Here is a link to a FW website that you might find helpful.

http://singerfeatherweight221.blogsp...herweight.html

When I got my FW she was working fine but to be sure I brought it straight to my sewing repairman for a check up and make sure all was well with her. She was fine when I brought her home. I can’t remember what I was doing wrong now, but was doing something wrong and making the thread break. It was a simple fix and sorry I can't remember what it was now. Anyway, she is working fine now with no thread breaking issues :)

Make sure the needle is in the correct way. The needle does not go in like all other machines. Trust me that happened and took it in and "DUH" to me.

check to see if it was made in England if it was the needle threads from the inside, I have one that I got from England and when I got it I could not get it to sew, so I called Graham and he ask how I was threading the needle. Needless to say that was the problem and its worked right ever since.

I'm wondering if you are using the proper size (length) needle for that machine... When I taught for Singer, we were always told that the last loop for the thread is the way the thread goes through the needle.. Could this be your problem? would love to see it... Diana O.

I had the same problem. I worked with my new baby for 2 days. Come to find out the needle was not set right, and when I got it in right, it sews light a champ.

Sharon

Such good info. One thing I was told also was to always use Singer needles. Not sure exactly why, but I am a good directions follower, so that is what I do.

There are some very good tutorials and instruction sites online. I'd probably buy it, negotiate the price since it's not working and take it home and play with it until I could get it sewing.
One easy fix, is to clear any thread that is stuck around the bobbin case. I've seen three machines now where there was so much thread in there that I'm surprised it could move at all.
These little machines are really easy to open up and clean, so don't let a "won't sew" slow you down. :)

You get a manual for FW by Googling. That's how I got mine. Good luck!!

If you google "Instructions for using Singer Portable Electric Sewing Machine 221-1", you can print out a manual. That's what I did. I bought a featherweight last week on ebay. Motor runs, needle goes up and down, filled bobbin, but couldn't get thread to go through top tension properly. Keep getting caught and sticking. I just packed it up today and mailed it to LostN51 on the Quilting Board to let him tune it up and make sure everything is fine. Looking forward to getting it back so I can start using it. Getting to be a little more expensive than I planned, but hopefully worth it.

Look further for a less expensive FW. They ARE available, then immediately purchase a copy of Dave McCallums FW & I book (the "fix" you do will more than cover the cost of the book/having it serviced). You can learn EVERYTHING you need to know your new baby, inside and out. It might be something as simple as a proper oil and lube or thread jam between the bobbin and throat plate! Don't give up, just go to FeatherweightRx.com. Another resource would be the Featherweight Board hosted by Graham Forsdyke. Just Google, help is at hand!

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