Singer 301 - About the Singer 301

The Revolutionary Singer Model 301 Slant-needle Sewing Machine!

"Represents the Ultimate in Sewing Machine Design and Styling"

"The Slant-Needle Sewing Machine Is All About Precision"

"The World's Finest Straight Stitch Sewing Machine"

"The Most Modern, Streamlined Machine Ever"

"The Best Sewing Machine Ever Made"

"The Last Word In Sewing Ease"

"The Famous Singer 301"

"Read About Me"

Doehler-Jarvis and Singer Manufacturing Company

How Doehler-Jarvis Helped Singer Develop ...

a new way to build precision into parts and make a fine product finer than ever.

Article dated February 15, 1954

Have you seen Singer's new "Slant Needle" model ... the sewing machine designed to make home sewing easier and convenient?

In one minute it can throw up to 1,500 stitches into your lady's crinolines. It's the only combination portable and cabinet model on the market. (Conversion from one type to the other takes only seconds.) Yet the machine, including motor only weighs 16 pounds.

Singer can tell you that it's quite a chore to build features into a machine like this ... and still keep it competitive. And they're frank to give Doehler-Jarvis major credit for making their job easier with a new method for designing and producing precision parts. We call this precise new way of making things, "Tripod-Control Dimensioning".

It all started back in 1935 when Singer Manufacturing Company ask Doehler-Jarvis to help pioneer the first die cast aluminum sewing machine components.

To meet the rigid precision requirements, Doehler-Jarvis engineers devised what may have been the first ground and hardened toolsteel casting die ever used. It had its faults, but it did give them machine-tool accuracy. And they discovered the germ of the "Tripod-Control" idea.

What had been discovered was the way to extend a familiar two-dimensional control . . . "baseline dimensioning". . . to the control of precision in three dimension. With it they could control precision of and between two (or more) die castings of an assembly. They selected a point of vantage common to the parts. Through the point was established a "tripod" of reference from which all critical angles and dimensions could be controlled. Errors vanished. Precision went up . . . assembly troubles down.

Then the idea spread in both the Doehler-Jarvis and the Singer plants. It was used to make multiple jigs. . . used as the basis for ganged machining. . . used in finishing. . . used in assembly.

By the time the "Slant Needle" model came along, "Tripod-Control Dimensioning" had grown to a full-fledged design and production technique . . . based on die casting . . . used even in the first rough sketches of the new product . . . used in the planning stages . . . used throughout tooling and production.

Today? Well . . . you never saw production flow more smoothly when complex precision parts are made by on company, finished and assembled by another.

Singer 301 Slant-Needle Sewing Machine!

(Made of die-cast aluminum for light weight and sturdiness)

In the photo above the two major Doehler-Jarvis die castings that frame "Singer's new Model 301" have been assembled, then sliced down the middle to show the (Tripod-Control) method. An imaginary plane of reference, A-B-C, controls the bed casting. It passes through point A, a real point of vantage common to both parts. With this plane as a base, imaginary "tripods" are erected to "fix" the plane A-D-D' and control arm-casting dimensions. The same plane controls precision measurements in all following operations.

The Singer Model 301 is all about "Precision" in Every Way!

The Singer 301 Sewing Machine

Revolutionized the sewing machine-of-tomorrow with a design to make home sewing easier and more convenient.
1st Slant-needle sewing machine, making it easier to see what you are sewing.
1st and Only Singer sewing machine ever made that is a cabinet and portable all in one. Full-sized, Full-fledged cabinet machine - that you can use as a portable. You can raise the handle and lift the machine out of the cabinet and carry it anywhere.
1st sewing machine with almost all moving parts concealed. Even the bobbin winder can be pushed down and concealed into the machine. The Singer-light is built into the arm of the machine.
1st sewing machine using Tripod-Control-Dimensioning made of die-cast aluminum providing precision, light weight and sturdiness. Weighs only 16.15 pounds.
1st sewing machine with a modern-streamlined design doing away with the Nostalgic appearance, entirely new style of electric family sewing machine.
1st sewing machine with flexible spool pins that won't snap or break.
1st family sewing machine to sew up to 1,500 stitches per minute.

Singer 301 Hand Needles Advertisement

The ONLY Home Sewing Machine With A "Slant" Needle For Easier Stitching...Better Vision!

The ONLY Machine That's a Cabinet and a Portable Model All In One!

The ONLY Machine With All These Other Smooth Sewing Features!

* Wide Range Speed Control * Starts at a Touch * Both Knee & Foot Control * Seam-Width Guides

*Flexible Spool Pins * Simplified Threading * Automatic Bobbin Winder * Sews Forward or Back

* Non-Glare Light * Hand Stitch Regulator * Accurate Tension Dial * Drop Feed

Singer 301 Features:

Smoother Stitching than ever before is possible with this new, gear-driven, lockstitch machine.
Quiet, fast and efficient - it whispers at high speeds.
Full-View work area. Inclined Needle Bar places work in your direct line of vision.
Perfect Control - even at "hand-stitch" speeds.
Balanced Motion of the new Singer 301 prevents vibration.
Easy Starting - No coaxing necessary - lightly press the knee or foot control and your 301 starts to sew.
Simple Threading - no complicated diagrams are needed.
Reversible Feed for sewing either in a forward or backward direction - easy to back tack and to fasten ends of seems.
Prefocused Light illuminates working area - prevents eye strain.
Calibrated Stitch Regulator permits finger-tip control of stitch length.
Stitching Guides, with graduated marking to guide seam width and turn square corners.
Versatile - use it as a portable or cabinet machine.
Easy To Carry - convenient handle is concealed in top of head.
Light Weight - full-sized aluminum head weighs only 16 pounds.
Self-Setting Needle makes it impossible to insert needle incorrectly in clamp.
Feed Throw-Out Devise permits darning and embroidering without attachments.
Recessed Bobbin Winder - equipped with automatic stop - it can't break or tangle your thread.
Hinged Face Plate - Simplifies cleaning and oiling.
Dual Tension takes the guess work out of upper tension setting.
Flexible Spool Pins - bend but do not break - thread unreels smoothly and easily.
Completely Enclosed motor and principal working parts insure maximum safety.

Singer Celebrates Anniversary's with New Sewing Machines

The date of August 12th is used in celebrating Singer Anniversary's, as marked by the issued patent of the first Singer sewing machine by Isaac Merritt Singer on August 12, 1851. Every 50 years Singer introduces the world's most advanced home sewing machine to commemorate an Anniversary Year.

In 1851, Isaac Merritt Singer invented the world's first practical sewing machine.

(1st sewing machine patent, number 8294, 12 August 1851, full patent protection on 29 September 1851)

In 1900, the "Singer 66" was introduced for the 50th year anniversary, 1851-1901.

(Singer introduces the oscillating hook straight stitch sewing machine for family use)

18511951

In 1951, Singer installed a Blue Centennial Badge "A Century of Sewing Service" 1851-1951 on their home Sewing Machines for the 100th year Anniversary.
In 1951, Singer changed from the old style all gold Singer badge to a new Singer badge that has a black band around the outside oval. The new Singer badge was installed on all Singer home sewing machines allotted to be manufactured starting in June 1951.
In 1951, a "Limited Edition" of only 10,000 "Singer 301" sewing machines was allotted to commemorate Singer's 100th year Anniversary, 1851-1951. NA000001-NA001000 had the Blue Centennial Badge and NA001001-NA010000 had the new Singer Black Band Badge.

Singer introduced "The New Singer Model 301" in October 1952.

(Revolutionized the sewing machine-of-tomorrow with a design to make home sewing easier)

In 2000, the "QUANTUM® XL-5000" was introduced for the 150th year anniversary, 1851-2001.

(Singer again launched the world's most advanced home sewing and embroidering machine)

In 2011, the Singer 160 Limited Edition was introduced for the 160th year anniversary, 1851-2011.

Singer Model 160 (2011) 60 Years Singer Model 301 (1951)

Singer's new 160th Limited Edition is Inspired by Classic design, modern features and traditional touches. It is clear that the Singer 160 did take some of the Classic design and traditional touches of the past. Throughout Singer's history there has only been one portable sewing machine that had a handle, the Singer 301. The Singer 160 Limited Edition is a portable sewing machine but it is not a cabinet model like the Singer 301.

Made in 1951

The "Biggest Misconception" you will hear is almost every owner of a "NA" serial numbered sewing machine say it was "Made in 1951". To this very day Singer still claims that all "NA" serial numbers were made in 1951, NA-1951. This is simply not true! What is true is on 29 May 1951 Singer "Allotted" 1 million "NA" serial numbers for Models 301, 301A, 401A and 403A and that 99% of them were not made in 1951.

The 1% that was "Made in 1951" are 10,000 "Limited Edition Singer 301" sewing machines that were allotted to be manufactured on 27 July 1951. That's all, nothing more and nothing less!

The Model 301, 301A, 401A and 403A, all having "NA" serial numbers, did not begin being manufactured until 1952, 1953, 1956 and 1958, respectively, making them virtually impossible to be made in 1951!

For more information see Dating the 301 & Limited Edition 301!

What is the Story about the "A" after the Model Number

The Singer Manufacturing Company opened the Anderson, South Carolina plant to manufacture all slant model sewing machines. The models were 301, 301A, 401A, 403A, 500A and 503A. The 301 was the first model to be manufactured and the Model Number Tag was simply 301. It was not until 1 January 1953 that Singer identified the Anderson, South Carolina factory by placing the prefix "A" after the model number when the first 301A was manufactured. Only the Singer 301 manufactured at the Anderson factory did not have the prefix "A".

For more information see Dating the 301 & Limited Edition 301!

Singer Centennial Badge 1851-1951

If your machine features a centennial badge, this doesn't mean it was actually made in 1951; instead, Singer applied these badges in celebration of 100 years of Singer manufacturing.

For the Centennial Year Singer installed the Centennial Blue Badge, a Century of Sewing Service, 1851-1951, on their home sewing machines. They were installed by either the factory or Singer Service Centers/stores. All models having a Centennial Badge were considered a "Limited Edition" model for that year. There were so many Singer sewing machines that had the Centennial Badge, some manufactured between 1947-1950, that it created doubt in whether they are considered "True Centennials" even though they had a Centennial Badge.

Singer kept no records of serial numbers for any Centennial Singer sewing machines. Serial numbers submitted by owners show the Singer 301 with serial numbers NA000001-NA001000 do have the Centennial Badge.

The badges were mostly installed during the later part of 1950 and 1951. It appears that toward the end of 1951, September, they stopped adding badges. Singer felt that a buyer in 1952 would not purchase a Centennial Badge dated machine, thinking it was an older machine.

Singer had vast stocks of different model sewing machines and prior to being released they installed a Centennial Badge. This is why you may have a Singer sewing machine with a serial number dated between 1947-1950 that has a Centennial Badge.
You may question, as I did, if some of these sewing machines are really considered a Centennial or not? A true collectable item must happen in the year it is collectable, in this case 1951. In my humble opinion; A "True" Centennial Singer sewing machine, with or without the Centennial Badge, is any Singer model sewing machine that was undoubtedly manufactured in 1951, period.
Towards the end of 1951, September, Singer Models 20, 15-91, 99, 128, 201, 221, and 301 all had the new Black Band Singer Badge installed. They were still manufactured during the Centennial Year and still considered Centennials even though they had the new Singer Badge.

The New 1951 Black Band Singer Badge

In 1951 Singer changed from the older style Gold Singer Badge to a new Black Band Singer Badge on all Singer home sewing machines allotted to be manufactured starting in June and in stores by September.

~1950 1951~

Gold Singer Badge Black Band Singer Badge

Singer 301 & 301A Badge Casting Change

Have you ever noticed a difference between the Singer 301 & 301A besides the model tag number? The Singer 301 has a border casting around the Singer Badge/Emblem, a protruding and more dignified appearance. The Singer 301A had the border casting removed, a simple flat looking appearance.

All Singer 301's have the border casting around the Singer Badge/Emblem. The majority of 301A's did not have a border casting around the Singer Badge/Emblem. There was a small amount that did and I am still gathering information on the exact serial numbers but for sure it is between NA206128-NA208251. NA206128 is a 301A with the Border and NA208251 is a 301A without the border. I am estimating that NA270001 was when the border casting change took place.

Take a look at the difference:

Singer 301 & 301A Singer Badge Casting Change

Singer 301 & 301A Gold Decal Change

The Traditional Black color with Gold Decals has always been a trademark for all Singer Vintage Sewing machines and is a very important part of Singer History. All Singer 301's & 301A's that are Traditional Black in color will have the Gold Decals located on the bed of the sewing machine, including the extension bed.

There were 2 different gold decals used: The very early Singer 301 sewing machines had what they called a "Paperclips" gold decal with the center decal that looks like an "S". Singer 301's, after serial number NA130000, and all 301A's had what they called a "Prism" gold decal with the center decal that looks like an "8".

Singer 301 with "Paperclips" Gold Decal and a "S" design in the center of the sewing machine.

Singer 301A with "Prism" Gold Decal and a "8" design in the center of the sewing machine.

Singer 301A Motor Change

In 1956, the start of the "NB" serial numbers, the motor was changed from a lubricating to a "No Lubrication Required" motor. This new motor did not have the lube pipe on the end of the motor. See below pictures:

1951-1955 Motor (Silver Lube Pipe) 1956 Motor (Lube Pipe Removed)

Colors of the Singer 301 & 301A

There was 2 basic colors for the Singer 301/301A, Traditional Black with Gold Decals or Soft/Light Beige with no gold decals. Singer never called the color Mocha, only soft or light beige.

In 1956, the start of "NB" serial numbers, Singer changed the color to a new two-tone color, Light Beige-Oyster White (LBOW) starting with serial number NB000001. This would be the new color for all slant-needle models.

Singer allotted 10,000 Singer 301A's with "NB" serial numbers, NB065000-NB075000, they would be the very last Singer sewing machines ever made in Black with Gold Decals.

Singer never called the color Mocha, only soft or light beige!

Grand Introduction of the new Singer 301

The official Grand Introduction of the new Singer 301 was in October 1952.

Singer 301 Advertisements

The Singer 301 was 1st advertised in October 1952.

Christmas 1952 Singer 301 Advertisement.

Both 1952 advertisements show the Singer 301 Model Tag, the 301A was not manufactured until 1953.

1952 Original Sales Brochure

The Original Sales Brochure used for the Grand Introduction of the Singer 301 in October 1952.

Singer 301 Advertisement 1953

The Singer 301 is "The Most Exciting Sewing Development in 100 years". "1851-1951"

Singer 301 in High School Home Economics Class

Singer has been part of the High School Home Economics for many years with several types of sewing machines like the 15-88, 15-91 and the 201. When the new Singer 301 was sold to schools in 1953 it immediately became their favorite sewing machine. Singer sold a lot of 301's and 301A's to schools across the nation mainly because the kids could not destroy them no matter how hard they tried and was deemed indestructible. The Singer 301 is included in the 1953 Singer Teacher's Textbook of Machine Sewing, home economic classes. The front cover of the book has an outline drawing of the Singer 301.

The Singer 301/301A was deemed "Indestructible" in High Schools

Singer 301 Instruction Manuals

(When a Singer 301 or 301A was sold they were issued the most current Instruction Manual)

"This was the First Singer 301 Instruction Manual"

(1051) or October 1951 was the date of the first published manual!

This "Super Rare" Green Cover Manual was "Only" issued with the "Singer 301" manufactured in "1951".

Singer 301 "Description" from the "Green Cover" Instruction Manual

The Singer 301 is an entirely new style of electric family sewing machine, embodying many exclusive features that simplify operation, make sewing a pleasure and assure a life-time of satisfactory service.

The arm, bed and several other parts are made of aluminum die castings which reduce the weight to the minimum.

It can be easily removed from the cabinet and used as a portable machine, a hinged handle, built into the top of the arm, making it convenient to carry.

It has a concealed, built-in electric motor which drives the machine through gears at any desired speed. A built-in electric SINGERLIGHT illuminates the work.

The machine has a rotary sewing hook on a horizontal axis and makes the lock stitch. It has reverse feeding mechanism which enables you to sew either in a forward or backward direction, making it easy to "back tack" and to fasten the ends of seams.

It has an inclined needle bar and pressure bar for easy vision of the work.

A wide range of material and thread can be handled and bulky work is readily accommodated on the spacious bed.

A convenient feed throw-out device, which renders the feed inoperative, permits darning and embroidering to be done without the use of a feed cover plate.

In addition to plain sewing, a large variety of pleasing effects such as hemming, binding, edge stitching, shirring, ruffling, etc., can be produced with the aid of the attachments furnished with the machine. These attachments and other popular Singer Fashion Aids will enable you to obtain the much desired tailored appearance of professionally-made garments and to add the new fashion touches demanded by swiftly changing styles at a fraction of the cost of ready-made garments.

The New Black Cover Singer Sewing Machine 301 Instruction Manual

(Manuals now have Revised dates from the Original Green Cover Instruction Manual (1051) October 1951)

Here are all the Revised Dates:

In 1956 their were 2 manuals, a Black and Colored Cover:

Singer 301 "Description" from the "Black/Colored Cover" Instruction Manual

Revolutionary Singer 301 Slant Needle Sewing Machine . . . represents the ultimate in sewing machine design and styling. A product of the matchless skill and engineering ability of Singer craftsmen, the Singer 301 is an outstanding addition to our long line of unexcelled Sewing Machines.

You have a machine revolutionary in design, but made with the same care and craftsmanship that have been the hallmark of Singer Machines for more than a century. We are acutely aware that Singer Sewing Machines have become an American tradition and are intensely proud of, and determined to continue this heritage.

Your Singer "301" is the product of this pride, determination and the unsurpassed technical skill of Singer. This smooth running machine-of-tomorrow will amaze and thrill you with its versatility and ease of operation.

Utilize all the advanced features, combine them with you own skill and discover a new world of sewing enjoyment. Exclusive dresses for yourself, clothing for your family and a multitude of items for your home will be yours - all at a fraction of their ready-made cost.

Notice how the description changed from the Green Cover Manual to the Black/Colored Cover Manual!

To You...as the Owner of a new Singer Sewing Machine!

Along with the Green Cover Instruction Manual in 1951 you also received this pamphlet: To You...as the Owner of a new Singer Sewing Machine! As a New Singer Owner You are assured complete service and a complete course in home sewing. Inside the pamphlet it shows the lessons that you will receive.

The Best Sewing Machine Ever Made

Singer made some very good sewing machines over the past 100 years, 1851-1951, but the Singer 301/301A would be the first sewing machine to start a new century and they wanted a very special sewing machine. They took 100 years of engineering knowledge that would revolutionize sewing machines of tomorrow with an entirely new style of electric family sewing machine.

Singer advertised the Singer 301 as "The Most Exciting Sewing Development in 100 Years". The Revolutionary Singer 301 Slant-needle Sewing Machine . . . represents the ultimate in sewing machine design and styling. This meant the Singer 301 was the highest in degree or order, far surpassing all Singer Home Sewing Machines of its time. In other words "The Best Sewing Machine Ever Made" in the past 100 years.

Some people say that the Singer 201-2 is the best sewing machine ever made or the Singer 221 featherweight is the perfect portable machine, but the Singer 301 is like having both sewing machines combined into one. It is portable like the 221 and full size like the 201. Take all the features from both of these machines, refine them, add more features, make a precision designed casting that is modern, add a slant-needle and you have a Singer 301. When it comes to a simple to operate straight stitch sewing machine nothing compares to the Singer 301.

I have read so many comments from owners who have stated repeatedly that the Singer 301 is "The Best Straight Stitch Sewing Machine" and that their sewing machine repairman suggested the Singer 301 because it is one of the best sewing machines you could ever buy. I can attest to these statements as I have a 221, 201-2 and a 301 and in all fairness I have to say the "Best Sewing Machine" is the Singer 301. It truly is an Amazing sewing machine.

I received many statements from sewing machine repairman and they all say the same thing:

Statement from a repairman: With over 60 years of industrial and home sewing machine repair the Singer 301 is "The Best Straight Stitch Sewing Machine Ever Made". The 301 hardly ever brakes down and only requires a cleaning and oiling. This machine is a workhorse with more piercing power than all the older models, is smoother to operate, has the best lock stitch, and a pleasure to sew on. That is what precision engineering is all about. I only wish they still made them that way...

Statement from a repairman: The Singer 301 in my opinion is absolutely without a doubt the "Finest Straight Stitch Sewing Machine Ever Made"... even better than the legendary Singer 221 and 201-2, my expertise is based upon over 80,000 sewing machine repairs over a span of 42 years, now retired.

Statement from a repairman: With over 24 years of sewing machine repair experience "The 301 is the Best and Most Beautiful Sewing Machine Singer Has Ever Made" through the ages. It is ultra strong with such a nice stitch that will easily sew through 6 layers of denim, suede, canvas, upholstery, 5 layers of leather and vinyl and on top of all that it is excellent on delicate fabrics. In my book the 301 should be considered an industrial machine instead of a home sewing machine. This Singer sewing machine will surely last a lifetime and more if you oil and clean it, that's all. It is a very high quality and strong sewing machine.

After taking into consideration the many comments from owners, over 100 years of sewing machine repair, my own personal experience and how the Singer Company advertised the 301 over the years, there is only one conclusion when it comes to a simple straight stitch sewing machine and that is the "Singer 301/301A" is "The Best Straight Stitch Sewing Machine Ever Made", period.

The World's Finest Straight-Stitching Sewing Machine

In this 1958 Singer advertisement it states: Now own the world's finest straight-stitching sewing machine -- the famous Singer Slant-Needle in your choice of black or beige at savings that will amaze you!

As you can clearly see in the advertisement this Famous Singer Slant-Needle is a Singer 301A. For Singer to advertise and say it is "The World's Finest Straight-Stitching Sewing Machine" surely expresses how Singer felt about the 301/301A compared to all straight-stitching sewing machines they ever made. The Singer 301/301A is undoubtedly the pinnacle of all Singer straight stitch sewing machines representing the very best high quality precision sewing machine that Singer could make and was built to last a lifetime.

The Singer 301/301A is Undoubtedly:

The World's Finest Straight Stitch Sewing Machine!

The Best Selling Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

I researched the quantities of all of Singer's vintage straight stitch sewing machines during the years of the Singer 301/301a. The best sellers being the Singer 201/201K and 221/221K and was very surprised to find out that the Singer 301/301A was the best selling straight stitch sewing machine during it's time.

The Singer 301/301A was only sold in the U.S./Canada and had better sales than the Singer 201K and 221K in the overseas market combined. It had better sales than the Singer 201 and 221 in the U.S. market combined. It also had better sales than the 221 and 221K Featherweights combined worldwide.

The Singer 301/301A was the Best Selling Straight Stitch Sewing Machine and this helps explain

why Singer advertised the Singer 301 as being "The World's Finest Straight Stitch Sewing Machine".

The Singer 301 Makes a Perfect Stitch

The Singer 301 has a vertical rotary hook and despite personal preferences will always make a more precise stitch than a horizontal rotary hook. A horizontal or drop in bobbin has to make a 90° angle in the stitch formation process, putting a lot of drag on the top thread. It also picks up lint quickly and is more susceptible to thread jamming. The vertical rotary hook is more sturdy, requires less cleaning, and the thread loop rotates in the same plane as the needle, it does not bend and twist the thread. The only reason most modern sewing machines have a drop-in bobbin is because of it's simplicity to the operator.

The Best Straight Stitches comes from Straight Stitch Only Sewing Machines!

Quilters Dream Machine is the Singer 301

For quilters, the sewing machine of choose used to be the Singer 221 Featherweight but not any more. The Singer 301 has become the new Quilters Dream Machine and it keeps increasing in popularity due to its larger size, more powerful metal gear driven motor, built-in lift up handle for carrying, it's lightweight and the slant-needle providing better vision for ease of sewing. Quilters also much prefer the vertical rotary hook and easy to use drop-feed. Ask any owner and they will all tell you how much they love this sewing machine

The Singer 301/301A is the Quilters Dream Machine!

The Singer 301/301A are Collectable

When it comes to vintage sewing machines the Singer 221/222K Featherweights and the Portable/Cabinet Singer 301/301A are the most sought after sewing machines in the world. I would also include the Singer Treadle, Singer 201 and the toy Sew-Handy sewing machines. They are all very Collectable Singer sewing machines.

Value of the Singer 301

The value of any Singer 301/301A can vary in price according to the machine condition and accessories.

Click here to see the Singer 301/301A selling on E-bay!

Thank You for Visiting my website!

Please submit information about your 301, 301A, 401A, 403A, 500 and 503A.