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Stitching & Crafting Room:  treadle machines  |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 07 2004 : 1:07:05 PM
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 Help!
I know Mary Jane has an article on treadle machines in one of her previous magazines, but I need some help. I'm trying to get my mother-in-law's machine going; it's in great shape and has all the attachments. I bought a new belt, but I'm having a heck of a time getting one end attached to the other! The belt is round leather and has a hook on one end; I can't seem to get it into the leather on the other end (this is difficult to describe) - do I drill a small hole in the other leather end? The hook won't go in no matter how hard I try to push it in.
Cecelia
ce's farm |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2004 : 6:03:49 PM
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Clare, thanks so much for the link. I downloaded a copy of the instructions, and will try getting the belt on. I think I'll need more than a ice pick though, the belt is really tough. Also, I didn't see the other topic on treadle machines - must be suffering from heatstroke, as we've finally had a day of sunshine here in the Great Lakes area, after nearly constant rain the past few weeks.
Farmgirls are great!
 Cecelia
ce's farm |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2004 : 10:49:09 AM
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Clare, thanks again so much. I managed to get the belt on and running (but I used a large upholstery tack & small hammer to make the hole for the staple). Now to get out all the attachments and see if I can actually make it sew.
Cecelia
ce's farm |
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ElizArtist
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Elizabeth
Newbury Park
California
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2004 : 11:50:32 AM
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Cecelia, I'm anxious to know if you get your treadle working, mine moves freely, but doesn't stitch. I copied the entire manual off of the internet it was on on hubben.crosswinds.net a website full of antique/vintage sewing machine info. I'm hoping to get my mechanically inclined son in law to look at it soon.
Elizabeth
joyously dancing through life |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2004 : 5:34:22 PM
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Elizabeth, I'll have to get back to you on that. The treadle seems to be working, but I only have thread on the lower bobbin - when I use the treadle, the thread moves. I'll have to figure out how to thread the rest of the machine, because all the instructions I've found are for Singers and I have a White one. Also - you can buy a brand new treadle machine from Lehman Hardware in Ohio (I think their website is www.Lehman.com - or just try Lehmans). They supply the Amish with lots of non-electric stuff - that's where I got the new belt for the machine. Maybe they have a book on treadles?
 Cecelia
also joyously dancing through life, sometimes to the wrong tune!
ce's farm |
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ElizArtist
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Elizabeth
Newbury Park
California
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2004 : 5:58:01 PM
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I tried that website it is a stock brokerage company.
Elizabeth
joyously dancing through life |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2004 : 7:22:00 PM
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http://www.lehmans.com/
Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2004 : 10:52:39 AM
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Oh well, Lehman.com was close! Hope you find something you like in the catalog.
I did manage to get the belt on my treadle machine, but it's a White model, and I haven't yet figured out how to thread the needle or wind the bobbin. The machine is "working", i.e. the treadle is working the needle up and down, and I'm anxious to start practicing with it. Do I need to oil it beforehand?
Cecelia
ce's farm |
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ElizArtist
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Elizabeth
Newbury Park
California
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2004 : 1:12:33 PM
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I finally got my treadle sewing machine working and am anxious to have time to sew on it. I've been so busy with the sock knitting preparations and other obligations that I haven't had much time for fun or even posting on the internet!
Elizabeth
joyously dancing through life |
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Ann
Farmgirl at Heart
1 Posts
1 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2004 : 8:03:17 PM
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| I have a Singer Treadle machine that my dad bought at an auction, for $20, over 15 years ago. It works like a dream and I use it to sew quilts, heirloom clothes for daughters and patches on jeans. YES, OIL YOUR MACHINE-----OFTEN. It is recommended to oil the machine after each project is complete. I oil and clean the lint, as well as replace the needle, about every two weeks, depending on my sewing schedule! There should be instructions on the mentioned websites about where to oil. If not let me know and I can give more help. When tightening the belt, use a drill to make the hole to insert the metal clip in place. This works like a charm! I was fortunate to find a local sewing machine repairman who came to my home and looked it over. I got some good tips and advice. Maybe there is someone in the area who could help! When my daughters want to sew with me, I use the treadle. They stand beside me, with their foot on the pedal, helping me push. They feel so important to be helping mom sew, and they can't mess up the electric machine with all the buttons! I will never part with my Treadle machine!!! I think it will be the first machine my daughters will learn on. Without practice, they can't go to fast! |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2004 : 06:09:04 AM
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I have my grandmother's treadle machine. It was the first machine I learned to sew on. It is a black Singer and it is in great condition. I haven't used it in a long time, this website is getting me fired up to use it!
farmgirl@heart
Longaberger Lover and all things antique |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2004 : 09:06:18 AM
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My mom has my grandma's treadle machine. She just uses it for decoration! It will be mine someday, but I sure wish I could use it..she is in Calif however! Meanwhile I sew on a 1960's electric machine. I have never had a fancy newer one with lots of stitches. Guess I don't need that. But..sure would like to find a treadle to use in the meantime until I someday get my grandmas. I have 2 daughters so I will need two to pass down to them, right????
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2004 : 1:06:14 PM
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Jenny, I too long to have a treadle sewing machine. I also sew on an older, plainer machine. It was actually my high school graduation present, (circa 1971). I think it's a Sears or Montgomery Ward brand and has been like ole faithful - maintenance free. It does have zig-zag stiches and will do button holes, and that's as fancy as I'll ever get! Can't imagine having a sewing machine with a computer inside it. Too techno for me!
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
Edited by - Clare on Aug 30 2004 1:07:50 PM |
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ElizArtist
True Blue Farmgirl
113 Posts
Elizabeth
Newbury Park
California
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2004 : 9:11:40 PM
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I finally got the chance to try out my treadle machine and I'm wondering if it needs a new belt. The one on it is made of leather and sometimes when I'm treadling nothing happens on the top. It sews beautifully, but I'm wondering if I should have bought a slightly newer one, there is no adjustment for stitch length. Does anyone have a newer than 1908 singer treadle? Do they have more adjustments. Also, it seems that treadling is very heavy. Of course, I'm used to treadling on my spinning wheels which by comparison would be much lighter. I wish there was somewhere to take a class in sewing on antique machines, I could use the help.
Elizabeth
joyously dancing through life |
Edited by - ElizArtist on Sep 08 2004 9:13:00 PM |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Sep 09 2004 : 1:30:01 PM
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Hi Cecelia,
My daughter has a "White" treadle machine and her husband found the threading instructions on line. I will get in touch with her and find out where he got the book to download. I was able to find bobbins for her machine at a local sewing machine dealership. The owner collects old machines and also repairs and gathers replacement parts for them from foraging trips he takes around the country. A very interresting man.
Eileen
songbird |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2004 : 12:40:37 PM
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My machine seems to be in excellent condition; I don't know how long ago my mother in law actually used it (she is now deceased), but she must have used it regularly. I'll be waiting for your reply. There are a lot of bobbins with the machine, so I don't think that will be a problem, they actually look like the ones from my modern machine.
Cecelia
ce's farm |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2004 : 10:51:48 AM
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Hi Cecelia,
My daughter can't locate the name of the websight but I have a dealer here who specialises in old machines so maybe he has a threading guide. Do you have a modle number?
Eileen
songbird |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2004 : 11:02:56 AM
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Hi cecelia,
I spoke with the sewing machine man in town and he can come up with the information you need. He sent me out with a complete book on a "New Home" modle of machine that he says is exactly like the White molel that uses the more modern looking bobbins. He let me make a photocopy of it. Do you want it? I can mail it to you.
E-mail me and I will get it out to you.
Eileen
songbird |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2004 : 1:15:59 PM
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Eileen, that would be great, I'd reimburse you for the postage and copying. I'm not sure how to email you, as I don't want to post my email address here for everyone. Let me know how to contact you, or you could possibly get it from Sara or Maryjane.
Cecelia
ce's farm |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2004 : 10:12:38 AM
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Cecelia,
If you look at my post above your last reply there is an icon that says e-mail poster. Click there and you can e-mail your address to me.
It is the one with the envelope and paper.
Eileen
songbird |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2005 : 10:40:58 AM
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Just have to share, girls! Doing a HAPPY DANCE this morning !!
At about 8:30am yard sale time, I became the new owner of a Singer Treadle Sewing Machine, model AB which is circa 1926-1928 ! I'm excited, and mainly just want to give this machine back its dignity. The iron work is full of cobwebs, but it came with many attachments, some of which I am not familiar with such as a tucker and a ruffler among other things. (I've always done those things by hand!), and comes with 3 bobbins, two of which are full of pink and blue thread! The belt is a little dry, but not broken. It is missing the thread post, so I was able to get the price down from $75 to $50. So, now I need to do more research on care and get a complete handbook for it (the one that came with it is missing many pages). The gold lettering is also in near mint condition! The cabinet is the type where the machine folds inside it, with 3 drawers on each side. The wood/veneer is in need of refinishing, but not too ugly! I'm excited, it's like a big history lesson!!! It'll be cool if I can get it running nicely, too!
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
Edited by - Clare on Jun 11 2005 10:46:01 AM |
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KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2005 : 12:02:14 PM
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congrads!
You should be excited, I got my treadle about 5 years ago at an auction.
There was a lady there I had to "OUTBID" who just wanted it for decoration. I think I got it for $75 or $80.
I called my sewing machine repair guy(what a sweetie, he came to my house and service it and my other '60's era machines at one time).
He said it was a a good machine and should give me many years of enjoyment.
My problem is with me not the machine, my rhythm is terrible with the treadle.
I haven't sewn on it since last year, time to oil it and get going again.
My grandma (she died at 100)would be frowning at me for not staying with it.
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2005 : 2:13:09 PM
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Lucky you Clare! What a special find! You will have so much fun with this! And gain more knowledge to boot... It sounds like a real beauty!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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countrykat
True Blue Farmgirl
85 Posts
kathy
paola
kansas
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2005 : 9:50:25 PM
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Clare, how neat to hear of your find. I also own a similar Singer Treadle machine. Mine came with a free service coupon, dated December 11, 1936. It has the original Instruction Manual which was printed in May, 1916 as well as many attachments and an old wooden spool of thread. The sewing machine folds into the cabinet but mine only has two drawers on each side.
I haven't yet used it but after reading through this thread I think I am going to give it a shot. I just made a crib quilt for my Nephew and think I would like to use this machine to make the next two I would like to give to Todd's Neice and Nephew. I'm going to check out the link and get it ready to go.
How exciting, can't wait to report in that I got it working. |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: treadle machines |
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