Yes – This is My Sewing Machine!

Some of the most frequently asked questions I receive in reference to my tutorials are about my sewing machine. Is that really your sewing machine? Is that your only sewing machine? Did you really use that sewing machine to make ….? The answer is yes, yes and yes!

I inherited my Singer Featherweight 221 many years ago. It belonged to my Aunt. Although I have looked at (and drooled over) other bigger and fancier machines, I have yet to purchase a new sewing machine.

After some research, I discovered these machines were made from the mid 1930’s to the early 1960’s. They are decorated differently depending on the time period in whch they were made. Featherweights sew only straight stitches (forward and backward) and are made with all-metal parts. Weighing in at around 11 lbs they are still a favorite among quilters today because of their portability. Here are some of the ads Singer used when these machines first appeared on the market.

My mother also owns and still uses the Singer Featherweight she received when graduating from high school. My sewing machine was made in Elizabethport, New Jersey while her machine (shown below) was made in Canada.

By looking at the serial number, I was able to determine my sewing machine was manufactured around April 22, 1954. Unfortunately, there is no data for machines built in Canada.

I was fortunate that my machine came with the original books, a buttonholer, automatic zigzagger, and a variety of other accessories including an edge stitcher, ruffler, binderfoot, zipper foot, hemmer foot and more.

I am embarrassed to say, in all the years I have owned my sewing machine I have not yet tried one of these attachments or most of the accessories. I will have to change this!

Thanks to everyone who asked these and other questions relating to my sewing machine. It gave me (and hopefully you) the opportunity to learn something new. If you ever come across one of these machines, I highly recommend purchasing it. I have used it countless hours and never once have I had a problem. These machines are so well made. I plan on passing my Featherweight down to my daughter.

 For additional information about Singer Featherweight sewing machines visit singer-featherweight.com