Featherweight 201 use for free motion
 

I have a featherweight 201 that was issued in 1956. I've seen a similar machine used for free motion sewing. Has anyone tried to use their featherweight that way? The tension button on top needs to be loosened. It seems tight on my machine. What else would you do to use the machine this way? Lengthen the stitch? Thanks.

You mean a 221.... Many people choose to use their other machines for FMQ, such as a 301 because of the small throat and the feed dogs don't drop on a 221. Stitch length is not something you set on the machine. It should be in neutral mode. YOU control speed and stitch length during FMQ, not the machine.

I wouldn't recommend it personally; the 221 doesn't have enough arm room to make it easy to do, and I would rather preserve the machine's functionality for piecing.

I agree, probably not the best thing to do.

I have a Singer 201 (in the shop) and it was made in 1956 but it's no featherweight! It weighs about 30 lbs! I am going to use it for piecing. I use my Bernina for FMQ.

the singer 301 has feed dog that drop for free motion.

I teach free motion quilting and in that class I use my Featherweight 221 all the time. And yes, you CAN get a big quilt in there. I set the stitch length on zero and do not cover my feed dogs.

You can drop the feed dogs on a 201..I have one and it's great for FM. I also have a FW222 that drops the feed dogs so you can FM. The 221 feed dogs do not drop and I have not tried FM on it.

I would be afraid of burning up the motor

The 221 is a great machine for piecing, but the harp space isn't really big enough for FMQ.