How to Use a Treadle Sewing Machine

A treadle sewing machine works by foot action and doesn't require any electricity. If taken care of properly, an antique treadle sewing machine can sew a better stitch than its modern counterpart can. It takes some practice to keep your treadle machine sewing smoothly, but once you've mastered the foot action, you can enjoy sewing and getting a little exercise at the same time.

Instructions

1. Sit in front of the machine and raise the presser bar lifter to lift the presser foot. Place your fabric under the needle and lower the presser foot.

2. Thread the machine and insert a filled bobbin, according to the instructions for your particular machine.

3. Tighten the stop motion clamping screw on the outside of the balancing wheel. Loosening the screw disengages the sewing mechanism for bobbin winding.

4. Position your feet on the treadle, your instep over the center and one foot slightly higher than the other one.

5. Use your right hand to turn the balance wheel towards you. At the same time, begin to move your feet in a pumping action. Alternating the pressure of the heel and toe of both feet, establish a smooth and continuous movement.

6. Turn the wheel by hand for intricate work or if you need to just sew a few tight stitches. Remember that the balance wheel must always turn toward you. You can also turn the wheel by hand, using the pressure of your feet on the treadle as a brake when sewing difficult shapes.

Tips & Warnings

• Become familiar with the parts of your treadle sewing machine. If you don't have the original instruction book, you may be able to find a copy on the Internet, but most treadle machines operate along the same basic guidelines.

• Practice with the upper thread and bobbin removed from the machine to get the feel and rhythm of the treadle.

• If you end with the treadle pressed forward in the down position and press it forward when you begin to sew again, it will usually start the wheel in the forward direction.

• Don't run the threaded machine unless you have fabric under the needle. Entanglement of the bobbin thread can cause broken needles and possible damage your machine.