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-   -   Featherweight Question? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/featherweight-question-t117504.html)

QuiltE 04-20-2011 07:11 AM

For all those in the know about FWs!!

I was in a 2nd hand store yesterday and saw an old sewing machine.

Yes to Singer, black, silver scrolly plates, gold design etc.

However, the FWs that have been shown here seem to have black square box cases.

This one has a wooden case. The top being like an upside down "U".

So is it another version?
or what is it?

Please? and Thanks!

okiepastor 04-20-2011 07:14 AM

Coffin case---could be anything in there......
FWs are LIGHT weight!

zipit 04-20-2011 07:15 AM

Does the bed to the left of the needle fold up? If not, it's not a FW. I have a 127 in a bentwood case.

QuiltE 04-20-2011 07:26 AM

I didn't know enough of what to look at ... honestly, I was taken by the case!

Bentwood, yes that'd be the term!

Are the model #s/names on the machines?
And where should I look?

Was it only the FWs that had the fold up bed? So is that a clear identifier?

Curious? how lightweight are the FWs ... as in pounds?

I didn't spend much time looking at it, as I really didn't know what to look for and was with a friend who was clearly not interested ... basically I got a "hrmpff" reaction!! :)

Please? and Thanks!
from this newbie to the FW world.

zipit 04-20-2011 07:33 AM


Originally Posted by QuiltE
I didn't know enough of what to look at ... honestly, I was taken by the case!

Bentwood, yes that'd be the term!

Are the model #s/names on the machines?
And where should I look?

Was it only the FWs that had the fold up bed? So is that a clear identifier?

Curious? how lightweight are the FWs ... as in pounds?

I didn't spend much time looking at it, as I really didn't know what to look for and was with a friend who was clearly not interested ... basically I got a "hrmpff" reaction!! :)

Please? and Thanks!
from this newbie to the FW world.


It's not the only singer that folds. If you do a search there are many pictures of FW's. I don't have one handy right now to post for you.

They weigh about 12 lbs.

sueisallaboutquilts 04-20-2011 07:42 AM

FW's are really cute and small. They have the fold up side but so does the 301- different though and bigger machine.
Yes, 12 pounds is correct.
Most of the old Singers are fabulous!! Let us know what you get, if you get it :D

QuiltE 04-20-2011 08:13 AM


Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
FW's are really cute and small. They have the fold up side but so does the 301- different though and bigger machine.
Yes, 12 pounds is correct.
Most of the old Singers are fabulous!! Let us know what you get, if you get it :D

Thanks SueIsAllAboutQuilts ... I'm totally hesitant on getting one. Not the MrsFixIt sort ... would soon be productive with fabric and see results than to be frustrated should things go wrong.

I think I'll be watching for awhile and learning a lot more, before/if I take the plunge.

sueisallaboutquilts 04-20-2011 08:50 AM

That's the beauty of Featherweights! They were made "so that the housewife could easily maintain them" as it's written in the FW book I have.
Not much to go wrong with them and there are so many sites, not to mention this board for help anytime. :D:D

You're welcome, friend!! :thumbup:

EDit to say:

Since you are in no rush I agree that you can familiarize yourself with them on the board and other sites. That's exactly what I did ( I forgot I did that lol) but now I'm totally addicted to them. :thumbup:

hobbykat1955 04-20-2011 08:50 AM

If it's cheap and a vintage singer buy it...

VickyS 04-20-2011 08:53 AM

May be a Singer 201. My daughter just purchased one for $50 at an estate sale. Supposed to be as good as a 221 (typical Featherweight). Certainly light enough.

I believe the machine, built at the same time as the traditional Featherweight (judging from the serial number on my daughter's machine) was designed to go in a cabinet, but has the bentwood case in order to make it portable.

Congrats on a good find!


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