PAKate

I just received a 1948 Singer featherweight today from my family as a birthday present. It was purchased on eBay and my husband was told it was recently serviced. I plugged it in and the belt goes round and round but the needle does not move. Any idea what the problem might be?

Mickey2

The most obvious reason would be the stop motion screw on the hand wheel needs tightening. Other things to check are something jammed up some where, thread mess or piece of a broken needle in the bobbin - feed dog area. Things can hault if the upper thread is looped around the spool pin too, particularly top stitch thread, it doesn't snap that easily. Is the mechanism moving freely when turning the balance wheel by hand?

Jennifer23

Try tightening the silver knob in the hand wheel - if it's loose, the needle won't move (so that you can wind a bobbin).

PAKate

The silver knob on the hand wheel needed tightened. Thanks, Jennifer and Mickey for your help. You guys are the best!

ManiacQuilter2

That was so neat of your family to get you such a great birthday present. It might be something loose. You can always ask the seller what it could be since they are familiar with this machine. Good Luck!

SunlitenSmiles

do not name her "loose wheel"

KenZ

Enjoy your great gift!!! If you have not used aFeatherweight, you may want to read the manual. You can down load a free manualfrom www.singer.com just type in model#221. I find the larger print easer to read.

Jane Quilter

what a great gift. I use my featherweight every day for piecing quilts or making clothes. I love it. The new fancy machines, I save for zig zag, heirloom sewing, and stretch knits. It makes a beautiful, consistent, stitch.

PAKate

Thanks for all the wonderful replies. I was given the machine while on vacation at the beach so haven't had a chance to play with her yet. This is my first FW and I am thrilled to have her. I haven't named any of my machines. Maybe I should start. Blessings.