Introducing the Singer 221 Featherweight Portable Vintage Sewing Machine
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- Опубліковано 19 лют 2021
- The Singer Featherweight 221 was introduced in 1933 and was an immediate hit. Compact and light, made of aluminium, at just 11 pounds, less than 5 Kg, it was truly portable.
These machines are now highly sought after by collectors and quilters.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below.
I hope you enjoy this video and find it useful. if you do please give it a like and subscribe - so you don't miss the rest of this series.
Find out more -
www.curio-heywood.co.uk
/ curioheywood
Music: www.purple-planet.com
#curio #crafttutorial #sewing - Навчання та стиль
Je viens d'acheter cette machine et je suis vraiment heureux 🧵🪡🧶❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The sew handy models were so 😍
I've been selling these for years and it always fascinates me how the prices continue to rise and rise. It doesn't seem that long ago that 222K machines could be found for as little as $10 in garage sales and were only selling on eBay for $80 to $200.
This (increasing prices) is probably a welcome thing because people take more care of them. I'm especially intrigued by those people who undertake excellent paint-jobs on them to give them another half-century of life. The engineering on these is second-to-none (no nylon gears) and if properly maintained, they might last two centuries. The very earliest versions of these are approaching 90 years old and I've restored a very early one from 1935 - a lot of new-old-stock parts are STILL available nearly 90 years after they went into production.
The only real problem with these, especially if buying online, is the electrics, particularly the wire that runs up to the lamp. This particular wire is hidden and can a) rub against the housing due to vibration, and b) suffer from hardened insulation. This means the insulation wears away as a result of vibration and the passage of time until a live wire contacts the metal body. I have seen one of these that was a complete death trap. It had no ground AND the lamp wire had lost its insulation. The result was that the machine was completely live - the entire casing was electrified. Technically, they are supposed to be double-insulated, but 1930s electrical standards are not modern standards. I strongly advise to have these checked at the very least, but preferably completely re-wired by somebody competent. It horrifies me when I see the condition of some of the electrical wiring of some machines on eBay, especially around the old bakelite plugs where the strain-relief grommets have disintegrated and the metal circlips are missing.
If you're not electrically minded and you buy one of these, just try to find an old-timer who knows some basic electrics and get them to make it safe. It isn't expensive, and it can save a life - don't let your children play with an unchecked machine. To replace the wiring, and adding some new strain relief grommets only costs about $5 in terms of actual materials (just use a bit of modern flex, cut to size and some new grommets) - it is the knowledge that is more expensive.
It's a good point to get the electrics at least checked over with a view to having a full re-wire. I always use an RCD when I plug a vintage machine in. Can never be too careful.
When it all gets too much I sit and rewatch your informative well made mellow docs Thank you most enjoyable.
Thank you for your kind words - makes it all worthwhile!
I agree Dave! I have 4 currently! Had 7 at one point!
Great video. Would love to see a video on restoring a Singer 222K Featherweight like the one you did for the Singer 99K. Your tutorials are so informative. I’ve just acquired a Singer 222K Featherweight. It’s in OK condition but I think it needs a deep dive servicing
I haven’t been lucky enough to find a 222 yet!
Hello. I am Khawla. I am you from Morocco and I love your videos. I will follow you from today. Thanks for the things you do. You are fine. Thank you.
♥🇲🇦👍🏻
So, the Singer sewing machine is very old and I will fix it because of you. Thank you. When I fix it, I will send you a picture and thank you 😍😍😍👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Very entertaining, nice video, thank you!
I LOVED this video. I learned a couple of little things that I hadn’t heard of before too! I am privileged to own a cherry red (custom painted) 221 and recently purchased a 222K. Heaven. I mostly use them for quilting. I purchased the 1951 badged 221 so I could take it to quilting sessions making quilts for soldiers (Quilts of Valor) and received it in mid-February last year. I haven’t been able to meet up with my groups since lockdown! This too shall pass... Super video - thanks so much! Have a fun-filled day in England, my favorite country to visit.
I missed out on a very cheap 221 recently. It would have been an ideal candidate for custom paint. Another one will come along. Still looking for a reasonably priced 222 but the prices are outrageous at the moment
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Ahaaaa - sad to miss out on a cheap one. I missed out too. The prices on the 222's are around $2,200-$2,400 here. I found one for $1,800 and jumped on it. I put a few extra $$ into parts and my husband knows how to work on them so it's in wonderful shape now. The decals are in excellent condition. I had to refurbish the case and buy a key for it. Worth every penny!
I just heard about Quilts of Valor a few months ago. Great service to those who served. I retired from the military a few years ago myself. During my time, the army went through 4 different uniforms. I still have a bunch so I'm cutting them up into 4" squares and going to make a quilt out of them with a queen size being the goal. Nothing fancy but I figured a good way to use the uniforms I won't be wearing again.
Take care and happy sewing.
@@W4ABN Oh Daniel - what a very special use of your fabric! Thank you for your service.
I always enjoy this little sewing machines. I own three have green G.E. , first Singer 1933 and 222K (1954). Great meachines ever.
I would love a GE but I'm pretty sure they were not sold in the UK
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns yes only in US. Sew pretty fast than Singer Featherweight. Since World Fair Chicago look up old video see G.E. sewing machines on the display. Pretty cool take at look. I got this few years ago at Antique shop in South Carolina only missing original power cord took a year to found it. I paid $100 very good price. Maybe you can found eBay. Good luck.
222... Wow!
Thank you it gave a wealth of information.
I've been after one of these for years, for now I'll just console myself with my 1909 28k that I found in a charity shop it needs a bit of tlc but it still works. Lovely video 😌
They do come up occasionally at a good price - one sold local to me on ebay for £20! I missed out on that one! So don't give up.
So glad you did this one. 😊
---I have a late 1950 Centennial 221K with the UK voltage (I use a transformer). Case has a tray and oil can, manual and all its bits and bobs. It's the only 221 I have that has the scrollwork faceplate. It was shipped over as a gift from a friend in Belgium about 15 years ago. He'd bought it on eBay as a birthday gift for me.
---A 222K with a 110v Canadian motor and foot control with all of the original goodies, etc. Including the original manual and the mini embroidery hoop in its box. Had it since 2007.
A 1951 Centennial US with all its goodies. Since about 2005-ish.
And lastly, a 1953 that has the more rare blue user's manual. Since about 2006-ish.
They all have their original cases, bobbin cases, original manuals, attachments. And, I have some of the more rare attachments that I put in with the 222K.
Thank you for your videos. Always clear and concise and enjoyable.
Cheers and best wishes from across the pond. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧
Wow! That's some collection! I'm glad you enjoy my videos.
As always: excellent video. I have a 222K and love it !
Thank you!
Well done and interesting, as always. Always dreamed of finding a 222 🦄
Excellent as always! Well produced with accurate info. You are the best!
Thank you!
I'm dreaming of having one !!!
Very interesting, informative video as always, Tony.
What a great little machine!
Thank you so much for sharing. xx Gabi
Thank you!
Thank you for pointing out the little differences in the models. I love my Featherweight, I inherited from my aunt that I sewed on when I was 5 years old. I have two white machines and 3 black ones. I would love to have the model 222 and the Great Britain tan model., I have not seen available. The best thing about these little machines is the awesome consistent beautiful stitch. I love the Featherweights!
They are amazing little machines - old fashioned engineering at its best!
I just got one!!!!! 221
I recently saw a video of a lady with a green painted featherweight to do quilting while camping out in an RV. I like the portability of these little machines. I have a large heavy duty machine and now thinking a lightweight machine like this might be good to have on hand. There's a few on the local craigslist for around $450-550. Ebay prices don't look much better either
Thanks for sharing your info about them. While I like how they are in original paint/design, I'm leaning towards painting a different color if I get one.
Thanks again. Take care.
I don't have an issue with painted machines. In fact I think of it like customising a car. Some of the paint jobs are amazing. If you're in the states, I believe there's a hand crank conversion available. Ideal if you're off grid.
I have a Featherwight 221 which am unable to use as the tension wh isich stuck between9 and 3 going the shortest route. How can I sort this problem please. The motivation behind wanting one of these was my mother. She made the most amazing garments and coats for me and my little sis. Took me quite a while to find an affordable one at £279, when I had been looking at prices over £1000, so you can see I was quite delighted to find this little gem. Thank you x x x
Have a look at my video on the tension unit for a 99. It may help.
Quiero saber de q año es la maquina
1950s
Where do we get the light bulb
It depends where in the world you are. If you are in the US then the Featherweight Shop seems to be the place to go. In the UK there are Featherweight specialists. Amazon and ebay are also good.
Will this be able to handle 23oz denim?
I've not tried it. Perhaps someone else can advise?
I would like to buy a very good condition featheweight from 50s or 60s. Is the reliable to buy on ebay?
I would use facebook groups to find out reputable sellers in your area. If using ebay, I suggest you check out the seller's previous feedback.
Can we get belt of this model
Yes, they are readily available on-line - ebay/amazon etc.
I bought a 221 with some parts missing and intend to sell. How much do you think I could ask for it? I've found the parts, but live in Brazil, and they don't send to Brazil.
you would need to check locally. Prices vary a lot depending on where you are
Warning! These machines can be highly addictive. I recently acquired a nice little 99k, and three 221 featherweights.
They certainly can. I can't move for machines I'm currently rehabbing
There is a spelling mistake In the title
Edit the spelling mistake has been corrected
Thanks
These machines are just too small to be practical. The space under the arm is so small, the fingers of your right arm stay too close to the needle area. Small moment of inattention and you will remember that day
Plenty of people use these for quilting so they don't find them too small. I guess it depends what you want to use the machine for.
My mum had one that she used. A LOT!!!
I recall beginning sewing classes in school, using portables with a knee powered cranks. Once those classes concluded, I was allowed to use hers at home. Installing zippers and making buttonholes for my summer play clothes.
That machine made plenty of items for my 3 sisters and mum- even bridal gowns. At one point mum made beautiful woolen capes complete with fleece linings - we thought they were splendid. She taught herself to do tailoring on her featherweight as well. When she passed, I was given it and still treasure it. I took it for a service and tune-up 10 years ago and was told it could go another 60 years. These little things are still going strong!
Thanks for the memories ❤
I've been using a 221 for 50 yrs and never had a problem