Do I Really Need a 301???
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 4,362
I also bought two 301's. Both through e-bay. Shipping was great. Machines are great. One is now at home at our cabin. Yes, I do sometimes miss having the zz stitch, but not too often! I agree with the person who said the sewing on these old machines is therapeutic; great little clicking that doesn't happen with those new plastic machines. Good luck!
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Jersey Shore
Posts: 528
You absolutely don't need one...but you should have one. You'll find it sews similar to the featherweight, but on a grander scale, and the slant needle allows you to sew over needles which was it's big selling point. It is not good for FMQ, but it is a pleasure to use.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
I wouldn't be without my 301. The slant needle makes the sewing area so visible for me. And she runs fast!
I found a second 301 at the estate sale of the Singer repairman. It was stored among other machines in a shed. Here is west Texas, that means dirt. Luckily the dirt is only on the case. The machine itself was clean. All I had to do is oil it and change the needle for wonderful sewing. I did replace the worn power cord and dried up tire.
The family of 3 girls who live next door are moving next week. We have been doing sewing projects on my first
301 for months, and I plan to give them this next 301 to take with them. The oldest girl (age 10) has taken an interest in the workings of the machine, so I think she is ready for the responsibility. I have a Kenmore which would zigzag for them, but I think that a child would be a lot less likely to be seriously hurt by a 301 if it fell off the table than by a heavier machine. Ha!
Dayle
I found a second 301 at the estate sale of the Singer repairman. It was stored among other machines in a shed. Here is west Texas, that means dirt. Luckily the dirt is only on the case. The machine itself was clean. All I had to do is oil it and change the needle for wonderful sewing. I did replace the worn power cord and dried up tire.
The family of 3 girls who live next door are moving next week. We have been doing sewing projects on my first
301 for months, and I plan to give them this next 301 to take with them. The oldest girl (age 10) has taken an interest in the workings of the machine, so I think she is ready for the responsibility. I have a Kenmore which would zigzag for them, but I think that a child would be a lot less likely to be seriously hurt by a 301 if it fell off the table than by a heavier machine. Ha!
Dayle
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NW IL
Posts: 493
No sure if you need one yet I sure I thinking you want one! Here a link for you to decide how much you really want one! Lol
http://singer301.com/about/default.html
Well after reading that link I believe I need a 301 now!
http://singer301.com/about/default.html
Well after reading that link I believe I need a 301 now!
Last edited by caroloto; 07-24-2013 at 10:03 PM.
#16
Yes, you need a 301. I have two. Paid $30 for one (black short bed) and $35 for the other (beige short bed). They almost as easy to carry around as the FWs are. I wasn't looking for either one so maybe if you act like you don't really care, then you will find one .
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
No sewing machine can sew over pins if you value your eyesight. I have badly bent a pin with the 301, though it didn't break it and throw the pieces like my Elna does.
caroloto, thank you for the interesting site.
caroloto, thank you for the interesting site.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Usually in my sewing room
Posts: 813
I just finished quilting a t-shirt quilt on this Brother and it was such a pain in the neck, back, shoulders! It does have a small harp space but it got quilted with a lot of cussing thrown in.
I actually have that exact Brother--found it on clearance at Walmart a couple of years ago for $50. It has such a small harp space--don't understand how they can call it a "quilting" model with such a small space. My dream machine is s Juki, ah maybe some day. I just love the sound of sewing on an old vintage machine--therapeutic.
#19
If you find you do need one, I have two so my answer is yes, they do FMQ very well because the feed dogs drop. Actually, my black 301, Rebeckah, is my go-to machine for everything my DH's jeans repairs. She could do them but I use a heavier vintage machine for them and the seams.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New England
Posts: 865
Could you say why you don't think a 301 is good for fmq, DanofNJ? I think mine is the best machine for fmq I've ever used.
Last edited by cricket_iscute; 07-25-2013 at 09:21 AM.
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