Featherweight shopping and education.
 

I have recently started to learn more about featherweight machines and think I would like to save up and get one. I’m trying to learn all I can. My main reason for purchasing one will be to have something lightweight to take to classes with me. I am enamored with how beautiful they are too though. So far I’ve learned a little about them. There are 2 different models the 221 and 222 correct? And so far as I can tell they range from about 400-2400 dollars. What are the main features/factors I should cover in my research and make sure a machine has? For instance I’m seeing that some of them are wired for the European market and are not plug compatible here in the US. Also I’ve read that I should make sure a machine has an original bobbin case?

any and all info/opinions/education is/are welcome, thanks!

They are fabulous little machines. Great for classes or everyday sewing. The 222 is a free arm version and much harder to come by. I was very fortunate that a friend found one for me and I was able to get mine for $40. They can be had very reasonably if you are willing to wait and hunt.

Yes, an original bobbin case is something to be mindful of but replacements can be had at reasonable cost. One of the main issues I've heard/read about are the cases being stinky from sitting. Getting the smell out can be a process. Otherwise, as long as it turns on and runs, you should be good. They are quite simple machines and easily serviced/maintained yourself.

I believe the white/celery models (also not very common similar to the 222 model) I think are the ones most likely to be Euro wired. I'm sure that can be changed. I've seen several of them for sale in this area but way more $$ than I am willing to spend. If I got the right deal...???

Troll craigslist; facebook sale pages. Let all of your yard/garage sale friends know what you are looking for. Show them a picture. Good deals are out there if you have the patience.

And I'm sure others will be along soon to give you more/better info on the mechanics/wiring questions.

I'm looking for one too. I had two, both stunk like my Grandmothers house only worse. One did not run that well and I was offered good money for them as a set, when I needed the $$ and I let them go.

Have you looked at The Featherweight Shop? They are giving a pink one away this year. I have signed up. I think we will go looking tomorow. Marcia

I did enter the drawing! Lol, It’s part of what got me started on this. I have a juki for taking to classes but it’s pretty heavy for me to get in and out of the car. Plus it’s not near as cute. Wouldn’t that little pink one be fabulous to have? I hope one of us wins it. :)

There are bargains sometimes at yard sales and estate sales, also sometimes at thrift stores. I bought my first one at a thrift store for $200, then about a month later I was at an estate sale and got 2 of them for $70.00, at another estate sale soon after those, I got one for $20.00. So, those are some options I would also suggest the possibilities of a good deal.

Pamela, they are really fun to sew with. I bought a black one and a white one on Ebay, both around $200 each but it was several years ago.
It can be hit or miss, even on Ebay. The 222 is so expensive that I have no desire to get one. I don't do garment sewing so the appeal isn't there for that kind of money.
I agree that Craig's list is a good place to look, you just never know.
My brother lives in NY and I've looked where he lives but so far haven't snagged one.
Maybe it's just mine but I like the black one better than the white. The black one just "feels" better to me. The white one may need some work though. But overall it's in good shape. Maybe this winter I'll play with it.
They are very easy to maintain.

They're great machines. I have 2. One black, one white. Don't get hung up on the price. They can still be found at reasonable prices especially if they need a bit of work. About a year ago, I bought my white one at an estate sale for $50. It was not running but I plugged it in, loosened the belt and ascertained that the motor ran just fine so I figured it just needed cleaning and oiling. It took me all of a day to get it running. If you take some time and look, you can find them reasonably priced. It took me almost a year to find this one.

I used EstateSales.net. You can sign up to be notified of estate sales in your area and also set up what they call the "Treasure Tracker" where you enter things you are specifically looking for. They will send you emails when your items come up at a sale in your area.

Take your time and be patient. You may find one, like I did, for a very reasonable price. I got mine for $125. I keep my eyes open for another one that may be even less. I love it. She is a 221 and very precious. I have a different machine that I have been using for group sewing projects to date but look forward to taking her out with me soon. There are many FW user here that will be able to advise you on purchasing one and caring for one. She is a lovely little machine.

I agree with all the above. I have a black one and i have had it for several years. Last year I bought a 1941 model painted ....my favorite color and my birth year. I love both of them and I love to listen to them. They literally hum. I bought them on eBay and the black one was $125 several years ago. The red one was a splurge and a special present to me from me. It was $1000. I have used it and she sews so sweetly. Her name is “Ruby”. My black one is named “Aunt Gertie” after a favorite aunt. I was going to sell the black one but it seems after they have a name I can’t part with them. I don’t have a white one but I have been told by several people they have more problems than the black ones. Is that true? I really don’t know.

There aren't a whole lot of choice with FW

The older ones (221) came in black and light tan, and the 222 Open arm version came in black. In the later production Singer came out with the white (or celery) version and a main difference is the foot pedal and cord are hard wired. I would agree that it's not made as robust as the earlier version. Don't confuse the older tan model with the newer white model.

Besides making sure you can plug it in where you live, you'll want to make sure it's got the bobbin case. For a while there was an aftermarket source, then it went away and I don't know if another has popped up.

Don't worry about attachments as it takes the same short shank attachments as all the other Singer short shank machines. Sellers will list attachments as "for featherweight" as if it took special ones (and they'll ask twice as much too). There are only a few that are specific to the FW and that is because they mount to the bed or use the needle plate. Those are specific to the FW. Two would be the attachment plate for the hemstitcher, and the darning plate.

Another suggestion, let everybody know that you're looking for one. I got 2 given to me that way. Especially if they are not quilters themselves, they may just happen to remember a little black machine sitting in their basement that belonged to grandma but nobody in the family sews.

saving up is a good plan, that is how I've paid for all my machines. are you on the facebook group Pacific Northwest Quilters? There is a sister group Pacific Northwest Quilters Advertising, they come up on there ever so often, that's where I sold mine. You could put up a wanted ad on the advert one. I've actually sold four machines on there as my sight has continued to fail. I've also bartered for fabric, always fun.

In my case yes. I like my black one better. But I need to work on my white one, after the holidays maybe.

Featherwights are darling little machines. They are not the best of Vintage Singers but their cuteness and portability make up for their whimsicality -they are not nicknamed "Princess of Singer" for nothing lol.
The American market is crazy with these machines, the prices are very high. You can get cheaper ones from Europe as you say. If you're worried about voltage, it is always good to remember that up until the mid 1960s not all of France was wired on 220v, a lot of houses still had 110v so a Featherweight bought from France may very well have a 110v motor and a simple plug adapter will enable you to use it in the USA. My Featherweight is in 110v and I use a 110v to 220v convertor. It's one extra item to carry but it works perfectly; therefore I think that the other way round will be true as well :)

i was a member of the main page but not the advertising page. I joined and posted, thanks!

There is quite a price difference between a “serviced” and a “refurbished” one. I’m trying to figure out what each entails now.

400-2400 sounds a bit high to extreme. I paid 250 for one in pristine shape with a case

A typical servicing can add $100 - $200 to the cost depending on what needs to be done. If the machine just needed basic cleaning and oiling then it's on the lower end, but if it needed electrical work too (and many do) then it's going to be more.

My husband is very thorough when he goes over one, and it takes him 4-5 hours if it doesn't need electrical work. He basically strips everything down and cleans any gunk off and polishes and re-oils. Then he adjusts tension/timing as needed and then he gives it to me for a good sewing trial. I usually make up a couple of nice test blocks to send with the machine.

I'll add that there are a lot of variations in how nice the machines sew. Usually those that are more worn end up sewing much smoother as they are well broken in compared to those that have prestine decals and look like they've never been used. Often when you get a repaint, you'll be getting a machine that was well broke in, and then it gets a very good cleaning - and you end up with a beautiful machine that sews very nice.

the last one my DH did was decent, the one before that I nicknamed Sweetheart as it was one of the nicest I've ever sewn on. Unfortunately it wasn't one of mine. :(

I just won the pink featherweight!! Can't believe it! I have 2 black, 1938 & 1950. Have said I would like a white one but Pink will be wonderful..

I’m curious and maybe you can speak to this: one reseller talked about refurbishing them, so basically taking everything apart and replacing a bunch of time-worn parts as well as thoroughly cleaning the rest And rewiring and such. The featherweight shoppe describes basically cleaning and oiling as their process. do they tend to need to have rewiring and replacing done? I want to buy a machine that is going to be good to go for years to come and so am willing to invest in having the appropriate work done, I’m just not sure what the appropriate work is.

Luvstoquilt--Your discussion of your Featherweights almost brought me to tears. You see, I have a beautiful black Featherweight--the same one that my mother used to make my baby clothes. Mother passed it to me before she died because she knew how much it would mean to me to have it. My mother's name was Ruby.

I have a black featherweight..It is a fantastic machine! I put a needle in backwards and it would not sew (Da.. a month ago..finally checked on line, after checking every other thing on the machine..after years of sewing on it and working with it..put the needle in wrong..They are wonderful machines!

Try and get the 201/black color, it was made a little bit better, later the cream/green colored one came out and it is hard wired and not as friendly for sewers. Just my opinion, as I have a few friends with the white/green and they are always tempramental. Not my friends, Haha.

unless you are absolutely sold on the FWs consider the 301. They are aluminum bodied, just a bit heavier with a deeper throat. Great machines and much cheaper, but again make sure it has the original bobbin case. Aftermarkets have a bad reputation.

congratulations! I bet you are over the moon excited.