Why Singer Featherweight Costs So Much Money...
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- The prices on a Singer Featherweight are crazy. But, is it really worth all the hype? LIKE, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE / @thimblebook . Your Support is greatly appreciated. =)
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I’m 70 years old and I learned to sew on my grandmother’s Featherweight that she gave me. I still have it and use it for quilt piecing on occasion. It was made in March of 1950 and sews perfectly to this day.
I have a 1942 Singer Featherweight and, I love it. My mother taught me how to sew on this machine, starting when I was eight years old. I made my own doll clothes. The most beautiful thing my mother made me was a chocolate brown organdy dress with a matching color slip to wear under it. We went to Montreal to shop and she bought a pair of paten leather shoes to wear with it. It was so elegant. She took me into the designer stores, (Dior, Givenchy, and Balenciaga) to see what the current trends were. We gh ot all of our patterns from Vogue. (Back when they back when they were 29 cents each!) My mother died at 96 years of age and the Featherweight is still going strong. I do not use any other machines. Thanks Mom
I have sewn leather to denim and have done canvas bag construction on my 1938 FW. It sews like a champ. I sewed my wedding dress on the machine from start to finish. For the dress I made interfaced bias tubes to use, pressed, for weaving the bodice; it involved inner lining, outer lining and boning, all beneath the basket weave outer layers. When I was finished with bodice, it sat upright on the dining room table by itself. Then that was all sewn to the skirt. I have both my own and my late mother’s FW along with a Bernina Aurora 430, 880 Plus, an L860, Juki combo cover/serger, and a 1960’s Montgomery Ward. The FW is as valuable and useful as any of the others. I never have jams, needle breaks, and more importantly, messages popping up on a screen scolding me for doing something wrong with the finicky modern machines. When I want to sew to relax, I turn to the Featherweight.
I love my Featherweight, i take it to sew alongs and retreats, convenient and not alot of baggage.
I bought my featherweight in 1972 for $50. Just had it serviced and set it up along with my new Baby Lock Jubilant. True, it does have limitations, but it’s just fun to sew on and really cute . Your cover looks great.
Its awesome you have a featherweight. Thanks about the cover😄
I disagree, my 1936 Featherweight is the best machine I have for sewing my quilted bags gussets and thick seams. Seams that are 2 layers of quilt cotton, 2 layers of canvas/denim and 2 layers of batting will sew through without skipping a beat. IF I can fit it under the presser foot, it sews it perfectly. My $5,000 professional machine that’s just a couple years old skips stitches over these thick seams. My 15 year old Brother skips too. My featherweight is my go to for heavy stuff… and she sews an amazing stitch every time.
There are so many people I run into who dislike machines I love and visa versa. It just all depends on who you talk to and what they enjoy. I suppose that is the beauty in it. If you got a featherweight and love it, it is worth every penny.🤓
You’re going to kill that machine. You need a double belt with a reduction pulley at least, a seventies machine.
That’s factory piece work sewing. What’s the thrill?
@@elizabethclaiborne6461 I doubt I’ll kill it. I’ve had her completely apart and put back together. Yes, it’s not the strongest motored machine on the market, but it does my gussets perfectly without struggling. As a sewing machine repair person, I wouldn’t stress the machine, as I said in my original statement, she sews it without skipping a beat. Of course, I take it slow, but she does not struggle with this.
@@ThimbleBook My mother bought one in J. Lewis where she worked, used and used it for all sewing. I did the same and then gave it to my daughter! she makes quilts and bags with mainly cotton material. It's an amazing machine. You are very lucky !F you can find one for sale in the UK. My mother made all my long evening dress chiffon and sequins, it has never struggled. We both still love it.
I agree, the featherweight is not designed for all sewing tasks. It is cute, lightweight, portable & the history behind its use is heartwarming. replacement parts are still being produced, which is a bonus. Allow me to add - maintenance is so basic, a child can service it! BAM - no $250 fees for annual serving, which is worth consideration in price consideration. I can depend on it to sew garment pieces and it is the best for quilting piecework. I have used it to quilt small projects ( hot pads or placemats) successfully by going slowly on large stitch setting. I believe it has its value beyond a collectors showpiece.
Loved this vid! You did a great job on the case cover. I learned to sew when I was 11 years old on my Moms FW. I have that machine in my collection. It is a sweet quiet stitcher. It is not fast, nor does heavy sewing. Its best feature is taking to quilt group.
I have a featherweight and I love it. It has such a distinctive sound. Okay they are 3/4 size but that was so that they were portable. It was primarily for dressmaking when people used cotton, it was never meant to sew heavyweight fabrics. I also have a modern computerised machine that is for everyday use, but the Featherweight is special.
My mom bought one and let me take it with me to college. I sewed my own clothes on it, fortunately I found patterns that didn't have button holes and I hated knits. It served its purpose and I eventually returned it.
Get a buttonhole attachment for it. Nothing, I’m not exaggerating, nothing makes more beautiful buttonholes than the old buttonholders.
I have a Featherlight and absolutely love it. It’s in mint shape with all the attachments and in its original case which is also in good shape with key. If you love sewing and decorating and have great memories from childhood it’s valuable, in my opinion. It will be something I pass on to my granddaughter and her daughter. It will bring fond memories for them too because of the things I have made with it for them and others. I have my work horse a 830 Berdina, which is another favorite of mine. There are very good finds still today for the featherlight sewing machine. Let family and friends know to keep watch for one if you decide you have a love for them. Some people collect traveling clocks, and pay a great deal of money for them, some people collect knickknacks that sit on the shelf. Something that not only looks adorable but works seems more valuable to me. Cheers!
I have a 1954 featherweight and I love it! I am a quilter, not a garment seamstress. This machine is perfect for what I mostly do. It makes the best straight stitch and I do not find it "weak". I also own a 1975, all metal Kenmore which is a back up and a 2017 Viking Sapphire 930 that I use for the actual quilting and specialty stitches but the featherweight is my go to machine for piecing. I got in in 2017 for $500, complete with all original accessories and a pristine carrier. I could not be happier with it.
That's a beautiful machine. I have one of a similar vintage. They will take the older buttonholer and zig-zag attachments. I inherited a 99 from my grandmother, and the attachments fit it. Of course, that means it'll also take the ruffler and all the other odd feet. You can do a lot with that machine!
Have fun!
I got my tan Featherweight back in the early 90's when it was fairly hyped-up and paid a bit too much for it honestly, but I was piecing quilts and sewing more...and I loved it and still do, mostly for cottons and linens, as you mentioned, because it has such a beautiful stitch and isn't finicky. You machine is gorgeous compared to mine lol...the canvas cover is a great idea...well done :)
My hubby bought me a featherweight in about 1992 we paid 14.99 for at a thrift store. It makes a great straight stitch and I sewed many outfits with it for myself and my daughter and son. Still have it and still love it.
For that amount of money I'd even buy one!! And I don't really like them. (But they are cute and pretty)
For that amount of money I'd even buy one!! And I don't really like them. (But they are cute and pretty)
I love the cover you made😀💙 and I like the sound of the feather weight. Also I have never sewn outside or even thought of it and it's a great idea. Thanks.
Actually l recovered a love seat, piping and all. Mine has a most lovely stitch and makes beautiful buttonholes with its buttonhole attachment. I also have an older New Home, older Bernina and newer Janome. They all have their strengths.
I definitely agree - I sew clothes too, but I would never try anything super heavy or stretchy on my featherweight. I sew a lot of woven mid to light weight fabrics and for that it works fantastic:) Plus they're so pretty
Love my featherweights they are the perfect work horse.
I couldn't agree with you more! I Inherited one and I don't see what all the hype is about it. I'm a guy with big hands, the featherweight is like a toy. You're correct about the weakness of the entire machine. They aren't worth the prices asked. For much less money, a Kenmore 158-1030, 158-1040, or 158-1050 will do far more, including being light enough to take to quilt classes and strong enough to sew through denim.
It is exactly what I think too. The only reason why I am holding onto it is because I haven't decided if I want to give it as a gift or sell it.
@@ThimbleBook
I'm in the same boat!
I'm with you on that one! I have a collection of Kenmore machines, plus a Singer 201-2, a Singer 301A, some Japanese badged zig-zag machines and a cute little Necchi straight stitch. When it comes to power, the Kenmore 158-1040 wins, with it's good motor and dual-pulley system for extra torque. Plus, it has zig-zag stitches, buttonholing stitches, and more, so it's much more functional and powerful than the Featherweight. Popularity of the featherweight has driven the price to ridiculous highs and I can't justify paying anywhere between $400 and $1,500 for a straight-stitch only Featherweight. Is it very cute - definitely! Is it pretty - absolutely! Is it lightweight - yep! Is it highly functional - nope! So if you're a fan with plenty of $$$$ to spend - go for it! Build a collection and enjoy them - why not?
But for my part - I can't justify the price for a machine I'd never use. My 1040 is a much better choice and was MUCH less expensive.
To each his or her own.
I had a 1926 White machine and it was so through three layers of denim without a skipping a stitch. I miss that machine so much.
The price is partly supply and demand. Quilters love them to take on retreats.
I have a featherweight. My goal was to have a small machine that I can take with me , when I travel. It's small and lightweight enough to do the projects that I want to work on. I have the bigger vintage machines made out of cast iron, which will not work for me on the road.
I don't think anyone has mentioned the sweet little noise it makes when you sew. I have one in OK condition that I got for $25 when the guy brought it in his trunk and said it was a salesman sample. It IS so easy to keep clean and oil like all the vintage machines with metal parts. Has the case, in OK shape. Love it. I also have many Kenmore (my favorites) plus the assorted others. Still about 50 inhouse.
Love !!! My Featherweight!! I’m learning to machine quilt on it and so far so good
I just bought a freatherweight for $30 from someone who didn't know anything except that it was a sewing machine so I definitely got it for a steal. I haven't had time to take it out of the box yet to really examine it. I hope to do that this weekend.
That is awesome!
I learned to sew on a featherweight and I have two I love and use regularly. It sews so well and any thickness. Yours sounds like it needs oiling. Good job on the case!🎉
I love the suggestion of using the modern, solar power charger to provide power to the featherweight. This isn’t my everyday machine, but having the ability to sew outdoors when camping or just enjoying being outside is a win for me.
It is incredibly fun to sew outside with the featherweight. Thanks for watching.
You’ve gotta admit she is a beautiful machine! I hope at least you got a good deal on her…and your cover is cute!
I paid the same price for this machine as what someone would spend on a Singer Heavy Duty from Walmart. It was a phenomenal deal. Thanks Im glad you like the cover.
Cute but not for me. I primarily make bags, and like a big harp and more power. Give me an industrial walking foot, all day, every day. Or my Singer 201-2
Singer 201K is an engineering marvel. I got both UK made 201K and Featherweight 221K. I converted the Featherweight 221K into hand-cranking using a big lathing machine Bakelite wheel, guess I am safe off the grid sewing. 🤭
You fell in love with it. You even sewed her a coat!
Yes, I love the Featherweight.
I inherited a Centennial machine like yours from my Mom's boyfriend who was a tailor. I would love to one day find one of the older models with the scroll faceplate.
As a quilter I have only ever sewn on it to make quilts (piecing and quilting them) and quilted bags. For the tote bag that I made for my Featherweight (I don't have a case and use it as my travel machine), I sewed through layered quilting cotton, batting and (heavy) peltex interfacing without any problems so I'm surprised to find that you had issues just sewing two layers of canvas.
That said I love my Featherweight and yours is a real beautiful one --- nothing is so pretty as a buffed up Featherweight! Does she have a name? Mine is named Fanny after a deceased aunt.
She only sewed one layer of canvas and a zipper. Inadequate and prejudice testing
_Stretch fabric tip_ - If you're going to use mostly stretch material for your creations you should keep an eye out for a low-shank 'Automatic' Zigzagger foot manufactured by Singer in the 1950's. The foot is huge and uses cams to create the stitch. The company was forced into creating it because all of our grandmothers wanted the new zig zag function but didn't want to give up their old machines. They come up on ebay on the regular at semi-decent prices.
I got a 1951 Featherweight last year. Sews like a dream, even if I'm still a bit intimidated by all the gears. I really had to play with the tension, but I found it did OK sewing through two layers of cotton with a layer of batting. But, agreed, it wouldn't handle the canvas without a struggle. That's what my hand crank 1915 Singer 99K is for. lol - yes, took up sewing during lockdown and I'm not allowed to buy any more machines...
And thank you for sewing in the great outdoors. Absolutely brilliant. I'll have to try it later this year. Cheers. {And the cover is lovely... well done...}
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching. I will have to look for an auto zigzagger. Cheers!
I love mine. It has the most balanced stitch I use for quilting. Easy to travel with. Great for retreat setups. Agree not for other fabrics. Haven’t use it for that
I ageee with you. I have a 222 and have kept it for its tiny free arm to use for doll clothes or children’s clothes. It feels like a toy compared to my other machines. I got it cheap 20 years ago. I only keep it in case I want something light to sew on the go. One Featherweight is plenty for me.
Yes, one is plenty for me as well. Thanks for watching.
Love the machine cover!
I fallen hard for a 1954 Singer 99 I got cheap on Craigslist. It came with a compact and very lovely table. It’s so perfect and just as adorable as the Featherweight. Unlike the Featherweight it’s super powerful. I’m making covers for chairs using upholstery fabric, very heavy stuff, and it glides through it. The machine itself is decidedly not feather weight. It weighs a ton, but I like that. Now I want a hand crank 99 for taking outside, like you said. I’ve got a Husqvarna Viking for when I need zigzag etc. I’m super happy.
You struck gold on the Singer 99 with table. Thanks for watching.😀
Thank you! I really enjoy your thoughtful videos!❤️
I have a Bernina 730 Record. Love it and the stitches are beautiful.
I love my featherweight I have used it on heavier material best part of this machine is you can travel with it it is sturdy and can do many things no it does not do zig-zag or zippers but I find it's the easiest to use and the most sensible to take the classes I do have other machines I think this is the best little machine for me
You are very blessed to have a featherweight. It really is a nice machine. Thanks for watching.
It looks very smooth. My rule of thumb it the cutout on the needle faces the bobbin side.
Yes, that's a good rule to have.
Just bought a featherweight 222K, made in Scotland where I live, and going strong since 1952. They're beautiful if well-preserved and perfect for what I want -- transporting a vintage machine with a lovely, even stitch to our quilting group every few weeks. Can't beat it for that purpose. Also wonderful for dress-making and other similar projects. I'm not working with leather or canvas or denim on this small machine and would handle those on my 221K instead. If you want just one simple machine for normal use you can't beat the featherweight. But for heavier work -- well it's just not mean to handle it. Go with something known as a workhorse, such as the 221 -- 221K.
I sew stretch on my 221! You just have to be careful what use you're expecting from the different seams on each individual garment
Good to know! Thanks for sharing.
Nice case!
You are not correct when you say people used to quilt in the 50s. That was their primary machine and they did everything with it. If you know how to use it, you can make anything on that.
Thanks for keeping home sewing alive.
I just picked up my 1948 Singer 221 Featherweight for to me a great price. I gave the church 2 modern Singer simple machines for mine because I've ha my eye on it for some time, so to me the price of the two fairly inexpensive machines for one classic that is in near perfect condition with all it's accessories & a perfect case was worth it. you are correct, it is not a power house but then it is a half size machine, but to have it in my collection along with my full size Treadle machine & my 3/4 size electric machine, it adds that finishing touch.
I love my 1939 Singer featherweight. I make all my clothes and I hate stretchy fabrics and knits. I sew natural fabric (Cotton, cotton sateen, cotton tall. silks and wools) are my jam. I love my featherweight but I also have an industrial machine Juki 9000 FMS. The straight stitch is everything on both my Featherweight and my Juki. I cannot live without them!!!!
I have six featherweights. Two white and four black. I didn't start with the intention to have six. My husband, who passed away, said they were attracted to me. I love them and take turns sewing on them. I follow the featherweight shop and Nova Montgomery. I'm 76 and I have sewn everything on them. I also have a Bernina, heavy duty singer and a serger. They are my pets along with my two small dogs.😂
Your 6 machine babies sound awesome. They are attracted to you! 😀
The machine will work on heavyweight fabric when you use the correct needle. No, you will not go fast with this little machine. Slow and steady wins the race. Most people want this little thing to run fast like there modern machines. Even my mother's 1952 full size singer sews heavy weight fabric with the correct size needle and at a slower rate.
❤ I learn to sew on my mothers featherweight machine. I have sound jeans for him on them which is pretty thick and I have a service so Dick And Beth saw it. When you are sewing with it something didn’t sound just write on the machine my purse like a kitten years was making a slightly different sound. Love your case you made for it and like I said in your first video I’ll buy the machine if you’re gonna get rid of it.❤
The whole needle thing, that is how I thread my 201p
Please don’t put that big old spool of thread on the machine like that. It is cross wound thread and should come off the end, so you need to use a thread holder. In addition, you should always use a felt under any spool of thread. Please use stack wound bins on the actual thread pin.
I was gifted a 1952 Featherweight in near mint condition several years ago. I've used it once. I do not quilt. And I mostly sew on knits. Not sure what to do with it. I rely on my Huskavarna Viking #1+, my White 2000 serger with differential, and my Janome coverstitch machine for my sewing projects.
Where abouts are you? Willing to sell?
Great for resale! not really for me. For outside or camping it is really fun. Nice video I really like your case cover! One thing I don't like is the free flagrance of FW case! Thank you for sharing!
The free fragrance is a thing I don't like either. lol
The reason prices on Featherweights are high is consumer demand. Quilters have been bringing featherweights to quilting classes for many years now, and the portability of the machine and I think the superior straight stitch old Singers produce have made the machine desirable. Don't ask this machine to be all things to all people - it is not meant to be that.
I got a White/Celery Featherweight . Did got a deal of $75. Yes I would love to get a school bell but no at the ridiculous prices people are asking. I use my to sew doll clothing and small projects.
Wow. You got a fantastic deal considering how much people are charging.🙂
the machine I'm after is the Singer20-U. it's an industrial machine but it's slightly smaller than say a Juki 8700. but, hear me out, it has zig zag!
I really do like the looks of the Singer 20-U because its pretty - especially in blue. I hope you are able to find one. 😀
@@ThimbleBook I love the blue as well
Most people already know this is mainly a quilting machine, and buy it for the novelty, I did as well, but honestly, it’s not worth shelling out a small fortune, just to have an expensive decoration in your sewing room. However, if you’re going to use it, they are a wonderful quilting machine, work like a dream, are dependable, and easily transportable.
Excellent for making dolls clothes too 😊
Please anyone tell me the same design Alphasew light machine for quilting is it durable?
From what I've read, there's just no comparison. If you want a machine without all the featherweight price tag, it might be a good idea to check out the 301A instead. Its a good machine with lots of reviews and can be found relatively cheap.
Love your machine. What do you do to keep it so shiny?
I do the same process you would with a car. Cut and buff. However, I have had a few models where the clear coat was just too far gone. In those instances, it is a must to apply a new clear coat. Its a very hard to film process without messing up camera lenses and such.
@@ThimbleBook Thanks for your reply. would you mind sharing the products that you use?
@@arielh3730 All of the products are listed on my website thimblebook.com/2023/05/17/sewing-machine-cleaning-and-repair/
@@ThimbleBook Thank you! ❤️
This is not a fair question. If you want to sew heavy fabric, buy the proper tool for the job. Featherweight works great for people that wouldn't ever use the over engineered options on a modern alternative. Even so, thanks for the video.
I agree. The Featherweight is not up to sewing our everyday type garment fabrics and craft projects. I have a Singer 301 which is a little bigger than a Featherweight and it is not up to sewing on current day garment fabrics either. I do love the small foot and the stitch is beautiful on the 301. I use it on projects like under stitching collars and children's garments. for most projects I use my Bernina.
Its great you have the 301 becuase it is even a little stonger than the featherweight. Thanks for watching😀
Thanks for being honest about your Featherweight. Remember that they originally came out during the depression as an affordable (Singer's finance program), portable machine. They allowed many women to earn money from home during hard times. Also, at that time there were no stretch fabrics, no polyester. Wool, linen, and cotton were the available fabrics.
A Singer 99 or 301 are good alternatives to the Featherweight if you need something for a little heavier sewing, and usually more cost-effective to purchase.
Love the case you made.
Too dainty for me. I like vintage heavy machines!
Never said why it’s so overpriced - rich people who spend weekends at resorts on “quilting retreats” have driven the price sky high so they can use a featherweight as a status marker. It’s kind of cute but useless, and can any of these quilting people sew a simple garment?
Yes.
I sewed pyjamas on mine.
Really spent so little time testing
Will not consider your testing as accurate.