Singer · Straight stitch · 1933–1969 (US production ended 1957)
The Featherweight began as the Sewhandy, a little aluminium machine designed in 1928, and Singer launched it as the 221 at the 1933–34 Chicago World's Fair. It weighs about 11 pounds, sews one straight stitch and folds into a case, which is why quilters still carry them to classes. Elizabethport built the US machines in black until 1957, with a gap from 1942 to 1945 when wartime orders stopped production. Scotland made the 221K into the 1960s, ending with a white or pale green version that collectors call mint, and Canada made a tan 221J. Look for the 1950–52 Centennial badge and crisp gold decals, and check that the case, foot control and bobbin case are all there.
Under the throat plate
Ask for a photo under the slide plate with the bobbin case in place. A missing bobbin case or the wrong needle system is the most common reason a machine that looks fine won’t sew.
Most Featherweights still sew, but old lubricant gums up the motor and belt, and the light and motor wiring can perish to bare wire. Cases kept somewhere damp grow mould, and a missing foot control or bobbin case is common.
New to old machines? How to check a used sewing machine walks through the handwheel, the wiring, the bobbin case and a test seam.
Buying guide
We'd buy the 1952 221-1 titled tested and working at $413 delivered. It comes with its case and sits under the $470–1,000 delivered band that most complete Featherweights ask. There are at least 198 for sale, so you can be choosy, and the white and celery 1960s 221Ks ask $518 to $1,860 delivered, more than the black US machines. On any of them, ask for a photo of the serial (AD to AM numbers are US machines, EE to EV are Scottish), the bobbin case out of the machine and the motor and light cords, which perish to bare wire. Skip the 1936 machine at $3,520, close to six times the median ask, from a seller at 97.1%.
$240.39est. delivered
The lowest delivered Featherweight titled tested, a 1954 machine at $240 delivered on the current bid, and the photos show its case and foot control. It's an auction with days to run, so it will climb; we'd stop around $375 bid, since the tested 1952 machine with its case is $413 delivered at a fixed price.
Vintage Singer Featherweight 221 Sewing Machine 1954 Tested RUNS & LOOK GREAT!!
$412.61est. delivered
A 1952 221-1 titled tested and working, with its case, at $413 delivered and under the band. The photos also show the foot control and attachments, so ask for a photo of the bobbin case out of the machine to finish the set.
Vintage 1952 Singer 221-1 Featherweight Sewing Machine With Case TESTED WORKS
$884.84est. delivered
A 1939 machine titled working, with its cases, foot control, manual, accessories and a new cord, from a seller who deals in old Singers. At $885 delivered it's inside the band, and the new cord settles the wiring worry on a machine this old.
1939 Singer Featherweight 221 w Cases, FtCont, Man., Access, New Cord - WORKING
$552.84est. delivered
A 1951 Centennial, the 1950–52 badge collectors look for, titled working with serial AK072481, which fits Elizabethport's 1951–52 batch. At $553 delivered it asks less than the band median, so you're not paying much of a premium for the badge.
Vintage Singer Featherweight 1951 Sewing Machine 221-1 Centennial AK072481 Works
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 14, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 14, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$240.39est. delivered
$202.49 + $37.90 shipping
Auction · 2 bids · ends in 4d 17h
Good buy
1954, titled tested and runs. Auction; it will climb.
Seller: omt_vb
100% positive
Used$412.61est. delivered
$395.00 + $17.61 shipping
Buy It Now$395.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
1952 221-1 with its case, titled tested and working.
Seller: anamelessbook
100% positive
Used$884.84est. delivered
$859.95 + $24.89 shipping
Buy It Now$859.95
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
1939 with cases, foot control, manual, accessories and a new cord. Titled working.
Seller: badger_state_sewing_machines
100% positive
Used$552.84est. delivered
$489.99 + $62.85 shipping
Buy It Now$489.99
Good buy
1951 Centennial, serial AK072481, titled works.
Seller: blayfield2
100% positive
Used$122.50delivered
$122.50 · free shipping
Auction · 6 bids · ends in 2d 17h
Our take
Not titled tested, and the first photo shows only the case. Auction with 6 bids; it will climb.
Seller: hippy147
99.9% positive
Used$976.30est. delivered
$900.00 + $76.30 shipping
Buy It Now$900.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
White 1964 221K with attachments, manual and box. Not titled tested.
Seller: panoramavintagestore
99.8% positive
Used$825.00delivered
$825.00 · free shipping
Buy It Now$825.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
Seller not printed; check feedback on the item page. The year has a question mark, so ask for the serial.
Seller: Seller on eBay
Check feedback on the listing
Serviced$3,520.00delivered
$3,520.00 · free shipping
Buy It Now$3,520.00
Priced high
1936 with a serviced motor and extras, at close to six times the median ask. Seller at 97.1%.
Seller: samedayships
97.1% positive
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