Unboxing and testing my vintage sewing machine - SINGER FEATHERWEIGHT 221 || Will it sew?!?
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- I inherited a 70-year-old Singer Featherweight 221! Join me as I unbox and try my first test stitches on my first vintage sewing machine.
Like my dress? I made it! See my DIY: stylesinseams.com/my-diy-trop...
Timestamps to discover my Singer Featherweight
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Unboxing my Singer Featherweight
05:05 Looking up the year it was made
07:33 Features of the machine
10:36 Accessories and Presser Feet
16:00 Testing and plugging it in
18:20 Threading
20:33 My first stitches on my vintage machine
23:57 Sewing ASMR
24:55 First impressions
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Hey, I'm Robyn Andrea! Styles InSeams is my home of sewing and fashion for tall women - I'm 6'2". I create clothes that fit my confident style and extra long inseam from Brooklyn, NY.
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Hi Sewing Fam! I would LOVE to hear about your experiences with the Singer Featherweight. What fabrics should I stitch with my new, old machine? Give me a comment and a thumbs up if you want to see me sew a garment with her! 😊
I was surprised how well my vintage machines (k15 and husqvarna) sews elastic/stretchy fabrics with just a straight seam. And leather.
You are so very lucky that you were given this, especially with the history from your family! Quilters love this machine for the small even straight stitching. I am on the mission for one, I have several other "old" singer machines, but not one of these. Enjoy!
I have one for sale!
Can i just say its so great to see a woc ( i am too) dive into the vintage sewing machine and of all things a highly desired featherweight too!
Hi there, Robin!
Please know that there is a vintage Singer expert right here on UA-cam. His channel is Andy Tube. He has Featherweights and all of the Singers and restores them. Very interesting man with tons of advice, and knows all about parts and how to care for your precious machine. I watch him and he answers any questions you might have. Much success!😊
Thanks for the tip! I will check out his channel.
@@StylesInSeams Andy's vids are great and I highly recommend them - he has hundreds of vids for all sorts of vintage machines and typically has a series that takes you through how he clean, services and repairs several models. You can learn loads from watching vids on his other machines too. However he is taking a break from his channel for a while and so won't be answering questions all the time like he used to. Still ask your questions though as other people watching the vids are almost certain to be able to help you too.
Another vote for Andytube!
My featherweight 222k arrived at my house on its 60th birthday. It made its first overseas trip from England to Australia. How cool is that!
That's amazing! What a long journey!
Perspective is hilarious.
I was told that my great aunt had one of these. When she got her first "modern" multistitch Singer she couldn't wait to get rid of her Featherweight. My mother said she practically threw it at the first woman who expressed an interest. Apparently that was fairly common - they weren't universally seen as having value when placed against a multistitch machine. Fifty plus years later I, personally, would kill to have it. 🤣
I sew on a Viking, which I love, but I can't see any sewing machine produced since 1970 achieving cult status. 🤣
Oooh that's so sad! Too bad she gave the Featherweight away!
Do you think maybe the modern machines can't get cult status because they've become too specialized? Everyone argues over features these days!
I agree. Modern machines do too much to do anything exceptionally well. Most people I know with high end machines rarely, if ever, use the advanced features they are capable of.
I also think they just won't last. Everything is plastic - the Featherweight name is rather ironic, but it was considered light and portable. It weighs at least twice what my Viking weighs, but runs rings around my Viking in durability. I admit that I giggled when you said you hadn't had to have your machines serviced. Mine goes in twice a year for a tune up - if not I eventually wind up with misalignment, broken needles, and general bobbin snarls. In full disclosure I do own a Maine Coon who sheds everywhere, but I would still have to send it in at least annually even if I was cat free. According to my sewing machine repair guy this is a peculiar tendency for some Vikings, but I still sometimes reflect that I see him more often than I see my car mechanic.
@@cockersplodie I had a lot of bobbin snarls when I first started sewing with my Brother CS6000i, but once I learned how to wind and load it correctly, I haven't had any problems. I also have cat hair everywhere, tho! I can just use the tiny attachment to vacuum the fluff out of my machine. But also, my machine was only ~$150 so if it really needs to be serviced, I'd probably just bank the costs and upgrade!
That is probably the logical approach. 😊
The main problem with my Viking is the thread tensioner. It's self adjusting and after a while it just falls out of true or something otherwise technical that's above my pay grade. If I buy another machine it will not have a self adjusting thread tensioner - if that's even possible anymore. I suspect it may be like trying to buy a car with a manual transmission.
I blame the whole thing on the airplanes. I live five miles north of DFW so my house shakes regularly. 🤣 Sometimes it knocks my brain out of true - my sewing machine probably doesn't stand a chance. The cat is merely a contributor - although an active one - and sometimes I think there's another cat hiding in the Viking. But I love him and he's adorable and huge and my buddy so he stays regardless of how many appliances his fur clogs up. Now, my dachshund does not agree with this position, but I pay for all the food so she doesn't get a vote. 🤣
welcome to vintage sewing machine life it can become addictive! Personally featherweights are way too small for me but i love a good vintage machine! also the serial number allows you to date the machine if you google singer serial numbers
Im so happy for you i cant be jealous 😊. Featherweight shop is your go to source. You have entered into the best vintage SM community. Nice video standards n i did subscribe.
I'm so excited to see you sew with this!!
Yesss! And I'm excited to make something! I kinda want to find a look from the 1950s to create 😁
@24:06 AHHH
I have 2 Featherweights along with other vintage machines. I use my FWs for most of my historic costuming & modern sewing. All the low shank Singer attachments work with it!! ZigZagger, buttonhole maker, blind stitch attachments, etc. You will love it!! Take her to a sewing machine tech to get the machine checked over.
Just restored my Feather Weight Singer stored for 20 yrs. and never used it till now. I love it!!!It is quiet,peaceful
and sews very tiny itches I love. I'm in heaven. Enjoy yours and maybe have it tuned up by a professional.
What an amazing family gift to bring into your life. Well done and congratulations. She is in amazing shape. The quilting community is completely gaga over the featherweights.
I just recently got a hand-crank Singer 99k that was built in 1915. She sews better than my modern machine with 1 mm stitches. And I've managed to fall down the rabbit hole that is sewing feet and attachments. Etsy is good for learning about vintage parts (some are cheaper on ebay or Kijiji/Craigs List). And YT is full of tutorials on vintage low-shank attachments/feet.
They recommend that for the old machine that you oil and grease her, as the manual will show, every time you start a big project. The Featherweight Shop has some great tutorials (and they sell a cam for eyelets that works with buttonholers). And the Vintage Sewing Machine Garage is an absolute font of information.
Can't wait to see what you make with her. My suggestion would be to start with a lovely wax-print pencil skirt. Enjoy!
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown
Oh my , your in trouble now ! Your going to get the vintage bug , i bought a vintage strait stitch kenmore to sew a patch on my leather vest because my mother used to sew with a vintage singer and told me its the only machines that will do this as in any solid steel or pre 70s , well long story short i own a dozen machinss from many manufacturers now , all vintage and all sew amazing including todays purchase,,,,,, a 1951 221 , im so excited to get mine .
I just inherited one of these, I’m so excited to use it!!! I’m subscribing.
Nice you just inspired me to give my vintage singer 15-91 a go!
Love this! Thanks for sharing!
I have a 1956 221 for sale.
Congratulations on your featherweight! I have owned about 6! And sold them but I still own a centennial model now. They are so easy to maintain and fun travel machines. Quilters like me go nuts for these babies!
Read that manual and make sure to oil the machine with singer sewing machine oil. Then spend a couple of hours just sewing on it and following the instructions and have a play learning all the presser feet. That’s the best way to get the most out of her. 🤗
The finish is beautiful. I just got my first and I am getting ready to clean it inside and out and wax it up. I'm sure you've found them by now but The Featherweight Shop seems to be the place to get everything you need.
Congratulations on your new Featherweight machine. The switch is for the light only. If it’s plugged in, she still has power on. I just bought my new Featherweight yesterday. I also have a treadle machine. I’ve been sewing forever and I love it. I really hope you have a lot of fun with your new baby.
There's a couple of really good youtube channels done by Singer experts, and at least two more from folk dedicated specifically to Featherweights. I heartily recommend if you haven't found them yet (I'd be surprised if you haven't though) that you look for them. They will teach you a lot as well as give you a lot of good ideas on how to look after the machine and the motor, both vintage and modern seam guide solutions, tutorials on how to use the old attachments etc.
Try never to use any kind of tape on your machine as a seam guide, it's not good for the finish on the old machines. I also recommend that you are very careful when you put the machine away in its case that you don't damage the plug receptacle - they get brittle as they get old.
The other little handy thing to know that isn't mentioned in the manuals is when you fold the extension arm up it pays to put something cushiony between that and the screw that protrudes on the face-plate. Quite a few machines end up with paint chipped on the extension because it knocked into that screw.
If your machine seemed to run a bit slow find out how to adjust how the motor is mounted. If it is mounted too low for the length of the belt the belt can be too tight and make the machine run hard or even slow it down.
Finally, I couldn't see how you used the foot pedal. A lot of people use this the wrong way and tire their poor feet out. This shows you how to use it properly:
ua-cam.com/video/Qt3elXyiU-Q/v-deo.html
(Edited because I forgot to add - you need to read the comments for that video too for another way to use that's also good and then choose the one that works best for you.)
And if you find your foot pedal gets too warm you can always change to electronic pedal - just make sure you get one that works with the receptacle on your machine. :-)
Hi! I got my FW a few years ago, it is absolutely fab! You can sew everything with it! Although it´s a straight stitch machine, you can obtain an accessory that allows you to zig-zag. There are also lots of different accessories for button-holes, hemming and lots more. Featherweight store has all the stuff you might need! If you need to tune it up a bit, lubricate it, adjust the tension and a lot of other things, they have really good tutorials on how to do (and it´s pretty easy, too). I live in Sweden and we do not have this community here, like you do, but whenever I needed something for my little machine I ordered it at the FW store and they delivered it nicely! Good luck and happy sewing!
So cool!! I love the history!! I definitely wish I had one. We do have an old Singer with the cabinet, but the cord is cut and it has no foot pedal. Now I really want to find a way to have it fixed.
go to the featherweight shop online and the featherweight dr both sites have all the information to take proper care of this great little machine. I have two
Congrats on your new Featherweight machine! Great for stitching everything from leather to silk chiffon. You actually handled the machine very well right out of the box!
This was a fun video.
I too, just got my featherweight machine. According to my friend it’s a great little workhorse.
Oil and lub your gears before turning the machine on for sewing! Have fun!😁
With the 1/4 inch foot, my mum and I like to do piecing of quilt blocks! I've made pillows cases for Birthday gifts, and more recently made fabric Christmas gift bags. Makes a great stitch once it is set up properly! I've also used the ruffler attachment, to make ruffles onto toddler denim capri's! Thanks!
You are so lucky to inherit it. I bought mine. I love my featherweight and I am sure you will yours too. They are beautiful machines. I use mine for topstitching my jeans. That perfect stitch she forms no modern machine can match. Enjoy it!
Oooh I am working on my first pair of jeans this season. It would be perfect to set the featherweight up with my topstitching thread so I can go back and forth between the machines!
@@StylesInSeams Yes but she seems to be in need of some TLC before she is up to the task.
Love my featherweight that I got a second one. I do vintage garment sewing so straight stitch is all I need. I did get mine refurbished. Others say to go to the featherweight shop. Experts as you know by now. They have a tune up kit. Some TLC and it will hum for another century
Like the expression goes: Oldie but goldie Awesome machine it came with lots of attachments. Enjoy your new treasure:-)
I just put in a bid on one on eBay so my fingers are crossed! I can totally feel your excitement! Sewers are awesome!
Would you be mad to know i bought one today for 250 canadian .
@@4486xxdawson
that is awesome!!!
Mine was made in December of '52. Its older than me. I learned to sew on it and have made everything from fine baby gowns to recovering a loveseat. I needed a zigzag for heirloom sewing so l moved to a more modern piece. Renovating the featherweight.
Just got a featherweight a little more than a month ago. I was seeing they're popular with quilters. Seeing the attachments included, might just try clothing items too. Just did a good cleaning and doing the oil/grease to get ready for use. Switched to LED, new belt, and new needles. It's about ready to go. Have fun with your machine.
BTW, you get bigger stitches if you move the stitch length bar up a little. All the way reverses for the back/lock stitch. Take care.
Thank you for sharing this really fun video. It was exciting. I have just bought one and after going through all the look for details I can say it seems in excellent working order. However, what makes me frown is that mine cant work at the slow pace you show with so much pleasure in this video which is something I did not expect. I expected and desire the pleasure of working that slow as I am just a beginner. My question is, if you can advise, please, is it normal that mine almost inmediately catches a fast speed and cant find a more moderate speed. When I press down on the pedal using my hand it feels hard and have to press well down before it starts sewing. Or, could it be a trouble with the pedal or the motor? I appreciate your help in this. Than you.
Congratulations on your new/old Featherweight! I think Singer began in 1851 and the brass plate on the pillar of your machine is an older style. In 1951 the plates were slightly different for the company centennial. I know i have misread the date charts on occasion due to missing if there were 6 or 7 digits after the letter prefix. Either way, you have a treasure machine and for it to be from your family is extra special.
Not all 1851s have the commemorative centennial badge even though it would still be a Centennial machine technically. I own a first run 1933 (made in the very first day of the first production run!!) and a 1951 non-centennial badged 1951 beauty. I’ve met others also who had the gold badge in a 1951.
I don't have a featherweight, but I've got a different vintage sewing machine, and my advice is clean and oil it! Make sure to clean under the faceplate. They should be oiled at least once a week, more if you're using it everyday. And I think you should make a 1950s style skirt or dress with it :)
I just received my oil for it in the mail!
The featherweight doc. is cool.
You probably figured this out by now, but it’s important to change the light bulb. The featherweight shop has bulbs that stay cool. I love my featherweight but have a scar on my hand from a really bad burn from the hot bulb. They have a tool that helps with getting the bulb out too. I love my featherweight, hubby just bought me a white one too. If you want to sew really heavy things like bags you would love the singer 15. I have one and it’s very powerful. The motors are bigger than the featherweight. They are pretty cheap too. Got mine for $50.00 on Facebook.
I agree. I have just taken in a 222K that needs a bit of attention. The light bulb fitted had gotten so hot that it melted the shellac (French Polishing) topcoat. I can repair the damage for a few $, but it will take a week or so of waiting for new shellac layers to harden. If you have one of these, fit a modern LED bulb right away. They're cheap, and will save a lot of heartaches.
Nice machine to inherit..I was browsing some local ads and someone had one for sale which is quite rare around here..Unfortunately they wanted more than I could justify paying for one($500) but they are really nice machines for sure.
Sooooo beautiful 😍
😀 thank you!
Featherweight Singers 221 are Fabulous! Yours looks really good. I’ve had mine since the early 1990s. I used to sew up until the late 1999s when I totally stopped and have been knitting only since then. So lucky you have the manual. I bought mine in Monterey, California. The quilters love the machine because it can take the many layers of fabric it can have. It’s also great for leather and denim. I got mine out to fix something for my son. Have fun. I may get the bug for sewing. The only thing I don’t like is there is no zipper foot.
Thanks for the note on sewing with many layers fabric! I bet it would be great for purse making. My budget Brother machine always struggles with layers and thick fabrics. I hope you get your sewing bug back 😊
Styles InSeams Sure, I’m struggling with putting a zipper in a skirt w/o a zipper foot now. I ordered one last night on eBay. Haha. We’ll see. Good luck with vblog. I’ll be watching. 😃
Very fun video! I have 2 Featherweights🧵🧵
Thanks!!
You have properly lubricate the motor! See “The Featherweight Shop” for all the details. You must do this correctly or you can burn the motor out! General maintenance is easy and essential. UA-cam videos are a great resource.
I bought some oil from the Featherweight Shop!
Do NOT use oil in the motor......use the correct LUBRICANT!......so important, cannot stress enough!!!
@@susanc269 yes! I wasn't being specific. I got the exact product that the Featherweight Shop recommended. I haven't used it yet. I want to get some kerosene first so I can clean it as they recommend.
Styles InSeams 😁.....all good. I can sleep now.😂
I need to mess with my feather weight a bit. I had the motor restored but there are some thread tension issues that I need to work on. I would love to have it in good working order because I think it would be an excellent machine to take to in person sewing circles.
Wowow - taking it to sewing circles sounds heavy!! Though, the carrying case is excellent. 🤔
Could be timing as well. Andytube shows how to address both issues.
You are a newwbie to featherweights!!! mine 2 are going to be 86 years young. does yours have a blue seal badge? my grandmother did all her sewing on this machine.
Featherweight machines are great for piecing quilts, and anything that you want a precise straight stitch on. I love mine! Hate the musty smell of the case though.
So my musty case is not alone! I'm going to research what to do about cleaning up that smell. And I have some piecing projects in mind 😁
Styles InSeams I’ve had my machine a good 9 years. I’ve left it open, put fabric softener sheets inside of it and neither has worked. Someone once told me it’s the aging of the “glue” that causes the smell. If you find something that works please share. I would love to have that smell gone.
I use cotton material with mine.
OMG when you just plopped that Bakelite foot pedal on the floor my heart stopped. I hope you have done further research and read the manual. It's a phenomenal machine I hope you treasure it!
Don't worry, no foot pedals were harmed in the making of this video! I absolutely do treasure it.
Francesca Rosini FYI: Bakelite is highly flammable. Do not put it near any heat source (Radiator, fireplace, lighted match, etc.). It is highly combustible on contact with heat and I just learned about it from another UA-camr (Paper and Moose) who did a video on dolls made of Bakelite. Just thought I would share since I was shocked to learn of the dangers of this old material that many vintage things are made of.
Love your channel. I have 2 Featherweights. One is like brand new. Who ever had did not use it at all. Got a question tho. Why the heavy piano music in the background? Sometimes it is difficult to understand your words because of the music.
You are adorable.
there's screw on the stitch length unscrew it fully and then put the stitch down then you will have bigger stitches
I like your video and your channel. We need more sewing community like this.
use painter's tape so you don't mess up the finsh on the machine
ooh good tip!
painter's tape is just as hard to remove after a while.
I want a non electric singer 201 my dream
Those teeny stitches are oddly satisfying!
They're going to be perfect for some lightweight and semi-sheer fabrics!
@@StylesInSeams I am sure you have figured it out by now but the lever is your stitch length adjustment. When the lever is at its highest point though in acts as your reverse/back-tack)
Check out feather weight shop UA-cam for service and cleaning your featherweight. I love my featherweight which I have serve all of and one is custom painted.
I learned on this machine, oil before using please. It will last for many more generations.
how could it not be electric if it was manufactured after 1950?
I didn't know the year when I thought it was a treadle machine. But I did just discover that they were still making foot-powered machines into the 1950s.
There is a custom hand crank to use without electricity, though.
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Hi, I’m a singer featherweight doctor, I have 3 of them I realized after 2 years of experience they are very good machine with aluminum body but the belt is a problem, do not change the original belt new belt are just rubbish they are plastic and they tend to destroy the motor because they are just reproduction, I see that is running too slow that means it needs to rewire, is better to spend 150$ in rewire than buy this shit reproduction motor from alphasew pure shit they do not fit properly the word say it all reproduction, I know a place that they do it for 150$ the motor will be like brand new, new cables rewire rebuilt the bearing new grommets and the motor will last another 50 years more, think about it!