Originally Posted by
Macybaby
You won't stretch the belt - you'll pull the staple out . . .
Like Joe said, you have to "derail" the belt (take it off the large wheel) to lower the machine. That is one advantage many other machines have over the Singer - you don't need to take the belt off to put them to bed.
I've seen a lot of Singer treadle irons with the derailer missing - so if you don't know what we're talking about, that could be the issue.
IF the derailer is missing-- on the bottom wheel is a 'lip' that you can derail the belt by hand --just gently nudge the belt above the wheel towards the treadle area as you move the wheel slowly And find a sewing machine repair shop who fixes the vintage machines and see if they can get you a derailer. It is an easy fix and well worth the few dollars it may cost.