I'll agree with many here--- need isn't the right word. Want/desire is. I finally found my Feather Weight and I do love how it sews. I took it to a workshop right off, and the 8 lbs. is a plus. It also gave me more room in my rolling case for the supplies I needed for the class, so I only needed the one bag! Even my 301 would take up more room and I'd need another bag. But for piecing or any other straight stitching, 301 and FW's are worth it. My 15-91 is great too, along with the 66's I have, but they are too heavy.
So if you want one-- go for it.

I have several and I'm so glad I do, I have the 222 and the 221 I also have some 301s I love them. I have several 222s as I'm giving one to each grand nieces and grand daughters. They are perfect lil machines and will sew through most anything including leather. You just can't beat them for a perfect straight stitch. Hence why all the lil gals in my family is getting one. If you use it you wont regret getting it for sure.

I thought a "needed" one also a few years back after listening to everyone else here tout theirs. It is a workhorse and really cute and does sew straight lines, BUT - "need" it? No. I just really wanted it and honestly I hardly ever use it. I don't have a place to set it up so it sits in the case and gets dusted once a week and that's about it. You "need" to determine if you "need" it or just plain "want" it and take it from there.

I firmly believe that every sewist needs a backup machine, for times when your main machine is at the shop. A fearherweight is small enough to tuck out of the way when not needed, and is much easier to carry back and forth to classes or retreats or other group sewins.

Have one, love it but hardly ever use it. Wanted it more than needed it. Have bought a ZZ foot for it so I could use it for sewing, not quilting. It also has all the other accessories but don't know how to use all of them. It is so cute and easy to carry...
Want or need??? :D

yes you will not be sorry, I use mine with no worries about the computer going bad, and with the book and DVD you can do all the cleaning, oiling and most all repairs your self. I have 4 featherweights, and I can let my 4H students use them with no worries about them doing some thing bad to the machine that would cost me a large repair bill. I take one or two to my quilting B twice a month, so easy to pack and load in my car, (I have a tiny smart car) I can pack 3 of them in the back and craft case on the front sear if need be. and still room to pack 4th one in case on the floor, I would not want to be with out my little girls now, it took me awhile to start using them but now that I have I love them. IMHO I'd say yes get one if in your budget, and you can use it when you have your other machine in the shop for cleaning or repairs.

For me, it was a want. Now that I have one I rarely use my other (two!) electronic/computerized machines. So my original "want" has turned into a definite need. I would give up my other machines if I could only keep one of the three. I started quilting a quilt on my Brother electronic machine and then resumed quilting it on my Featherweight -- the comparison of the straight stitches is almost unbelievable. My Featherweight has the very best straight stitch EVER and I use it for everything. Everything.

I wanted one for a very very long time and I bought one last week. I love it. My main machine is a Kenmore by Janome and does its job very well but it's loud and heavy. My FW is cute with a great stitch for piecing. I also have a vintage ZZ machine I use for its pretty stitches but that's the machine that sits more often than not. I think if you know you're going to piece a lot and want a small, quiet machine that can be moved easily a FW is not a bad choice. Do you NEED one? If you already have one machine and aren't too put out when it goes down for service, you don't need one. I love mine and wouldn't trade it now that I have it but I didn't need it. I wanted it.

I also have a Featherweight and. 301. I love them both! The Featherweight is great for piecing and other easy sewing ,it's fun to use and look at. The 301 I use for quilting, binding and " other" sewing. I use the Bernina for FMQ. It's a matter of convienence and FUN. THE BERNINA is heavy and if for some reason I want to put away the Featherweight it's easy. These are not all practical reasons but or even sensible but changing it up adds to the interest. The Featherweight does sew a lovely straight stitch as does the 301.

OK, all of you have convinced to get my FW out of her case and sew again on her. I was ready to sell her, but for now I will keep her. I agree she sews perfect scant 1\4 inch seams, perfect. And she is so lightweight, a dream to lug around and small too. OK, you convinced me.