03/...ne-review.aspx

barbo117

I agree so-sew the black does show lint and find myself with a cloth giving her a dust quite frequently. I have been watching ebay for a tan and oyster color 301. (am i nuts or what?) Just have to figure out how to get it in the house without hubby knowing. This could be grounds for divorce!!!

anewchapter

Can anyone tell the bed length's with the short and long bed of the 301?

Thanks a lot.

cctx.

I don't have a FW, but a 301A, so my bet would be the 301A.

anewchapter

Actually, I was thinking the difference of the short and long bed was in the distance between the side of the machine and the needle.. I see now it is the length of the extension off to the side. Thanks. I still would like to know the distance of the quilting area. I am looking for another machine to just do quilting and would like a decent amount of space.

thanks

Quiltgranny

My 301A shortbed is 16.5" from side to side and 7" from front to back. The short bed section is 2.75" from hinge to the outside edge. The harp area has 7.5" long and 5" high, a decent amount of room for quilting.

I have the mocha color and absolutely LOVE it!! I really like the vertical bobbin case. Make sure that you find out that the machine you purchase has one, as they are often 'robbed' and cost $40-$60 to replace. :shock:

You will need machine oil and gear grease to maintain your machine. They're so easy to take care of and will give you years and years of service. Parts are really easy to come by and inexpensive too, including additional presser feet.

Let us know what you decide. :thumbup:

SewExtremeSeams

You have plenty of advice already given but thought I would add my two cents worth. :-D

A year or so I bought a FW with all of the attachments, original oil can; lots of other goodies, original manual, plus a book on FWs for $250 with a case.

Last week I bought a 301A with all attachments, tons of bobbins, and a cabinet, cradle adapter to set machine in the cabinet, etc. for $150. It also has a built in metal handle to carry it with.

I love sewing on my FW. Cleaned up my 301A and plugged it in and pressed on the pedal without threading the machine. It is a POWERHOUSE! I can tell that it will probably become my favorite machine to sew on. I am probably going to use it with my newly acquired 'used' Grace longarm frame.

Let us know what you decide to get. :-D

I guess I have to add that if I had to make a choice, after running the 301A, I think my choice would be the 301A. And save up for a FW for later. My 301A has the fold up bed like the FW and is very portable like the FW. It only weighs 5# more.

kwilter

I have three FWs which I am extremely fond of BUT I use my mocha 301 all the time. Lovely stitch, a real workhorse, easy to thread, etc. Can't say enough about my wonderful Singer 301. I love it!♥

GrandmaLola

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my 301!! I haven't used another machine since I got it. The more I use it the more I like it.