Any reason NOT to buy a Featherweight?
 

I have a good opportunity to buy a Singer FW . Three choices, actually. The first is $200 and closest to me (an hour away). The second is $250 and farthest from me. The third is $300 and about as far as the second. That's my upper limit for one in great shape with good case and all attachments, which this third one has.
The third one is the the best shape cosmetically and is being sold by a quilter and antiques dealer. She said the only thing that might be a slight issue is the tension, but she didn't want to mess with it. She wants the buyer to. Says it probably just needs a little tweaking. Sometimes my tweaking skills are awesome, sometimes dreadful. Mechanically they're somewhere in between.

I just want to have fun with it. I'm not looking to pay anyone to tweak it. Lord knows I don't NEED a Featherweight, I just want one. I have the money for one, but I guess I'm questioning how much I'd use it or if it truly would be the machine I use when I want to be near my DH and son for TV time, just doing some mindless chain piecing. Would I miss the automatic thread cutter I've become accustomed to?

Decisions, decisions. I'm hoping someone can give me good reasons NOT to take the plunge. My DH doesn't think we have the room. Um, we do. He doesn't understand the fascination with "those old machines" when I already have 3 I'm not using. I tell him it's kind of like those guitars he's not playing.
Each one has its own sound, playability, and beauty. He makes music, I make quilts.

I have my chance tomorrow afternoon to buy it. I'd like to hear the pros and cons from those who have a FW.

I love my FW because the feeddogs are small and very close together. This helps make very tight and perfect curves. It makes more accurate 1/4" seams, and I never need a leader/ender to start/end sewing. Besides that, the stitch is always perfect, the tension is always perfect, and that little rolled hem is always perfect. If its a straight stitich, the FW does the work.....if its a zig zag, out comes the Elna. You cant have my FW for any price, unless I am bedridden and never sewing again.

Wow! That's quite the endorsement, Jane!

My DH bought me a FW just to "shut me up" about wanting a FW. He paid WAY TOO MUCH for it - but the man has two tractors, two brush hogs, etc. (we live on a farm). Mine is so quiet- just purrs - I think you could sew on it in church and nobody would hear it.

Hmm. Sew in church...that's a thought. I listen better when my hands have something to do. :)

I'm glad I"m not the only one with a husband who pays WAY TOO MUCH for stuff. He paid way too much for a Rocketeer and for a FW. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to play with my FW yet. It had some problems that the eBay seller didn't disclose or didn't know about so it's at Kimberly's getting a tune up now.

I enjoy my featherweight. I have a second one that just about fell into my lap - got it for $40. I don't use it as much for no particular reason. I take it to the sew along at the quilt shop on Fridays. I am very happy with mine. Quiet, nice stitch, easy to carry.

I was fortunate and purchased mine for $45. I love it. It's not overly quiet. I oil as needed but don't use mine often so probably could use more oiling?? It does make a perfect stitch. I take mine when I'm traveling and plan to sew or to the odd class I might take. Otherwise I use my regular, computerized machine. Both have their values.

If it's in your budget - go for it. Personally, that is way more $$ than I am willing to spend on any vintage machine..but that's me. I'd hold out for the next deal that you recently lost. There will be another along at some point. I'll keep my eyes peeled here if you are willing to meet half way.

Make sure you put the word out to all those scrappers; yard salers; house cleaner-out-ers that you might come in contact with. That's how I got mine. Continue to check CL and freecycle. I picked up my FW table for a mere $15 from someone cleaning out their mom's assisted living apartment. It was a 45 min. drive for me but he was happy it was going to a good home.

The deals are out there if you are willing to be patient.

The only reason I can think of not to buy a Featherweight is its size. Light and convenient for a machine you'll carry with you outside the home, it can feel tiny and cramped to those who have large hands and/or like to work on a roomy machine.

I have several vintage machines and a sewing area set up in my downstairs, but I've been using my FW almost exclusively for the past year or so. It goes in its cute little FW cabinet upstairs and I can be with my family and sew while watching tv or whatever there. I love it. I probably love my Rocketeer downstairs more, but I can't help but appreciate how small and portable the FW is. It's just so easy to drag with me and use anywhere.

I do not use mine...but I love it. I clean it once in a while, sew a seam or two and put it away. It is such a cute little machine, it is a shame I don't use it. Should probably sell I! I would probably buy another one if a steal came along!,

If you have the money and want to try it I don't see any reason not to. It's advantages are mainly in it's size and weight, otherwise a full size and even the 3/4 size machine have most of it's features and even a few more; takes the same needles, feet, same narrow set feed dogs, etc. It certainly has a charm factor, the small size makes it very cute. I fixed up a 201 wich has become my favorite; it's in a cabinet and it's the one I use for most sewing. It's a joy to work with, and it came as a bit of a surprise, these things you really don't know until you start using it.

I love my FW for all the aforementioned reasons: portable, perfect stitch, cute, etc. I use it when watching tv with hubby instead of going into the sewing room and take it to classes. But you were looking for reasons not to buy. The only thing I can think of is if you do mainly appliqué or fancy stitches they would not be available on the FW. But if you are like me and most of sewing is straight stitch piecing, you might love it! I only use my computerized machines for blanket stitch, satin stitch and an occasional fancy stitch. Sorry, I am no help at all here.

Well, I can tell you lots of things I love about mine. Others have mentioned the excellent quality of the straight stitch And it's portability. The other things that come to mind are that there are some really fun attachments you can add to it to make it do all kinds of things besides straight stitch. For example, Singer made a zig zag attachment that foes on the foot and has cams it moves the fabric under the needle and you can do about 8 or 10 decorative stitches with it. I have one and have had great fun playing with it on my 1955fw. There's also a buttonhole attachment with cams, I have that one too. And there is a fellow who sells a modern hand crank and gives very clear instructions on how to switch your FW back and forth between a hand cranked machine and electric. I have one of those too and it's a lot of fun to just do the conversion(takes me about 15 min) and take my FW outside and sew away under a tree in the park.

If you use it for chain piecing you won't miss the thread cutter.

I don't know what ones that have been completely restored run, but if the person is asking $200-$300 I would expect it to have its bobbin case (check, they're often missing and I've seen lots of folks reporting that the reproduction bobbin cases don't work as well in the pre1960s fws. You can sometimes find an original bobbin case on eBay for $30 ( if you're lucky) but I've seen people get into bidding wars over them as well and it can cost lots more to get an original one as a result.

i got mine at a junk store for $60 (no case, but lots of attachments) oiled it, cleaned it and it ran fine, no tension problems at all.


Rob

I only use my white one I do not like the pedal on the black ones. I have multiple machines and did not use the Featherweight untill I went on vacation and forever after it is my go to machine for piecing. I like it and with mine I do not need leaders and enders as it doesn't suck the fabric down ever. I do not use the attachements either but did get a quarter inch foot, with guide, for it that I always keep on it except for paper piecing or sewing clothes. I'd be a little nervous of the tension issues one. Maybe check out the closest one and see if you even like it.

I love mt FW. The only reason I can come up with to NOT buy a FW is price. I have seen some WAY over $500. To me that says "keep shopping, you can do better than that." You have some good choices.

I would be wary of the $300 machine, anything could be wrong with it. Everyone says, "Tension problems" when they have no idea what is wrong. SOMETHING is wrong with that machine....who knows what....might be minor...might be major. OK....I'm suspicious of everyone.

I am not a big fan of FW's. My first one i got for $20, worked on it, sold for $250. I have one now, paid $100, needs a little work, and I plan to sell for $250, or less. I miss the needle up/down feature on vintage machines. They do sew well though.

I use the FW I grew up on. I'm taking it to my grave with my arms wrapped around it. It makes fabulous buttonholes. I got a hand crank attachment,so I can sew when we don't have electricity.

I LOVE my FW. I sew with a Bernina 1530 and I feel like I am sitting behind a cow when sewing. I never noticed that until I started using my FW. I take it everywhere, it is light, dependable, uncomplicated and sews a perfect stitch. I would highly recommend a FW to sew in the room with your family. Mine purrs and is not loud, so you wouldn't have to worry about disturbing anyone while sewing and listening to the TV.

FYI: If you want to save some money, I would get the less expensive machine, without the extra parts or case. As it is, I only use the straight foot and all of the other feet attachment are unnecessary if you already have other machines to do the same thing. I also never use my carrying case, as it just makes the machine heavier being made out of wood. I put my machine in a little roller case and that is just fine. Unless you are planning on selling it for a profit, the gold around the machine isn't important at all. Worn gold trimming brings the price down considerably.

My fw is my go to machine. They sew so gooood! I love mine. Once you get one it might be your go to machine. You won't believe how well they do. I did spend a little to much for mine. It cost me $350. But I would pay it all over again. It was well maintained and kept up on the tuning. I just love mine!!!

I bought mine on eBay for about $200, it's got a lot of use-marks, but no abuse-marks. I specifically wanted one that showed some wear because I knew I'd be paranoid about using one in pristine condition and I also think that a well-worn (but not abused) machine sews better than one that was rarely used. So that might be a consideration - will you actually USE it, if it's perfect?

I keep mine boxed up in its case - I never use it at home. Instead, it's ready to go out the door with me! A FW fits on an ironing board very well and is light enough not to collapse it on you - I'm really good at setting up a sewing station in a hotel room these days! I'm not quite brave enough to risk it on a plane, though. (I travel for work several times a year and LOVE having my FW waiting for me in my room. Makes me feel at home!)

Really...if you want it and can afford it, why not? I think in "entertainment worth" - will you get $200 or $300 worth of entertainment out of the machine? If yes - go for it! If not...well, maybe you keep it a year and then sell it for about what you paid for it...would you get enough entertainment out of it to make THAT worth while?

If you do buy it, go get yourself an LED bulb for it right away. I postponed and gave myself a lovely little brand on the back of my hand before I made the switch!

I don't have a feather weight machine but would love one. Some machines are so heavy, carry in a truck and you would have it made. Either way, sewing is great. It does keep me out of trouble. (sometimes).

I have three FWs. Fortunately I did not have to pay for any one of them. My mom's, my mother-in-law's and a dear friend's were all gifted to me. I use them all, routinely alternating them to my sewing table. Three is a very good number! And no, I'm sorry...not for sale. I could not imagine life without them.

I just HAD to have a FW and so I purchased one. Love how little it is (easy portability) and it just hums quietly. Sews great. The only downfalls (and the reason I never seem to use it) is that I really like the needle down option on the newer machines and I also really appreciate the needle threader. Sometimes it can take me forever to get the thread through the needle. So sadly, my FW basically sits in its case waiting for the day to come when I pull it out again.

I LOVE my FW!! The poor old thing is really sad looking because it was never used for show and tell but years of continuous use. The decals are badly worn and it's scratched, etc. but it's dependable and sews like a dream not to mention how incredibly light weight it is to move from place to place. How much you pay, I think, is dependent upon what you want out of it. Myself? I would probably buy the least expensive and spend the extra money to send it to Nova Montgomery (featherweight specialist) for any adjustments you feel it might need. You may be
surprised to find out it needs none.

I inherited my FW and I use it to mend, piece blocks, almost anything. I do not, however, try to quilt with it or use it on heavy fabrics like upholstery. I love it and my grands used to fight over who got to use it. It is my " go-to" MACHINE.

I can't think of one good reason NOT to buy a FW in good condition. They make the most delightful sound...it really is like a purr and most sew like a dream. Granted, it's just a straight sew machine, but one of the best if it is working right. Mine was a gift from a non-sewer. She just thought I would like it and I found out, upon a little research, that it was made in my birth year....1938....so I was doubly thrilled! I took it in to a repair person of good character and had it pronounced well and ready to go. Go for it, Lady, you won't be disappointed if you know what you are getting.....

I'm probably not the guy to ask this question to. I have 6 of them and I love them all. But I have a small collecting problem as well... I have 5 301s, a 401, a 500, 2 15-91's, a 201-2, 2 66's and a 99... and that's just the Singers. I outfitted the classroom for a guild event in June with 30 vintage machines, the newest from 1958 and all straight stitchers. A few of the guild members had a bit of trouble sewing without all the gizmos on their modern computerized machines but we all had a great time.

Tom, I know what you mean by collecting the Singers. I too have a little collection going. I know own a fw and 2 99's. My only problem is that I haven't even tried the 99's. I really need to get on them and see how they work.

I hope we hear back if she bought a FW, and which one! My dad gave me my first one when I was in college in 1968. It was the ONLY machine I had till about 1980. I sewed formals on it, pjs, dresses, t shirts, you name it! I would definitely buy the FW. Also, checking with the serial number, it's fun to find its manufactured date!!

Hope you bought one of them and report back!! It is everything everyone else listed!!

I think you would miss more than the automatic thread cutter!
However, they are fun to sew on, and it feels good to me to feel the link to the past when sewing.
Due to my height and bad vision, I cannot see the needle comfortably, because the tension knob is in my line of vision. Therefore, I have sold the FW's I have owned and now have 301's (slant needle). I use them a lot of the time.

Update: I did not buy any of the three I mentioned. But I'm convinced I want one. Just holding out for a real bargain like so many of you have found.

It sounds like you are going to have to buy one and just find out if you like using it or not. I would never pay $200, let alone $300 for one, tho. There are better deals around. Watch the auction houses, craigslist, and estate sales. I have bought 3. Paid $20 for the first one and $85 for the last one from an auction house... then realized it needed the bobbin winder replaced, so add $30 for that. Remember, MILLIONS and MILLIONS of them were made over about 3 decades and they never wear out. There are a ton of them 'out there'.

That being said, I just about never use mine. Once I found a 301 I liked it so much better. The 301 is just 5 lbs heavier, but is gear driven rather than belt driven. Belt drives are so wimpy compared to gear drives. But if all you plan to do with a FW is piece two layers of cotton together, it will be adequate. Forget sewing jeans or quilting, or anything heavier than cotton piecing.

As for the 'perfect tension/perfect stitches' myth, it varies from machine to machine. They all have to be cleaned and oiled well and the tension set properly to make that perfect stitch.

I have 2 FWs. A black one ($250 including shipping-EBay) and a white one $80, locally on CL. My black one arrived not overly packed, but in one piece-no issues). Even though I hardly ever used either one I can't think of any reason not to buy one. Both were in very nice condition, most of decals intact. Love them, if nothing else...they are so cute. I usually sew with with my HV Topaz, but hope to use my FW in the future for quilting...after I get my sewing room in order-just moved and still un-packing. They are much easier to take to sewing classes or quilting groups.

I am no expert, but I would not go with the one that has 'issues' with tension, maybe it is unfixable. It seems they are little gems, so I would go for it.