| Almost 80 years ago, in 1933, Isaac Singer first | | | | greatly reduced the vibration of the machine during |
| introduced the Featherweight model 221 sewing | | | | operation, which permitted the stitching mechanism to |
| machine at the Chicago World's Fair. Today, almost 50 | | | | run very smoothly. This enabled the 221 to stitch any |
| years after the last featherweight was produced in | | | | fabric without putting excessive strain on the motor. |
| 1960, in the modern age of sewing machines with | | | | When first introduced, the model 221 was described as |
| computer controlled stitching, the featherweight is still a | | | | being able to do the work of an industrial sewing |
| highly sought after sewing machine. In fact, some | | | | machine. So by limiting the strain on the motor with a |
| model 221 Featherweights are still in the hands of their | | | | rigid frame, Singer was able to extend the overall life |
| original owners. Here are three reasons why you | | | | of the machine. Again, proper maintenance is critical in |
| should find, and buy one. | | | | further limiting the friction of the moving parts, which is |
| 1. Simplicity. The model 221 was designed to do one | | | | another component of the featherweight's durability, it |
| thing, and do it well, and that was to sew a straight | | | | is so easy to maintain. |
| stitch. The stitching mechanism combines the original | | | | 3. Weight. It's called a featherweight for a reason. |
| rotary hook and four motion feeds, both originally | | | | Singer realized that sewing machines take up space, |
| patented in the 1850s by Allen Wilson. Similar to not | | | | especially when they are too heavy to move and are |
| being able to build a better mousetrap, these two | | | | usually accompanied by a sewing table. Weighing in at |
| mechanisms are still found in today's modern sewing | | | | ~11 ½ lbs (thanks to its aluminum frame, and |
| machines, but without all the electronics. The original | | | | simplified design) the featherweight was the first truly |
| mechanism is a simple interaction of finely machined | | | | portable sewing machine. When placed in its carrying |
| parts which operate with the consistency of a fine | | | | case, the Featherweight 221 could easily be stored out |
| Swiss watch. Barring physical damage of the | | | | of sight in a closet. Today, the lightweight is still |
| mechanism, the parts will only wear with time but | | | | beneficial to those sewers and quilters who travel to |
| regular maintenance (oiling and cleaning) will keep the | | | | classes and demonstrations where it is necessary to |
| mechanism running as smoothly as the day it was | | | | bring your own machine. Sure you can roll in your fully |
| originally purchased. | | | | electronic Bernina on a hand truck, or simply carry your |
| 2. Durability. In 1933, Singer designed the Featherweight | | | | Featherweight without so much as breaking a sweat. |
| 221 to be the only sewing machine a housewife | | | | Approximately 2.5 million 221 featherweights were |
| needed to buy. The smooth stitching mechanism was | | | | produced from 1933 to 1960, and because of its |
| complimented by a stiff, all metal frame and a small, | | | | simplicity, durability and light weight it still a highly sought |
| but powerful, motor. The metal (aluminum) frame | | | | after, and well respected, sewing machine. |