Singer Treadle Sewing Machine

The Singer treadle sewing machine, built in 1856, was a breakthrough for seamstresses everywhere. For the first time the sewing needle moved vertically rather than horizontally through fabric. This innovative design was also powered by the foot rather than hand cranked, allowing the seamstress to have both hands to control her fabric.

Isaac Singer was very forward thinking for his day. He was able to market an expensive machine, aimed at making a woman's life easier in a time when both money and concern for women was scarce. His success was due in large part to the fact that he used women to demonstrate the machines.

The idea of the time was that women were just too flighty to operate complex machinery. He had women demonstrate the ease and speed at which they were able to use the Singer treadle sewing machine. This quickly put to rest any concerns that women would be unable to use this invention.

Singer also came up with an idea to make his sewing machine affordable to most families. He began the first installment credit plan, allowing a family to take home a machine for five dollars and then paying a little each month until it was paid off.

If you are lucky enough to have a Singer treadle and you don't know much about it you can begin your quest for information by identifying the date it was manufactured. The International Sewing Machine Collector's Society (ISMCS) has a list of serial numbers and the dates on which they were registered. Once you have the serial number you can also check the serial number list to find a more accurate manufacturing date for machines made after 1900.

Treadle machines are very simple and not that difficult to restore. You may want to have it checked by a sewing machine specialist to make sure that the parts are all there and in workable condition. The ISMCS has an excellent article on how to take apart the machine, clean it, and reassemble it.

Always carefully consider the value of the machine before you refinish, paint, or change it in any way. It is important to try to leave the machine as close to the original condition as possible. Many times changing the machine will drop the value of the sewing machine as well as the desirability. Often the best way to handle fragile wood is to rub lemon oil into it over a period of several weeks, allowing the dry wood to soak in the oils. Sometimes this is all that is needed to return the wood to a beautiful shine.

The metal treadle may have chipped, cracked paint and even areas of rust. This is a look that is prized by many collectors so resist the urge to sand it down and repaint it to look new.

The machinery itself may only need a little sewing machine oil and perhaps a belt to get it in running condition again. Once you have checked it out you can do some Internet research to find what your Singer sewing machine is worth.

Many seamstresses enjoy sewing on a treadle. They have much more control over the sewing process than they do on other, more modern machines. If you want to try sewing on your Singer treadle sewing machine here are the basic steps:

1. Sit up straight in your chair.
2. Place the fabric under the needle and lower the presser foot like you would with any machine.
3. Slowly and gently pull the wheel toward you.
4. Find your own rhythm. Place the ball of your right foot on the upper right corner and the heel of your left foot on the lower left corner of the treadle. Now, alternate the heels and toes of your feet to produce a pumping action.
5. There is no reverse on a treadle machine. Reinforce your ending stitches by turning the fabric around and sewing in the other direction.

Treadle sewing machines can be found at flea markets, estate sales, antique shops, and thrift stores in most areas. Singer still manufactures treadle machines in limited quantities so you can also pick up a new one.

Whether you use it as a decorative accessory or actually sew with it, your Singer treadle machine is a wonderful item to own.

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