HillCountryGal

Can't explain it... but I think I'd like to own and use a treadle machine.

Asking any of you to share your experiences. Is it hard to keep them serviced and running? Is it a pain to create quilt tops with them?

I remember using my Grandmother's treadle when I was a kid (many years ago!) and liked it. But that's my only experience.

Thanks in advance....

miriam

Lots of info on QB:
Quilts:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t134918.html
Vintage machines:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...s-t130994.html

Muv has ALL kinds of really great info on her blog and she has made some real nice videos:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...v-t167789.html
Muv web stuff:
http://www.lizzielenard-sewingdesigns.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/user/Muvandfarve?feature=mhee
http://www.lizzielenard-vintagesewing.blogspot.co.uk

HillCountryGal

Thanks Miriam... I'll check them out.

Another question.. what should a person expect to pay for a working treadle?

miriam

now that is an art!

amcatanzaro

"working" is such a broad term. I've seen plenty of "working" treadles with no belt... thus not working. With most treadles you are also buying the cabinet/table. Lots of factors can go into the price.
Treadles are fairly simple machines but they will require oil (probably lots), cleaning goo (oil plus dust), changing/tightening the belt, leg power.

If you want one, go for it. Shop around, find one that speaks to you. We enable and support here.

lakekids

I paid $80 for my 1917 White Family Rotary treadle. It came with a bunch of accessories, treadle belt, cabinet. I did replace the belt with a new one. I thought it was a fantastic deal - found it locally on craigslist.

Rodney

So far in the month or so since I started with these old machines I've seen a wide range of prices from $35 for a restorable treadle to stuff in the "What are they thinking?" range. Both $35 machines were Singer model 66s in relatively plain cabinets. The cheaper ones will most likely need work. One of the $35 ones I looked at needed some of the veneer repaired on the cabinet, the other needed the top refinished due to some old water damage. Not deal breakers for me but the amount of work needed is a consideration. Both machines also needed a good cleaning and new treadle belts. Don't let a missing belt scare you off though. They are still available. Also watch for things like having at least one bobbin case (or shuttle) and bobbin with the machine. Those parts can be difficult and expensive to replace on some machines. Other things that can affect price are how ornate are the cabinet and the decals on the machine. Generally more decoration means more money.
Rodney

J Miller

Treadles are incredibly easy to use and maintain. No electrical parts, just basic mechanics and one leather belt.
I currently have 5, not bragging, they bread while your back is turned and all of them are functional.

Functional = All sew, all have belts, all are complete with the necessary parts. Some have accessories and attachments.

With the exception of the Franklin in the parlor cabinet none of them cost me over $75.00. I won't say what the Franklin cost but it's up and running now.

If you were closer I'd invite you to try mine and see what you could do.

As for quilting, it's no harder to use a treadle to do that than it is an e-machine. You just have to be able to use your hands and feet at the same time. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but once I did it's fairly easy.


Joe

mighty

I learned to sew on one when I ws young, now have another and I really like it.

J Miller

There is something rewarding knowing that what ever you made with a treadle, you did it all.

Joe