Featherweight
 

I am wondering if someone would tell me if 235 dollars is too much for a 1957 featherweight. It comes with all of the attachments and also a add on zigzagger. I think it works, was unable to sew on it but did plug it in and it ran the decals look like it has hardly ever been used. They were asking 295 and agreed to drop the price to 235. I was actually looking for one from the fourties but this one might be ok. Is it too new to be a collectible featherweight. Thanks...I want one am trying to learn about them....but do not know much yet!!!

The best answer is ... it's worth what YOU are willing to pay for it. I personally wouldn't spend that much, but I have little interest in Featherweights. That doesn't mean I dislike them, I just don't have the attraction to them as I do other vintage machines. I do however watch the prices on them on E-bay and Craigslist, and I've seen many sell for a lot more, and very few sell for less than that price.

I think 235.00 is a fair price!!!!!

If in good condition as you described, 235 is a good price.

My DH paid much more than that for a 1954 model - it was also in very good condition.

Seems like a fair price, I'd rather have a good condition one than a ratty cheaper one. Hope you plan on sewing on it........I love to piece with mine. Did it come with a case?

That price sounds reasonable to me. Things I look for: is there a bobbin case with it? Bobbins can be purchased reasonably-case more costly. Does it have a cord/foot pedal? Does it run? Light bulbs are also reasonable and can be found without problems. Does it have a case? I love my Featherweight. Get Dave McCallums (sp) video and you will be able to maintain it also. Good luck.

If the bobbin case, foot pedal, and attatchments are there and the zigzagger too, I would buy it. Bobbin case will cost you $50 and the zigzagger $40 if you have to buy them separate.

Thanks for all the replies...it does have a case, looks like a new cord..or the cord was a rubber type from the start. The case has a musty smell to it, I guess I could do something about that. The bobbin case is there, with a few extra bobbins. The needle that is in it is huge. Can you buy needles for it at Joann's or do you have to order on Internet? If I buy it I will sew on it but truthfully I love sewing on my diamond. So perhaps this is a quest. I love to go out and find things! I was hoping to find an old machine at a thrift shop. Perfect machine for 20 dollars! I know...I am a dreamer! Carol aka Reba

I use regular Schmetz needles in my FW and they work fine! Some machines require needles that have longer shafts, but the FW will do just fine with any generic sewing needle. If you have Organ needles, those work well, also. I started using a Klasse needle in my newer Singer so would work in the FW also.

Just make sure you install the needle so that the flat side is to the left. Thread the needle from right to left.

Here is my thoughts....are you in a big hurry to have a Featherweight? Sometimes you can just put the word out to family and friends (via Facebook) that you are looking for a specific sewing machine called a Featherweight and include pics. Who knows? You could get lucky and have one given to you! My neighbor came over to my house one day and gave me two machines, 1950 and 1953 Featherweights....in pristine condition and including the cases. He had been watching me work in my garage and wondered what I was doing. He came over and saw me stripping and repainting a Featherweight and asked if I was still looking for them. Sure I said. Then a few months later... wa-la....

You just never know until you put the word out.

Try dryer sheets to get rid of the musty smell in your case, or sitting it in the sunshine. Any oder avsorber would help with that I would think. I bought my FW to take to my quilting group because it is light weight. I am also in a FW club offered by a LQS so it travels there too. It is a nice sturdy machine and too cute!

Definitely a fair price.

I think it's a fantastic price. I've paid between $250-$300 for all five of mine.

I think that musty smell is an old glue smell that was used on all the cases. I leave a bar of Irish Spring in the case when it is empty.

Yes, that's a fair price! Hope you get it and enjoy it.

Oh, I'm so excited for you. I have 4 FWs, $280, free, $225 and $100. I spent the most on my first one. It sounds like a very fair price to me. Having the attachments and a zigzag are great, too. 2 of my machines are 1950s and they are really nice. Having measurements on the throatplate is very handy..... and I love to hear the click, click,click of the motor as she sews. Do show us a picture of your new lady......and, welcome to the FW club.

It sounds like a fair price to me, but only if you plan on using it. My DH wants to know why I need 3 FWs and I tell him that I need them as backups. He thinks I'm nuts, but I love those little machines. They're great for piecing.

Reba - the musty case can be freshened with a couple of dryer sheets. Mine smelled like it was in a damp, dank basement, but once the dryer sheets came to its rescue, it's much more pleasant to be around!

It sounds like a reasonable price. Go for it, and have fun!

If it is in good shape I would grab it. They are very pricey in my area

I got a fantastic deal on my FW it is like new in case with everything there even the old tube of oil, of course it was dried up, for $200, yeah $235 is a buy it price!!!

I just want to thank everyone again. Yesterday my H and I went back to check out the FW. I took a needle and fabric...I knew how to thread it because of the advice given on this board. So it is in really good condition! My H got it for my birthday present! We came back to our RV, cleaned it and just are amazed at how good she looks! I have given her a name...Quinny, for the Latin word for 50...in honor of our 50 anniversary this year. Today she will get polished. Will post picture...when I learn how! Thanks again Carol aka Reba

Congratulations on buying Quinny! You'll love sewing on her. I bought mine (Emily) several months ago and she is a joy to sew on. I've gotten very attached to the little gal.

I paid 250 for mine off Craigslist and it came from the original owners family. All others sell in this area for much more. This person didn't know what it was called or I'm sure it wouldn't have been waiting for me. Got it for my birthday last year. :)

Congratulations! I'm happy for you!

If you Google the words: Singer Featherweight, many sites will come up. Browse through and explore. The Featherweights have a huge following of fans. There are sites that will help you date your machine, clean your machine, repair your machine, find accessories and parts for your machine, and even some that will help you learn to use your machine. I found a site that allowed me to download all the manuals for my machine. Happy Googling!

I managed to get one on ebay in the uk for £191. It is in really good nick and sews beautifully.

Flat side to the left is correct. A FW repairman, at Paducah, says that is the most common concern he sees. Also, he recomments half a cake of Safeguard soap, still in the box, placed inside the case. Don't let the soap itself touch anything in there. It does help and can be replaced as it gets old. I have used Irish Spring in my fabric storage boxes and it keeps musty smells away. Cases that look facded and thready, can be painted with black auto spray paint. This is a last ditch method though. Mine was coming off in a few places and the paint helped hold it in place. When dry, it was like new. It saved me $50 for buying a new, repro. case. Be sure to mask the handle, latch and hinges with painters tape though before painting outdoors. I know, poor folks have poor ways, but it looks great and gave it a new lease on life. Rubber feet for the case were obtainable on ebay for about $1 each. Saves your table.