Is My Featherweight a Blackside?

Blackside Featherweights were made in 1941 and 1945, but I'm sure you've noticed some other Featherweights that had some blackside parts, too. There were parts like thumb screws and bobbin winders that were made with blackside finish, but do these parts indicate that the machine is a true Blacksi...

How To Replace the Case Handle

This tutorial is focused on the later style case handles; the ones that would be considered more straight and in-line and attached to the case lid using metal posts.  They are more cumbersome to remove, let alone install, but after finding a high quality replica leather case handle that includes ...

Bobbin Case History of the Singer Featherweight 221 and 222

Many bobbin cases look alike, but here you can learn more of their history with the Singer Featherweight 221 and 222.

Featherweight Case Restoration Ideas

If you are a member of the Singer Featherweight 221 & 222K Sewing Machines Facebook group then chances are you've seen some of the clever ideas for restoring a Featherweight case.  Now, we aren't meaning an easy case refurbish, but rather a complete case restoration.  A complete case restorat...

Singer Featherweight Texas Centennial - 1936

The Texas Centennial 1836 - 1936 badged Featherweight is probably the rarest of the rare... the most scarce Featherweight to find because of the short time period for which they were available - just over 5 months.  Moreover, this particular badge is the only "Texas" Featherweight badge official...

Before Singer Featherweight History

If you haven't been over to the blog as of lately, you might want to have a look at some fun facts about the "pre-history" to the Singer Featherweight.  Click here to read more -- you won't want to miss it!

The Standard Sewhandy, General Electric & Early Featherweight History

Singer "Featherweight" history actually begins before Singer and before 1933 & 1934 (when Singer debuted their model 221 at the Chicago World's Fair).  The "Featherweight" name and style really had its beginnings in 1928, when the Standard Sewing Machine Company marketed the first "Featherwei...

Troubleshooting Stitch Problems (Skipped Stitches, Thread Looping, etc.)

This is Singer Featherweight Stitch Formation 101!  If your Singer Featherweight is skipping stitches, not stitching at all, won't pick up the bobbin thread or perhaps the thread is looping or causing an awful thread mess on the underside of your fabric, then this video tutorial will show you the...

Removing the Presser Bar Lifter

If your presser bar lifter is broken or you need to remove it for paint preparation/restoration, then this quick video tutorial will show you how to do just that.  It's a bit tricky, but after receiving the question from a customer on our Singer Featherweight facebook group, Carmon made this impr...

How To Remove a Singer 222K Featherweight Bed Extension

If you have a Singer 222 free-arm Featherweight and the bed extension does not slide off easily, then this video tutorial will be helpful in showing you how to remove it.  Sometimes you have to give it a hard tug and other times the bed will need to be tapped out from the side end.  Watch the tut...

Featherweight LED Bulb Comparison

Which LED light bulb is the right one for the Singer Featherweight 221 or 222K sewing machine?  Carmon Henry answers that question and explains how they differ and why some work in the light sockets and some do not.  We are often asked, "Will your LED bulb fit in my Featherweight because I have h...

Singer Sewing at the St. John's Factory, Quebec, Canada

Today we are featuring a guest article by Lynne McFern of Ste-Catherine, Quebec, Canada.  After acquiring a Singer Featherweight and rekindling a link to her past, Lynne was inspired to learn more about the history of her machines.  This is her story... *******************************************...

Threading a Singer Featherweight (Getting to Know Your Featherweight, Part 4)

Today, in part 4 of the Getting To Know Your Featherweight Series, you will learn how to thread a Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine from start to finish.Suggested Products:1) Crosswound Spool of thread: Aurifil or Presencia2) Thread Stand or Thread Post3) Schmetz Needles4) Thread Cutterz or Thr...

Introducing the Super Easy Machine Needle Threader

We are so excited to now offer the Super Easy Machine Needle Threader for your Singer Featherweight. This will work on ALL household sewing machines, too, but we are partial to our Featherweights, aren't we?!  As an added bonus, it not only is helpful as a needle threader, but it easily inserts...

How To Get Rid of the Moldy Mildew Smell in a Featherweight Case

The first thing to check is the felt drip pad underneath the machine. Unscrew the large nut on the bottom tray and if the felt drip pad is saturated with oil like the one shown above then it not only needs a new one, but it could be holding some of the musty odor being emitted by the case. Th...

How To Refurbish a Singer Featherweight Case

In this video tutorial, our young daughter, Ruthie, will show you all the restoration steps for how to clean, polish and refurbish/restore a Singer Featherweight case.  This process will work on all black Singer Featherweight cases. On our Singer Featherweight Maintenance Workshop Tour this past ...

How To Use The Singer Automatic Zigzagger Attachment

This video tutorial will show you how I used the Singer Automatic Zigzagger Attachment to do applique on my Singer Featherweight.  Yes, my straight stitch sewing machine was able to do a dainty little applique stitch using a vintage Singer Zigzag Attachment.  These zigzaggers were available for e...

Learning About the Motor Lubricant Ports

Ever wondered what it looks like inside your motor or how much lubricant is required to put in that deep dark motor lubricant port?  This video tutorial will show you a perfect cross-section cut-away of the motor's interior as well as the different motor lube port styles.  There is one kind that ...

The Giant Schmetz Needle Tutorial

Using a giant needle as an example in the video far below, you will learn the various parts of a needle, as well as the importance of having a smoothly finished eye. One of our favorite needles to recommend is a Microtex Schmetz.  They're sharp and they pierce exactly at the point of fabric ent...

How to Loosen the Spool Pin Coverplate if the Screw is Too Tight

If your spool pin coverplate seems to be impossible to remove because of that stuck or stripped spool pin screw, this quick impromptu video might be just the trick to help you.  Once you get your spool pin cover plate removed, be sure to not screw the screw back down too tightly -- just finger ti...

How To Properly Set the Needle (Getting To Know Your Featherweight, Part 3)

How To Properly Set The Needle Part 3 of the Getting To Know Your Singer Featherweight 221 series will show you how to properly set your Singer Featherweight needle.  This tutorial by Ruthie will be especially helpful if you notice your machine having skipped stitches or even if your bobbin thre...

How Thread Affects Maintenance, Upper Tension & Bobbin Tension

Hello everyone, Carmon here. There has been a lot of discussion about thread brands the last couple of days on our Singer Featherweight 221 & 222K Sewing Machines Facebook group so I thought I would weigh in. As a teacher of Featherweight Maintenance Classes and Workshops, and the owner of T...

How to Install & Use the Featherweight Accurate Seam Guide & Square

This seam guide is designed so that you can easily and accurately piece your quilt blocks.  Whether you prefer a scant or a true quarter inch (1/4") seam (or even beyond), your seams will have consistent seam allowances throughout your quilt or sewing project.  Some people prefer a 1/4" foot at...

How to Make a Buttonhole and Eyelet Hole (perfect for the Mini Dresden Spool Pin Plate Pattern)

Isn't it darling?!!  We are so excited to make this free pattern available to you! Click here to subscribe to our newsletters and receive the FREEDresden Spool Pin Plate PDF pattern link  Follow the link above to subscribe to our newsletter, because only subscribers will receive access to th...

How to Adjust the Stitch Length Lever

Yesterday, there was a question on our Facebook group about the stitch length lever (or sometimes called the "stitch length regulator") and so this video tutorial was made to help answer that question as well as addressing a couple other things, too. I will show you what to do if the lever is too...

How to Adjust the Stitch Length Lever

Yesterday, there was a question on our Facebook group about the stitch length lever (or sometimes called the "stitch length regulator") and so this video tutorial was made to help answer that question as well as addressing a couple other things, too.  I will show you what to do if the lever is to...

How to Thread a Featherweight Bobbin Case (Getting to Know Your Featherweight, Part 2)

How To Thread the Bobbin Case & Insert It Into the Machine Ruthie continues with her Getting To Know Your Singer Featherweight 221 series and shows us how to correctly place the bobbin into the bobbin case as well as how to insert the bobbin case into the machine.  A couple of things to remem...

How to Straighten a Bent or Loose Spool Pin

If your spool pin is bent or a bit loose then this video tutorial will show you how to straighten and tighten it back down.  You'll need a very hard surface, a hammer, and a metal punch because you'll be flaring the pin from the underside of the plate.  

How To Replace the Electrical Components

This video tutorial will show you how to replace and rewire the light socket, lampshade, light switch, receptacle and motor on a Singer Featherweight 221.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.  Also, be sure to like and share this tutorial with your fellow Featherweight friend...

How to Align the +/- Indicator Ring on the Tension Unit

This quick video will show you how to make a tension unit post adjustment. If the +/- indicator ring at the top of your tension unit is sitting a bit off center on your Singer Featherweight 221 or 222K, then this tutorial will walk you through the steps for how to get it properly aligned again.

How to Wind a Singer Featherweight Bobbin (Getting to Know Your Featherweight, Part 1)

How to Wind a Singer Featherweight Bobbin Not quite sure where to start with your new-to-you Singer Featherweight 221? Then let's get started with our new series "Getting to Know Your Featherweight", where our 12-year-old daughter, Ruthie Henry, goes through the pages of her instruction manual an...

Owner's Handbook & Servicing Manuals

The Singer Featherweight Maintenance HandbookThe most comprehensive DIY tool for learning routine Featherweight service and maintenance troubleshooting in modern day. Handbook includes 84 pages of full-color, large photographs, step-by-step instructions, video-tutorial direct links via QR c...

Damaged in Shipment

The following photos will show you what happens when a Singer Featherweight is not properly packed.  If you are an eBay, Etsy, or shopgoodwill online seller and you are shipping a Singer Featherweight across the country or even across the oceans, please take these warnings seriously.  Replacemen...

Packing & Shipping a Singer Featherweight Properly

Packing a Singer Featherweight seems like it would be simple enough, doesn’t it?  After all, it comes with a handy carrying case, right?  Well, I think after you see the photographed illustrations below you will understand that these small, portable machines need a bit more care than what you mig...

Singer Featherweight Centennial 1851-1951

Singer, rightfully proud of its company history, celebrated its centenary in 1951 by giving all machines commissioned for that year a special commemorative badge. It was the standard Singer emblem of the time but with the inscription "A Century of Sewing Service 1851-1951" around the outside o...

The Free-Arm Featherweight 222K and How It Differs From the Featherweight 221

The Singer Featherweight 222K Sewing Machine (and the difference between a Singer 221 model)   UPDATE:  Click here for a side-by-side comparison images and reference page. Approximately 100,000 222K Featherweights were made worldwide and are one of the best sewing machines ever made. Somet...

Chicago World's Fair

The Singer Featherweight 221 Model Sewing Machine first debuted at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1934. This Exposition was held from May to November 1933 and May to October 1934 with the motto “Science Finds, Industry Applies, Man Conforms”. The official theme was “A Century of Progress” commemor...

How to Use the Singer Buttonholer Attachment

Beautiful, perfect and easy! ‘Sew’ easy in fact, it’s practically hands-free! Believe me, this buttonholer is still preferred by long-time sewists, even over the fancy, expensive machines with built-in buttonhole features. It’s amazing how the technology of yesterday still holds true all these...

Singer Featherweight San Francisco 1939-1940

  Economists know there is a distinctive difference between rare and scarce. One is limited quantities and the other is limited available resources with which to obtain ... so in all honesty, this Singer Featherweight falls into both categories!   At the 1939 and 1940 World's Fair held ...

How to Disassemble and Reassemble the Tension Unit

This video tutorial was made kind of spur of the moment, but it has been quite helpful on the Singer Featherweight group on Facebook.  Learn how to easily disassemble, clean and reassemble the Singer Featherweight 221 and 222K Tension Unit.    

Motor Care & Conversion

Featherweight Motors The only part of a Singer Featherweight likely to deteriorate in use is the electric motor – and let's face it, many of these machines can be 50+ years old! Therefore, it is essential that you properly maintain and care for it. 1.) NEVER put oil in your motor.2.) LUBRICA...

Featherweight Shop Maintenance, Service and Repair

Featherweights need to be serviced annually, which includes oiling, lubricating and setting tension. On that note, we highly recommend that you do learn to service and maintain your Singer Featherweight yourself... yes, you can do it!  And, good news!! We will show you how!  The Featherweight Sh...

Parts Diagram & Details

Click here for a free download of all the parts, screws, and mechanics to the Singer Featherweight 221.  Two full pages are included for easy reference.

Graham Forsdyke's Featherweight Chamber of Horrors

It's nightmare time folks -- check out these terror tales from Graham. Be very glad your fine machine is safe in the sewing room.  Worst Featherweight Ever Electrical Disasters Motor Mayhem Featherweight Graveyard ******************************************  Worst Featherweight in the World  ...

Facts & Myths

Singer Featherweight Factsand Some Myths Exposed by Graham Forsdyke Singer Featherweight machines were produced in black, beige/tan and white/green (what the company officially called Pale Turquoise). There were no red, blue or any other colour machines although many have been repainted in lat...

Our Friends of the Featherweight Needle

Below are some different websites and resources we have referred to over the years. Whether it be a group forum for fellow Featherweight enthusiasts, another Singer Sewing Machine collector with their own supply of goods for sale, or some of April's favorite fabric and pattern websites, it has be...

Timeline History of the Singer Featherweight

From 1933 to 1969, this timeline provides a detailed history of the Singer Featherweight 221, 222 and all the details surrounding this Singer Sewing Machine. 1933:On October 3, 1933, Singer commissioned the first batch of 10,000 model 221 sewing machines, marketing them as the Singer Featherwei...

Singer Featherweight Advertisements

There were many Singer Featherweight advertisements over the years and we hope to share quite a few of those with you here. If you happen to have a unique one that you do not see listed, please contact us, because we would like to feature it for all to enjoy in the Featherweight Community. Singer...

The Tan Featherweight 221J or 221K

This is one of the first "colored" Featherweights (besides "Pale Turquoise") that Singer produced besides the traditional black Featherweight.  It has a few notable differences which will be noted in the photographs below.  Mechanically, the tan Featherweight is identical to the black.  The '...

Identify Your Manual

The Various Featherweight Manuals Throughout the years that Featherweights were produced, the Singer company produced some manual variations. The principal handbooks given with machines are shown here.       Above Left:  This manual is the standard handbook supplied with US-built Featherweigh...