Does the quality of a Featherweight vary according to the year it was made? Just wondering, as the year always seems to be emphasised when people are talking about them. And what's the difference between the 221 and 222?

I've never heard anything about the quality varying year to year. I think people are just amazed how great they are for their age. The 221 is the regular featherweight. The 222 is the freearm. Here's a link to a site with a lot of info:

http://www.singer-featherweight.com/...cts-Myths.html

Mine is a 1946 model 221. I love it! I use it for all of my piecing.

So would I need a 222 if I wanted to try quilting with one?

no. the free arm is for doing things like hems on pants and the like. I believe you can quilt on the 221, but I haven't tried it yet. I don't think the feed dogs drop though, but can be covered up.

Mine is a 1946 model 221. I love it! I use it for all of my piecing.[/quote]

I would love to try an older machine.
How do they compare to modern machines without a walking foot attachment?
Is there much movement of the top layer of fabric out of sync with the bottom as it sews?
I use a walking foot all the time so I rarely have to pin.

The year on featherweights is not important in itself but it does help to explain the small changes that were made throughout the years. For example, the older style Egyptian scrollwork face plate is found on machines made before 1950 while later models had the striated (striped) face plate. Earlier models had plain feed dog cover plates while some of those from the mid 1950's had the plate with the seam allowances marked. The gold decals on featherweights also changed through the years as did the accessory trays in the carry cases. Collectors often like to have a machine manufactured during their birth year. You can FM on your featherweight and the feed dogs can be covered using the cover plate from the buttonholer. A regular short shank walking foot can be attached to a featherweight. I use one on my machine all the time.

The Century models are usually a bit pricier. They have a special designation on the Singer seal that is on the front of the machine and were produced in 1951. The medallion is stamped with "A Century of Sewing" I believe. I love my Featherweights - no matter what the year they were made.

Sue

Did you know that you can also make lace and do embroidery on the old machines? I read it in an old Singer sewing book. I would imagine though that you could also do it on any Class 15 machine if you could find the instructions on it.

Rose, I have a bunch of old sewing books, I will have to look that up! Would love to make lace!

I have a 221 made in 1952 (or so I was told) and it sews like a dream. I've not quilted with it but a friend has the same machine and does all her quilting on in. She just finished a queen size and it looks great. She also does NOT use a walking foot.