As one of the newer members of this board, I am finding it interesting to read about how much all of you like the old "treadle" type machines made by Singer, New Home, etc. I have my grandmother's old Singer machine, which I was told worked before the belt broke, but I actually use it as my sewing machine table for my Janome. The thread on the machine was put there by my grandmother over 30 years ago and is still threaded through the needle. Since I am new to quilting, should I look into having it refurbished?? Is it worth the money? I would love to hear why everyone likes the old machines so much! Thanks

For me it is 2 things. #1 reason - Sentimental value: I use my late mother's 1956 Singer 403 & my 1948 Singer Featherweight that was a gift from my parents when I was 12. #2 reason - It is all I have ever known. And quite truthfully I'm not ready to upgrade to a "modern" machine as long as my old ones are still working.

I don't have a treadle (yet!) but I want one because it reminds me of both of my grandmothers and several aunts.

I think if I had one that had been in the family, I would try to get it working and hang onto it. I think they're pretty cool, but I don't really have a desire for one that has no history with me. Plus I have no room for storage or displaying one in my little sewing nook.

Wow, what a treasure! If it is just the belt, you can replace that yourself and since they are so simplistic by nature just a few dots of sewing machine oil should take care of the moaning and groans it may have developed. Never, under any circumstance use a product like WD-40 or 3-in-one oil. I don't know why, but you will regret it later.

I had my grandmother's treadle and was given a Janome treadle. I never used them. I guess because a treadle was what I learned to sew on and it wasn't that much fun compared to the newer machines. It's great if there is no power! I gave my DDs the treadles I had. Their homes are decorated in more antique style then mine and if I need to use one I know where they are.

Thanks for the responses. I may try fixing it myself. I would never give it away because of its sentimental family memories and it would be nice if I could show my grandchildren how it really works!

I don't think my machine has much $$ value, but it sure is loaded with sentimental value.

I have my mother's Singer red eye. She bought it second hand after WWII, and sewed halloween costumes, clothes, slipcovers, and curtains for the home on it...it was the machine she used to teach me to sew back in junior high.

It had a motor on it, but after it started smoking one day I decided that a new machine was in order, so I bought a new Singer. Bleech. Then I began to think how nice it would be to use her machine, so we found a treadle at a yard sale and put it in. It sews perfectly and it's fun to use - and I don't have to worry about setting the house on fire. For a long time it was the only machine I pieced with.

Since then I've acquired two more electronic sewing machines, a Viking Sapphire and a Bernina 430, but there are days when I still prefer to use the treadle. It gives me a peace the other machines don't.

Janet

The old Singer treadles are so reliable. They my not do the fancy stuff that the new machines do but they can sew through just about anything that will fit under the foot. I use mine for sewing up blue jean hems, double upholstery fabric purse handles, cammo tent fabric etc. Some people can even use theirs to FMQ quilt on. I don't know how they do it but way-to-go treadlers. I can also sew when the power goes out and get great exercise!

i could never give you one logical reason for it, but i have a secret yearning to own an antique treadle.

go figure. :lol: