Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Featherweight 221 Comparison


Yesterday, I acquired a second Featherweight 221 sewing machine.  It's a 1937 (pictured in front).  I've decided to name it Mary, simply because that was the most popular girl's name in 1937.
She sews a fine seam, but looks a bit more worn then the 1951 machine (pictured in back).  As I explored the "new" machine, I thought the differences between the 1937 and the 1951 were interesting.


The case for the 1937 machine is shorter and a bit taller.  The handle is made from metal wrapped in leather.  The interior of the case is covered with a pretty, black embossed design.


The 1951 case has a plastic handle attached with metal.  It also has space inside for a few notions.


Here they are together so you can see the differences.


The most noticeable difference in the two machines is the design on the end plate.  The 1937 is on the right, featuring the fancy scroll work.  After WWII, they changed the end plates to the grooved style.


1951, grooved end plate.


1937, scroll end plate.


1937, the word "Singer" on the light is in a higher position.


1951 "Singer" on the light position.


The 1937 machine features a lot more chrome.  See the flywheel?  I think the bobbin winder has been replaced on this machine.  This one is made out of black plastic.


The 1951 machine has a black flywheel and a chrome bobbin winder.  They are opposites!


The 1937 has a chrome stitch length plate.


The 1951 stitch length plate is black with chrome trim.  Fancy!


Black light switch on the 1937.  I need to get a new light bulb.  The one in the machine was burned out and looks like it could be original!


White light switch on the 1951 machine.   These switches only operate the lights and do not need to be on for sewing.


The needle plate on the 1937 machine has been replaced with this handy, marked plate.  I like it.


The 1951 machine still has it's original needle plate.


The motor on the 1937 features this Singer symbol.


The 1951 motor has this Singer symbol.  Both have the same type of motor.


The Singer plate on the front of the 1951 machine.


The Singer plate on the front of the 1937 machine.

I hope you enjoyed looking at the differences between these two machines.  Now I'm off to sew blue and yellow stars with Mary.  

Until next time...please visit the Curlicue Creations Shop...and have a super day!

Get Creative!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

3 comments:

  1. That was interesting and fun. thanks Jennifer.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aren't featherweights just delicious I have one too, your post was interesting. Might take photos of mine to compare. That was fun. Thanks

    ReplyDelete