The Featherweight light was a standard component of the machine. The Featherweight light housing had two switch options (one on the base of the machine or one on the lampshade), but the shape and style were generally the same with placement on the front. The bobbin case is accessed on the left side of the machine, only when the bed extension is in the upright position. Motors are not interchangeable with other models. The motor sits low and in the back corner of the machine, distinctive in shape. FEATHERWEIGHT CHARACTERISTICSĪ Featherweight always has a hinged bed that folds up for access to the bobbin case. There are many, many unique parts to the Featherweight, of course, but the basic characteristics we noted and photographed on this page are to be referenced as a quick comparison guide. For all other Singer models click here, reading through the column headings of each chart for the model reference.
Locate the machine's serial number - typically a letter or two followed by a series of numbers.There were some errors and anomalies in the old, original Singer chart records, but they are still a helpful resource. To determine what model a machine actually is, the serial number will be the easiest way to classify it. There are many other models, of course, but these will help with knowing a Featherweight model and classification from any and all others. In the article below, you will find the Singer Featherweight 221 model distinctions compared to a Singer Model 66, 15, 201, 99, and 301. Contrast that with other Singer models which are made of cast steel, extremely heavy, and weigh nearly three times that! Seeing a machine in pictures, however, does not permit tangible evidence, so we will illustrate the most notable characteristics in photos, particularly when compared to other, more common vintage black Singer model machines. If the opportunity allows for physically lifting a Featherweight 221 or 222 model, one can immediately note how lightweight it is - just over 11 pounds. As such, there are a few distinguishing characteristics that can be quickly ascertained when spotting a bona fide Singer Featherweight compared to other old, black Singers. So, while there were millions and millions of black sewing machine models made by Singer, the 221 and 222 models are the only ones that are considered to be in the Featherweight classification. This article will compare the Featherweight to the other common Singer machines of its era.įirst, to be considered an actual Singer "Featherweight", the sewing machine must be a 221 or 222 model (more information about subsequent number or letter suffixes here), and to learn about the differences of a 221 compared to 222 model, click here. When Singer introduced the Featherweight in 1933 it was vastly different from most all sewing machines on the market.