Ordering parts for Featherweight?
 

I purchased a 221 Featherweight and really love the way it sews. However I am having a problem trying to sew a 1/4" seam. The machine pulls the fabric to the left and I end up with 1/8" seam if that. The original straight sewing presser foot is on the machine and it has the face plate with just a little hole. I have done a quick look online to see if I can order a wider presser foot to fit my machine. Is there a "go to" person that you guys use?

Sew-classic.com has the best prices. They are trustworthy and honest. I have no affiliation there, just a very satisfied customer. There are high priced specialists on the internet, but they aren't any better and you will like the fast shipment from Sew-Classic. My FW pulls also. You have to take hold and guide it to the very end. I am used to it now, but it is annoying. There are several offering the 1/4" quilting presser foot on the internet. Avoid the plastic attachment ones, as they crack and break over time. Get a good chrome one. Some have "blades" to assure the 1/4". I have sewn for years, but still use a good seam guide screwed into the bed of the machine as I can go faster chain stitching blocks with that. I don't have to stop and line everything up each time starting out. Always hold both threads to the back when starting to avoid the FW birds nest.

Thanks so much Donna. The information you gave is exactly what I was hoping for!

I ordered a 1/4 inch presser foot which is wider but went back to the original because it works better for me. I don't think the extra width makes any difference because the feed dogs are narrow. The wider foot only presses against the fabric when there are feed dogs underneath.

My 1938 Featherweight also pulled to the left. It was driving me crazy. Someone suggested that I check the height of the presser foot, which should be 5/16" above the needle plate. Once I fixed that, it stopped pulling. It's a bit fiddly, but not hard to do.
Ila

April 1930's has parts, also. They also have lots of "how to" articles and videos on their site. They are quite willing to talk to people on the phone to diagnose problems. I'm sure they could help solve the pulling problem. They also sell a great 1/4 inch foot!
http://april1930s.com

I saw a very neat fabric guide on a FW, this was a picture, probably on here. It looked to be molded and was a dark brown with lt. golden line in the middle. Have no idea if it was a home-made or purchased one and it screwed into where an attatchment would be secured. If anyone know what I am blathering about, please let me know as it looked to be the perfect fabric guide.

221 featherweight
 

Go to http://www.novamontgomery.com/
She has parts and a wealth of information.

I'm with nancy jane,use nova montgomery she has just about everything for a feather weight. Love her monthly email,a great help.

Thanks for all the help!

Nova Montgomery charges way more than almost any other supplier for the same exact parts. I too, prefer Sew-Classic.com for quality at a reasonable price point.

I've found that when my fabrics pull to the left, I need to adjust the tension thing on the top of the machine. Sorry, I don't know the correct terminology for it. Anyways, the round knob thing is on the top on the left side at the back.
Clear as mud...? ;)

Presser foot pressure, yes, if it's got too much pressure it can cause all sorts of feeding problems.

Cari

Mariposa and Cari: Thanks!!!!! I had to get up and go look at the machine but that makes good sense.