First project on my treadle table
 

I've been practicing sewing on fabric scraps on the 1904 Singer 27 treadle machine I got last February.

There's definitely a learning curve on where to put your feet on the pedal, how to backstitch, how to keep your fabric from moving when your body is pedaling...so the fabric doesn't wiggle. (Wiggling is for dancing, NOT sewing.)

Anyone have any hints or tips on how to keep seams straight when pedaling??? (Please?)

My cabinet does a little jiggle thing too even though I checked all the screws and they're tight. Any ideas for that one too?

Decided to make my first project on it for more practice. A whimsical, completely non-authentic, Tudor-ish style quilted apron.

I plan on wearing it when sewing so I don't get sewing poop on the front of my clothes anymore. The sewing poop will be on my apron instead.

Ms. Vicky Dressform is modeling it for us here.

I think you did a fabulous job on it. By the way, what is sewing poop? LOL

I was wondering the same thing. Cute apron.

Sewing poop are the little bits of cut threads and fuzzies that you get when cutting fabric and sewing. I always get a bunch on the front of me when sewing.

Well done! Using a treadle can be a little tricky but soon you will be a pro. If you are having trouble keeping your seams straight, you might benefit from using a seam curb. I have one that is magnetic but you can make yourself one from a hotel key card or similar. Bonnie Hunter has instructions on how to make one at her Quiltville site. It will be under one of the tabs on the top of the site maybe under tips or misc.?

My guess the trick to straight seams while pedaling is-- practice.

I KNEW somebody was going to say that! LOL

That's very cute and it looks like you and your new machine are getting along just fine! :)

That's a classy apron!

Your apron is so pretty and practical. Before you know it you will be sewing on your treadle like a pro. I learned to sew exclusively on a treadle. Got my first one as a gift from my dad he picked it up for $3 at an auction. I made all my own clothes from then on. Now I don't use a treadle that often but I suppose it is like a bicycle once you learn you don't forget.

Someone mentioned to ensure all the feet on the treadle cabinet were flush. I discovered my sewing room rug had crept under one of the feet. Moved it out and the cabinet wobbles much less now. Whew!

Isn't it great when you find a simple solution to a problem.https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Love your apron and nice work on a treadle machine.

Thanks for the kudos everyone! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png

When I use my treadle machine, I have my left foot forward (but still toes are on the treadle) and my right foot back a ways (with the heel slightly OFF the peddle) and just start with the feet only. Try not to let your knees go up and down, just move the ankles. Hope it works for you.

Good job! Looks like you're doing great with the treadle machine.

Rob

great job. ... great hint here too.....I have trouble with wheel wanting to go backwards. Yes practice practice. I to,d my self when I retired I was going g to master the treadle. Well that was in 2009. Opps. Sadly Have not mastered yet.

Before I messed up my treadle I was sewing with no problem, even was doing FMQ. My machine came with a seam guide that I screw in near the face plate, they’re very easy to find online. Just like anything else you just have to practice, I’m guessing from your lovely apron that you’re enjoying it so keep going!

I have never tried to sew reverse on my treadle. I just take a few stitches and put the needle down, then turn the fabric around and sew a few stitches and then turn it again and go. That is how my mom taught me to sew on it.

That's how I was doing it too - and sometimes turning things the wrong way in the process so having to remove those stitches (thanks RA brain fog for messing up my spatials! lol)

Someone said to do a 'ghetto stitch' which is take 2 stitches, pull up the needle, move the fabric so the needle fits in the first hole again, and continue stitching. That way is much much easier! And you don't have to flip the fabric every which way from Sunday.

Oh goodness, how did you mess up your treadle?