Singer 301A - Did we just become best friends?
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- čas přidán 21. 02. 2024
- Yep.
I purchased this 1954 Singer 301A at a local Goodwill (thrift store).
I give you the cost breakdown, repairs I made and a corresponding era sewing project.
The pattern I used was a vintage Butterick Sewing Pattern (1950s).
Links: (not sponsored or affiliated)
Bobbin/Bobbin Case:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0824QHRZV?...
Thread Guides and screws:
www.quilters-connection.com/s...
Special guests: My wee hens. Shot on location.
For more about me visit:
Subscribe: @TheaStarr
www.theastarr.com
Instagram:@thea_starr
#Singer301A #vintagesewingmachine #sewingmachine #vintagesewingpattern #butterickpattern #1950sstyle
Thea,
I have restored many Singer 221 (Featherweight) for my wife's quilting friends. They are stuck on the cuteness of the Featherweights.
My favorite Singer sewing machine oscillates between the Singer 301/301a and the Singer 201/201K. The Singer 301 outperforms any Singer Featherweight. I will repeat what others have said, "The Singer 301 is a Singer 221 on steroids". The 301 is more powerful, faster and durable. The internal motor is stronger and the internal gearing is more durable.
Thank you for posting this video to encourage people to consider a Singer 301 or 301a.
I laughed out loud when I read "stuck on the cuteness". It's so true. I often hear that as one of the main descriptive words about the 221s. (It is totally cute.) But oof, I just love the 301A. It had me surprised from the initial stitches. How strong it is, the absolute perfect stitches, it would be a shame to not consider it.
This was absolutely delightful! I just found my black, long-bed 301 from 1952, my birth year. You have inspired me to take the tension assembly apart for cleaning. I was afraid to do that and you made it seem simple! I know I'll enjoy my 301 as much as you do yours!
Yay!!! I love the look of the black long bed version, it's so classy looking. I feel like taking the tension assembly apart is only scary the first go around. Just be sure you keep a tray handy to place everything in there - so nothing rolls away on you. I always take them apart now when I get a new to me machine. It's amazing how much lint can hide in the spring and how icky the discs can get if it was well used/loved. Good luck and thank you so much for your comment!
I was given a 1953 301A machine in a cabinet last year. I refinished the cabinet. Took the machine apart, cleaned, oiled and greased it. It works like a new machine. I had to order the little rubber tire for the bobbin winder and a few extra bobbins, but that was it. I’ve made 9 quilts so far and mended numerous items. I have 3 other machines, but this one is by far my favorite.
How awesome! Refinishing the cabinet is no small feats in some cases too. The 301A has been my favorite so far too. I just love it and feels good to work on. Thank you for sharing that joy with me!
very nice machine, very classy! it oozes 1950 chic
At your local Goodwill!?!!! No way you could pass that by! Congratulations!
You got a deal!! I have a 301 but mine is a black long bed. I bought it on ebay, but it too came from a thrift store. I also have a featherweight but i prefer sewing on the 301! It is the only machine that i have ever said, "Oh my gosh, I LOVE this machine!!!"
You have the version I had hoped to find. Hopefully someday. I agree, the only other machine I've ever swooned over this much is my 201-2.
Just picked up a 1955 301A longbed for free! I'll be tackling the tension assembly too. Someone definitely put it back together a bit wonky. Enjoyed your video and love your adorable chickens.
Yay! Congratulations on a really great freebie. I hope the tension reassembly goes smoothly for you too!
I absolutely. love my 301. I have featherweights and other vintage sewing machines but found that this machine is a real workhorse. I needed to repair my husbands carhart jeans and a it easily sewed through 6 layers of jean. You are so lucky to have found this gem. Happy sewing.
I'm glad you mentioned that. My husband also has some Carhartts that need repair and I wondered if I should break out one of my bigger machines for that job. How funny, you answered my question. Thanks so much for your comment and Happy Sewing to you!
I own my mother's 1953 machine which I learned to sew on 56 years ago. It does a great stitch and has given me few issues. The bobbin is easy to change without looking when I quilt a large project. Once in high school I took it apart and fortunately got it all back together. It has all the original attachments, book, and case. It is great to take when I go to a sewing group or class. I love using it. Enjoy yours!
Love this! I love that you took it out to hang with the chickens. Thank you for teaching me a little about vintage Singers!
:) I mean it's technically a portable machine, so why not? Hahaha! Yay! This is definitely a wonderful machine and I highly recommend it if you're in the market for a machine. (xoxoxo - Thank for your comment.)
Oh cool! I found a 301 A in a thrift store for 45.00. purrs like a kitten. Then I found another at my local repair shop. Can't just have one!!! One for home and one for moms. This weekend I received a Singer Featherweight for my birthday! I'm in heaven! Glad you got a Singer 301. They are delightful!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
I have been bitten by the "can't just have one bug". I hope to find at least a black one in a reasonable price range someday. They are absolutely wonderful machines!
Congratulations on such a great birthday gift! I hope you're having a great time with it!
Supposedly the 301 will sew up to 1600 stitches per minute. You may want to clean the commutator on the motor to help speed it up. I think Vintage Sewing Machine Garage and Andytube have videos on how to clean it with a q-tip and alcohol.
I did read that too. I didn't feel like this machine was sluggish at all. If anything, the speed was an exciting surprise. I do appreciate the recommendation and will definitely keep it mind just in case something goes awry. Thank you!
Yes 🙌🏽 Andytube has been a great resource.
Yes Andy Tube is kind and a great source of information.
❤ I have one too, I got it at an estate sale $35 I didn’t know if it worked or anything about this vintage model, but it came in a cabinet with a matching bench and the drawers were full of scissors and notions. I bought it figured the cabinet and notions alone were worth the $ even if the machine didn’t work. It sat in my house untouched until my Touch n Sew golden Deluxe feed dogs stopped working. I took both to the repair shop and the man suggested I just keep the 301 👍🏽 I’ve been googling all the info about it and have been pleasantly surprised to find several people that love this machine. It was used in teaching home economics in schools. (So I read somewhere 🤷🏻♀️)
I sewed with the Touch and Sew 5 years, after it was gifted from a dear friend who’s Mom had sewed with it for decades. Getting it repaired required getting a couple of parts fabricated by a machinist. I picked up the 301A and am still trying to fix it. I’m almost there thanks to a plethora of CZcams videos 🤣 I have an awesome TL series and the vintage Singers are fast becoming my favorites 🧵🪡
It's a powerful machine
I love it when a machine comes with its cabinet and is filled with goodies like that. Honestly, I was skeptical about all the talk/hype about the 301. Was it just because it's "portable". (Mine is technically the cabinet/table version because it has the two plugs on the side rather than the one.) But I am absolutely smitten with it. I love how lightweight it is. I love the slant needle and the stitches are amazing. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised too with yours. Maybe you'll consider it as a great upgrade to the Touch & Sew. I have a Golden Deluxe also that isn't working right and is fine bookend at the moment. The first person I asked about it in a sewing machine Facebook group called it a "Touch & Toss". Oof.
A 301A complete with table is for sale locally for 150. I started to do research and found this video. Loved it. The chickens were just extra! Congrats. Happy sewing.
$150 for the machine and table (depending on condition) sounds like a great deal for a 301A. Thanks so much for your comment and happy sewing to you!
Thanks for sharing this video. I just bought a 1952 301 with a cabinet for $1 at an auction. The cabinet drawers were full of all the accessories too! Zigzager, button holers and all the feet. Greased and oiled and started to sew. I usually sew with a 1938 99 so I too was surprised by how light it was when I picked it up. FYI the needle plate shape mirrors the orientation of the needle....if you ever wonder.
"I don't have featherweight money." Lol. As well-regarded as the 221 and 222 are, the prices just seem too inflated because of all the hype. I like that the 301 is still relatively under-hyped.
Funny thing is, people seem to stumble upon these wish-list bargains whenever they're NOT looking for them. I'm sure with any luck, you'll eventually find that elusive, affordable Featherweight.
All of the crazy prices I've seen on Featherweights have definitely got me curious admittedly. Are they really worth that? Hopefully, I'll get to at least try one someday. There should be equally as much hype on the 301s. I am totally smitten with it.
@@TheaStarr Whether it's worth it is something no one can really answer for anyone else. I've had a chance to use a 221 for a few days and I will say it was a nice experience. However, the high price it frequently commands means it's rather low on my priorities list, since there are other machines that suit my purposes better. That's not to say, though, that I'd pass one up if a reasonably-priced specimen crossed paths with me. :)
That said, I do like the 301A better. I generally don't carry a sewing machine around with me often, so the better transportability of the Featherweight is not enough to make me pick it over the better usability of the 301A, owing to it's more spacious throat area and more powerful motor. Seeing how you're smitten with your new machine, I can imagine it might spark interest in aquiring the other variants (two other colorways as well as long bed versions).
@@telecaster9992 Definitely - on wanting to collect them in the other color ways and the long bed version. But I too, wouldn't say no to the "just right" conditions of acquiring a 221.
I inherited my grandma's 301A singer machine after she passed away in 2006. Just had it tuned. :) Working wonderfully. I just have to remember threading my machine. Not use to it yet. I still remember my grandma wanted me to have her sewing machine after she passes.
I love that for you. It's so awesome when someone passes these machines down /and someone wants to receive it, rather than donating them. Thanks so much for your comment!
I'm glad my brothers never got a hold of it. They would just get rid of it. I have a friend that is bossy and told me already to get rid of it. I'm like, "Are you crazy?" lol@@TheaStarr
I have one I bought at a yard sale for $65. It came with a full-size mahogany desk. It's a beast and I love it.
I should add that it came with all the cogs, accessories, and manual.
Whoa. Sounds like you got an incredible deal!
@@TheaStarr I totally did. ❤️
You've found a beauty!! I love thrifting sewing machines, especially older ones. Usually, I need to clean or order a part or two, but I'm addicted...lol. 😊Happy sewing!!!
It is such an addiction! Thank you for the comment and happy sewing to you as well!
I'm fortunate in that I was gifted a 301a from the head hat designer of hat factory (and a dear friend) in Upton,Massachusetts (Kartiganers? sp)
What a great gift and I don't doubt it helped produce some very fine hats.
I found one in its case, I assumed it was a typewriter. I opened it & was surprised, it had been marked down.to $20 bucks, it had 8 feet & manual, button holer.
It's a great machine.
I've also mistaken the case for a typewriters. I always check now, even if I am sure it is a typewriter.
Absolutely happy to have found you!!! I am a Seamstress/ designer/ crafter and all in between!!! I own A few of the singer 400 the Rocketier ones collection 4 of it am not sure if the one I have may be a 300 but will check!!! I love older vintage Sewing machines and love the way each one stitches it’s sound makes me calm and happy!! I Olson have a Vigoreli, kenmore 2 different models,white, singer touch and sew, and couple more I can’t remember their name brand all vintage, well am really excited I fix them up as well and completely agree with the feeling when I put my hands on it, my max is $40 , most I have paid, but some have been free!! 😂 ty for sharing!!!
This is the sewing machine I first learned how to sew on. Somebody stole it out of the backseat of my car when I was 18 in 1978. I was heartbroken. So funny, I have just been thinking about this machine, and I came across your video. Now that I know what model it is I have to get one.Its a pleasure watching you refurbished it. Thank you😊
I just bought a 301 about 6 months ago and I’m so in love with this machine!!! Mine looks just like yours. I was lucky to get a cabinet also.
I like how you verbified rubber mallet.
Hahaha! Yeah, I laugh at myself for that too. But sometimes, its the answer to fix things.
@@TheaStarr The verbification, or the mallet?
(answer: yes).
This particular machine I have it’s in a wooden case. I love it.
I requested to be friends on fb to be able to follow you and share my gals as well as work!!!
I really enjoyed this video. I have a Featherweight that I bought a couple years ago (with stimulus money, couldn’t afford otherwise) but I’m scared to use it. Now, I have to try! I also have a New Home that I bought new in 1984 but it’s been running rough. I need to check it out. You have given me the courage to do that. My new Brother is okay but it’s just not the same. Thanks for encouraging me!
Honestly, I think if I had a Featherweight I'd be a little scared to use it too. Good luck with your New Home, Hopefully you can find some specific videos on your model to help you figure things out. Thanks so much for your comment!
Hello a new subbie from Alaska. I love the comments section of your videos. Everyone is super helpful and share great information! I recently got this one. I’m still working on it. Your video is keeping me on task. 😂🙋🏻♀️🏔️💕❄️
Aww thanks so much for the sub. And yes! I love how we all seemingly want to share the love/experience/and helpful hints on these machines. I hope you get yours in great working order. It really is a joy to sew with.
I have both I love the 301A the best
I love your enjoyment of these machines.
I love the sound of this machine what a find! Congratulations that’s a great machine I’d love to own one myself! I sew with my straight stitch only machine the Janome HD9 I love it!
That’s a find!!!
Happy for you! I have one! Love the house dress.
Thanks so much!
Great job saving a 301! They really are incredible machines, even smoother and more precise than the legendary 201 imo. Just thought I should mention that the tension assembly will work even better if you move the "loop" of the check spring above the little metal finger on the left , rather than leaving it below. This is illustrated better than I can describe it at 21:00 in this video: czcams.com/video/KsV4lUHMa28/video.html Happy sewing!
Loved to watch you bring life back in this gorgeous little machine❤
I am loving the mechanical sound it's producing.
Chickens and sewing machines, nice combo👍🏻
Sad that they chickened out on meeting the new machine😅
Hahaha! They were oddly curious, but not quite enough to take a closer look.
That's my machine! Oh yea. It was my Mom's and i learned to sew on it. And now i have it. Mmmmm
I love hearing stories like that. It's such an amazing machine. I hope to pass mine down to family also.
With the help of my son i was able to get the needle bar timing set properly. Now I love my ebay Singer301. I am not having much success getting fmq set up-i hope you try and make a video about it!
Hey! Nice to meet you! That is a great machine! I am still looking for one!!
Nice to meet you too! I really hope you find one. I feel super lucky to find this one. It has been so much fun just sewing with mine.
@@TheaStarr- I just got a 403a, it's close!!! It will Do!! when are you sewing with this>?
Hi, just found you today, have subscribed ❤, I must say not only am I impressed with your mechanical skills, of repairing the machines,,,,your technical skills behind the camera showing the details of your repairs,, are just superb! I’m old school,,we had the 301’s in home economics, back in the early 70’s. I currently have a 99k, and 6106, both singers. Love my vintage machines, and it’s very refreshing to see younger people restoring and loving these machines.❤ your sewing skills are amazing as well!
Omg,,, and your even a chicken lady❤🐓🐓🐓❤️
Thank you all around. I have to admit I am jealous you got to sew on these in Home Ec. We had some terrible plastic things in the 90s when I had Home Ec. Now most schools don't even offer that class at all. So sad. But I know I have quite a few young folks following me because they've inherited their grandma's - some even great grandma's machines and want to learn. I too, love the vintage machines, they were built to last. I want to share that love and hopefully convince a few to tackle a stuck machine and bring it back to life. With a wee sprinkling of chicken lady vibes to encourage that too. Again, thank you - and thanks for the sub!
Oh, lucky you! What a great find. Could you share the brand of grease acceptable for vintage machines? Thanks!
I know folks have different preferences on grease. I’ve used Superlube Grease and Triflow Grease. There are a couple more out there - on called SewRetro Great that I hear is made for vintage machines, but I haven’t tried it yet.
I have to wear pants around a few of my Bar Rock hens, they sneak up a bite the back of my knee.
Goodwill machine priced have jumped up a lot. The sketchy power cord probably discouraged other shoppers.
Hahaha! I have to be careful what prints on my dresses I wear around my girls, they love to peck at some of them. But not quite at my bare legs.
I feel like that is the case with most thrift stores (much higher prices). Feel extra lucky when I nab a machine on a sale day.
True - the power cord and the bent tension knob would probably deter most. In this case, I am personally thankful for that.
Vintage machines are the best 💖. Those who think new is better probably never sew with a vintage machine because once you try one there is no turning back 😉
100% Newer machines just don't feel good to sew on, now that I've seen the other side.
@@TheaStarr The sound of newer machines is just awful too. Not the beautiful smooth purring away quietly of a vintage machine. The new ones sound so harsh, clunky and robotic. All that pressing of buttons and digital clicks and whirrs is just torment to the spirit to those of us who really love the joy and serenity of the true art of sewing with a beautiful old machine. And then there's the smell🙏😊 Vintage owners will know exactly what I mean. Vintage all the way for me, no contest.
Your 301A is simply devine. Well done in getting it back to tip top condition. 💖✨
I paid over $700 for certain brand, I won’t say what one but it only ran six years. I am loving my 1951 Singer 301. 73 years old and will probably outlive me no doubt.
they are usually heavier, im usually breaking my back moving all of these little guys.. but this one is special.. and works better than most of the others ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ go figure
From constantly using this machine since I've owned it, I have to agree with you.
Your machine is a beauty. I found a 1952 301 in a cabinet at my local Goodwill and by waiting a few days until “senior” Wednesday received a 15% discount so only paid $56.00 + tax. It was missing the bobbin case, glass lens on the light, and had an “iffy” cord set, so I went on eBay and purchased a vintage bobbin case (I already had bobbins) and lens, and a good cord set. Yes, these parts cost more than the machine, but we’ll worth it.
I noticed in your video that your 301 appears to be missing the bobbin winding spool pin from the right front bed. It is also a spring pin like the one on the back. I have seen them listed on eBay from time to time. Good luck and have fun with your new girl.
Ooh, I hope your cabinet that came with it is nice. I did like that mine had the "drop in" cradle attached to it, even though it didn't come with a cabinet. With the cradle I can use one of my current cabinets. Yes, my winding spool is missing. I decided to skip replacing that for now. I was in the same boat with spending more on parts that I did the actual machine too. But I'm one of those crazy ladies that winds a few bobbins to have filled on the ready. Admittedly, I use my modern Pfaff for winding all of my bobbins and that's about all I use it for these days. I didn't look on eBay to do a price comparison - so thank you for mentioning that.
I wanna see more chicken friends very nice machine
My little ladies love being on camera. I'm sure they'll wander into my videos often.
You didn’t mention or show a knob down by the bobbin case. That knob is used to lower the feed dogs so you can darn, embroider or free motion quilt. I had a black one that had this. Your chickens are sweet. My chickens are also chicken; any time I go out to the coop with a different coat on than they are used to, they are afraid and go under the coop.
I plan on sharing more about this machine in a future video. I need a small piece to enable the bobbin winder to work properly. I'm planning to show that and more about the bobbin (area). One of the first things I did when I got the machine was turn that knob because I didn't know what it was for.
Hahaha! Your chickens sound like my girls. How dare you do anything or present them with anything different. Thank you so much for your comment!
Yo tengo una peso pluma la compre en $800 pesos mexicanos biene en su baúl con algunos accesorios la amó
I'm so glad your video came up. God knew I could utilize the information you have given. I bought a 1970s era singer and I was able to sew for about a week, and then it kept breaking my thread. You have given me confidence to take apart my tension regulator, because that seems to be the source of the problem.
I sewed many clothes, jammies, toys and blankets on my singer treadle machine throughout our marriage. Now as I am older, and my eyesight has changed, I sold it to a nice lady who was thrilled to have it. Thank you for the helpful information. ❤
For me, I've often had tension issues with my machines. Sometimes, they just need a good cleaning of the disks where the thread passes through. Sometimes, they need a lot more. Thankfully manuals are easy to find online for free or a model specific machine You Tube video. I wish you all the luck with your machine!
I only do man stuff (OK, alterations). I bought a new machine for the narrow arm, which helps a lot. But, my old Singer does lovely stitches back and front. I noticed over using my wife's modern Janome.
It is absolutely not a good idea to sew over pins! Hitting one can cause one of these old girls to get knocked out of allignment, as well as breaking a needle. Im happy you found it, and got her running. I piece quilts on mine almost exclusivly of my other vintage singers. 301s are my favorite singers! Ive never turned one down that ive seen in the wild. It seems a crime to me to see them abandoned at thrift stores. I have 4 of these now. I know I dont need all of them, but its impossible to choose which one should go.
Oooh I got the collector bug for this model. I really love this gal and now I have my eyes peeled for the other color ways and bed length. I am smitten.
@@TheaStarr I hope you find one of the illusive black long beds. That's the only one I don't have.
Hello, your tension "check spring" should be above the "nub", not below it...
I was waiting for someone to critique me on that. You are correct. I actually didn't notice (or see any signs of issues) until about a week after filming everything. I've been exclusively using this machine recently and noticed my goof when I threaded it again and noticed the placement of the spring. A good testament to this machine I think, despite my flub.
@@TheaStarr Another tip ( I have been fixing my machines for years and learning constantly )... When the check spring is in proper tension, it should rest at "6:00" under the "nub"- then pull it up. The adjustment screw should be in the center, not to the left or right ( as well )... These are "helpful tips" not criticism ..
@@1953childstar Absolutely. Apologies if my use of the word critique, inferred criticism. I didn't feel that from your tips. I definitely do not know everything. I appreciate your comments.
WOW IT SEWS SO QUITE
It does. At least definitely compared to a few of my other machines.
Once, I purchased a Bernini 1040 from a thrift store for $29.99. Problem? Light bulb burnt out.
Hahaha! Those are the best problems.
Wait till you happen on a Maruzen made Kenmore or a White built by Toyota. 301 is a good machine, but its supposed crown is questionable. There’s a lot of fine old machines from mid century.
Well, great. Now I have to research Maruzen made Kenmores. :) I thought my Singer 201-2 was my lot's "Queen". The 301 definitely isn't too far behind that. (For now.) Thanks so much for your comment!
🩵💙❤️💚🩷💛💜🧡
Espero consiga el accesorio para zigzag y el ojaleador.
czcams.com/video/7mwN7j9g4xw/video.htmlsi=ssrDvyLP9Se0A7oS
I hope to get the zig zag attachment too.
En eBay.
@@TheaStarr czcams.com/video/zjUBFQQ0W0w/video.htmlsi=bTaWn9Bw30wV0JRC
czcams.com/video/eiEOoSkGWH4/video.htmlsi=nSFAsJzrGTWgZsmI
I wonder if there are any Sewing With Chickens groupsites where people could submit pictures just like there are Sewing With Cats? You might’ve just kicked off something there…
I sincerely hope there is! Hahahaha!
Bonsoir madame aceque cette machine vous me la vendre .elle marche avec un moteur elle marche bien en pèdale merrci