Threading a Featherweight 221
 

Does anyone have a clear picture on how to thread a FW 221? I downloaded a manual from a website but the picture for threading is not really clear. I'm having trouble with my thread and I think I'm not threading it right. I hope someone has some ideas to help me. My thread kept breaking. Is there a recommended type of thread to use on a FW? Anxious to hear your replies.

Try changing the thread. FWs thread from right to left through the needle. Make sure the throat plate has the pin from the shuttle in position as well. I cleaned up my Mom's FW machine for Christmas last year - here are some pics - there is one of the throat plate and how the pin should go http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...t-t174236.html see window #15 Also check your tension. When did you last change the needle - is the new one in the correct position - see your owner's manual.

Miriam gave you good advice. The other thing to check is do you have the bobbin in the bobbin case the correct direction. The FW is the reverse of my HQ16 and I have to pay attention to that detail on each of them.

Most people thread the machine from the spool, across to a guide, down through the tension, around a guide, back up through the lever hole, back down through guides and through a needle. That part goes with every machine one way or another. It is the other stuff that will get you unless you have never threaded a machine. It is the other stuff that will be a problem. If that isn't enough I have a couple articles I wrote might be of some use. Links: http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...g-t197579.html and http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t170748.html I think there are ways to book mark articles. Some of the sites I referred to may not want to come up - someone said to cut the title and then paste in your browser and they will still come up.