but how do I know a featherweight when I see one? I've never seen one in person, and the pics from the board look a lot like pics of other old singers to me. Is there an easy way to tell the difference? I visit antique malls a lot, and would buy a featherweight in a second if I ran across a cheap one, but I'm not sure I'll know one when I see it.

Thanks!

I would love to find a featherweight also to buy

I know someone will let you know. They are lightweight of course and small and so cute. You can look it up on google too but hang on, I bet lots will answer here shortly. I want one too.

on the left side of the machine is a hinged platform too :D:D:D

I googled images and typed in featherweight sewing machines. here'http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&s...&oq=&gs_rfai=s the link, lots of pics.

first the FW have either the #221 0r 222 right on the front of themunder the gold signer seal. the left side of the bed folds up, two ways to tell if it is a FW, and they are about 1/2 the size of our big machines today, and they are so cute

and remember NO question is dumb, we all have so much to learn, and none of us knows every thing, we learn by asking.

According to Ask.com a featherweight is a Singer portable sewing machine that was made between 1933 and 1964 and weighs about 11 pounds. That's all i know about them. I don't quite understand the lure of these machines. I am sure someone here can fill us in.

Featherweights have several distinctive features. The first is their size and weight. A featherweight isn't that much larger than a child's machine and only weighs 11 lbs. It is usually black but a few tan ones were built in Canada and some of the latest models were white. A featherweight will only sew forwards and backwards. There are no other stitches. The bed of the machine has a flip up part that is used in the up position to access the bobbin or to pack it away in the small rectangular black case. Some featherweights came with cabinets (extremely rare or folding card tables) If you Google featherweight or Singer 221 you'll see some pictures of the machine and distinctive case. The shiny metal faceplate may have a striped pattern (striated) or a more elaborate Egyptian scroll plate. Featherweights were made from the 1930's until about 1970 and small changes occurred during those years. The light switch may be on the light or on the base in the bottom right corner. Earlier featherweights had plain silver feed dog plates while ones from the 50's may have the seam line marked on the plate. The bobbin case (make sure the machine has it as it is expensive to replace)is round with a little spring loaded lever used to insert it and the bobbin is narrower and flatter than a class 66 bobbin. The electrical cords attach to a plug and are removable for storage and the original food pedal has two buttons of which only one can be depressed. Only white featherweights have electrical cords that were wired directly into the machine (cost cutting measure). The black case has distinctive suitcase looking locking hinges and has a tray (various styles) to hold the attachments. The number 221 does not appear on the front of my machine.

They are quiet and sew like a dream, beautiful stitches. You can take care of it yourself, no expensive repair bills on these and they never wear out.

Thanks, this good info.