With modern machines providing almost perfect tension, a vast array of stitches and reliability second to none - why do so many of you crave these older machines? I do have an old Singer treadle, but I have great difficulty sewing on it and it is only used as an ornament in the corner.

For me, the fascination is the fact something so old that is still working in itself is a marvel. But mostly, my treadle is one that belonged to my great aunt and using it is just plain fun. The rest of the family thought I was crazy until I made my sister try it, then she had fun and even felt she was getting exercise at the same time. My other machine is the one I learned to sew on, and it still works as well as it did in 1950. Had a great laugh when I used the zig zag attachment and it was throwing the fabric back and forth. (Something I had forgotten.)

I have featherweights because they are so darn cute!!! And they sew well too, and I have 3 because I didn't know show to stop the bid once I won the first one. Oh well. So maybe I will have one painted, but not right now. May sell the extras too. Not sure what I want to do.

But the older machines work so well and the newer machines seem to crash from time to time. I do have the Janome 6600 and love it!!! So I use the other machines for other things.

Maybe it is my treadle machine that is at fault and would benefit by an overhaul. Who knows it may be reinstated yet!

Thank you for this thread. I don't "get it" either. I have always wanted to ask this question, so I am so glad that you asked it first. Seriously, what IS the big deal? I think that you and I are in for a huge amount of flack, but I did not start it. :wink:

Nostalgia. I remember my grandmother teaching me how to sew on one.

I cant take apart a computerized machine and work on it myself, but I can with the older mechanical machines! It is fun to tinker! I also think many of the older machines are a thing of beauty in and of themselves. And I am sentimental, I love knowing who first owned these machines, and like to imagine where they have been and what was created with them. :D

Here are my reasons to want a treadle:
1. My grandmother had one that I used to sew
2. It does not need electricity
3. I like the "oldness" of it, recycling and reusing things past
4. I want the exercise as I have very limited leg movements

I don't want the featherweight, or hundreds more, just a good working treadle. I'll find one someday, when I have time and money at the same instance.

I was amazed that I saw 4 this past week end at yard sales. I thought of all of the people on here who love them. I don't have an interest in them myself.

Glad you asked because I don't understand it either. I have an old treadle machine and use it for an accent table. Never thought of trying to sew with it.

It took me a while to figure out why I love sewing on the 1941 Singer 15-30 versus all the other machines we have around, no high dollar ones with perfect tension, etc.

Its the sound. Best I can tell without research is that it sews in A sharp. The New Home is E flat and I might as well be grinding corn.

I wonder if manufacturers are onto this?

Should mention we come from hillbilly musicians.