White Treadle Vintage Machine serial #1355640
 

I was recently given this machine - it hasn't been used in at least 7 years. I have figured how to thread the machine and the bobbin (thanks to many youtube videos). It sews great! My question is where would I find needles for this machine? The manual says it will use 00, 0, 1, 2, an 3 depending on the thickness of the thread and to use a twist pointed needle for leather. I have no idea where to begin to look for these needles, any help would be appreciated. Also thanks for accepting me into this group.

Does it say “use white needles only”? Because the ones that say that take todays standard needles

The manual requests that their customers buy their oil and needles from them and that "skipping and breaking thread is an unheard complaint when the genuine "White" needle is used. I sure hope that qualifies and my machine takes regular needles

So, what model is it? Is it a FR VS or other model?

Hi Maria I am sending you a link and picture of the machine that is identical to mine and the manual that I downloaded which belongs to the machine. I have no idea where I would find the model number. I really appreciate any help you could give me http://josefek.com/white-vs-sewing-machine-treadle/

Just typed a response and when I hit send, I lost the WIFI to my tablet. So here I go again.

Please send the picture link with serial number to our White specialist, Katie Farmer, who will be coming out with a book shortly. She will give you more specifics. [email protected] Let Katie know Maria from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, from ISMACS and Treadleon referred you to her.

Let us know what you find out.

Thank you to both of you for your replies. I have just sent Katie all the information with your referral and now awaiting her response. I will definitely let you both know what she is able to find out. Thank you once again.

Hi, All the machine makers encouraged their customers to use "Genuine" needles. White wasn't making money selling a new machine every couple of years and needles were big mark up. White VS uses a 20x1 needle, Boye 12, or White Flat shank or New Style. White Rotary needles you'd want to avoid. The needles measure 1-3/4" with a flat shank which are not made anymore but still readily available. A standard 15x1 family machine needle which is 1-1/2" can be made to work by lowering in the needle clamp. These are excellent sewing machines though bobbins are dear. Enjoy!

Hi Jon,

I was able to purchase White FR bobbins from both Sew-Classic and Stitches-In-Time.

White Rotary machines take 15x1, Boye 16, HAx1, 2020. Why would moving the needle clamp be needed?

Why would we avoid White needles? Are they really 20x1 as shown on Kevin's chart? Did White not make 15x1?

I have not cleaned my White FRs yet, nor my VS. I need VS stand. Only have a head.

I use 15x1 needles and White bobbins for my Kenmore Rotary 117.59 portable, made by White.

Hot in TN

The 00,0,1,2,3 are just the size of the needle, not the type. Jon and Maria have given you the type info.

Cari

Thank you all for all your information, I really appreciate it!

Hi Maria,

The White sewing machine in kpmom link is a Vibrating shuttle model so White Rotary needles or 15x1 are too short unless lowered. White Rotary needles and bobbins are fine for a White Rotary. The VS model uses the longer 20x1 needles and a long bobbin with the hollow shaft which are somewhat difficult to find and expensive (bobbins). Nothing terrible though. Lots of rain here, finally getting decent weather.

The OO, O, 1, 2, 3 needles sizes are meant to confuse to create needle loyalty and are obsolete. Best looked at as a 00 being fine and 3 being coarse. Best to use Singer and European sizing which is easiest explained by googling. I'd probably create more confusion by attempting.

Jon, Ah, I misread..... thanks

This may be helpful http://www.victoriansweatshop.com/po...pid=1302756330

Thank you everyone for responding, I have found out from Katie
White Sewing Machine Company did not begin to use model numbers
until 1929 which was not unusual among sewing machine manufacturers.
That being said, we hobbyists have set up a system to refer to this
differing VS types ourselves and I modified that system last year. Your
machine -- 1,355,640 -- is a model VI under this system and was made
in 1902.
Model VI was introduced in mid-1900 so yours is an earlier VI. You have
one of the beautiful Theodor Kundtz cabinets [ATTACH=CONFIG]596166[/ATTACH]

That is a wow nice machine!

Thank you smokeythecat for sending the link on the needles and thank you everyone for all the information, I love this forum, everyone is so helpful

See, Katie is the best!

She sure is, Maria :)

Maria,
I just joined your group here because I was searching for information on my newly acquired White Family Rotary Machine, and saw your post. I took the chance, even though it was several years old, and emailed Katie Farmer with my White Serial Number. She was able to tell me my machine was from 1910. Thank you for sending me through this forum Katie's way. She said she is still working on her book, and hopes to have it on Amazon soon. I hope to purchase one when it is available. Thank you so much.


Bonnie
Whitefish, MT

Hey Bonnie,
So glad Katie was able to help you. I am looking forward to her book also. Think I am on her pre-order list.