Treadle Machine
@capirani (2715)
United States
January 10, 2009 11:59pm CST
Who remembers the treadle sewing machine?
I first learned how to sew on a treadle. I loved listening to the rhythm of the peddle and wheel as she peddled away when making clothing for me or others in the family. My mother and I used my grandmother's treadle. It was by New Home. I had that machine until about 10 years ago. I used that machine right up until the little bobbin holder broke and I could no longer attach the bobbin to it. I have seen some treadle frames recycled into plant stands and end tables. It was hard for me to first use an electric sewing machine. It just went so fast I had a hard time keeping the stitching straight. But eventually I learned. My cousin, on the other hand, learned to sew on an electric machine. Then one day she came to our house for some assistance. My mom sat her down at our treadle and it went so slowly she ended up running the needle through one of her fingers.
I remember loving to look through the four little drawers on the treadle to check out all the old antique crochet hooks, knitting needles, tatting shuttles and other items stored in there that once belonged to my grandmother.
Does anyone still have an original treadle sewing machine? Do you still use it?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@nancygibson (3736)
• France
11 Jan 09
I still have a treadle sewing machine as well as several hand operated ones. They still sometimes get used, though most of the time I rely on a modern electric sewing machine and an overlocker. The treadle is fabulous for sewing leather though, you have so much more control with the foot treadle so you can get through even heavy fabrics really easily. The rest of the time its just a useful small table.
1 person likes this
@wifeofharvey (1156)
• United States
11 Jan 09
I remember them. I have used a few in my life. When my husband and I married in the mid 60's we didn't have much money and bought a treadle machine at an auction sale for $5. I did a lot of sewing on that old machine. As time went on I moved up to electric, then zig zag machines. The decrotive stitches that became available really tickled me. I now own a high end sewing/embroidery machine and I do enjoy it. BUT, while I enjoy it I am absolutely thrilled to have a treadle base that my husband found a decrotive stitch machine that we took the motor off of and put it into that base! I haven't done much with it so far, still getting all the kinks out of the very sadly neglected machine head we found. I love finding old sewing and needlework tools, books and things at yard sales and flea markets.
@wifeofharvey (1156)
• United States
11 Jan 09
I use those stitches a lot in household item. They really perk up the looks of dishtowels and other things. I like to starch a piece of plain colored fabric very stiff, mark a few guide lines in light pencil, then make row, or band, or even curved lines of the stitches. Amazing the nice looks you can get by combining some of those stiches.
