When I started to get into collecting vintage sewing machines, I immediately heard the word “Featherweight” as a machine I needed to check out. A quick Google search gave me a plethora of information about it and more importantly a noticeable higher price point. Granted, I thrift 90% of my sewing machines and prices are in the $14-$125 range and “higher price point” is relative to what you’re looking for in your area. I personally rarely pay over $100 for my machines. I am an avid thrifter/secondhand buyer so I am constantly on the lookout for deals and often spot them in the wild. I know not everyone is as passionate as I am about that so I might see a higher content of price ranges than the average person.

Want to skip my post and just watch the comparison video? Click here.

My immediate question was why were they higher in price? Did they perform better than most machines in the land? Do they do something special?

I had a bout of luck when a neighbor gifted me a Singer 221K. (I did a whole video on that and you can watch it here on my channel. I know how lucky I am with that gift and I am extremely grateful. It is such a cute machine. Since, it is a 221k rather than the standard 221 I know there are a few differences. I have yet to compare those personally aside from the searchable price. The 221K and the 221J tan colored models are higher priced here in the United States. The 221K (White/Celery/Teal) models were made in Scotland so they are harder to come by here. I understand the same is for the 221J, which were made in Canada. With all of that said, they tend to have a price that is in the $1,000 - $1,400 (USD). Whereas the regular 221 black short bed Featherweight made post WW2 is typically $200 - $400 in my area. Condition, original bobbin housing, accessories, original box, manuals are considerations to the price as well.

After price consideration, does it perform better than my beloved 301A? The 301 model is often called “the big sister” the Featherweight. Or a “Featherweight on steroids”. That second one really made me laugh, but I don’t personally agree with either nickname. I thrifted a 301A at my local Goodwill awhile back. Fixed her up and we became best friends. You can watch my video on that on my channel too.

Singer 301A - Did we just become best friends?

I absolutely love my 301A. Excellent stitches, the slant needle shank for more viewable area, the general oomph, of the motor. I love, love, this machine. So, when I had the opportunity to compare the two models personally I was extremely excite about it. Please watch the video below or watch it here on my channel.

Singer 221k vs Singer 301A (the short bed version).

The battle of the smalls. The wee ones that sew really well. The little sewing machines that can do it. It was fun to talk about them side by side as a user and not just a wannabe repair lady.

Let me know if you have both models of the machines and which one you prefer and why. Or do your machines serve specific needs for a type of sewing/project you do. I feel that is also an important consideration too. I’m still deep into my apparel sewing journey, but I am beginning to dabble very lightly into quilting. My love affair with fabric just gets bigger and bigger.

Time to sew and more from me real soon.

xo-Thea