Featherweight Accessories

compiled by FWF members Krisi S and Terry S


I've procrastinated in typing this list because I didn't know how to combine it with the one I published in October. And, while this list comes directly from MACHINE SEWING by Singer, I am working from two copyright dates of the same book and sometimes the same foot on one list has a different name and number in the other book. My book's copyright is 1950; my other source is a photocopy of a list from a book published before 1950 which Krisi sent to me. Obviously if they changed, improved and added feet during this time period, what must they have done between 1950 and 1970?

Therefore, I am limiting this list to what I actually find in these books. Please refer to my October 31, 1995 list in the FWF Archives for numbers that Krisi, I and many FWFanatics found on the attachments that accompanied our beloved FWs. Between the two lists you should be able to identify most of your feet. A word of caution: Don't assume like many of us have, that if you have a low shank foot that it will fit a FW. MACHINE SEWING covers Model 15s, 24s, 66s, 99, 101, 115, 127-128, 201 and 1200, and 221. Early model 15s do not take the same Foot Hemmer as later model 15s but that early model 15 foot will fit the FW! But then, often the same attachment will be listed for ALL the machines and models. I'd be interested in hearing an explanation for this!

The first number listed below will be from MACHINE SEWING copyright 1950; any second number is from the previous edition. By 1950 six attachments came with FW, but the earlier book only lists five attachments. I'm typing it straight from the book including column headings. For your future treasure hunts, I've included things that don't actually attach to your FW such as Bias Cutting Gauge, Hand Pinker, etc. so you will know that they are out there. Also, freearm FWs are not mentioned and probably weren't made prior to 1954. Parts are either marked Singer or Simanco and say either USA or GR. Britain.

Featherweight Attachments And Parts

Original Listing

From a Spanish FW Manual:

Attachments And Assessories For Model 221

- from the book Machine Sewing published by Singer Sewing Machine Co., 1950 &earlier - (Terry S and the FWFanatics of the World Wide Quilting Page)

Updated List

Regular Attachments:

[Note: Some earlier machines did not include edge stitchers or gatherers but did have tuckers 36583 according to these sources.]

Fashion Aids:

Fashion Aids &Accessories For All Types Of Machines:

Attachments Suitable For Machines Indicated (221 for this list):

[Also listed are irons, folding or travel iron and sewing stools.]

Singer Buttonholers

from FWF mamber - Daryl

Someone asked anbout the differences in Singer buttonholers, and why all the different part numbers. I hope this clarifies some of the questions:

Part Number 160506

This fits our favorite FW's and several other straight shank machines. Many were produced through the 1940's. Thet are typically black with white trim, a white knob, and usually come in the soft plastic boxes that are green, black, or sometimes maroon (black and maroon are less common).

Part Number 160743

This is visually similar to the unit described above, but it fits slant machines and was built for the 301 in the late '40's. I have used them successfully on a Model 600 and a Model 744 (both slant machines). These are less common than the unit above.

Part Number 489500 (or 489510)

These were produced in the very late '50's and into the '60's. The first number fits straight machines and the second fits slant machines. They can be identified by their plastic (not metal) covers, and come in several colors, usually beige. Many of you will identify this version by the oval or bullet shaped hard plastic box.

Part Number 381116

This is billed as the Professional buttonholer. It fits slant machines of the 401 series and up. It is a more "modern" design than those above, and it comes with plastic, not metal cams. One feature is the ability to make round eyelets that are made similar to traditional shaped eyelets. These units were made in Great Britain. There are two variations to accommodate the magnetic needele plates that were used on some 600 series machines.

...Hope this answers some questions.

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