KalamaQuilts

They appear to be identical to me, is it just the age? What years was the 404 made?
Or is this model not a slant stitch? I can't really tell from the online manual.
thanks!

mlmack

They look similar, but there are a few differences.

301 is vertical bobbin, 401 is drop in
301 is smaller, lighter, and more easily portable

J Miller

301 has a draw bridge, the 404 doesn't.

301 uses FW type bobbins, the 404 uses class 66 bobbins.

301 has a cult following, the 404 doesn't.


Joe

KalamaQuilts

thank you both
One other difference..One to two hundred dollars
I'm thrilled!!

I'm going to go get it around 10 am.

Rob is retiring soon and I thought I'd check with guilds in the areas he is fly fishing and maybe get in on some classes or at least a sit and stitch at some shops.

I asked the owner to weigh it, 18 pounds, so lighter is really a moot point.
Thanks again!

Candace

The 301 is a more flexible machine and is a better design. Much better at FMQing due to the vertical bobbin assembly and the ability to drop the feed dogs(which the 404 doesn't have). If you're planning on getting a second machine for quilting, you really should go with the 301, IMHO.

KalamaQuilts

Thank you Candace. This would be strictly for piecing, I have a lovely big Janome here at home for quilting.

Rodney

Dang it, I just sent you a PM for some 301s for sale here in Centralia. Congrats on your new machine!
Rodney

Candace

Then you'll be happy with it. They're good piecing machines.

miriam

I like the 404s they have a goof proof bobbin compared to the 301. And the 404 bobbins can be used on other machines.

KalamaQuilts

Goof proof. How did you know?

I am absolutely in love. It is nearly silent running

Born in 1960.
Will all the research I've done on the 301, and the months and months of looking for one, I never once heard of the 404.

Thank you all again for your comments, much appreciated!
Sharyn