Is the Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine Right for You?

The Singer Featherweight sewing machine is a preferred choice for avid sewing-machine collectors. Quilters just love this tiny machine. Many of them collect Featherweights. Some have as many as 40 of them. Although this sewing machine is an adaptation from the earlier Standard Sewhandy portable, it is hard to believe that Singer bought out that model just to get its hand on its design. The Singer Featherweight portable machine is unique in its own way and comes with many improvements over the Standard Sewhandy.

This machine was made by Singer between 1933 and 1964. It was often referred to as “The Perfect Portable.” Its popularity among quilters has helped uncover a wealth of information regarding its many variations and its production history. Singer is one of the most successful manufacturers of sewing machines in the world because of its founder – Isaac Merrit Singer – who was considered a marketing genius.

The Singer Featherweight sewing machines changed in appearance during the years they were manufactured. These tiny machines were available in different colors, including white, tan, black, and green (pale turquoise). Most models were painted a shiny black with gold decals. At first sight you might think that these little machines are toys, but they can actually sew through thick fur with ease. Machines for the Canadian market were made in Scotland and fitted with 110-120 volts AC motors.

Even though these machines are in high demand, they can be easily purchased from collectors and quilters. Prices can range from around $300 to $600. There are hundreds of ads in newspapers and on the Internet selling this product. The first Singer Featherweight machine was released in 1933 at the Chicago World’s Fair. The Model 221 was an instant success due to its small size and increased functionality. There were factories in Canada, Scotland, and New Jersey. There was no difference in build quality between factories. All of them were using identical tool for manufacture. The Standard 221 black Featherweight has been a top selling model for many years.

The Singer Featherweight machines made before World War II had an “Egyptian Scrollwork” pattern on the faceplate. Both American and British models feature a fold-up extension of the bed. Despite its small size (11 pounds), it performed like a factory-type machine. It’s no wonder why the Featherweights are a quilter’s favorite. If you are searching for an affordable, working sewing machine that you can use day in and day out, the Singer Featherweight is a great choice.