Singer 301 A Sewing Machine: Better than a Featherweight?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Singer 301 Black color schedule fully overhauled. With a bobbin system that is shared with the smaller Singer Featherweight models, this machine uses a more powerful and direct gear driven motor with no need for belts. All metal construction with Aluminum in the body gave this model true portability in an age when most sewing machines were too heavy for mobile use.
I think the black just looks so classic and cool. I've seen some nice 2 toned too, but I always prefer black.
That machine runs so smoothly.
Please demonstrate how to attach and use different attachments, such as zigzag, buttonhole, ruffler.
I have an all black 319W that I thought was made in 1956? Beautiful machine!
I am fascinated and thrilled with this video. I collect mostly antique and vintage Kenmores just because I love them. But I have a gorgeous 301 as well. It's everything you say it is and I treasure it. I love the size, it's not too heavy.. I have a (sort of) comparable Kenmore that I also love - a 158-1040 zig-zag machine made in Japan in the mid-70's before Sears began making budget cuts and having their machines made in Taiwan with plastic gears, etc. Very sad. I'm sure you've worked on them. They have an aluminum outer shell (I think) but steel guts and even though it's not intended for heavy-duty sewing, it works wonders with all kinds of fabrics and is superb for sewing knit garments. Plus, it handles twin needles beautifully, making hemming knits a joy. It weighs about 18 lbs, so it's also easy to transport. It's not the supreme quality of the 301, but it's not far behind either. I love them both.
I was very interested in your comment about colors 301s were painted. I never thought it might have been so it would pair up nicely with Featherweights, but that wouldn't surprise me. For my purposes however, I prefer the black. All but one of my Kenmores are all in that sort-of neutral light green, off-white, or beige. I like these colors and black because they don't distract the eye from whatever fabric one is sewing. I've seen Featherweights that have been re-painted in gorgeous colors - purple, red, bright blue and even gold. They're lovely to look at but would drive me crazy when sewing on them. Then again, I'm not much of a Featherweight fan. They're gorgeous little machines and people LOVE them; so to each his or her own. I'm VERY happy with my 3/4 size 301. The only other Singer I'd like to have is a 201, if I can ever afford one!
Yes, I'm a huge fan of the Kenmores from that era. As for Singer 201s, do note that there are occasionally good bargains on those out there.
Did you find a 201?
@@totallyjonesin Actually I did! I got lucky roughly two weeks ago and for a price I could afford. She's in reasonable condition cosmetically, and very good mechanically. She IS showing her age of course, as she was built in mid 1941-just a few months before my dad ended going off to war. The japanned finish is quite worn in places although the decals are quite good. I don't mind her age-related flaws, they show she was well-loved and used. But she was really dirty and because I couldn't stand it, first I gave her outside a quick cleaning with a soft damp cloth then a bit of oil. Now I'm carefully cleaning her inside and replacing her oil and grease where necessary. Lastly, I'll tackle the motor. I bought her a brand new cord/footpedal assembly and she runs smoothly and quietly, even though the old grease in her is disgusting. Hopefully, the motor will need just some cleaning and then she'll be at work again soon. Thanks for asking!
@@PibbleMom297 That's great. I was going to offer up my 201-2. It took me many hours to get it back to it's former glory. I have too many machines.
If you love these machines, don't discount the 403A and 404 machines by Singer.
My mom sewed and I thought I could do go as well. I didn't know you have to have the correct needle, matching treat with bobbin, let alone moving the switches. Different needles for different fabric? Tried hand sewing, but it rakes too long! I'm clueless!
Love it. Will look for one that's I hope is affordable . Thanks.
Thank u so much for what you do. I just got one, love It
Great to hear!
She's a cute little machine.I wouldn't mind having this one.
my Mom had one when I was little......... wonder if it is in her attic? I need to look and see. would love to have it up and running.
Great video. Thank you.
You bet!
Hi there! I have several vintage Singers that i just love sewing with (99k, 201 Wittenberge, 301, 404, 221, 128 hand crank). However, I can’t seem to get any modern fmq foot to work with any of my machines. I’m esp trying to get set up on the 301 or 404. Have you addressed this issue or have any recommendations for free motion quilting success?
I just bought a 301 beige in the trapezoid cabinet (I bought it for the cabinet actually for my new singer, not even sure it will fit LOL). But the machine in this cabinet is PRISTINE! even the cording does not look dried out or anything! I'll be taking it to a shop to be checked out, and wonder if I should leave the wiring or replace it??
What a great find. I've always wanted to come across one of those cabinets but have not thus far. I would have your local shop inspect the wiring and decide from there. The cords that work with the 301 (there should be 2; one for the speed control and the other that plugs into the wall) are easy to purchase online as new reproduction cords. Or, your shop could rewire the original plug if in good condition. See what the shop says. Almost all vintage machines require some light cleaning (lint and dust removal or old oil cleaned off) and relubricating is something I would definitely do unless it was just recently sewed with. FYI, if you have the owners manual or get a PDF of one online, it will provide LOTS of info that will prove useful to you along with how to oil the machine yourself. The manual will show how to thread the machine as well as install the needle. (The needles install and get threaded in a different direction than your new Singer ). As for the table and a new Singer machine, it will not fit as the dimensions and platform of Singer machines changed a number of times over the decades. One option many of my clients choose is to have more than one machine. So, if they love the incredible stitch quality of a 301, they may keep that one for certain types of sewing/projects while also using a newer model if a modern machine has features you need/want. If you have the space, it can provide you the best of both worlds and you will likely appreciate having the 301 as a backup given the short life spans of many modern machines. If I had a mint 301 in a cabinet as coveted as your Trapezoid style, I would want to make room for such a setup. Good luck in however you decide to use your machine since the 301 was designed to be easily removable from its table or case and was one of the early portable machines since its body and chassis are made of aluminum. Suffice it to say I'm quite envious of your 301 and table!!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I took it to the shop just to have it cleaned/greased up. It is extremely clean, even inside the cabinet and the power cords are not dried out, they still feel quite supple so I’m hoping they say they’re fine! I do sew lots, I have a JUKI 2010Q and I LOVE that machine for the quilting I do. It’s heavy and in my sewing room in the basement. I bought a smaller Singer grey “heavy duty” machine about 6 months ago so I could have a small machine on the first floor and not miss out on life LOL. I feel confident that the 301 will replace it as my “first floor” machine so I can do piecing and lots of sewing with it, and the JUKI for the main quilting.
@@TheQHunter The 301 has the same shuttle/bobbin system as the Singer 221 Featherweight. I'm willing to bet you will love the 301 for quilt piecing.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I ended up taking it to have a full oil change and tire rotation LOL. I've been using it to make a quilt and I love how quiet it is!
Sadly my tan color 301 is corroding under the paint. I am not sure why. A real pity as it works beautifully.
Have you ever restored a singer 201k aluminium? It’s also a very lightweight machine with the grunt to stitch beautifully through fine voile and multiple layers of leather easily.
Interesting question. I have to say no, I have not. I have overhauled many Singer Featherweights and a few Kenmores that had aluminum bodies. I'm sure the aluminum 201's (mostly UK made I believe?) are relatively easier to transport but should provide the same love stitch as their iron/steel predecessors. The aluminum versions would have been more costly to produce and I'm sure their new prices reflected it.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I think they would be a similar weight to the 301, it’s so much lighter than my mums older 201k which almost breaks your back lifting it. Thankfully the parts are still the same, but it’s shape is more similar to the 301 and it comes with either the carry case or a treadle table set up. If you ever come across one it would be great to see your opinion on it. My mum calls mine the lightweight 201k - she always trying to sneakily swap it for hers, so much that I’m now trying to hunt down another one for her (as she says she can’t beat the 201’s stitch quality so won’t part with hers even though it’s so heavy) 😄
I own a singer 201-2. It came with original queen Ann style table and bench. I love it because it sees with knee pedal under the table, and it has a drop in bobbin. Does a 301 has a drop in bobbin and does it sew zig zag?
Singer 301's are straight stitch only and they use the same side loading bobbin that the Singer 221 Featherweight does. The singer 401, 403, and 404 all are Slant Shank machines but have a drop in style bobbin; same as the 201s.
They do have zigzag attachments,alot matter a fact ,I have all
What vintage machine would you recommend for bag making? I sew with thick vinyl and waterproof canvas...This machine is beautiful!
Hi Juan. Yes, I agree these 301 machines are lovely. However, based on what you describe wanting to sew, the best candidate in HOME sewing machines is the Singer 15-91 direct drive model. These were made in large numbers for the US market and are the strongest home model I believe. If that would not sew your bags, you would want to step up to an industrial machine.
Can you tell me about the main gear that runs against the motor and why it is bakelite or whatever they call it can you grease that? And can you get new ones do they go bad I was surprised to see that in mine today
I'm not aware of any new reproductions but salvage used ones can be found at places like Bonanza and ebay. Singer used this to quiet the running of the machines and possibly to allow a slower/gentler start up for stitching since the gear allows a bit of 'play' between it and the motor's worm gear. Considering that Singer used this as far back as the 1930's, I'm confident they were not 'cheaping out' on the construction, but rather chose this as an optimal engineering/design element.
What did this one sell for?
I've seen one of these in pristine condition for sale on eBay for $399 shipping included.
I just got lucky and acquired a black one, also pristine, both mechanically and cosmetically, from the original owner for $50. It's a beauty and it purrs like a kitten.
You can get them cheaper but anyway still worth it
@@PibbleMom297 I got a 2 tone with everything for 50$ .
It turns in the same direction all the time that's good
Singers 150th anniversary machine is black but it’s a plastic abomination. I’ve worked on a few. That bizarre take up lever they concealed is a lint trap.
Yes, its really sad isn't it? When that plastic anniversary model debuted, Singer had gone bankrupt and its assets were purchased by a private equity firm. And like so many of the legendary 'legacy' brands, Singer is a brand label. The Singer company is gone. This is true of Pfaff, Necchi, Husqvarna, White, and others. Fortunately, Singer was so large in their heyday that millions of their old machines exist for our use.
I'm getting a 2 tone tomorrow for 50$ all tool's@ attachments.
That's an amazing price. Great find!
They are smooth....
Sometimes people forget to put the notch in the bobbin case
To keep it from spinning freely when the throat fight is removed mine was like that and I figured it out and then I just saw another one on TH-cam that was like that people were telling her but anyway I got a touch and sew needs gears . 247 . I'm going to restore the other two I don't think this two-tone will need restoration but I need to know what to do with that gear
It's a tight main gear on the motor but I just was surprised to see it
Love that price.