I have a Featherweight sewing machine, circa 1950, Mod#221-1. I don't use it much and then only for hemming slacks, shorts, fixing my flags, etc. It has always worked great. The last time I set it up for use was about 2 weeks ago. I was half way finished with my job when I noticed it was stitching perfectly on top, but the bottom stitching was all bunching up. So I pulled all of the stitching out and was going to start over, but needed more thread on the bobbin. I was just starting the process of filling the bobbin when it just quit functioning. The motor will run fine, but it just won't sew. The belt is looking good and motor is good. I tried to turn the wheel on the right, but can't. However, the sewing arm will slightly move up/down when I try to move the wheel, but it just won't move any further. It is as if something is either broken or has become disconnected, so that it won't function. I would like to try to fix this with some help before I turn it loose on some of the local repair persons. None have very good references and all try to overcharge and have no customer service. I'll take any help you can give me.
BTW: I'm new to sewing and have only used this machine which does nothing but straight stitch. Additionally, this has a lot of sentimental value since it was my grandma's and my mother's before she gave it to me.
Thanks.
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Nothing's quite as frustrating, right? In the middle of a project and the darn machine quits? (I've been sewing for more than 30 years and remember those early days well. If it turns out you love to sew, consider - at some point - investing in a good machine: it makes the world of difference.)
To the problem at hand: first, remove all threads, spools (including bobbin) and lint. If you can unscrew the plate beneath the presser foot, do so. Use a small brush to get rid of fabric and thread remnants in the undercarriage. If you use canned air to blow / clean your computer fan, use a spurt to get rid of the last of the lint beneath the presser foot. Use the same canned air to dislodge any potential thread blockage in the sewing machine foot pedal.
At this point it's crucial to check the entire area where the lower thread bobbin resides. Some sewing machines are extremely sensitive in this regard. (I'm not familiar with your make / model but have dealt with Singer and Husqvarna which I consider to be the most tempermental and problematic sewing machines extant.)
Once clear of all blockages, try turning the hand crank. You may want to give it a quick burst of WD-40. Depress the foot pedal and keep trying to turn the machine by hand. Do not add any threads at this point.
If your machine still refuses to engage, you may indeed have a broken shaft, but at least you'll have tried everything before spending money.
The Singer Featherweight is an excellent machine! Yours may need grease in some of it's internal gears and oil in all it's other thirsty places. Here is a great blog post about cleaning and lubricating your Featherweight: jillybejoyful.blogspot.com/
I am also including a link to Dave McCallum's site where you can purchase a very informative DVD and book about restoring, cleaning, and maintaining your Featherweight. featherweight221.com/
I truly hope you get your lovely machine back in working order. There's really nothing new that can compare to the vintage sewing machines. I am now the proud "parent" of a Minnesota Model D treadle machine (1912), a Singer 66 Redeye that I am going to convert to a hand crank machine (1911), a Japanese clone of the Singer 15 (circa 1950), and a Kenmore 158 (late 60's early 70's). They each have their own quirks, but each of them sew much better than my modern Singer Curvy (which I am considering selling.)
I truly hope the above listed sites can offer you the assistance you need in order get your lovely little lady up and running again. I hope she brings you many more years of happiness, especially since she belonged to your grandmother and your mother. Family heirlooms such as that should be treasured members of the family as well as functional ones.
God bless,
Lacey
I also forgot to mention in my previous post, that you may want to check the carbon brushes in your motor. There is an access port under the machine. There are instructional videos on YouTube that show how to check/replace carbon brushes in motors.
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