Featherweights are out there.
#21
My daughter had a Special Ed teacher in high school that I really didn't like. She heard I was a quilter and asked me if I was interested in a Featherweight that she didn't use. She gave me a pristine 1937. I liked her better after that and made her a quilt.
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,819
I bought one for the light weight; it was a lot easier to take to sewing days with my guild. I never learned to love it, though, and sold it on FB marketplace. Replaced with a used Bernina 350 that I also found on FB Marketplace. Now that one, I love.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,819
#24
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,723
Portability and a nice straight stitch make them desirable to quilters. I also think there is a bit of nostalgia as they remember moms/grandmothers using them. No plastic, easy to maintain.
I bought one for the light weight; it was a lot easier to take to sewing days with my guild. I never learned to love it, though, and sold it on FB marketplace. Replaced with a used Bernina 350 that I also found on FB Marketplace. Now that one, I love.
I bought one for the light weight; it was a lot easier to take to sewing days with my guild. I never learned to love it, though, and sold it on FB marketplace. Replaced with a used Bernina 350 that I also found on FB Marketplace. Now that one, I love.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 380
The 'white' or really celery green color ones were made in Canada I believe in the 60's. They have a smaller fold down table than the black ones. Has a different light bulb fitting and a different inside belt too that I was told if it breaks game over. It's nice to have one but I would suggest to get a black one if you plan on sewing with it a lot.
I use my black Featherweight constantly. Out of all 3 if my machines, the Featherweight has the nicest stitch. My Sew and Vac had a quick sale for an elderly man that was liquidating his late wife's machines. $300 but came serviced and with a new pedal.
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,723
The white or light green FW's were made in Kilbowie Scotland. I've heard that they are mechanically a bit different than the other colors but I never heard that there is an internal belt that is irreplaceable. Where did you hear that?
#27
Here is a link to the history from the FW shop on the “white” one. https://singer-featherweight.com/blo...herweight-221k
#28
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,723
Here is a link to the history from the FW shop on the “white” one. https://singer-featherweight.com/blo...herweight-221k
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 5,727
I love Featherweights...they're cute as a button and very portable. However, I sold mine and opted for a slightly larger, heavier, vintage machine that is still portable and easy to store. I found that my Featherweight tended to scoot around on my workspace while I was quilting. I don't go to any quilting guilds, or even leave the house with my machine, so it's a better option for me.

