How to Put on a Treadle Belt

Treadle sewing machines are a great way to sew without electricity.

Treadle sewing machines were built to last. The main problem that arises with treadle machines is belt replacement. The belt is the main drive of the machine. When the machine starts to operate in a jerky manner, it may be time for a belt replacement or adjustment. Treadle belts are generally made of leather and tend to dry rot. Treadle belts come in standard sizes and will need to be cut in order to achieve the proper tension.

Things You'll Need

• Duct tape
• Pen or marker
• Scissors
• Awl
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Feed the staple end of the belt through the front hole beneath the hand wheel. Tape the staple end of the belt to the bottom of the wooden platform.

2. Feed the belt over the hand wheel and push it into the belt groove. Thread the non-staple end through the rear hole in the platform.

3. Loop the belt around the bottom of the large lower wheel and up around the front, be sure to route the belt through any belt guides that may be there.

4. Remove the tape from the staple end. Pull the two ends of the belt together. Overlap the staple end over the non-staple end and pull the belt snug. Draw a line on the non-staple end where the staple end overlaps. Cut the belt on the line.

5. Measure in 1/4 inch from the end that was cut, and poke a hole in the center of the belt with an awl.

6. Press the staple into the hole but do not press it closed yet. Test the machine. If the machine operates properly, squeeze the staple closed with pliers. If the machine runs jerky or feels loose, trim 1/4 inch off the belt and try again.

References

• Treadle On: Installing Treadle Belts
• Sewing Machine 221: How to Replace a Treadle Belt