I need help!
10-10-2021, 11:21 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 6
I need help!
I was just given a Singer model 66 treadle sewing machine. I have the users manual, so I’m pretty confident I have it threaded correctly. I’ve never used a treadle before, but something seems very amiss. As I pump the treadle, the balance wheel spins forward (toward me) and backward (away from me) so the stitching actually goes nowhere, I’m sure there’s a setting that’s not right, but I have no idea what. The users manual does not address, that I can find. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated… this machine is so lovely, I’m itching to get the hang of it.
10-10-2021, 11:37 AM
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,461
Bonnie Hunter sometimes has videos on her Quiltville site of people trying out treadleing. It would help to find a video of someone using a treadle. If you can’t find one on Bonnie’s site, then there may be videos on YouTube. Controlling the treadle is all done by getting the proper motion with your feet. Keep at it and you will enjoy treadleing.
10-11-2021, 07:27 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: near Topeka kansas
Posts: 4,524
Welcome aboard Mary Margaret P
I believe this would be called operator error and not any setting. As you treadle the handwheel should continue to spin counter clockwise, or to to the operator. Spinning both ways will break the thread and give you for to many opportunities to thread the needle.
I always tell beginning treadlers not to thread the machine until they can keep a steady rhythm on the treadle while they are talking to someone else. Start by pulling the handwheel towards your self and watching the treadle. try to gently keep that pattern going.
66 is a great machine to learn on I consider it well lubed if I can give the handwheel a spin ( no belts on) for 3 revolutions with a quick flick of my wrist..
I believe this would be called operator error and not any setting. As you treadle the handwheel should continue to spin counter clockwise, or to to the operator. Spinning both ways will break the thread and give you for to many opportunities to thread the needle.
I always tell beginning treadlers not to thread the machine until they can keep a steady rhythm on the treadle while they are talking to someone else. Start by pulling the handwheel towards your self and watching the treadle. try to gently keep that pattern going.
66 is a great machine to learn on I consider it well lubed if I can give the handwheel a spin ( no belts on) for 3 revolutions with a quick flick of my wrist..
10-12-2021, 02:06 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,349
I do not have a working treadle...but I do remember helping my grandmother when she used the treadle to stitch rags together for rag rugs...she would just treadle away...she had me try and treadle. I was 5-6 at the time. No go....I did the same as you...the handwheel would go toward me and then away from me....there is definitely a rhythm you need to master....keep at it...I like the idea of not threading the machine...but just practicing the treadle motion and watching the direction the handwheel is going and getting that rhythm down. Good Luck!
