Treadle Machine--anyone experienced in using one?

[bdmsmith]

I am looking at a 1914 Singer Treadle Machine that is really pretty (in the pics). I would love to have it just for decoration alone because it's in a cabinet and it's a good price. I've only seen pics and will be going to look at it in person tomorrow, but the ad states that the machine does work.

My question is whether anyone on the forum has experience with them and if anyone uses a treadle machine for quilting? I've only ever seen one in use once and that was a couple months ago in an Amish lady's house when we went to pickup a puppy.

Growing up my mom had the older singer in a cabinet but it was a traditional model. I'm just wondering how functional it would be and what the likelihood would be of me actually being able to use it. I've sewed for years on traditional base model machines so I'm curious if the treadle machines produce a good quality stitch so that I might be able to piece or quilt with it?

I would be happy to receive anyone's input on this. The price is so good I will likely get it for decoration at least but I'm just curious if I'm going to be able to actually use it. Thanks!

[Mchelem]

I have one but it doesn't work.

[bubba]

I have one that is beautiful and works, but between my back and my foot, it does not get used. It's pretty though!

[lilmouse]

My daughter has one and it has a great stitch....lately she has been using her serger allot.

[dwil23]

Check this out:

3/18/2013 Quilt-Cam! - YouTube

Bonnie Hunter has several more "quilt-cam" episodes where she uses her treadle machine.

[bdmsmith]

Update: My husband went to look at this the day after I posted but they wouldn't sell it because someone on FB said they'd be in so they were holding it. 2 weeks later the business re-posted it on FB and I asked about it and yes it was still for sale. I told them no I wasn't interested because my husband made a special trip & was there waiting when the store was to open---the owner was 1/2 hour late getting there (according to FB that happens a lot) plus he had cash and was going to buy it right then but was refused.

So, today my dad/stepmom called and they were at a barn sale & they had a machine in a cabinet---it was around the corner from me so I went and looked but it wasn't what I was looking for, it was a modern machine but older--probably 70's or 80's. I was talking to my dad & told him I really wanted a treadle OR a really old electric machine in a cabinet & I told him about the one above but again all the issues. Plus, in the pic it looked like the top of the cabinet was cracked---and my husband indicated after he went to look at it that yes it was cracked and he'd be afraid it wouldn't hold up and break completely. My dad works with wood and he said he would go look at it and see if he could fix it.

Needless to say an hour ago here they pull in with the machine. Originally when they posted it they wanted $199. On 8/1 they dropped the price to $99. My dad offered them $75 and they settled on $80. It doesn't have the belt but I turned the wheel and it all moves. The cabinet needs cleaned and some wood polish added plus the machine needs oiled and polished but I'm thrilled.

Note: The 'crack' I saw in the pic and my husband was worried about wasn't a crack at all but the front flap that flips up for the machine. I was really surprised because when he went to look at it his boss went with him and she sews and I'm surprised she didn't catch that----but they probably didn't look at it too closely since they were told it was on hold.

I wanted it for decoration partially but I also want to learn to sew on it as well. Anyone that uses one---feel free to give me tips. Also, I'm hoping what I paid was reasonable.

Here's some pics:

[Monique]

She is a beauty. Maybe Sandy Navas could give you some tips. She owns a gazillion machines. lol!!

[Doloris]

looks like a Singer 66 red eye. I have one and it works, but I don't use it much. One tip for treadling is to put one foot on the treadle and the toes of the other foot on the edge of the treadle. Get it running forward by turning the handwheel by hand and then get a rhythm going with your feet. You can download a manual online. Just go to the Singer site and there is somewhere on there to look for manuals. Mine was free, so if you have to pay for it there just google it and you will find one. You can order a belt for it online, but call around to all sewing repair shops and you might pick one up locally. Ask at quilt and sewing stores too. I found one at a quilting store I didn't even know existed.
Oh yea, that is a back clamp foot. They are kinda hard to find, so you did good getting a few with the machine. When you put the belt on you will have to drop the head partway into the put away position to get it on and off the handwheel. It will come like a shoelace with a staple to put in it to fit it to your machine. You will figure all this out as you play with it.

[Bubby]

I have one but I have trouble with the bobbin.

[bubba]

I would find a belt for it and give it a whirl. It's definitely missing one. It looks a lot like the one I have. Congrats!