Treadle sewing machines are a traditional and reliable way to sew. Most domestic sewing machines run on electricity, however a treadle machine uses a type of foot pedal, similar to those used on treadle pianos. The foot pedal is connected to a wheel with a belt that runs to a crankshaft. When the foot pedal is depressed the wheel turns and the crankshaft begins to move. This crankshaft, in turn, powers the needle, allowing it to move and sew the fabric.
This type of machine is often viewed with nostalgia as it is usually seen as an older style and thus less efficient in comparison to our modern, electric sewing machines. However, there are many benefits to the treadle machine. For instance, modern machines require electricity, whereas the treadle machine does not, meaning it can still be used during an electric outage. And since a treadle machine does not use electricity, it therefore does not need to have an electric motor, lubrication, or require oiling which means less maintenance in the long run.
The main component of the treadle machine is the foot pedal, which operates like a set of scales. As you press down the pedal the needle begins to move, and as you lift your foot the needle starts to slow down. An experienced user will be able to control the speed of the needle by using the pressure of the foot on the pedal while they sew, allowing them to work quicker and more efficiently. This is not something that can be achieved with electric machines without turning a dial or pushing a lever.
The foot pedal of a treadle machine is connected to the main wheel on which the other components are attached. This wheel then has a belt and a treadle, which is responsible for the movement of the needle. When the foot pedal is pressed, the wheel turns, and the belt moves the treadle to initiate the motion of the needle.
While a treadle machine is less convenient in some ways than its electric counterpart it is still an excellent way to sew and produces strong and durable stitches, which can often outlast those of a modern electric machine. These machines require less maintenance and with experience it is possible to produce a beautiful finish that matches, if not exceeds the quality created by electric machines.
Many of these machines were produced in the late 19th century and some may still use the original parts and production methods. This means they can be quite loud when in use, but this is a small price to pay for the excellent results a treadle machine can provide. In short, a treadle machine is a reliable way to sew and will last for many years, with a little TLC.
The Advantages of a Treadle Sewing Machine
The main advantage of a treadle machine is that it does not necessitate electricity to operate. The most prominent advantage is its ability to still sew during power outages which can be incredibly handy for jobs that require the machine to be operating for a long time. While electric sewing machine motors require lubrication, treadle machines do not need to be oiled or taken in for maintenance as often.
With practice, careful pressure on the treadle foot pedal can also give the user some control over the speed of they sew, allowing them to work quicker and more efficiently. The robustness of these machines also means that they can last for many years with a little TLC. Many of these machines are over a hundred years old and are still in regular use.
The Disadvantages of a Treadle Sewing Machine
One of the major downsides of a treadle machine is that it is less convenient than its electric counterpart. While yarn can be worked with more quickly with a treadle machine, it can become labor intensive if used for longer projects such as quilting. It can also be difficult to perform complex sewing techniques, such as zigzag stitching, on a treadle machine.
Treadle machines are often much louder than their electric counterparts and are not as smooth when in use. These machines can be somewhat difficult to maintain, as they usually require specialist parts which may or may not still be available in stores. These machines can also be heavy and awkward to move if needed.
How to Identify a Treadle Sewing Machine
Treadle sewing machines can be identified easily by their foot pedal. This is because electric sewing machines do not have a foot pedal, but instead have a lever which is used to turn the wheel. Treadle machines will also have a larger wheel and underneath will have a belt and treadle, which is connected to the foot pedal.
The tension wheel is unique to a treadle machine and is used to put the fabric under tension while it is being sewn. Usually this wheel will be situated on the right hand side of the wheel or near the foot pedal. The tension wheel can be adjusted simply by turning with a small screwdriver or key until the correct tension is achieved.
Maintaining a Treadle Sewing Machine
Treadle machines tend to require less maintenance than electric machines, but regular cleaning and oiling can help to keep them in good service. Once a year it is recommended that the machine is disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, as the belt and treadle can accumulate lint and dust which can restrict movement and cause problems. Oiling of treadle machines should be done sparingly, as too much oil can build up and cause malfunction.
It is recommended to only use the prescribed thread for the machine as other threads, such as upholstery thread, can be too thick for the machine to move and this can cause clotting and jamming. Finding replacement parts, such as the belt and treadle, can also be challenging if the original parts need to be replaced.
Replacing Parts For a Treadle Sewing Machine
Parts for treadle machines are often harder to come by, especially if the machine is an antique or vintage. Many companies produce replicas of the older parts, however they may or may not be compatible with the machine, so it is important to check carefully. If replacement parts cannot be found in stores, then the Internet is a great place to look, as there are many online stores that sell antique and vintage parts.
Sometimes, if soldering is required, it is best to take the machine to a qualified technician. When dealing with older machines, it is important to take extra care as the machines were meant to be used by much less technically minded people. For these reasons, it is recommended to get the machine serviced regularly and to be aware of its limits.
Conclusion
Treadle machines are an enduringly popular and reliable way to sew, despite their relatively aged technology. The treadle machine is convenient to use during power outages and requires less maintenance than machines that run on electricity. However, these types of machines are not ideal for lengthy projects and more complex tasks such as zigzag stitching and can be more difficult to maintain when something goes wrong. Despite these drawbacks, a treadle machine can produce beautiful and robust stitches, with enough TLC and experience.
