lovelyl

Hold the thread tails each time you start a seam! Prevents the dreaded thread jam!

Karamarie

I think I've caught the Featherweight "bug" - would really like one. Am teaching my oldest Granddaughter to sew (quilt) and think it would be good for her to learn on just a basic good machine. I know where I can get one in mint condition with everything that goes with it but am not quite sure I want to spend that much. I'll be patient and; of course, Christmas is coming. ----------

AZ Jane

Bought one for taking to class, LOVE it, USE it, OIL it!!

carolynjo

When I inherited my FW, it was stuck in place and would not move. After oiling and wiping several times, she now runs beautifully.

KenZ

This is the list that I give to new Featherweight owners that I meet. Many items on the list have been mentioned already.

Featherweight 221 Reminders

• Do not use chemical cleaners on the machine or case.
• Unplug machine from wall when machine is not in use. (Do not leave plugged in wall overnight.)
• When pulling plug out of machine or wall, pull plug straight out.
• Oil when machine sound changes or every eight hours of running.
• Use only sewing machine oil.
• When replacing needle, flat side of needle goes to the left.
• Do not use ball point or utility needles.
• Thread machine from the right to left.
• Do not sew without fabric under the needle.
• Do not turn wheel backwards when machine is threaded.
• Hold both thread tails to start sewing.
• Starts best if started with needle down.
• Do not run off fabric, run off onto a scrap.
• Do not lift extension table when needle plate is only part way in.
• Clean under needle plate after every eight hours of sewing.
• When replacing needle plate, the finger on the hook assembly must be between the two blocks on the bottom of the needle plate.
• Keep belt tension as loose as possible. Place rag over screwdriver shaft when adjusting belt tension to protect machines paint.
• Use good quality thread.

If fabric should get jammed in machine. Do not pull hard to clear jam. Pulling hard can break the tip off of the hook.

SewExtremeSeams

I agree with everyone's advice, especially holding on to both threads while making the first stitches AND sew, sew, sew with it. My grandchildren started sewing on mine when they were 3 and 4 years old. They, too, love it.

Jazzmyn

Thanks everyone for all the info about the featherweight. I did go to Nova's website and signed up for her newsletter..Great site with lots of info.

Ken Thank You for the info, I am wondering though why one can't use ball point or utility needles? I have sewed for years and I don't know what utility needles are....I may call them something else??

Thanks again, Roseanna (Jazzmyn)

Clmay

I just love my FW. I finished a wall hanging for my mom in Florida. She just loves it![ATTACH=CONFIG]534472[/ATTACH]

KenZ

Oops! I used the wrong word, should be universal not utility. A Featherweight should be ok with most 15x1 needles. If your machine sews ok with ball point and universal needles it should be alright to use them. I do not recommend them however.

WMUTeach

When I read this question, this was my first thought. Ditto, Ditto to Dunster! Don't be afraid to use the cute little machine. So simple, so exact, so easy and of course so light. I love mine. It has almost replaced my faithful Viking for regular use. So .... use and astound others with what that little gem can produce!