callie8799

I am interested in purchasing a treadle machine but I do not know what to look for. Its use will be appreciation of antique machines and for simple use.

Could anyone help me or advise me what I should look for when looking at these machines?

Thank you!
Debbie

minibarn

My input would be start w/price, what you think is reasonable for the machine you are interested in. What is reasonable to one person may not be to another. Also, ease of use...does it treadle well, are the parts easy to come by, are all the parts there. Some of the old machines take needles that are not available anymore. If you watch Craigslist you can come across a nice old treadle for a very low price.

Hope this helps some, and maybe others will have more for you to consider.
Jp

miriam

Unless you buy one that you can sew test to see if it is working from someone who restores them, you want to do enough research to know if all the parts are there. You want to be sure nothing on the base is cracked or broken or if all the wheels are working. As far as the machine goes know what you are looking at. Again research.

Macybaby

Sorry, but for me the first thing I look for - how much money is in my wallet.

If parts availability is a concern, by a non-fiddle base Singer and you won't have any problems. Anything else, you have to check the particular manufacturer - and it would be too much to come up with a list.

Some machines - getting a shuttle can cost you another $30 - and for some if they are missing a front plate, you may as well look for another machine because that is about the only way you will find one.

Belts are easy to get, and if nothing is broken or missing, most machines can be made to function again. In fact, whether the machine actually sews or not is never a concern for me with older machines - I assume they are not functioning when I buy them.

Cathieinut

Good advice posted so far.
I would suggest either a Singer or White FR because there seems to be lots of parts and you can find pretty good info online easily.
Cathy is right price really makes a difference. If you find a machine that has very nice decals people will want more for that machine on average than one with scratched up or missing decals. If you are handy or know someone who is then many problems can be overcome with a bit of elbow grease and time. Of course the more "rare" the machine the higher the price even though the machine itself may not be any better than a more common model. Also, treadle machines were made until after WWII but the "pretty" ones were mostly made before 1930...give or take... and the cabinets reflect the times too. An ornate oak cabinet will usually be priced higher than a simple version so that will make a difference. Good luck with your search and be sure to post pictures when you find the perfect one!

Cogito

I think it also depends on where you are located. I have three treadles, all coming to me in very nice condition, cabinet and machine...my Minnesota A...free, my Singer 15-88, $40 and my newest Singer Godzilla 66 $30. But you have to be patient and look and sometimes quick! Also be prepared to negotiate. My 66 was originally advertised for 3x what I paid. I live in Midwest and assume east coast etc are higher priced but you know what happens when you ASSume.

Rodney

Ask yourself some questions.
Start with: "Do I like the machine I'm looking at?"
Next look carefully to see if there are any damaged or missing parts. Chances are there is some. Missing parts can be a killer, especially commonly missing parts like bobbin cases and shuttles or slide plates. Sometimes they'll cost as much as another machine to replace them and sometimes you have to buy an entire machine to get them.
Be honest here. "Am I willing and able to repair the damage I see?" A damaged cabinet is a pretty large job to restore. If you have to pay for the labor, the cost goes up tremendously.
The next thing requires some research. A good deal in one area isn't necessarily the same in another area. "Is the price within reason for the machine in question?"
The others are right. An ornate machine and cabinet in good condition is worth more than a plain example or one with some of the typical issues of the veneer lifting off the cabinet or worn decals.
Take your time and think about your goals. It looks to me you're going to be happiest with a complete machine in good condition. Most treadles I see for sale have spent a good part of their career gathering dust as plant stands. Count on them needing the basics like a new belt and a good cleaning before they can sew. It's work you can easily do yourself and we're willing to help with questions here.
Be patient, the right machine will come along at the right price.
Good luck and enjoy your search,
Rodney

cmrenno

I bought a 1915 Singer 15-30 on Craigslist for $35. I didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. One time I had seen an Amish girl treadling and I thought it looked interesting. I took the entire sewing machine apart and cleaned each piece. (Thank goodness for digital cameras!) I also pretty successfully restored the cabinet that had water rings from plants and paint splatters from it being used as a work table during several painting projects. I learned a great deal from the project and I proudly display it in my home. There is a lot on great information on the internet and the members of this forum and absolutely wonderful and helpful.
And sewing on the treadle machine is a terrific experience.
Enjoy your search. I hope you have as enjoyable an experience as I did!!!
Colleen

purplefiend

Singers are a good choice as parts are readily available, they made millions of them.
If you get a White rotary, make sure it has the bobbin case; very difficult to find another one. I really like my White rotary,its a lovely machine.
Sharon