featherweight good machine for a 7 year old to learn on?

16 years ago

I was wondering if any of you who have taught a child to sew or have used a Singer Featherweight 221 know if it is a good machine for a child to learn on? I am looking for a small, easy to use machine for my daughter to learn to sew on. But I don't want to waste my money and have always wanted a featherweight as well. I am wondering if a child could use it and is there a danger of their little fingers getting under the presser foot too easily? (My daughter got a toy machine last Christmas which she was really beginning to get interested in when it broke...I think she needs a better made machine to use).

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

teresa_nc7
16 years ago
If you plan to "share" the FW with your daughter and be close at hand to help her learn to sew, I think a FW would be a wonderful machine for her to learn on - and it's just her size!

Featherweights are so wonderfully basic and sturdy. You might look at those that are not in "perfect, pristine, never-been-used" condition and you can pay a little less for one that has been loved and used. Just be sure that you buy from a reputable seller and the machine runs, has the bobbin case, manual (although you can print one off the internet if need be) and the seller can tell you the condition of the machine including the cord and foot pedal.

A FW can be easily tuned up by yourself or a handy DH or a GOSMG ("good old sewing machine guy"). Have the motor checked out to see what condition it is in and read, read, read, everything on the internet that you can find about these lovely little machines.

Have fun! You and DD will love it!
Teresa
teresa_nc7
16 years ago
Do a google search on "teaching a child to sew/use a sewing machine." You will get some help there. I read somewhere to have a child practice feeding fabric or paper through the unthreaded machine to help them learn how to guide the fabric, keep the proper seam allowance, and get the feel of how the feed teeth grab and move the fabric through.
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gerizone5
16 years ago
I would say that's a real good machine to learn on. Lots of books on the internet regarding teaching a child to sew.
smokiescrafter
16 years ago
Growing up Mom had an old singer treadle machine. I learned to sew standing on one foot and using the other to power machine. When I was 10 Mom traded the treadle for a New Singer 221 Featherweight for me. I was delighted to continue my sewing on it. Now 56 years later it still sews like a dream, but is semi retired. It is lightweight and very handy to carry to classes.
You and your daughter will get many hours of enjoyment from one I am sure.
sandra_ferguson
16 years ago
Please be aware that there are new Featherweights on the market....certainly not equal to the old ones....so, be sure, before buying, that you're looking at an old one, and not a new, knock-off. I got mine last year, for around $250.00, which was a steal, as the old ones regularly go for much more than this...so, they are an investment, but one that you and your daughter will enjoy for many years. I, personally, even love the hum the motor makes.....it brings back memories of learning to sew on one as a child, with my Grandmother. Many name their featherweight, and mine is named for my Grandmother, who turned out so many wonderful outfits for me, on HER Featherweight.
budster
16 years ago
It is a wonderful machine to learn on.....I know it was just such a machine I received for Christmas when I was ll (my gift included a set of dressmaking lessons as well). My machine is a K222 and still runs like a kitten. Would I part with it? Not on your life, although my mother wanted me to at one time, trade it up for the Touch and Sew I received for graduation.....nope I said keep your T&S. I got the T&S anyway and kept my featherweight. My mother loved my "black beauty" so much she was always watching for another one. I found another K222 for her when one came in as a trade in for a fancy machine back in the early 80's, bought it for her and now we both boast at owning featherweights. They continue to serve us both well. So yes, go for it......one of the older model 221's would be wonderful to learn on, and I speak from experience. Budster

featherweight good machine for a 7 year old to learn on?

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teresa_nc7

teresa_nc7

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