"New" treadle sewing machine - QUESTION

[Beth A.]

Yesterday, I went to an estate sale and bought a treadle sewing machine (in cabinet, of course). I don't know a lot about them, but it is in pretty good shape and obviously still works, although I have not sewn anything on it because I'm not sure what should be oiled, etc. before I operate it too much. At a price of only $80, I don't care if it is valuable or not, but I would like to find out more about it.

It is a Singer, but the paperwork on it is rather mysterious. The machine itself looks really old - early 20th century, at least - but the manual is dated 1973 and says "15 CH" and Singer Models 1 and 11. Could it be an updated manual for an old machine? Would Singer really have made a treadle machine in the 1970's?

I don't see a serial number of date on the machine itself.

Does anyone know where I can find out more information about Singer treadles?

BethMI

[Beth A.]

Yes, Beth. You can find out what year and where your machine was made by the serial number. The Singer website even told me what week in 1913 my machine was made. And yes, I believe they do sell instruction books for those machines. I just checked my machine and it has a little metal plate right on the front of it on the flat part. It's only about 6 digits long. Look around and hopefully you can locate it - possibly it's in a different spot than mine is. Mine was made in Elizabeth, New Jersey in August of 1913, if I remember correctly. (I should re-check and print that page out for reference.) Elizabeth has ALWAYS been one of my favorite names and so that's what I named her! My DD's think I am nuts but I don't care!

Kathy

[Margo C.]

You might want to contact TQS member Pat: community/my-profile/pknord

She hasn't been active on the site lately, but I know that she is very knowledgeable about treadles and older machines and can give you some guidance.

[Beth A.]

Well, after some internet searching last night, I discovered that what I purchased (sight unseen except for a cell phone photo) was a Chinese KNOCKOFF of a Singer machine which is renown for its poor quality. It is a Model 15-CH - The CH standing for Chinese. It was made primarily for sale to countries where there is no reliable electrical service, which explains why it is a relatively new treadle machine.

That's somewhat of a disappointment, but I wasn't in it for the investment, anyway, and it will still look kinda cool when cleaned up a bit.

Besides, it does work, so I will have some fun treadling away, even if it is not the gem I anticipated.

BethMI

[Pam D.]

Beth, how disappointing for you, but you and a few TQS friends are the only ones who know its a chinese knockoff, so we wont say anything if you dont :-)

[Betty J.]

Beth, Now you can still sew even if the power goes down. :lol: :lol: I once made a dress on a treadle in Japan. It was a bit of a challenge, but came out really neat in the end.

[Betty J.]

I'm going to date myself. I learned to sew on a treadle machine and days when my head causes me trouble with noises I wish I still had a treadle. A couple of years ago I was actively looking for one but then had some medical interventions and I could again tolerate the electric machine noise. Beth--sorry you were disappointed that it was a knock-off. At least they were honest enough to give it a model number to easily find out the truth. Many of the more northerly reserves in Canada use hand operated machines. The flywheel has a handle attached to it from factory. My Singer Professional (industrial) machine is available with that option. Yes, it is made off shore but through the Singer company. I would guess it is in Japan because that is where the book is printed.

[Catherine S.]

Beth, I'm sorry you are disappointed in your machine, but it is still wonderful to have. Yesterday, I bought a Singer 27-4 for my birthday. I have not cleaned it up yet, or purchased a new belt for it, but I am very happy. It looks nice in the house anyway. You can purchase machine heads on ebay if you are interested in replacing the one in your cabinet. They usually list the serial number so you can check to see what year and where it was manufactured by checking the Singer website. Good luck on learning to treadle. And have fun. Oh, I think this could be addictive. Like buying fabric, but where do you hide a sewing machine? My poor husband! :lol:

[Beth A.]

I sits in the corner of my family room. I haven't had time to do anything with it, and I suspect that it is not worth investing much money in rehabbing. But in the meantime, I smile each time I see it, and I feel that I have gotten my money's worth.

A couple of years ago, I found a restored Singer Featherweight online that was manufactured on the day I was born. I just could not afford it then, and so didn't buy it. I'm afraid that I will always be disappointed with any machine after losing that one!

BethMI

[Beth A.]

I got one last Oct. I won it throw my ASG group. I got all the paper work it has had 4 owners I am the 5th it is a Singer 1929 was bought in Homer NY was passed down throw the family to Richmond I have not got to use it because it needed a belt which I got hope to me some time to play soon Happy

[Catherine S.]

I finally got my new treadle all cleaned, oiled, and the new belt on. It works wonderfully. It will take me a while to get the rhythm of treadling. My DH was very proud of me too. I think he was worried when he saw all the parts all over the kitchen island. :lol: It all went together okay. I did need to order a new take-up spring and it came in just a few days. Now I want a Featherweight. :wink: That will have to wait a year or two.

[Catherine S.]

Glad you got your treadle machine going! I have the belt mine needs but have not had the time to do anything with it. My last child goes off to college tomorrow. Being empty nesters will be different/somewhat lonely, but yet, I am looking forward to doing things I/we want to do. Maybe that treadle machine will get activated soon!?

Kathy