Treadle Sewing Machines

[Susan B.]

Since some folks on another thread have expressed interest in talking about treadle sewing machines, if you have expertise, please share it here.

How did you learn to use a treadle SM?
Do you have any suggestions for how to learn to use a treadle sm?
Do you know of any current resources for replacement bobbins, bobbin cases and belts?

What kind of treadle machine do you have? Do you use it?


OK Treadle machine fans, here's our homework: forum/index/[]=127

forum/index/[]=127

http://www.treadleon.net

I'm trying to get the forum search link to "stick", but it won't. There are 69 hits in our forum under Domestic Sewing Machines. I'll search it tomorrow.

I'm going to do a Youtube search and see if I can find some videos that show how to operate various machines with shuttle bobbins.
I'll post if I find anything that looks promising.

[Catherine S.]

I am no expert, but most of what I know is from treadleon. I really love the old machines. I have a Singer from 1911. It has the long bobbin and shuttle (Model 27). I like them because they are easy to clean, repair, and get parts for. I also have some old Singers that are electric. My treadle is in the living room, by a window. I have some quilt pieces cut to sew on it when the electric is off.
There are some good youtube videos on how to use a treadle. There are some bad videos too. Just watch several to get the right idea of how to work it. They have a tendency to want to go backwards. You have to keep the handwheel coming towards you to get the Singer to sew right. Mine has a beautiful stitch.
I just cleaned and oiled one for my daughter. Her and her girls love it. I have an 8 year old DGS who likes to sew on mine too. He wants one of his own. Other Grandma has one in her basement that is never used. I am hoping she will eventually give it to him while he is still interested.

[Susan B.]

As Lois pointed out, there is an event on June 7 and 8, 2013 in Lancaster. I'm game for going.
http://www.treadleon.net/fleamarket/events.htm

I don't think you have to necessarily be interested in the machines, because we could shop 'til we drop!

[Lois B.]

Susan, I just went to the Treadle On webcite. I had been there before and learn quite a lot about machines. That's how I learned about the specifics I wanted in a treadle. This time I checked out Flea Markets and Events and found this http://www.treadleon.net/fleamarket/events.htm. Anyway there is a Treadle On Event June 7 & 8, 2013 in Lancaster. The link has more information. Maybe we could meet there with any interested TQS members and make a day, or 2 of it.

[Rita C.]

I have two treadle sewing machines. One was my grandmother's and is in working order. It was made in 1927 and has a regular bobbin case. The other one I bought myself back in the 1980s. I didn't know enough about the machines and I couldn't get it to work so I gave the table to my sister and I still have the machine in a shed. ops: It has a shuttle bobbin but I don't know what period it is from. I will have to go and have a look at it and see what the serial number is. Wish I could go with you all to the even but I won't be able to.

[Lois B.]

I have two treadle sewing machines. One was my grandmother's and is in working order. It was made in 1927 and has a regular bobbin case. The other one I bought myself back in the 1980s. I didn't know enough about the machines and I couldn't get it to work so I gave the table to my sister and I still have the machine in a shed. ops: It has a shuttle bobbin but I don't know what period it is from. I will have to go and have a look at it and see what the serial number is. Wish I could go with you all to the even but I won't be able to.

Rita, Is your 1927 treadle a Singer? I am looking for one (a Singer) that was made after 1920. I want the round bobbin case. The shaft on which you place the pressor foot on those is standard with some things that are made today. That means you can get 1/4" feet and walking feet for them. Now isn't that cool!? It will be interesting to search this out. I would love to find one.

[Rita C.]

Hi Lois, yes it's a Singer. Here a a few photos of it. My aunts had it converted so that it could work with an electric motor or without.




As for the other one in the shed - it will have to wait until I am back in Wicklow next week.

[E.M. T.]

Wow..pretty Phoenix decals !

[E.M. T.]

Or are they Sphinx ? ops: Wheres my glasses?

[Lois B.]

Rita, It's lovely. I hope I can find one that is half as nice.

[Rita C.]

I think it has a sphinx on it Marilyn. I am just so happy that I got her because nobody else in the family wanted her or would have known what to do with her.

[Rita C.]

Wow that singer is a beauty. I bought a 1906 New home treadle machine and i too learned a lot from Treadle on. I was lucky that mine is in working order and came with all the extra feet and original owners manual. I haven't done much sewing on it, but this thread as fueled my juices to get her moving again. Using the treadle is so relaxing once you get the rhythm down. AND its so quiet compared to electric machines.

[Renata L.]

That is a beauty, Rita! Thanks for posting it.

[Susan B.]

Well, if Lois bought Rita's treadle, we could engage the TQS jet to take us to Ireland & help her get it back to the States. Cathy could come with us and give us lessons on both types of machines.

Renata, will you please consider going to Lancaster in June? I have a feeling that we don't live far from each other, depending on what side of Washington DC you live on.

BJ, are you out there reading this? want to go?? Road trip!

[Susan B.]

Rita, your Sphinx Treadle is lovely! In fact, I have one just like it!! I use mine as a 'conversation piece' in my foyer... I don't know how to use it!