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Featherweight
The Featherweight Singer Sewing Machine was introduced in 1933 at the Chicago World's Fair. The machine, which is well known for its reliability, was a staple for home seamstresses for decades. All Featherweights are low shank machines, as are most Singer machines designed for home sewing. Therefore, one advantage of low shank machines is the large number of presser feet and accessories available for low shank machines.
Singer Slant
The Singer slant shank is a unique style of shank. The shank is approximately 1 1/8" high, but is slanted slightly toward the back of the machine. This style of presser foot is used exclusively on the slant needle machines. While they are almost tall enough to be considered high shank machines, they are categorized separately.
Industrial Sewing Machines
Nearly all Singer industrial sewing machines are high shank machines. Industrial machines are made for heavy-duty applications such as sewing leather, denim or fabric with multiple layers. For people who do lots of heavy sewing, the industrial level, high shank sewing machines are a good choice.
Snap-On Presser Feet
Since about 1980, the debate over low shank or high shank has been mute, since most machines use a snap-on presser foot. This type of presser foot snaps onto the end of the shank, whatever length the shank is. Bernina machines, which use a different attachment system, are the exception to this rule. However, adapters are available so standard presser feet can be used on Berninas.