77.6 The Original Featherweight (model 221) was manufactured in 1933. For those wondering the old Featherweight is one of those beautiful, old, black/gold/silver Singer machines. Singer continued to make these until 1968. The new Singer C240 Featherweight is a modern reinterpretation of this classic machine. The C240 has 70 built-in stitches, an integrated even feed system, a built-in needle threader, and many more features. It is also easy to use and light enough to carry to classes (comes with a handle and a carry case). However overall owner ratings are not stellar and there are some complaints that parts feel flimsy and that the timing can sometimes get out of synch.
Consumer Ratings
One has to tread carefully when determining the ratings of the C240 Featherweight. Many of the reviews we have analyzed are the result of people having been provided a free sewing machine. While this is not necessarily any indication of bias we still remove these reviews and ratings from our calculations. The figures related to ratings are shown in the table below (free samples excluded). When a weighted average is applied to these a score of 77.6 is generated.
| Source | Consumer Rating | # Ratings |
| Amazon.com | 3.9 stars out of 5 | 20 |
| Walmart | 3.5 stars out of 5 | 4 |
| Amazon.ca | 5 stars out of 5 | 1 |
Are There Better Singer Machines?
The score for the Featherweight is not particularly high and we have reviewed other Singer machines that have higher scores. Consider the following Singer units that have high ratings and are widely available.
| Model | Avg Consumer Rating |
| Singer Stylist 7258 sewing machine | 93.1 |
| Singer Heavy Duty 4452 sewing machine | 88.6 |
| Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist sewing machine | 88.4 |
| Singer 1304 Start sewing machine | 86.4 |
| Singer Fashion Mate 3333 sewing machine | 85.3 |
You may or may not find the above machines “better” than the Featherweight but the fact is they do have higher average owner ratings. We also have a table containing the ratings of every machine on our site. You can view that table here: ALL Sewing Machine Ratings.
What Are Owners Saying?
A careful review of C240 Featherweight owner comments has provided the following pros and cons:
PROS
- Comes with many built-in stitches
- Lightweight but still stable
- Very easy to use
- Good illumination of sewing area
- Integrated even feed system works well
- Built-in storage
- Built-in needle threader works well
- Light enough to easily take to classes
- Includes a carrying case
CONS
- Some folks report getting a previously returned machine
- Some parts feel a little flimsy
- Instances of the timing getting out of synch
There are quite a number of positive comments about the IEF System or Integrated Even Feed System. It seems that it does a good job of exactly what it is intended to do – which is to sew all sorts of different fabrics, including multiple layers and thick seams, while ensuring that the fabric pieces match at the end of the seam. Many owners report that this system works great and they are very pleased with its performance.
There are also frequent comments regarding how easy the Featherweight is to use. The machine is said to be a good fit for beginners, while also being sufficiently feature-rich that it is still a good choice for the more advanced seamstress. People like how well laid out the buttons are, how intuitive the controls are, and how easy the machine is to set up.
Most folks like that the C240 is not that heavy. It is sufficiently lightweight that many people take it to classes. And the included carry case is handy. Despite being on the light side the unit does not shift around when sewing. Some lightweight machine refuse to stay put while you are working.
In addition, the sewing area is very well illuminated. We often see complaints about poorly lit sewing areas but rarely do we see praise. This machine has 2 LED lights which is likely one reason for its good illumination.
On the negative side, some owner report receiving what they feel are “previously returned” machines. As one can imagine this has resulted in anger, frustration and some 1 star ratings. There are also complaints that certain sewing machine parts feel plasticky and flimsy, and that the timing sometimes needs to be reset.
You can read more Featherweight Owner Comments on Amazon.
Key Specifications
- 70 built-in stitches
- Stitches include: stretch, buttonholes, decorative, quilting, satin, applique
- 3 built-in one-step buttonhole styles
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Stainless steel bed plate
- LED screen in control panel
- Integrated even feed system
- Built-in needle threader
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Two LED lights to illuminate sewing area
- Adjustable speed control slider
- Programmable needle up/down
- Free arm (slide off removable extension table)
- Drop feed capable
- Adjustable thread tension (thread tension dial)
- Tie off button (ties off stitch and stops sewing)
- Info button (recommends presser foot for the selected stitch)
- Start/stop button
- Snap on presser feet
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Extra high presser foot lift
- 29 needle positions
- Push button reverse
- Carry handle on top of machine
You can see the 70 stitches in the image below:
The C240 Featherweight comes with a carry case and there is a hole in the top of the case for the sewing machine carry handle to fit through (handle is not built into case). So you can use the carry handle while the machine is in the case.
The weight of the C240 is 14.9 lbs. It is perhaps not as “featherweight” as some people may expect because of the name but it is nevertheless still a fairly lightweight sewing machine. If you must have a lighter machine you may want to look at our list of highly rated portable sewing machines (most of these are less than 12 lbs). The Featherweight also has dimensions 17.8 inches by 8.3 inches by 12.1 inches.
Accessories
Several different presser feet are provided with the machine: General Purpose Foot, All-Purpose Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Zipper Foot, and Buttonhole Foot. Accessories also include a seam ripper/lint brush, a pack of needles, bobbins, spool caps, spool pin felt, an auxiliary spool pin, a clearance plate, an edge/quilting guide, and a screwdriver. The accessories are easily stored in the removable storage compartment (this is the compartment that slides off the machine thereby converting it to free arm). You will also receive a foot control and a power cord.
Online Owner’s Class
Singer has provided what they call an Online Owner’s Class for the Featherweight. This is essentially a group of YouTube videos from the Singer Sewing Company discussing many aspects of the Featherweight C240 including an Introduction to the Machine, Threading, the IEF System, Changing the Needle, Sewing a Buttonhole, Selecting a Stitch, etc. You can see the videos here: Featherweight Online Owner’s Class.
Warranty
We typically see Singer Sewing Machines carrying a “25-year warranty”. Our understanding of how this breaks down is as follows:
- Sewing machine head: 25 years
- electronic parts/electrical components: 2 years
- mechanical parts: 90 days
Sewing Machine Manual
The manual is in English, 27 pages long, and has illustrations. There is an introduction to the sewing machine and the accessories. You will also find information on unpacking, setting up, features, selecting a stitch, stitch adjustments, sewing a stitch, maintenance, troubleshooting, and more. You can view a copy of manual here: Singer C240 Featherweight Instruction Manual
Hello! My name is Alison and I started Sewing Machine Ratings over 10 years ago. Since then I’ve reviewed scores of sewing machines. Sewing has been a hobby for me since I was a young and I love to make my own clothing.