Teacup

Thanks for the information! Good to know that they type of thread may not be an issue.

BuzzinBumble

Teacup I've been wondering many of the same things, in fact just posted my own thread to ask questions about the 301, 201 and 15 series. These are all very helpful answers you received!

DonnaQuilts

I have used Bobin Genies and they work fne. They come several in a package, so all my machines now have one. The metal bobbins seem to drag more and are louder than the plastic bobbins. My machine is not picky about bobbns as long as they aren't Chinese.

DonnaQuilts

I have used Bobin Genies and they work fne. They come several in a package, so all my machines now have one. The metal bobbins seem to drag more and are louder than the plastic bobbins. My machine is not picky about bobbns as long as they aren't Chinese. Singer 301s are the biggest bargain around right now. Won't be for long though.

Brynn

I have a 201.

1. If you FMQ on a either a 201 or 301, what tips do you have?
Go slow! There's no need to go fast, and you'll have better stitches and quality.

2. What type of thread works best for you?
I've used Aurifill and Connecting Threads thread without issues.

3. Do you use Singer needles, or do other common brands work?
I use Organ needles, the 100/16 size I think. Never had an issue.

4. What size needle?
See above.

5. Do you add a Supreme Slider or other slick surface?
Nope!

6. I have some Bobbin Genies – do you use them?
No, but I'd like to just to see if it improves matters at all.

7. What type of free motion/darning foot do you use? I’m going to have to order a slant shank FMQ foot for the 301. I'd like to find one with an open toe for better visiblity if possible. What works for you?
I used to use the Big Foot (purple and clear plastic), but then I bought the FMQ foot from Sew-Classic, and it seems to work well and allow enough visibility. I really wish there was one as high quality as the Juki feet for example for our machines.

Teacup

Thanks so much! I've not read anyone saying to go slow on the 201. I'll be trying it soon.

Surfergirl

I have 201-2's and 301's in my collection of vintage sewing machines and haven't had too much luck with the 201-2's. I like the 15-91's and my Necchi Supernova best for fmq.

Brynn

Yeah, I found that I needed to go slowly with the 201 and tighten the upper tension to avoid getting little loopies in the back. It's a wonderful machine once you tune it to your needs, and I'm never going back to a modern machine--unless I get a long arm, that is!