Hi guys, I’ve noticed a few people mention treadles on BurdaStyle, so I was just wondering if anyone knows much about treadle machines. I hope I’m not doubling up threads here – I find the discussion board a little tricky to navigate. Is there a search function just for the discussion board?

I bought a Singer treadle machine a month ago

It didn’t come with a manual, but the serial number begins with EA. I believe this means it was manufactured in Clydebank, Scotland in 1935. I’m having a little trouble working out which model I have though. It has a short bobbin, no reverse and a stitch regulator is a thumb screw. To me it looks like a 15-30, but they weren’t manufactured after 1933. I have a heap of info on my blog – I Wish I Were Nancy Drew

Does anyone have any experience with treadle machines? Any tips you have to offer? I need to replace the treadle belt and bobbin winder ring, so does anyone know of any good places to order parts?

Mar 20, 2010, 12.01 AM by sarsaparilla

Sitting_down_-_gloomy_large

7 Posts

  • Malissa_hs_large

    Mar 20, 2010, 12.41 AMby mlssfshn

    I would start with your local Singer dealership if there’s one near you.

  • 985f0154fdefdf284531d76b36fbffee7a42548e_large

    Mar 20, 2010, 12.46 AMby katexxxxxx

    According to theSinger database, this machine was one ofa batch of 30,000 Singer 66K’s built in the Kilbowie factory on Clydebank in Scotland with serial numbers issued on 2 December 1935. This means that it was bbuilt on or about that date, and usually in the six months following.

    It’s a later model 66 with the side screw foot. (My 1923 hand crank 66K was built with the back screw foot and I later [about 30 years ago now] had it changed to the more standard foot as it was difficult to get the feet for it.

    It takes the standard METAL Type 66 bobbin. The plastic ones do fit, but you get better results from the older machines with metal bobbins.

    You can easily get treadle belts and bobbin winder tyres from any decent sewing machine shop. If you can’t find them, try these places:

    Cindy Peters: http://myworld.ebay.com/stitchesintime/

    Ron Anderson: http://singera1sewing.com/

    Helen Howes: http://www.helenhowestextiles.co.uk/

    You should also consider joining us at Treadle On: http://www.treadleon.net/

    I have a wonderful 15-88 treadle that is about a year younger than your machine. Both models were made in their millions, which means that there are still plenty of parts about for them, and consumables like bobbin winding tyres, belts and bobbins are still being made. Any SCREW-ON low shank feet and attachments made for a straight stitch or older model zigzag machine should fit and work on your machine. Some of the newer ones made for wider zigzag modern machines don’t work so well as the foot fails to line up with the feed dogs.

    1 Reply
    • 1ea8f961776a5fe83ce32501b0f5b0b7d32f5d9d_thumb

      Mar 20, 2010, 03.57 AMby oscarthegrouch108

      again kate, your wealth of knowledge amazes me!

  • Sitting_down_-_gloomy_large

    Mar 20, 2010, 12.54 AMby sarsaparilla

    Unfortunately there aren’t any good dealerships nearby that I know of. The people I’ve talked to in stores haven’t even known how to service my 1960s Bernina – they only seem to deal with very modern machines :( But if anyone in the Brisbane area has found a good store, let me know!

  • Sitting_down_-_gloomy_large

    Mar 20, 2010, 01.06 AMby sarsaparilla

    Thanks very much Kate! I’d been looking back and forth between the 66k and the 15-30 for ages now. One of my friends decided that it was most definitely not the 66K for some reason which I cannot remember… but I think I’ll take your word for it :) I’ve been looking at the Treadle On site for a while, and it’s been very helpful.

    There does seem to be a huge range of attachments for the machine. I can’t wait to get the straight stitch working so I can play with them!

    2 Replies
  • 45811c6523cf387bf5dc4d6ad3a61949336038df_large

    Mar 20, 2010, 05.10 AMby judeb

    I have a 1937 15K I got the information on it by sending an email to TalkToUs [TalkToUs@SingerCo.com]in the email that came with the info. they said “We have recently posted our historical information on our website at www.singerco.com. You may review this information by clicking Sewing Resources and then clicking on the Machine Serial Number link.” but I think this only gives you the year not the model. I love my old treadle and purchased my last belt on a trip to Melbourne, However I am sure there is a place here in Canberra that sells the old parts, next time I am up there I will check for you. good luck Judeb

    1 Reply
    • Sitting_down_-_gloomy_thumb

      Mar 27, 2010, 10.40 AMby sarsaparilla

      Yay your comment appeared! Thanks for the email address, I’ll send them a message tomorrow :)

  • 985f0154fdefdf284531d76b36fbffee7a42548e_large

    Mar 21, 2010, 12.17 AMby katexxxxxx

    I was lucky with all my old machines. While some of the cases LOOK crappy, the heads were all in excellent condition and needed only a clean, some oil, and a little adjustment to get them working. The treadle table could do with being refinished, but the head is fine. The 66K box is fine, but the base lost all it’s veneer after 10 years in a damp cellar.

    A soft cottonwool ball witha bit of sewing machine oil on it is all you should use to clean the black sections. Once any grunge is off, wipe over with a soft cotton cloth seriously well wrung out fter a dip in warm soapy water. It should be almost dry… DO NOT scrub hard at the machine. Only use sewing machine oil and grease on your machine.

    Polish up any rusty metal parts with a mini drill like a Dremel, using a buffing wheel.

    1 Reply
    • Sitting_down_-_gloomy_thumb

      Mar 22, 2010, 06.28 AMby sarsaparilla

      The veneer has peeled a lot on mine too, but luckily the damage is mainly on the top part which folds down. I’m hoping it will be easy to fix :)

      I’ve been considering using oil to wipe it down for a while, so I’m glad you mentioned it! I’d only given it a light dusting so far because I read somewhere that water dissolves the decals on the machine. I think the rust is confined to a small area around the serial number thank goodness! The face plate and balance wheel will need a bit of a polish though.

  • 985f0154fdefdf284531d76b36fbffee7a42548e_large

    Mar 22, 2010, 12.28 PMby katexxxxxx

    It won’t dissolve the decals, which are mostly metal foil, but it will destroy the shellac coating put on top. This is why I use an almost dry cloth to remove the oil that you don’t want to remove by rubbing, as this also destroys the decals… You need a fine balancing act! :)

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