Featherweights were made before zig zag. Which means the needle cannot do anything but go up and down. Look at the stitch on your new machine. It will be slanted straight stitches.
The Featherweight stitch is straight. Wonderful machine. And real CUTE.

They are called Featherweight b/c they are much lighter than a treadle or cabinet machine. That is all they had back when. Without the wooded box the machine is much easier to carry.
I put mine in the wooded box then in machine rolling case with all my other things for the classes.

I have a white FW and a tan 301. Both were given to me as gifts and I really like each of them. I use the 301 more then the FW because I have more room to manipulate my fabric underneath it when sewing a quilt top together. I take the FW to guild sew days when all I'm doing chain piecing. The FW will go to my granddaughter one day.

I am not tied to any of these. I found them through google.
http://www.sewingneedlework.suite101.com troubleshooting
hyyp://www.featherweight221com for parts and manual

Sharreln

Altho the FW is a simple straight stitcher, they made attachments for everything, even a zig-zag attachment. It used to be really easy to pick up rufflers, tuckers, hemmers, those round hemmers, buttonhole attachments, etc. at thrift stores. I've not found any lately, but don't get to the stores like I used to.

Our last road trip, I actually found a period walking foot, called a penguin, in the box, with the instructions. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm about ready to get her out and play with all those attachments! They really could do almost anything we can.

Besides all the great comments before, parts are still being made for these over 60 year old machines... which is a HUGE consideration when working with an older machine.

My FW was given to me by my aunt for my HS graduation. She was a teacher that used it because it was perfect for making books of papers for her classrooms (only machine that could handle papers or upholstery or thick stuff). She replaced it with a Bernina and within 4 years was wishing she could get the FW back... too many problems with the Bernina.

I FMQ queen size quilts without too much trouble - just have to figure out how to fold it enough times to get in the throat of the FW. It is the only machine I use these days. In the last 6 months I've made and quilted 6 community quilts and 3 personal quilts (most about 50" by 70") without a hitch. My only challenge is there is no zig-zag (which is mostly needed for edge finishes and applique), so I just don't do those types of quilts.

ENJOY it! Hardest thing about the machine? Remembering which way to put the needle in the machine (which can cause all kinds of bobbin problems if not done correctly).

Have fun with it and let us know how it works. Just don't expect the speed of the newer machines - it's quite a bit slower in stitching, but it just keeps on ticking!!!

It is likely that the original striated faceplate was changed out to the scroll faceplate, which means your FW is probably prettier but not in original form. Only a purist would be concerned, though.

Here are my FWs - Libby (1956) and Ruby Jewel (1947). I love sewing on them. And they are so cute :D

Love it!!! Both of mine are black but I love Ruby Jewel!

I know they only do straight stitching forward and back, but the stitches are perfect, they are easy to take to class and I often take mine on trips when I know I am going to be in a hotel room for a few days, its so easy to carry, I promise you will fall in love with the
feathweight, and if you don't, I will be very happy to take it off your hands :D