Featherweight Questions
 

Howdy y'all. :)

I've been using my Featherweight 221 more lately. I've noticed that it starts out a bit slow, but as it warms up it starts to stitch a bit faster. Is it typical for a Featherweight to need a "warming up period", or is this indicative if some problem?

Also, this may be a silly question but, is there a way around having to use your big toe to press the little button on the foot pedal? I love every aspect of sewing with my little Featherweight EXCEPT the toe cramps! LOL! And by the way...her name is Fanny Featherweight. :D

Donna

Your belt may need tightening, and you put your foot on the foot feed and your ball of foot on the "button".

Of course, you could purchase the clam shell type foot pedal that works on the featherweight.

Yep, probably is the belt. My dealer said that foot was made that way because back in the 30's-50's the machine was designed for women who sewed in heels. I got an electronic foot pedal and love it, easier but also so much more responsive

Sally J, tell me about the electronic foot pedal.

If I am not mistaken, I think I read somewhere that you turn the pedal so your heel is what is controlling the button. the ball of your foot is what is resting on the pedal and you press the button with your heel. I have sewed using that method and I find it easier.

Donna,

I'd check the belt to make sure it neither too tight nor too loose, then I'd think about how long it's been since the motor was greased.

As for the foot controller button I use the outside of my right foot on the button. Neither my wife nor myself likes them one bit. But they work and we have a bunch of machines with that type so we live with them.

Joe

The machine I grew up using had that style controller mounted inside the cabinet and the knee bar pressed on that button. Did not even know it could be a foot control. 😉

I just saw a cool adapter on ebay for a Featherweight. Check this one out-it's called a Singer featherweight foot pedal adapter to use with the original foot. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Feath...item51bea0014d There are multiple types of foot pedals designed to use with the Featherweight available through ebay as well. Most are in the same price range as this adapter: $35-$45.

thank you kykaren. thats really neat. i like the extension table for the fw.

I had some trouble with the foot of my most recent FW not too long ago--it kept stopping on me in the middle of a seam, or occasionally not even starting. I had the DH look at the inside and wiring (it is the black button type foot control), and he found a short in the wiring where it goes into the control--cut the wire back and rewired the connections on the inside and that little machine said "thanks so much" and went right back to humming and sewing a perfect straight seam for me. We both love it when he can fix something for me. Hahahahah

Isn't it wonderful how long these vintage machines have been reliable. And they may well last decades more with a little help. BTW, I turn the foot feed sideways, heel on floor. But I don't sew much

Solution to vintage singer foot control designed for ladies heels.
 

After reading this, I found a pair of shoes with a heel that work perfect with my vintage singer foot controls. The shoes have the perfect heel to work with the pedal, and using the foot rest peg next to the pedal with heels becomes second nature after no time at all. The solid square button next to the square speed control button is for resting your heel on while your sewing, which most people don't realize unless they were told about using the controllers with heels. I used my "sewing shoes" and have been sewing face masks to help with the current need. Without using your suggestion, I never would have finished so many masks.

Mine was doing just the opposite - getting slower the longer I used it. I tried adjusting the belt and now it is much better, can't remember if I tightened or loosened the belt (that is what happens when you reach 72 years old) As to the foot pedal, I have always used the outside of my right foot to press down on the small square button on the foot pedal.