Really helpful. My Pfaff is on the fritz so I'm using my mom's 221 featherweight I inherited. I did need to adjust how I had put the new needle in. Works like a charm now. Thank you 😊
Thanks sooo much. I hadn’t used my featherweight for about 15 years so I had decided to sell it…thankfully I changed my mind so I decided to play with it a bit. After looking at so many videos so I could refresh my memory on how to thread the machine but I finally came across your video…it had the perfect instructions how I should start using my beautiful. 1952 baby! ❣️. You instruction are so very perfect. A Hugh thanks for your perfect and easy to use instructions. Yay for the best teacher I’ve gotten so far.
You are so welcome! So glad you decided to keep your machine and I hope you enjoy sewing with it. They are really nice to have around and make beautiful stitches!
I have acquired 3 black Featherweights in the past 18 months (one with the original table!!) and I JUST GOT A WHITE ONE at a local estate auction for $376!! She was the original owner…she bought it in August 1964, the second year the white ones came out! In certain light it is pale celery! Near excellent condition and the box as well!!! Never thought I’d ever get one and so cheap!! I have tried on the the FEATHERWEIGHT FAIRE at the Featherweight Shop.
Thank you SO much for this whole series! I was gifted a featherweight from my grandpa. It had belonged to my grandma, who inherited it from HER grandma. I never knew she had this machine because she never did sew. When I brought it home, it sewed, but it was rough. Now it runs just like it came from the factory! I am very grateful you've done this series, because it helps people like me who could not afford to take it to a shop.
Aw, how sweet! I am so happy to hear that you have a family machine! You are exactly why I made these videos, so glad I could help you restore it! Proud of you!
Gosh Jen, I can't tell you how grateful I am (and I know sooo many ppl are) that you put this series up. I am BRAND NEW to sewing, know nothing about it, researched machines for so long, decided on all metal, blah blah blah, and wanted to make sure it ran smoothly before I start to possibly frustrate myself learning how to sew. I am certain this series was a game changer. I have a beautifully restored Featherweight that sews perfectly, all thanks to you. So thank you thank you thank you alllll the thank yous. You are a literal gem and so thorough. ♥
Reading this made me so happy! So glad the videos helped and now you can just enjoy the fruits of your labor. Wishing you all the best on your sewing journey!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful video! Your instructions are so clear! Going to binge watch all of them during this rainy weekend! I picked up my machine two days ago and I am learning SO much!
Thanks for this great video! I inherited my grandma’s 1950 centennial machine, got it refurbished, and your video made it very easy for me to come up to speed and start sewing right away (after a 25 year sewing hiatus). ❤❤❤
You obviously know your way around a Featherweight! Thanks for your detailed and calm approach. I feel ready to start a project now. Hmmmm. What to do? So many choices. 🙂
Yes thank you for these videos and your knowledge!I’m currently troubleshooting an old machine that was gifted to me and I’m already hooked. I will be binge watching also! Thanks again ❤
I just discovered your channel! I found you while trying to figure out why the thread is coming out of the needle while stitching. I made a couple of adjustments to the bobbin housing placement as you recommended in one of the videos and the needle was facing the wrong way but that hasn’t fixed my issue yet. Do you have any ideas or a video which could help me?
I am happy to hear that! These machines are so wonderful and it’s nice that they were designed so that the owner could do most of the work on them themselves. Good luck with whatever you are trying to accomplish!
Thank you. You’ve explained everything so perfect. I understand completely I don’t use my featherweight as much as I should. But I think I’m going to get her out and sew some to check my stitches ect. Thank you
I’ve had my featherweight since 1972, and I can’t believe how much I learned from this video! I hadn’t used it for years and just had it serviced. I can’t remember, does it take the same needles as modern machines?
Hi! Yes, standard needles work and you can use the ones for denim or knits…whatever you like. If you are unsure about the needle then put the needle in and just turn the hand wheel by hand a couple of times to make sure that it will work with the machine. Love that we don’t have to find special needles for these models even though they are over 50 years old!
Hi! I would check two things. First make sure that the feed dogs are not crooked in the needle plate. If they are slightly crooked, you will get crooked stitches. Then I would make sure that the needle bar is properly positioned. The line on the needle bar should be centered on the line on the needle bar clamp. If it isn’t then the eye of the needle is going to be twisted as well when it goes in the fabric and you will get slanted stitches. Either of those could be the problem, I hope that helps!
@SewingMachineRehab Thank you for the advice. I checked and the feed dogs look straight, and the needle bar is centered as per the line on the needle bar clamp. I've also checked presser bar foot height and alinement with the Featherweight Shop tool/guage. Stitches are still at a slant.
@@joanwillenborg6027 This is a little late but I see I never responded to this. Sometimes if the feed dogs are too high you will get a slant in your stitches as well. You may have fixed this issue but just commenting for others who may read!
Hello Rebecca - I just bought a 1940 Featherweight. It sounds great and I think I got the tension worked out but it doesn’t seem fast. Is the FW slower than larger machines? I’ve never used (or seen) a FW until this one I just got. I guess I’m just use to my new Singer 4432 HD which moves FAST. PS - I also recently bought a 99k ❤
Hi! I don’t think the Featherweight will sew as many stitches per minute as some of the other machines but….if it is noticeably slow then you may be having a problem with the foot controller needing service (if it is the original foot controller) or there could be some other issue with the machine or motor. There are many things that can slow down the Featherweight, anything from the belt being too tight or the motor needing servicing. When I test out a new to me Featherweight I always do it with the newer style electronic foot control so I rule out any old foot controller issues from the beginning. I hope that helps a little!
Hi! I use this database, it’s the best one I have found so far: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html
Hi! Check to make sure you have the flat side of the needle pointing towards the bed extension. That will make a difference and it is easy to get in installed wrong. Let me know if that isn’t the problem!
Hello! The Featherweight does sew in reverse. It is more of a back tack feature meaning that every reverse stitch will always be the same length. Not the length that you may be sewing at during your regular sewing. I would say the reverse stitch is around 3mm but I would have to go measure to be sure. To make it go in reverse you just move the stitch regulator up to it’s highest position. (Or feed regulator, same thing different name) When you are done sewing in reverse you just move it back to your desired stitch length and continue sewing. But yes, you can back tack on the Featherweight. I hope that helps!
@@SewingMachineRehab thank you so much! You are truly amazing! I am so excited to have found that there’s the singer featherweight, and all these other older, singer machines available! I stumbled over eBay because I’m a sewer and I just like to see what’s out there. My aunt taught me how to sew on one of these machines I was trying to figure out which one it was but I have to ask my sister. I see that there’s a spartan on eBay that claims to be in good shape and it’s so inexpensive so far in the bids. I am so excited. I might bid on it too. I’ve been sewing pretty much all my life. So if I bought one of these machines, I could send it to you and have you restore it and tune it and paint it if needed . I’m so excited.
Really helpful. My Pfaff is on the fritz so I'm using my mom's 221 featherweight I inherited. I did need to adjust how I had put the new needle in. Works like a charm now. Thank you 😊
So glad it was helpful! How sweet to be sewing on your mom's 221! Happy sewing!
Thanks sooo much. I hadn’t used my featherweight for about 15 years so I had decided to sell it…thankfully I changed my mind so I decided to play with it a bit. After looking at so many videos so I could refresh my memory on how to thread the machine but I finally came across your video…it had the perfect instructions how I should start using my beautiful. 1952 baby! ❣️. You instruction are so very perfect. A Hugh thanks for your perfect and easy to use instructions. Yay for the best teacher I’ve gotten so far.
You are so welcome! So glad you decided to keep your machine and I hope you enjoy sewing with it. They are really nice to have around and make beautiful stitches!
Very nicely done. It might be worth mentioning that you had the foot lever raised to open the tension discs when threading.
Thank you! I will look into what I missed…
Thanks for the GREAT video and for using contrasting thread! The medium blue is so easy to see👍
You are very welcome!
I have acquired 3 black Featherweights in the past 18 months (one with the original table!!) and I JUST GOT A WHITE ONE at a local estate auction for $376!! She was the original owner…she bought it in August 1964, the second year the white ones came out! In certain light it is pale celery! Near excellent condition and the box as well!!! Never thought I’d ever get one and so cheap!! I have tried on the the FEATHERWEIGHT FAIRE at the Featherweight Shop.
How fun! The white ones are very pretty, that is for sure!
My mom had a white one and I just took it to our local guy for love - I can’t wait to learn to use it
Thank you SO much for this whole series! I was gifted a featherweight from my grandpa. It had belonged to my grandma, who inherited it from HER grandma. I never knew she had this machine because she never did sew. When I brought it home, it sewed, but it was rough. Now it runs just like it came from the factory! I am very grateful you've done this series, because it helps people like me who could not afford to take it to a shop.
Aw, how sweet! I am so happy to hear that you have a family machine! You are exactly why I made these videos, so glad I could help you restore it! Proud of you!
Gosh Jen, I can't tell you how grateful I am (and I know sooo many ppl are) that you put this series up. I am BRAND NEW to sewing, know nothing about it, researched machines for so long, decided on all metal, blah blah blah, and wanted to make sure it ran smoothly before I start to possibly frustrate myself learning how to sew. I am certain this series was a game changer. I have a beautifully restored Featherweight that sews perfectly, all thanks to you. So thank you thank you thank you alllll the thank yous. You are a literal gem and so thorough. ♥
Reading this made me so happy! So glad the videos helped and now you can just enjoy the fruits of your labor. Wishing you all the best on your sewing journey!!
Thank you for this great video, it’s going to help me out with my light feather. ❤❤❤❤❤🎉
You're welcome! Featherweights are so much fun to work on!
Thank you so much for this wonderful video! Your instructions are so clear! Going to binge watch all of them during this rainy weekend! I picked up my machine two days ago and I am learning SO much!
Oh how fun and you are so very welcome! Perfect thing to do when the weather keeps us indoors. Good luck with your restoration, you can do it!
Thanks for this great video! I inherited my grandma’s 1950 centennial machine, got it refurbished, and your video made it very easy for me to come up to speed and start sewing right away (after a 25 year sewing hiatus). ❤❤❤
That is so wonderful and special! You are very welcome and happy sewing!
Your video is fantastic! I learned a lot! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
I’ve binge watched you today! Looking for the reason my machine won’t work after oiling - I’m SO impressed with your knowledge
Thank you for watching! If you need help you can email me at jen@sewingmachinerehab.com
I always learn so much from your videos!❤
I am so glad!
Excellent videos, you are an exceptional teacher and I'm sure everyone here is very grateful. Thank you so very much.
You are very welcome!
Thank you so so much for putting these videos out! I am only 2 days old in the Featherweight club and I am binge watching your channel! Ty Ty Ty !!
Congratulations! Glad you are enjoying the videos!
Your video is the one that is most helpful! Your camera is always focused on the area you discuss. Your explanations are complete. Thank you so much!
Thank you! I hope you find them helpful!
You obviously know your way around a Featherweight! Thanks for your detailed and calm approach. I feel ready to start a project now. Hmmmm. What to do? So many choices. 🙂
You are so very welcome! Happy sewing!!
Thank you! My machine sews beautifully.
Your series has been so helpful. What a joy.
You made my day by sharing that! Now, go enjoy the rewards of your hard work and sew something awesome!
Yes thank you for these videos and your knowledge!I’m currently troubleshooting an old machine that was gifted to me and I’m already hooked. I will be binge watching also! Thanks again ❤
You are welcome! Hope the machine is running beautifully for you soon!
I just discovered your channel! I found you while trying to figure out why the thread is coming out of the needle while stitching. I made a couple of adjustments to the bobbin housing placement as you recommended in one of the videos and the needle was facing the wrong way but that hasn’t fixed my issue yet. Do you have any ideas or a video which could help me?
I think you are the ONLY VIDEO that has helped me! Thank you!
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Oh my gosh!! I have learned so much about fixing stich problems!!! Dang, I’ve got to go back and watch all of the restoration.
I am happy to hear that! These machines are so wonderful and it’s nice that they were designed so that the owner could do most of the work on them themselves. Good luck with whatever you are trying to accomplish!
Thank you. You’ve explained everything so perfect. I understand completely I don’t use my featherweight as much as I should. But I think I’m going to get her out and sew some to check my stitches ect. Thank you
You are very welcome! Have fun with your little Featherweight!
Thank you so much! I had the flat side of my needle the wrong way!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the go-to reference on my featherweight! It’s so much quieter now! The old machines are a joy to work with!
Yes they are! And you’re welcome!
I’m so excited I’m collecting a 221 tomorrow. Your videos are meticulous. Thank you
Hope you are loving your new Featherweight!
Thank you again for another wonderful video. Your instructions and explanations are clear and concise. Beautiful FW.
You are welcome!
Another excellent video. Thank you! Rebecca
You are so welcome!
Very nice Jen! It was great talking yesterday as well!
Thanks! And yes it was!
I just got done following along with this series, when I do the test sewing, I am getting a huge birds nest. What did i do wrong?
Hi! email me at jen@sewingmachinerehab.com and I will try to help you.
Thank you!! I was so frustrated trying to get my bobbin thread to come up through the hole. Now I see that my top thread was not threaded properly.
Glad the video helped!
Such informative videos! Thanks
You are welcome!
Thanks great help 😊
You're welcome 😊
I use a thread stand from the Featherweight Shop so the thread spool doesn’t wobble.
Those are so helpful!
Yes. Truly works well!’
I’ve had my featherweight since 1972, and I can’t believe how much I learned from this video! I hadn’t used it for years and just had it serviced. I can’t remember, does it take the same needles as modern machines?
Hi! Yes, standard needles work and you can use the ones for denim or knits…whatever you like. If you are unsure about the needle then put the needle in and just turn the hand wheel by hand a couple of times to make sure that it will work with the machine. Love that we don’t have to find special needles for these models even though they are over 50 years old!
That’s Good news! I buy my needles by the hundreds for my Embroidery machines!😊
Thank you so much.
Thank you 🙏🏻😊💞
You are so welcome!
I am going out for my 4th Featherweight. I wish I had a 201, too, but no luck in Brasil.
That is wonderful! Maybe a 201 will turn up, you never know!
@@SewingMachineRehab Thank you for your words.
It's time to start using a Featherweight. I guess there is still a lot to learn about this machine and I am afraid I end up doing something wrong.
@@vaccavo I think if you take your time you can do it! Hopefully the videos can help you…good luck!
I have just watched this video again. And will watch It again, with the 221 in front of me. I gotta be brave and try It!
Any advice on getting my stitches to be straight, they are slanted.
Hi! I would check two things. First make sure that the feed dogs are not crooked in the needle plate. If they are slightly crooked, you will get crooked stitches. Then I would make sure that the needle bar is properly positioned. The line on the needle bar should be centered on the line on the needle bar clamp. If it isn’t then the eye of the needle is going to be twisted as well when it goes in the fabric and you will get slanted stitches. Either of those could be the problem, I hope that helps!
@SewingMachineRehab Thank you for the advice. I checked and the feed dogs look straight, and the needle bar is centered as per the line on the needle bar clamp. I've also checked presser bar foot height and alinement with the Featherweight Shop tool/guage. Stitches are still at a slant.
@@joanwillenborg6027 This is a little late but I see I never responded to this. Sometimes if the feed dogs are too high you will get a slant in your stitches as well. You may have fixed this issue but just commenting for others who may read!
Hello Rebecca - I just bought a 1940 Featherweight. It sounds great and I think I got the tension worked out but it doesn’t seem fast. Is the FW slower than larger machines? I’ve never used (or seen) a FW until this one I just got. I guess I’m just use to my new Singer 4432 HD which moves FAST.
PS - I also recently bought a 99k ❤
Hi! I don’t think the Featherweight will sew as many stitches per minute as some of the other machines but….if it is noticeably slow then you may be having a problem with the foot controller needing service (if it is the original foot controller) or there could be some other issue with the machine or motor. There are many things that can slow down the Featherweight, anything from the belt being too tight or the motor needing servicing. When I test out a new to me Featherweight I always do it with the newer style electronic foot control so I rule out any old foot controller issues from the beginning. I hope that helps a little!
How do I know what year my feather is
Hi! I use this database, it’s the best one I have found so far: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html
ive followed the instructions but my needle is hitting the strike plate. Why?
Hi! Check to make sure you have the flat side of the needle pointing towards the bed extension. That will make a difference and it is easy to get in installed wrong. Let me know if that isn’t the problem!
Yes, I had the needle correctly in place. I decided to change the needle & now it is hitting the bobbin. Ugh!@@SewingMachineRehab
Does featherweight do reverse stitches?
Hello! The Featherweight does sew in reverse. It is more of a back tack feature meaning that every reverse stitch will always be the same length. Not the length that you may be sewing at during your regular sewing. I would say the reverse stitch is around 3mm but I would have to go measure to be sure. To make it go in reverse you just move the stitch regulator up to it’s highest position. (Or feed regulator, same thing different name) When you are done sewing in reverse you just move it back to your desired stitch length and continue sewing. But yes, you can back tack on the Featherweight. I hope that helps!
@@SewingMachineRehab thank you so much! You are truly amazing! I am so excited to have found that there’s the singer featherweight, and all these other older, singer machines available! I stumbled over eBay because I’m a sewer and I just like to see what’s out there. My aunt taught me how to sew on one of these machines I was trying to figure out which one it was but I have to ask my sister. I see that there’s a spartan on eBay that claims to be in good shape and it’s so inexpensive so far in the bids. I am so excited. I might bid on it too. I’ve been sewing pretty much all my life.
So if I bought one of these machines, I could send it to you and have you restore it and tune it and paint it if needed . I’m so excited.
❤
How to thread a singer, 185J Sewing Machine
Hopefully one of these days! I don't have that model right now :)