Still looking at treadles, and have another question...
 

Do the 3/4 size machines hold as much thread on the round bobbins as those on full size machines? Again, many thanks for all your expertise! I promise I'll let you all know what I end up buying. I seem to be narrowing this search down a bit. Definitely decided I want a round bobbin, not a shuttle (at least I've figured that out, lol!) I'm considering a a Red Eye Treadle and a Singer 3/4 size 15 treadle right now.

The 15 is considered a full sized machine, though the throat area is somewhat smaller than the 66. I don't know for sure but I think the 28/128 machines use the same bobbins as the 27/127. The 99 (the 3/4 66, though the number is 3/2 instead) uses the same bobbins as the 66 - same amount of thread.

Hello JustAbitCrazy,

If you are aiming for free motion quilting in the future get a class 15. I've just done a video on Youtube showing FMQ if you are interested. If you get the chance of a good Singer 15 treadle I would always put that at the top of the list. You can do more with it.

Hi, Muv
No, I'm not planning to do fmq with a treadle, just piecing if the power goes out.

I'm considering what I think is a Singer Model 66 treadle (serial number G8352676. Is that a Model 66-1? On ISMACS I couldn't find serial numbers for machines made in Germany, and doesn't that "G" in the serial number mean it was made in Germany? Maybe because the Russians took all the Singer machinery and destroyed all the records? I have so many questions!)

I'm also considering a Singer treadle with the serial number G0091501, which I believe was also made in Germany and is a Model 16 machine (2,000 made, Jan. 8, 1910. Am I right or wrong?).

Lastly, there's a Singer treadle which the seller says is a Model 66, from 1916. This one confuses me because the serial number is G4484745, and when I found that number, I see Model 44, 5,000 made April 20,1910. I haven't phoned this seller yet...:confused: confused.

Again, appreciate any help here!

I got a treadle red eye Singer! I really like it! Mine also is an electric so whether the power goes off or not I am in business. Well not really in business, but you know what I mean.

Serial number G8352676 (see page 31) is a model 66 with a production starting date of 8-25-20.
Serial number G0091501 (see page 37) is a model 66 with production starting date of 5-28-1923.

Serial number G4484745 (see page 17) is also a model 66 with a production starting date of 2-24-16. You needed to be much further down the list. It is a very common mistake to stop looking too soon on the G serial numbers. You looked at the 6 digit numbers instead of the 7 digit numbers. This machine was made in Elizabethport, NJ not Germany. German serial numbers start with a 'C' if I remember correctly.

Cathy

Hello JABC,

Here are the serial numbers so you can date a machine http://www.singerco.com/support/mach.../single-letter

And here is an excellent website for you to go to so you can recognise models by looking at them http://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk

If you only intend to use a treadle for piecing the size is not so important because you will be able to place the bulk of your work to the left - whereas with quilting you need plenty of space to the right. You will do just as well with a model 99.

The general principle when buying a treadle is that any treadle will do anything you want to do with a straight stitch, and with a class 15 you have the added bonus of free motion work. First and foremost look for a clean machine in good working condition. That is more important than anything else. Considerations about models, long bobbins or round bobbins etc. etc. take second place.

Mizkaki, ty so much for straightening me out with those numbers! I thought I must be brain dead :p to not be able to read numbers, straight up. When I go to the ISMACS numbers list, it shows up as one loooong page for me, not separate pages, though.

Muv-Thanks for the other links. I saved them into my favorites, along with the others previously mentioned. For me, the problem with finding a machine in good working condition is that none of these machines have a belt. I can hand turn the wheel and see if what happens looks like normal movement to me, but if there's a broken lever (or whatever) on the wrought iron works below, I'll be clueless....And it seems most of these owners know less than I do (if you can believe that, lol!) The only reason I'm trying to determine specifically which model treadle may be best suited for me (long or round bobbin, etc.) is because I only have space for one, and don't want to regret my choice later when I'm more knowledgeable.

Thus it's wonderful to have a great place for such advice, and I appreciate every comment!

You're welcome. My list is also one long page, but it is grouped into segments (pages). My list on my computer is a copy of the one that the ISMACS list was made from. The new ISMACS list is really nice.

Cathy

This may be useful, if you haven't come across it already

http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachi...ngtreadle.html

If I only had room for one machine I would like to have one with reverse stitch, two of my vintage singers have this feature and two don't. I really miss it when sewing with the two that don't have it.

Another consideration is the "newer" singers (1960's) electric machines, the ones that can also be treadled, then you have the option of zig zag stitching etc.

I would look for one that turns nice and freely and one with a spoked wheel and like she said a reverse lever
Muv - I love your new video on free motion. It works whether you treadle or not - same principles. Here is a link folks - don't miss it - grab a cup of tea! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2tiiZ51J7g
If you get a Singer 15 you will love FM on that!

Littlebear, I had not come across that page, and I learned alot. Ty! Do you happen to know when the Singers began having the reverse feature? Reverse would be nice to have, but not a deal breaker for me, because I quilt almost exclusively, and reverse is seldom used. I don't think I'll need zig zag or other fancy stitches, so I don't think a 1960's machine is for me. I wouldn't mind having an older treadle machine which has a motor added, and which could be powered either way, but again, not a deal maker/breaker for me. Thanks for the info on those other machines---that was something I was wondering about.

For a Singer the 15 and 66 would both work fine, though a 201 with the external motor would be quieter. A 115 would work well, too, though they're not as common as the first two. A White rotary would probably be a nice choice as it even has a bit more throat space than the 66 and the 201. Another interesting option would be a Singer 9w - lots of space and a vertical rotary setup should you ever decide to do some free motion work. Maybe a Wheeler & Wilson, too, but I don't know about needle/bobbin availability.

I have a 15 a 66 and a 27. I think if I wanted to do lots of sewing I'd choose the 66. The 15 sews ANYTHING and is a great machine. I love my 27 because it was my grandmothers but the long bobbins really don't hold much thread. I'm working on a dresden plate using the 27 but just piecing the fans. When I get down to the serious work, I'll switch to the 15.

I believe that the Singer put a reverse on their household machines about 1933.

Cathy

Well, as it turns out, I will be getting a free treadle machine from a family member who found out I intended to buy one! Dh and I thought this machine was looong gone! It's a Model 66 made in 1930, with the side screw feet. The decals are worn, because this is the only machine grandma ever had, and she used it alot. I love how the decals are worn, though, because I knew and loved her! It comes with other feet, original very cute and tiny metal screwdrivers, and manual! Grandma bought it brand new, and it has only been indoors, climate controlled! It will need cleaned and polished and a new belt. I can't wait to get it and clean her up!

lucky you! a loved family machine for you to love too!

That's wonderful that you are having your Grandma's treadle. Happy sewing!

I am very happy for you. My grandmother's treadle was given to Good Will about 40 years ago (by my grandmother). I remember the hubbub about it since a few of my aunts would have wanted it if they had known it was leaving the house. Now, I would treasure having that treadle. I don't remember its make or model but I remember be fascinated by the treadle peddle. I don't remember ever seeing grandma use it while I was at her house......ah, memories!

Now the only problem is that the seller of the two 1920 Singer Model 66 machines with Red Eye decals (one in a 7 drawer cabinet in good condition, just has some worn shellac, other machine's not in a cabinet) is planning to put them curbside Wednesday! They are in good condition--no rust on machines or cabinet legs, etc. The decals on the one in the cabinet don't look worn and it looks to have all it's parts---just needs a belt. Anyone want to do a rescue? They are in Monroeville, PA. It really bothers me that these two machines may go to a garbage dump.

Oh NO!!! Go rescue them from the curb. Someone must need them (and just not know it yet).

I would love to, but I only have space for the one machine I'm getting. I put the word out to my quilt guild, and only got one taker. But I only need one.... :thumbup: Here's hoping she takes them. They really seem to be in good shape---little to no wear to the decals. (In better shape than the decals on the machine I'm getting!)

See, I told you "someone" just didn't know it until you played matchmaker. I wish they were here in Florida, I'd take them in a minute.

The end of the two Model 66 machines story: They didn't go into the trash! A neighbor took them. :thumbup: Whew!