sewbizgirl

I don't know about "great"... but they make a nice straight stitch, are simple to use, and can be carried anywhere. If those things fit the bill for you, then you might need one. It won't tear up and wear out with heavy use like the modern plastics...

MdmSew'n'Sew

I love using my FW, even when not going anywhere. I took it to a class a few years ago and everyone else was putting on their walking feet and cursing under their breaths. The guy sitting next to me owned a quilt shop and had a machine with just about every bell and whistle on it. He couldn't get it to go through 4 layers of fabric plus two layers of fusible fleece (we were making lined tote bags with french seams), but my little machine just kept on going, never skipping a stitch or breaking a thread. I use my Kenmore for the fancy schmancy stitches, etc., but for everyday utilitarian sewing, give me my little FW every time!

AnnieF

I have a FW and a Janome. In my quilt studio, I have both machines set up to stitch whenever I'm in the mood. The Janome is my go to machine quilter but the FW pieces just about any quilt I make. It actually sounds like it's purring as you sew along.

Rose_P

I wouldn't trade mine for piecing, but I wouldn't trade my other machines for what I use them for either. I have my mom's Elna Supermatic, and if I could keep only one machine, that would be it, but I also love my Bernina 830 Record that is about 40 years old. The Elna stays set up all the time for the stitch I like to use on bindings, and the Bernina has an excellent walking foot for straight line quilting. If I want to do FMQ, I use the Bernina, but the Elna does that, too. I think the throat area is a half inch smaller than the Bernina's.

I have old eyes, but haven't noticed that the FW is any harder to thread than the other machines. If you hold a white card behind the needle's eye you can see it much better.

If someone is going to buy the machine for you make sure they understand that you mean a vintage Featherweight in working order. I think there is or was a modern machine that went by that name, but isn't the same thing at all. Ideally you should try the machine to see if it's a good fit for you. Nobody else can really predict that. I will say that I have noticed that people who do piecing demos at quilt shows almost always have FW's. They can't be beat for reliability.

Valerie Ann

Wow! So much to think about...any more opinions? Thanks!

grandme26

I just bought a FW, took it to the repair shop for a new cord and general check over. it is in perfect condition and I will be using it in classes. I agree, my Bernina is way to heavy to carry around without help. I also have a Brothers that is lighter in weight but I really do not like it.

lklos303

I do all of my piecing on a FW. Love them. Have even had to replace a motor. Lois

wordpaintervs

anyone want to give me a feather weight machine (giggling and saying yeah-right-sure-uh huh, I'll do that-its in mail, maybe the second Tuesday of next week) as I sure can't afford to get one otherwise. I just love looking at these ladies, and wishing one was mine! HUMMMMMMM wonder if I coud barter for one, and then again, only my writing and making of dolls for sick kids could be a barter. No other skills. OH WOE IS ME. (Laughing at my silly self)

I love coming to the forum, even though I'm such a novice. Keep up the good work on here everyone. You are all jewels!

CatQltr

I, too am a machine junkie with an Elna, Babylock, Bernina &the FW. I use my Bernina for my everyday sewing, classes, retreats etc. However, we have an RV & when we travel I love to take the FW. It takes up little space, can be set up & taken down in no time & I don't have to worry that any jostling will mess it up. I take only simple piecing projects with me so the straight stitch is sufficient. They are definitely work horses! But, as many others have said, it is most important to sit down & sew on a variety of machines, then choose the best quality you can afford &the one that suits YOUR needs the best.

nhweaver

They are perfect for machine piecing, the stitches are perfect, they are easy to work on, have a very quiet clicking sound when you sew, and I find it very relaxing. No other stitches, so applique and zigzag are not able to be done. They are lightweight, compact, and accessories are easy to find. The prices have syrocketed, if you look you will find one.

I lovve all mine,