Featherweight Machine Types?
 

What is the difference between a 221 and a 221-1 FW? I know a 222 is a free arm. I've seen also a J & K designation on FWs. The only one I am sure of is the "centennial"...built in 1950.

Thanks!

Singer machines of various models with a centennial badge have been documented from 1948 to 1953 and the actual centennial for Singer was 1951.
I'm not sure what the model changes were for the numbers after the model number. The only real change I know they made to the FW(other than decals) was moving the little tension thing for winding a bobbin from the lower front of the machine up onto the bed so the machine could sit in a table or cabinet.
The letter designations just tell you where they were manufactured, for example a 221K comes from the Scotland factory.

Cari

Go to ISMACS: { http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...ist/index.html } then look at the 221 section. The information you seek is there.

Joe

Thank you! I have looked at ISMACS before for Singer machine info and just didn't think to look there this time. Thanks for the reminder! I appreciate the help.

I just received a Centennial model Featherweight from a good friend. She found it in an outbuilding while cleaning things up for her aunt's estate sale and knew I would make a good home for it. I feel truly blessed to have this little gem. I've been using it a lot and love the way it sounds and sews. I found a lot of information on the Nova Montgomery sight. www.novamontgomery.com. There is also a great featherweight Facebook group.

The 222K can also lower feed dogs I believe, which makes it very useful.

And all 222s are 222Ks. They were designed and only ever made in Scotland.

Thank you all for the helpful information! Now I just need to figure out which machine I have. I need to look up the serial number and I guess then I will know. Thanks again!