Teacup

GRAB IT if it's in good condition.

Belfrybat

I'm new to the 301 scene, but so far love the one I purchased. Actually, I think it will replace my Featherweight as it is very light to carry around, but the larger harp size and the superior light makes it easier to use. It is also a bit faster than the FW, but for piecing, that really doesn't make much difference. I haven't figured out how to drop the feed dogs yet, but I doubt I will use it much for FMQing as I have both a Brother 1500 and a new Janome 8900 (which I need to practice more on).

mlmack

On the 301, there is a black screw/knob to the left of the bobbin area that you turn to drop the feed dogs.

Prim Quilts

Thanks for the info about dropping the feed dogs. I have two 301a's, but I had never dropped the feed dogs or tried
FMQ'g on them. I will have to do that.

Cogito

I agree with all of the above. I have 6 301's and love them all! 2 black long, 1 black short, 1 beige long, 1 beige short, and my brand new mint condition LBOW! That completes my set, lol. I have several featherweights, but to be honest I never even get them out of their cases. I actually have been considering selling them since they don't get any use. Not true of my 301's.....I use them frequently.

Cogito

i am new to the 401's but I recently broke my stiff rule of no more than $50 for a machine. I really wanted a 401 and knew they went for more, so I put an ad in Craigslist and got no responses for several weeks. Then a lady contacted me and I paid $175, ouch! BUT, I considered it a good deal because it is in like new condition, so is the case AND it came with the matching card table in excellent condition. But lo and behold, wouldn't you know it....the very same day a guy contacts me and says he found one in a rental he was cleaning out and everything going to the dump. He asks if I would like it....well yeah! lol. I gave him $30 for his trouble (it's in a cabinet and he hauled it to his house so I could pick it up) and it too is in immaculate shape. So in one day I became the proud owner of 2 minty 401's. Now I am having fun playing with them and I know they are gonna become a new favorite!

Rodney

$75 is a good price if it's in good shape. The bobbin cases are expensive to replace, they use the same one as the featherweights and run about $30 and up. I passed on a 301 at $50 and I kick myself a little for it even though it was the best decision at the time. It's going to be a while before I see another for that amount.
Rodney

Cogito

Rodney thats a bummer. I do find them occasionally. As I stated above I recently purchased a very mint LBOW 301...paid $40. I will keep my eye open for you.....not too expensive to ship at least.....if you would like? I have finally maxed out on the number of 301's I am allowed to own.

Vridar

My thought is the 301 is as good a stitcher as the 15, 201, 221, 401, 403, 404 but only advantage over them is vertical bobbin and weight. Changing bobbins while quilting is more difficult on the horizontal bobbins and the heavier 15, 201, 401, 403, 404 are more difficult to transport. The 301 is essentially a 221's bigger brother. I currently have neither 221 or 301 as weight is not a concern for me and I have 15s and 201s to cover the vertical/horizontal needs requirement.

miriam

I am not enamored with their bobbin cases.