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Treadle Sewing Machine Information

12 years ago

Hello,

I recently aquired a treadle sewing machine. It is in pretty rough shape and very rusty. We have not been able to find any identifying markings other than the words "Silent Princess" on the front. We think it might be a National but aren't sure. I would appreciate any information relating to this machine. Can anyone suggest a contact for parts or information on how to use the various feet. It came with a small metal tin that is full of feet and tools. Thanks!

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Comments (7)

geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
12 years ago
Hi Sharon, I can't help you with your question but wanted to welcome you to the forum.

SharonG/FL
gininmn
12 years ago
Join Treadle On and ask for help in the forum. Very knowledgeable folks there.

And welcome!

Here is a link that might be useful: Treadle On
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You can probably get the answer on the antiques forum or the quilting forum. I have several old singers upstairs, but they're put away and I think you will get an answer on those forums.
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Never seen rust on an old treadle either. Sometimes a little on the iron of the treadle works. Did you mean 1887? Depending on the date of manufacture, appropriate needles can be hard to get, but there are online sources who carry original ones if you can get a size on them. The bobbin should be with the machine, or several in fact. If it's a round bobbin you may have better luck replacing them. My machines are all long bobbins but they're available as well online and are old salvadge originals. The bobbin chase is another story, so hopefully all parts are intact. It's also hard to get good leather replacement belts. I buy belts from Lehman's hardware in Amish country, but they carry rubber ones and they are not nearly as good as leather. I have no clue on how to remove silver spray paint. I successfully removed gilt paint somebody used on a pair of 1930s lamps with acetone nail polish remover, but I guess it's going to depend on the solvent carrier in the paint on your machine. What a pity. By all means, try to get that serial number. It'll nail your manufacture date on an old Singer.
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There is a treadle group on yahoo that has been great at asisting me with any issues about my machine. If you plan to use this machine often, consider buying a pkt of 100 needles of most used size...time and $ saver. Enjoy.
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K8Orlando
12 years ago
Gini, thanks for that link. I have inherited a treadle machine from my sister in law that belonged to her grandmother. I haven't even tried to use it yet but when I'm ready I think Treadle On will be a great resource!

Kate
gininmn
12 years ago
It's my goal for the upcoming winter to learn how to use the treadle I bought last year. I've never used one. Although my grandmother had one, I never saw her using it. I'm sure she sewed a lot in earlier years, having 12 kids. By the time I came along (maybe the 12th grandchild), I think she was just kind of worn out. Once I get so I can sew a straight line of stitches, I'd like to try free-motion quilting with it. A couple of years ago, I went to a quilt show in Wisconsin where Damascusannie (she used to be a frequent poster here--collected antique machines including a Damascus) was demonstrating FMQ on her treadle. That was when I decided I needed a treadle and wanted to learn to quilt with it. My treadle (named her BellaRuby as she's a beautiful Red Eye Singer) only has the regular foot and it's a back-clamp one. So after learning to make it go and before challenging myself with FMQ, I need to get an appropriate foot. Likely I'll have to convert the machine to a side-attaching bar as finding the back-clamping foot might be tough. Treadle on has some excellent instructions (and knowledgeable members) to help me with this conversion.
K8Orlando
12 years ago
Gini - I love it that you name your machines; I do too. My treadle is Miss Hubble, after her original owner.

Kate
Sharon.adq
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for all the advise! I really appreciate it. I still haven't been able to find out who the manufacturer is but we are having a great time searching and learning a lot in the process.
bullmom
12 years ago
I just received a Silent Princess and it came with an old and brittle instruction book. I am not 100% sure it is for this machine, but it is for a treadle. The name on the book is Mead Cycle Company, Washington and Canal Sts., Chicago, U.S.A.. I hope this information is helpful.

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