What is the big deal about featherweights? From reading posts here it seems everyone goes crazy over them. I don't know a thing about them. What am I missing? Can someone enlighten me?

They're cute - Lightweight for sewing outside the house - cute - good stitch maker - neat - some come with wonderful stories - quiet running - cool - quaint....

They're also easy to do the maintenance on yourself, and were made of all metal parts, rather than plastic, so they last forever. They purr like kittens when they're running.

Featherweights were made by singer beginning during the depression. They were the working woman's answer to something light weight and easy to move as many families moved around alot during that time. Singer continued to manufacture these little beautifies until the 1960s. They are all metal, small, lightweight and lasted forever. They all have serial numbers and you can date yours by going onto the singer website. If you are lucky enough to have one with a beautiful scrolled faceplate you have one that was made before approx. 1945. Because of their portability they are now in great demand for sewers who go to workshops or retreats. They didn't do alot of fancy stitches, just the basics.

Others may add to this info, this is what I have learned.

I just think they are adorable, and I LOVE the older Singers!

The only thing a Featherweight can do is sew a straight stitch. That limits it too much for me. I much prefer a machine that will do more than sew a straight stitch. I've had a FW and I got rid of it because I'm spoiled to the bells and whistles of newer machines.
Each to his own.

perfect straight stitch- a sewing champ!
easy to take for classes, etc. because it is small and light.

My featherweights 221 are dreams........the history for one thing. Depression times were difficult, the machines were an expense for a family.........but they also provided income for alterations, and garment making; & they could be easily transported to church sewing meetings. True straight stitch only with a reverse and attachments were/are available, ruffler for example. And that perfect 1/4 inch for quilting. I am glad I have some............calla/Sue