Sassy, I think someone linked the manual for this machine, covers the need to knows pretty well. Also check out the Video Sticky at the Top of the page MUV does a wonderful video on winding the bobbins and also I think loading and threading the machine. The are really no differant to use than any other straight stitch machine. My daughter ( 10 at the time) was having trouble with the new plastic white machine she had been given so I sat down at taught her to sew using my treadle ( same machine as yours ... mine made in 1900 and MUCH uglier shape ) she was able to master this machine in minutes and apply the concepts to her machine. It really is a wonderful steady capable forgiving old machine........ only thing to really watch for is DON'T TURN THEM BACKWARDS... much easier to do on a treadle.... but they break the tread and snarl within one rotation.... does not hurt the machine any but don't even try to "back up " one stitch using the hand wheel... I have found it just does not work ;-)