What to do with a treadle machine
 

I have my grandmother's treadle machine in a cabinet. It needs a belt so I am not using it and it's just taking up space that I need. What do people do with old treadle sewing machines? I often thought I wanted to use it just to try out the huge assortment of feet and accessories with it, but alas, it still sits. And, it's heavier than a boat anchor!

you could put it for free on facebook marketplace if you like and want rid of it! here in south USA the old stuff is the first to go

Replacing the belt is easy. Much easier than you would every dream. My son replaced it in less than 10 minutes. He just followed the directions found on a YouTube video. I purchased the belt online and it arrived in less than 2 days.

The treadle I have was from the family of a friend. I am the fourth owner and I have all the attachments the instruction manual and it is a beauty. I also kept the family history and dates of the owners. Someday, someone may care.

I actually do have 3… the first doesnt/cant work at all but has a beautiful cabinet so lives in my bedroom as a radio and clock stand.

The second one my brother bought for me at a garage sale (he said he saw it and it was too nice not to give to his favorite/only sister). The cabinet was beautifully refinished - but it has the old shuttle type bobbin and there is no way i have the patience or fortitude to go that far back in time to learn to use it. I made a special place for it in my sewing room and use the drawers to store notions.

The third one is a Singer 66. I bought it from a friend because i do want to learn how to treadle. It works and i had the machine totally serviced when i bought it. I havent reinstalled the machine in the cabinet yet because i would like to give the cabinet a light refinish. Will probably do that this spring. For now it sits in my livingroom topped with a small yoyo quilt and the Sonos radio!

Yes, they are ALL heavy boat anchors! But they are also a piece of history that many of us here appreciate and love. I had no family members on either side who sewed, so i guess these are kinda like the quiltin grannies i never had!

I have my grandmother's old Franklin treadle. It's in a gorgeous oak cabinet and lives in the corner of my living room with my grandparent's reverse painted lamp on top of it just like it did when my grandmother owned it and when my mother owned it. I love the continuity with those who came before me.

I have my grandpa's treadle. He did piecework back in the shirtwaist factory days but he did it at home. I replaced the belt. It is easy. Plenty of YouTube videos. It hadn't been used in literally decades but it was covered and inside so all it needed was a really good cleaning and oiling . I made two quilts on it. I have a big dining room in this house so it is opened in a corner and I see it every day. I sometimes treadle a scrap for fun

I bought a treadle a few years back just because I thought I needed one. The machine itself is in great condition, came with all the original paperwork, but the cabinet could use a refinishing. Only paid $65 for it. Have never used it and not up to all the necessary refinishing to make it a true beauty. Right now it sits in front of the window with a plant on it. Really should sell it.

before marketplace or craigslist I start really local with what I'm willing to 'let it go' is use the local town free giveaway list on facebook. we have a small community, but the big cities are organized by neighborhood often so still local :) I loved having and using my vintage machines, hand crank and treadle, but it was also part mob mentality as they were very popular at the time. I'm glad I let them go. One I bartered for (can't do that on the free lists, they are no strings) and got a nice pile of 1800's reproductions. best wishes!

The belt came be replaced easily. I have a treadle that I inherited from my mom. It has been passed down thru the family. I am the 5th generation to have it. I have to teach my daughter how to sew on it or that info is lost with me.

I was gifted a treadle with no belt and a bit froze up. I oiled it bought a belt and I use it occasionally now and then to keep the oil soft. I learned on a treadle so I love it. but if you don't want it I bet you can find someone who would want it. They were heavy sturdy machines that were easy to repair and maintain.