Singer 221 Featherweight Parts - The Most Iconic Portable Sewing Machine

Singer Model 221 Featherweight - A Sewing Legend Since 1933

Find vintage genuine and quality aftermarket replacement parts for the Singer 221 Featherweight, the most beloved and collectible portable sewing machine ever made. Weighing just 11 pounds with a durable cast aluminum body, the Featherweight has been the gold standard for quilters and serious sewers for over 90 years.

Why the Featherweight is Iconic

Legendary Stitch Quality - Perfect, consistent straight stitches that modern machines struggle to match
Incredibly Portable - At just 11 pounds, it revolutionized portable sewing
Built to Last Forever - Cast aluminum body and all-metal internal components
Quilter's Favorite - The go-to machine for quilting retreats and precision piecing
High Collector Value - Limited production (1933-1969) makes these highly sought after
Still Going Strong - Machines from the 1930s still sew beautifully today

Historical Timeline

1933: First introduced with initial batch of 10,000 machines. These early models are especially prized by collectors.

1934: Public debut at the Chicago World's Fair with special "Century of Progress" commemorative badge.

1933-1961: USA production in Elizabethport, New Jersey - over 1.75 million units manufactured.

1947-Late 1960s: International production expanded to Kilbowie, Scotland (221K models) and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada (221J models).

1953-1961: The 222K free-arm model introduced in Scotland with enhanced features.

1969: Final year of production, marking the end of an era.

Model Variants & Special Editions

Black Models - Most common, featuring elegant gold decals and black carry cases
White & Tan Models (1960s) - 221K-7 and 221J variants with colorful cases ranging from ivory to pale green
Blackside Models (Post-WWII) - Featured chemically blackened faceplates due to chrome shortages during wartime
Century of Progress (1934) - Special commemorative badge from Chicago World's Fair

Available Replacement Parts & Accessories

Bobbins & Bobbin Cases - Featherweight-specific Class 301 bobbins and replacement bobbin cases
Presser Feet - Low shank presser feet including zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, quilting, and specialty feet
Needles - Standard 15x1 needles in all sizes for any fabric weight
Belts & Motors - Replacement motor belts and motor maintenance parts
Electrical Components - Foot controls, power cords, and light bulbs
Mechanical Parts - Tension assemblies, feed dogs, bobbin winder tires, and internal components
Accessories - Seam guides, attachments, carrying cases, and maintenance supplies
Restoration Parts - Decals, faceplates, and cosmetic components for restoration projects

Featherweight Care & Maintenance

Your Featherweight can last for generations with proper care. Common maintenance needs include motor belts (which can dry out over time), bobbin winder tires, and occasional bobbin case replacement. Regular cleaning and oiling with proper sewing machine oil will keep your Featherweight running smoothly. We stock both genuine Singer parts and quality aftermarket replacements clearly marked for your convenience.

Identifying Your Featherweight

The serial number on your Featherweight can tell you the year it was manufactured and where it was made. USA models have serial numbers on the base, while Scottish (221K) and Canadian (221J) models have their own numbering systems. Each variant has unique characteristics that collectors prize.

Need help finding the right part or identifying your Featherweight? Our team has over 20 years of experience with vintage Singer machines and can help you find exactly what you need. Whether you're maintaining a daily user or restoring a collector's piece, we have the expertise and parts to keep your Featherweight sewing beautifully.

If you're lucky enough to own a Singer 221 Featherweight, you've got a piece of sewing history in your hands - and we're here to help you keep it running for another 90 years.