| The Singer model 221, affectionately called the | | | | love these little guys. |
| "Featherweight", is a classic, straight-stitch only sewing | | | | Although the models are basically the same, you can |
| machine. This proven machine was first introduced at | | | | spot several differences in the different colored |
| the Chicago World's Fair in 1933 and remained in | | | | models. Most apparent from the front of the machine |
| production until 1970! | | | | are the differing faceplates. |
| I've mentioned before that the Bernina 830 would be | | | | The shiny black 221 has two two different steel |
| one of the first three machines inducted into the | | | | faceplates. Early models have a "scrolled" faceplate; |
| Sewing Machine Hall of Fame (if there was such a | | | | later models used a faceplate with parallel grooves. |
| thing). While that's true about the Bernina, it's also true | | | | The beige and white models use a stamped and |
| that the Singer 221 would have been the first machine | | | | painted faceplate. This makes them cheaper to |
| inducted! This solid, reliable, well designed machine | | | | manufacture. These were introduced near the end of |
| (basically same design for nearly 40 years -- why | | | | the 221's production life. |
| change it!) is on most every sewist's wish list. | | | | The "crinkle" finish models are basically the black |
| There were several models in the 221 line -- but you | | | | models, but with a crinkle finish. All 221's use standard |
| can pretty much separate them by colors. There were | | | | Class 15 bobbins. |
| four colors produced by Singer -- here are three of | | | | I mentioned four production colors -- but note that |
| them. Shiny lacquer black, white (actually a light | | | | there is an aftermarket for "painted" Featherweights. |
| greenish white sometimes called celery), and a beige | | | | Folks take regular Featherweights, strip them down, |
| model. There was a fourth model produced for a short | | | | then paint them in various colors with automobile paint. |
| time during World War II in a crinkle finish -- sort of a | | | | These are not factory models -- whether or not you |
| flat black that was actually a really dark grey. The | | | | want to pay a premium price for the paint job is up to |
| most common is black, next is white, then tan. The | | | | you ( and many people choose to do so!) |
| "crinkle" finish is very rare. | | | | 221's were manufactured in the US and in other |
| These are flat-bed machines with a flip-down | | | | countries. You'll often find motors for voltages other |
| extension bed (much like it's big sister, the Singer 301). | | | | than 110. Generally, the white models and the 222 |
| The black and beige models have long beds; the white | | | | free-arms are most likely to use different voltages. |
| model has a short bed. There is also a free arm | | | | Portability is a big selling point with the 221's. They |
| version, the model 222. This version is mostly found | | | | weigh 11 or 12 pounds and are easy to move. People |
| overseas and commands a premium price. | | | | love to take their 221's to sewing classes and quilting |
| Singer made millions of these machines over nearly 40 | | | | groups -- especially since the machine is so cute! |
| years; unless they've been sitting outside in the rain for | | | | While people have dubbed them "Featherweights", this |
| 30 years, they're probably still sewing as well as the | | | | is not their official Singer name. Be aware that Singer |
| day they were born -- but prices for 221's remain | | | | has produced a recent line of imported machines |
| pretty high. This is a great example of supply and | | | | they've called Featherweights. This is most definitely |
| demand pricing -- the supply is pretty high, but the | | | | not the same machine and is not viewed as a |
| demand is even higher! | | | | desirable machine. |
| Featherweight's rate high on the cute scale -- people | | | | |