The Crazy History Of Singer And My Treadle Sewing Machine

[@scottthornton9237]

My mother worked for Singer from about 1937 until WW2. Her job was to go to the home of folks who purchased the new electric sewing machines and teach them how to use it.. During WW2 she was a bullet inspector for Remington Arms. I have a White treadle sewing machine that i inherited from my wife's grandmother (the family was going to take it to a antique store, i rescued it!) It's located in our front entrance to the home. It works 100% with all the seem attachments that go with it and extra leather belts, needles bobbins and all. Those attachments you show near the end, they are for making different seems. Some roll the edge, some insert a cord, some set the tall loop as in the top of curtains. The ones with the spoon looking part, roll over the hem and sew it in one step (like the cuff seem on jeans). Look at the many YT sewing channels. Many are shown and described there. They are not only for treadle's. I have a 1970's fold down that has all the same hardware. I sew, my wife does not... Hey, these are cool machines!

[@brucelee8189]

In 1998, as a single father, I taught my oldest daughter how to sew on a Singer treadle machine. That was the only sewing machine that we had. When my daughter got married, she kept her great love for sewing.

[@annemumford9459]

Two excellent sites for information on these old machines is Treadle On, and ISMACS. I have several, (o.k., a lot) of treadle machines. My two most unusual are the Davis Walking Foot, and the National Two Spool. Two major things to look out for in the unusual brands is the needle size and shank shape and if they're a badged machine. The really early Singers took a round shank. Most all machines today take a 15×1 , but my old New Home takes a 20×1. The badged machines were sometimes made in different factories and just had identical decals put on. But the machines weren't always built quite the same, as I found out with my Minnesota. I love them all and wouldn't give a plug nickel for a modern machine.

[@trasvarvare]

Zak: I too have a Singer treadle machine that is the same year and probably the same model as yours. It came to me from my Grandmother and every time I use it, I think of her and reflect on the uncounted hours she spent at the same machine, creating useful and beautiful things. My Great Grandfather bought each of his daughters a sewing machine for their 16th birthday. My Grandmother was born in 1899, so this was probably the latest model of the Singer machines at the time. My Grandmother married at the age of 24 and had a son (my father) at 25. Two years later, her husband was caught in a rainstorm, contracted pneumonia and died in less than 2 weeks. This left my grandmother a widow at 27 with a young son. Times were hard in the Blue Ridge Mountains and jobs for women were few and paid poorly. She took her sewing skills to Virginia Tech and got a job as a seamstress sewing the uniforms for the band, military cadets, and other departments as well as taking in sewing jobs at home. She never learned to drive, and so walked over a mile each way to work and back summer and winter. She not only provided a living for herself and her son, but paid for the small house she and her husband had purchased and managed to save enough money to add on to the house which is now listed in the historic structures of Blacksburg, Virginia. She never remarried. As I use her machine, which has been so lovingly taken care of over the decades, I think of her and her faith in God, which was her anchor. At her death I drew great comfort in knowing that she will be united with the God she loved and served all her life.

[@LeeCraftyHomestead]

My great-grandfather Joseph Parson was a Singers salesmen in late 1800's in Ohio, when he was about 21-25 years old. going door to door. then he starting traveling 20 mile with horse and buggy to sale them. I wish I had one today. thanks for sharing.

[@janiceseigler6317]

Never put water on the decals! It will cause them to silver in color. Only use sewing machine oil to wipe the surface.

[@zemerlevav]

So good to know! Thanks!

[@yliannamarie403]

I paid $100 for a treadle machine! I use it every day. Love it.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

Fantastic story! I'm in England and collect and restore vintage sewing machines. I have the UK version of your machine (The red eye decals were not available here). Ours had the Lotus decals. The manual for the 99 is good for your machine (apart from the electric bits) as the 99 was a smaller version of the 66 and had the same mechanicals. My channel has lots of videos on machines and attachments. Oh, by the way, using a damp cloth is a no no - water will silver the decals. Use just sewing machine oil to clean. Oil regularly and it should last at least another 100 years.

[@WaterNai]

I was about to recommend your channel to him! You have some excellent videos on these old beauties.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

@@WaterNai Thank you!

[@amac2573]

I live in Glasgow which is near Clydebank where there was a Singer Factory and where there is still Singer Train Station. I have two handle turned machines. If that little book you have is 'Instructions for using Singer Sewing Machines No. 99 Lock Stitch, For Family Use", it will explain what types of stitches those attachments you have are for. These old sewing machine are well sought after. Even the stand and tables of of old treadle machines are often repurposed to make wood turning lathes or just lovely tables. Glad this treadle machine has survived, is still in your family and being used.

[@marthav2772]

I DO have an old electric Singer, don't know the model number but its OLD! It was my mothers and I remember fondly her using it often. When I inherited it from her after she passed in 1974, the first time I went to use it myself a few years later, as soon as I opened its case the aroma that emerged gave me a flood of memories of her. I am now 73. My parents were married in 1939. Anyway, enjoy your beautiful heirloom.👍❤

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Thank you!

[@shortsweettoo]

I have a WWI Sphinx 127 Treadle. I bought the machine for $140 on Facebook Marketplace. I had it working within a few hours and it is now my preferred sewing machine. The sound and rhythm are mesmerizing. I absolutely love it.

[@samiam6052]

I have my great grandmother's 1925 singer treadle. Works beautifully and is beautiful

[@whitepinehomestead]

Thank you for the history lesson! I have my grandmother's feather weight singer sewing machine. It's electric, but runs beautifully. We have also been blessed with a treadle machine being gifted to us recently!

[@louanngayan984]

How I wish I could add a photo or video to this comment. Last winter I took apart and cleaned my Grandma’s Singer Red Eye- which looks to be about the same vintage as yours. Thanks to a number of KZbin folks and dumb luck, Lucy is up and running. She makes lovely stitches and had seen a couple of aprons. What a treasure, as is yours.

[@tinamcnalley2575]

Mom bought a 15-88 treadle about 20 years ago and just gave it to me. Though it sat in an air conditioned, low humidity, room - unused for 15+ years, the finish basically decided to fall off - so I'll be repainting. But it sews great. I had wanted a 15-90 or 91 to make jeans and sew upholstery but was dreading the rewiring. I won't plug in anything manufactured before I was born without redoing the electrical. The treadle solved that problem and having learned to treadle at age 8 - it came back easily - like riding a bike.

[@juliebaker6230]

Lovely story about your family heirloom! Wish I had my great grandmother's treadle singer. I do have a working New Home treadle machine with a bunch of attachments. But my favorite by far, and my go-to machine is my table top hand crank Singer. It's slow, but relaxing and satisfying. Makes a beautiful stitch.

[@ksingleton101]

At 63 and a Male I bought a Singer Heavy Duty 4452 and tested to see how think I could sew of Canvas and the needle bent at 1/4 inch of material. When Diapers for the face where required I found that having a beard prohibited the type of mask I could wear. None of them worked so I use my new Singer to produce a full face mask and used the bag that is used for the Hoover Vacuum for the filter. Not sure but it looked to me after research that the bag would filter smaller micro's than the COVID-19 Virus. I never got sick from COVID-19 while wearing a mask, I was sick with the Disease in December 2019 - March of 2020, long before diapers were required. Watching you thread your 100+ year old Singer looks so similar to the one I have. Thanks for sharing, God Bless

[@ramloganfracic5761]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. I have one exactly like that one. Viewing from the French island St Martin in the Caribbean. It is over a hundred years old. It still works perfectly. Blessings.

[@dottieholmes1623]

I picked up a New Home Treadle a few years ago for $80.00 it came in a beautiful New Home wooden cabinet. Best money I ever spent.

[@davidjohnston4240]

What you have there is a 66. The 99 that the manual is for is the 3/4 size version of the 66 - so pretty much all the details apart from the size are the same so the manual will be reasonably relevant to the 66. We know it's a 66 because of the red eye decals. All red eyes are 66s. Not all 66s are red eyes. Since you asked - We have a 1889 12K hand crank, a 1920s VS2 fiddle base 27 treadle, a 221 and a 222K (I converted the 222K to US voltage. My wife mostly uses the 222K but might switch to the VS2, but I'm stlll restoring it.

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Awesome! thanks for sharing!

[@10AntsTapDancing]

I'm in New Zealand and I've got a 1920's model in very good condition. I bought it as decor but will be getting it running soon. I've been sewing for a living for over 50 years and I have both domestic and industrial machines. I think that first foot you held up was a ruffler for making pleats in fabric. That's amazing you have had that machine for so long in your family.

[@sherryl817]

It's so great that you kept it so long in the family!

[@da6885]

Also, 9:59 appears to be a ruffler, while 10:08 is, I believe, a tucker. There's a ton of other attachments that can be gotten that will work with these machines.

[@Cecibug1]

I love that you are holding onto that family heirloom. There's a concern in the sewing community that the next generation won't have interest in sewing and that slowly it'll be only an industry skill. But I'm 27 and I actually think as far as clothing goes sewing is picking up new people, iv seen a lot through social media. Although not so much for quilting. My mother taught me when I was 6 and I've picked it back up when covid hit to sew masks. Now I'm making clothes for my kids. I don't have the space for it now in my tiny apartment but I'd love one of these old machines they are so beautiful. It's funny how sewing was once a man's craft and now it rare to see a man sew. Thanks for the great vid!

[@ameliainpdx1775]

@Cecily 95 - Accuquilt does a live event on Tuesday & Wednesday mornings 10 -11 AM Pacufic time. There is also Jordan Fabrics out of Grants Pass who shows how to do some quilting & Quilting Roadies (or something like that) that also does quilting. You can check out what comes up on YT for other quilting channels as well.

[@tinamcnalley2575]

@@ameliainpdx1775 I think what she meant is that younger people aren't interested in quilting, the one's I know are more interested in clothing sewing. I too have little interest in quilting and I'm 63, been making clothing for 50 years. I'm hoping this will bring on the reemergence of fabric stores for clothing. I don't care what anybody says, you can't color match and tell the weight and quality of online fabric purchases.

[@sandydaniels2668]

I used to work at JoAnn Fabrics and had several men come in. I had lots of great conversations with them.

[@christinamo7]

honestly, Singer sewing books from around 1920 are easy to find for sale online- and have the best explanations for the attachment. I have a 99k, a 15-91 and a 66 red eye treadle - like yours but mine is a regular low shank a couple of years younger. which is good because I am able to use my buttonhole attachment, zig zag attachment and hemstitch attachment with it.

[@amalias8888]

It's nice that you are so respectful of your family heritage. She would be proud that you respect them so. Note: that last hook on the bottom of the silver cover on the nose...you just pull the thread from the back and it slips into that hook, you don't have to thread it down through the hole.

[@bonneyraven5281]

I read somewhere that these singer treadle machines were found in the tunnels in Vietnam during the war. They were making uniforms. I have one and I love it.

[@brendah4773]

That’s on my bucket list. Learn how to sew on a machine

[@burnindaylighthomestead2977]

Love these sewing machines. Very practical and easy to use. Especially for off grid.

[@auntiepam5649]

I have an Singer treadle made in Montreal Jan 13, 1902, I use it all the time because I have a craft business making wool sweater mittens. Mine is a Plain Jane machine, no bells or whistles. I love it and am thankful my singer dealer still sells belts and bobbins.

[@salex3873]

I also use my treadle constantly, as did my mom. Once the original Singer company was sold the quality of the belts went way down. The new ones stretch fast. The old ones would last 20 + years. i was reluctant, but after going through 2 belts in 5 years i caved and bought a rubber treadle belt from the Amish near me. Etsy sells them now. If you use the machine a lot i truly recommend trying a rubber treadle belt.

[@auntiepam5649]

@@salex3873 thank you, I have Amish families within a few miles of home I will try them first.

[@vanessajohnson1944]

I inherited a Singer 221 from my Grandmother on my Dad's side. I do have a treadle, found at a local thrift shop, much like yours, in a painted cabinet. I can't wait to break some threads while learning to treadle. Thanks for all the great videos. =]

[@D9P323]

I have a Singer 15-88 treadle, it was my grandmother's......I just got a Sphinx treadle machine from the Thrift shop. I recommend plenty of use for your machine and post videos on what you make😊 The first foot you put up was a ruffler foot....

[@Mindy56743]

The one my mom has that used to be my great grandmother has a bullet bobbin they are so amazing I do not know the number right now but it is a older machine that the machine doesn’t drop down. I just had to order extra bobbins and a bobbin shuttle. It is my moms favorite piece of furniture

[@homesteadmississippi710]

My wife says her mom had one of those in Honduras. Love watching you! Shalom.

[@666toysoldier]

For over 20 years, an 1883 Singer treadle was my only sewing machine. Then my aunt sold me her late mother's Singer 401A electric. Then I acquired a Singer 14U44 serger. I still use the treadle machine for some sewing.

[@crystal-jeanroat2885]

I inherited my mom’s treadle, we’re not positive if it belonged to my grandmother or not, but my sister thinks it may have. It’s a 1910 model 27. I cleaned it up and it runs great, I used it recently to piece a quilt! One note is that the restorers absolutely recommend that you only use sewing machine oil for the finish and inside of the machines… not any old oil and not 3-in-one. Enjoy it! They’ll be around long after we’re gone as they are a perfect example of ‘they don’t make them like they used to’!

[@robinbrown3347]

3 in 1 oil dries out and becomes gummy, never use it. Sewing machine oil mixed 50/50 with acetone is great for cleaning all that crud. The only other lubricant to use is automatic transmission fluid if you can't find sewing machine oil. My go to penetrating oil is 50/50 ATF and acetone.

[@amandaforeman2626]

I have a 1910 red eye with a model number that doesn’t match any search lol. I’m looking for a foot for it . Any advice ? Not sure if I can sub a industrial foot maybe ? We are excited to restore it ! It works , looks like it needs oil :) it’s such a beautiful piece of history!

[@zemerlevav]

I just bought a Singer 66-1treadle machine for our homestead. It was made in 1916. I was also wondering about the attachments! Can't wait to get it cleaned up and running smoothly! My daughter and I do 1860's reenactment here in FL and it will be so much fun to make our period clothing on this old treadle machine!

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Hi there, I have several Singers. One treadle like yours as I live off grid also. One smaller portable electric that is almost 💯 years old. One cabinet style electric that is 💯 years old. The portable one I use on my sailboat when I need to make repairs. The other 2 are used at home on the farm. I do have a solar generator and 2 gas powered generators. I am very happy to be blessed with these quality machines. Cheers S/V Cork~Texas Southern Texas Homestead. 🇺🇸

[@MsHomesteader]

The decals are beautiful on your machine. I have the great grandmother's machine, but no decals much left on it but it works great. I've been piecing quilt squares on it.

[@stephenvinson6474]

That Bread's a winner!!!! Re: your machine I'm one of those who love having them around me in my home....I have quite a few! My hobby is keeping them goin...and making simple quilt blocks...kind of like jigsaw puzzles I can identify the one you have ...its a Model 66...Singer introduced the first one of these at the turn of the 19th Century into the 20th...in 1900. They marketed it as THE Sewing Machine for the new 20th Century!! and It really is a good one ..good design good engineering...dependable and when its tuned up it will make the nicest stitches you could want. Drop in bobbin...makes it easy too. Good to know its been in your family so you know its history and its a treasure. Also, knowing how to keep those decals preserved..i.e. using sewing machine oil to clean it ..thats really important! Old time sewing machine repair guys called this machine a "Red Eye" or "Red Head" because of the red colors in the decals...look like eyes from the front ha! You machine has been so well taken care of...the decals perfect!

[@forrestkelley3277]

to continue 201 my favorite, 221, and 301. All are in working order. I love them all.

[@cynthiamcdowell-buchanan3550]

Very cool that it has stayed in your family. I have the same Singer Red Eye model 66. I was sewing on it today.

[@Doctor_Al]

Good job on the history/commentary. Values are still over the place, from free on up.

[@deniseking3422]

Great video Zach, I have a treadle 66 with Lotus decals. Works beautifully after some tlc. The first attachment is a ruffler and the second is a pleater. So when you sew first pleat it marks your second pleat folding line.

[@jennyhall1120]

I have a 1917 Class 66 Redeye, just like yours. Got it at a yard sale and restored it. Sews like a dream. I hope it will become an heirloom for my family.

[@AnnFisher-hq1rt]

Have a Singer 27 made in May 1, 1907 was bought from an old lady who had it in her family since it was made. Works well. Also have a White made in June 18, 1911. Works great all so.

[@kristiecox7350]

I have one that is a treadle and electric. It’s in a different enclosure as well. You’d never know it was a sewing machine. It’s very cool

[@outofbabylonhomestead3551]

I got a singer a year ago to sew canvas for a tipi. Paid $100. Had to clean it up a little and watch some youtube videos. It is older than yours, like a '06 or something. It has the bullet bobbin. Machine works awesome. As a Torah keeping believer, the egyptian theme on mine reminds me of where we currently exist. Deliverance is coming. HalleluYAH

[@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098]

Mine has the same decals. It is beautiful! Paid about 100 bucks for the machine, the case with treadle and a few accessories plus booklet. I haven't used it yet.

[@lindyashford7744]

I have the exact same machine as yours. The decals are beautiful and it has the same bobbin.

[@elocin8200]

I bought a handcrank Singer. I really wanted the treadle but the footprint is much smaller and it is super portable. Mine is blue!!! Has all the decals. I call it my little blue bird.

[@beverlymichael5830]

My grandmother had one. I loved sewing on it. I could see better today n it then the electric I had to sew on in school. I would bring my project home to work on. Brings back such great memories. Had the same wood cabinet. I loved winding the bobbins. If I recall one of the attachments to made zig zag stitching. As I recall they made different stitching patterns but could not tell you use they work. Thanks for sharing.

[@lumbeeindian301]

Awesome brother. I have a singer 66 red eye, fourth generation in my family too. They're invaluable tools.

[@10thmanhomestead]

I was just gifted a singer 66 red eye treadle machine like yours! Manufactured in 1915. Same story my great grandmother passed it down the line to my grandma and then my parents!

[@fujimama892]

My brother had a table that he gave me. I restored the table and I'm about to pick up a machine with another table the evening. I'll let you know the serial number on it. There were parts and a manual in the table, but not all the parts to make it work as a treadle for an early 20th century machine. I obtained those parts soon after I restored the table. Since the machine I'm picking up comes with a table for $50, I'm pretty sure I'll have some work to do on the machine as well as the table. Thanks for relating this machine's history in your family. Mine won't be so complete or glamorous, but I'm seeing interest pick up in these machines and will enjoy the restoration experience and off grid sewing that isn't all hand work. I'll still be sewing kimono by hand, but when the power goes out, I won't have to use a generator to sew other things. If you want to know where I obtained the parts to fix and connect the machine to the treadle, just let me know.

[@amysbees6686]

Wow! Beautiful machine! What a blessing!

[@amysbees6686]

I have my late grandma's Singer 404 (electric). It is a WORKHORSE! You couldn't GIVE me a new digital Brother!

[@pwhite2579]

I am reassembling a Singer 66 1927. It had a motor but I traded the motor for a treadle base. Things to show : winding the bobbin, pulling the thread out after threading the machine (you stopped just short) using the stitch length knob and how and where to oil. The first thing you pulled out was a zig-zag attachment, I think. Loved the video! Also, I follow Bob Fowler!

[@norascott5803]

Nope, it is a ruffler.

[@audreynanapreps2543]

I paid 100 for mine. Love it, works well

[@KevinCoop1]

I used to do sewing machine repair back in 1979 to 1980. The oldest I worked on was mid 1880’s I believe. Those machines are rock solid. In case it ever starts missing stitches and you can’t figure out why, There should be two timing marks on the needle shaft. Top mark is bottom of stroke. The bottom mark is needle aligns with hook. Generally they need a drop of oil in the holes once in a while and clean out the lint in tension disks and bobbin holder tensioner. Fact: in 1979, you could still buy a new singer machine that could be installed in a treadle table and used with no electric. Only one model. Enjoy it!

[@salex3873]

thanks! I wrote that info down and put it in the drawer beneath the machine!

[@riversideacres8853]

There is one machine today being made that can be used in a treadle machine, and it is Janome 712T. I have a spare cabinet and wa t to get the Janome because it does zig zag stitches. Heidi at Rain Country uses one.

[@ondreacounts2556]

I love the Crocs! Lol, I never had a Singer but I've always wanted one. Since there were so many made, maybe I'll one day be able to get one. Ik after watching this video that I want one that is pedal driven like yours. Thanks for the history lesson too.

[@carolynknight1520]

Sooo neat! I'll check my mother's Singer electric, Circa about 1950-something. And a QUESTION: Please demonstrate filling a bobbin for your Singer treadle machine. Thank you kindly!

[@CarynDPrescott]

I just bought a Brother 14 stitch machine from Fingerhut. My aunt was a dressmaker and had a Singer treadle, then a Singer and a Kenmore, both electric. I was going to try and restore a Singer from 1964 that is the first machine to have a zig zag stitch, but I don't have the passion for it. I'm gonna give it to someone who does. I might buy a treadle in a few years. I've seen some great restored Singers online, as well as the modern Janome, which is designed for the Amish. Great info about the history of the sewing machine. Burning down a factory is crazy! I just subscribed to your channel :)

[@TheCajunHomestead]

Great video. This Sewing machine along other types of Non-electric equipment such meat grinders/sausage stuffers , corn shellers/grinders could make the owner quite the very important person of a community if the SHTF, not only provide for your immediate family. I don’t need front porch or yard art. It needs to work if I am going to keep it.

[@sheilastewart1699]

Mine is a 1901 treadle.. works like a dream.

[@docgriffin9610]

Yes I have a couple Singer sewing machines. The oldest was made in 1863. The book you have is the same "machine" it just has a motor. Were yours is a treadle. Beautiful machine by the way. VERY COOL history behind it. Also have a model 66 and a 99. They all work of coarse.

[@ravenpineshomestead]

I have a Windsor treadle sewing machine that STILL has the original warranty with the date sold(1908). Bought it last winter for about 100 dollars at a thrift store and runs so smoothly

[@intuitknit]

I just found a treadle machine on the curbside. It is a Singer , built in Quebec in 1913. I just bought a belt for it and bobbins. It has a shuttle where bobbins are inserted. Facebook marketplace showed a treadle and I pick it up Monday. I hope I can get it going.

[@4486xxdawson]

Welcome to owning a vintage singer , hope you dont get addicted like i did lol , i own a dozen from 1895 to 1957 , nice red eye y9u got there 👍

[@Scorpster666]

1938 15-88 Made in St Johns Newfoundland, likely bought new by my grandmother, was in my home as a child and I've dragged it around for 40 years. Recently oiled it up and started using it, original belt is pretty rough but still works great. One of the only things to do when the power is out.

[@linak7155]

Zach, I would hv never put you and a sewing machine together. Thank you for the history lesson! My aunt has a singer sewing machine she has used for decades.

[@kristiecox7350]

That loaf is perfect looking. Mmm I have the same machine in a very cool and very different containment. Thanks for the info Mine is electric and a treadle 😊

[@robinmeadows4758]

Singer actually marketed his sewing machines to women for home use as most clothing was produced at home by hand. The Singer company was also the first to offer their machines on an installment payment program allowing more people to purchase them. The sewing machine was the first machine to be in most homes. I have a collection of 26 Singer vintage machines. My oldest is a 1923 hand-crank Singer 99 and my newest is a 1971 Singer 237 with the majority being from the 1940’s and 1950’s. Yes, they all still work. My 1924 Singer red-eye 66 treadle machine isn’t as pretty as yours because someone who had it before me cleaned it with water or solvent and silvered the decals. Only clean the paint areas of your black Singers with sewing machine grade oil. Nice to have such an heirloom in your home. 😊

[@krazeekalvin]

My wife learned how to sew with a machine just like that and it is at the family's house still. We currently have an antique White sewing machine as well as newer models of sewing machines.

[@semperfi-1918]

Just inherited my grandmothers 99k singer sewing machine. 54 and electric.

[@margaretpollard2179]

I used one of these in junior high in home economics. They're great machines! Fun visiting old memories! Thanks, Zach!

[@mommyof3blessed196]

Mine is a 1950 treadle with a reverse function and bobbin winder. Use it almost daily and make all our clothes. We are off grid living in a wall tent in the ozark foothills of Arkansas.

[@williamlockhart5031]

We just moved out of our wall tent, into our cabin, after 14 straight months in Michigan's upper peninsula. I almost miss the tent....not enough to go back.

[@John4.23-24]

Awesome 👍 a fellow OzArkan! 🥰

[@penelopepenobscot4475]

I bought a 1907 Singer model 27 treadle sewing machine 2 weeks ago for $50. It took me most of a day to get it cleaned up, oiled and running like a champ.

[@ThisisSeeLifeHomesteading]

My Mom had one when I was little. Loved it!

[@hickoryhillinthebigwoods-r759]

The value is in who it belonged to. This is quite true for most everything that belonged to our family members. In my off grid sewing plans I purchased a little children's sewing machine similar to what my mother had when she was a teen. I couldn't get the spare parts needed to put hers back in use. While it is small, it is practical and a lot easier than using my hands. Your machine is nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@sarahlewis9052]

That’s a beautiful singer! Thank you for the video!

[@gailmaltese7277]

These were very expensive back in the day! I have the full parlor cabinet. Love love love it’s durability. I changed the foot as well so I can use the embroidery foot. Cannot sat enough. A beauty.

[@troybear01]

Wow, we had the same one it looks like. Unfortunately my mom left it out, under our back porch and fell apart. The pedal was what sold me on it..... So neat!

[@NanaTrece9444]

Chances are the attachments are for button holes and zippers. Reminds me of my grandmothers' machine. I loved to play with the peddle when I was very little.

[@cedainty]

Those attachments are jumbled together. I see a ruffled and several rolled hem/tape binders. Keep looking online you will find better descriptions. There no buttonhole attachment in that bunch. The buttonhole attachment came later as did the zipper foot. Zippers were rare if at all in the very early twentieth century.

[@lindyashford7744]

I learned to sew on a 1940’s singer hand machine, graduated to a 1930’s treadle machine but have been the owner of a 1906 cabinet treadle machine for around twenty years in beautiful condition except that it needs some very old electric adaptation removed and the treadle to be restored. It is so heavy that it’s not the kind of thing you just put in your car and take to a repair shop! It had a single owner before I acquired it for the princely sum of £20. The drawers have an array of accessories, I hope one day I will get it fixed, the decals are beautiful and in its own right it is a handsome piece of furniture. It has a different shaped bobbin, so a bit rarer than the later ones, and I understand it will sew fine leather very effectively. I really love using a treadle there a very different feel to how you control your machine using your feet.

[@gail7138]

I love Singer machines. I don’t have one as old as yours, but I did stay with a basic electric one I got in the late 1980’s. Even my own daughters state they like mine verses the others someone gifted them.

[@jamesgeis]

This is exactly what I needed. I got one without a belt for $40. I'll have to get the belt now.

[@maybee...]

I had to use a harsh cleaner on mine, it was covered in sticky kitchen grease, it had been kept and used in the kitchen. My machine has 2 original manuals, it has the wooden box of parts.

[@taylorharris539]

My husband just surprised me with a 1910 Singer 66 Treadle! Took me about 2 hours, but I think I’ve got it figured out

[@bonniehyden962]

I do have my beloved Mother-in-law's treadle sewing machine. I can't remember the model or year but it has the shuttle bobbin. Several years ago I cleaned it up but never got the belt I purchased on it. Now, I'm getting into Historical Sewing and, as soon as I can get my sewing room de-cluttered, cleaned & organized, the Old Girl will be the center piece of that room. I'll also have to learn how to use her. 🙄 My mother in law was born in 1927, married in 1946. Her husband bought this for her, I think, not long after they married. But, I'm fairly certain he would have bought it used. My husband (64) says he knows how to sew with it. After 30+ years of marriage, I just found out he made a small quilt top on this machine when he was about 7. ... quality time spent with his mom. ❤️ ...had to have been in the winter because he was right behind his dad all the rest of the time. LOL I can't wait to start making some of my Historical garments on this machine, and some quilts for my kids and grandkids!

[@quiltgal5444]

I have my great grandmothers treadle. I just recently tried to get it working again. I have overcome most of the issues, but I am still having tension issues on the bobbin. It takes some getting use to doing the treadle part. I love mine though...can't wait to actually sew on it when I get mine working properly. Some of the info I found on you tube came from Bernadette Banners video on using her treadle.

[@zebulon9307]

7:37: Always the same mistake with thes kinds of machine videos (also with motorcycles btw!): when the working starts, the electric music starts at full blast. Really cool! As if the machine hadn´t a sound of it´s own.

[@cathiebenedum7198]

The foot that stands up and has a metal piece with a jagged edge is called a ruffled. It will gather your fabric and can make pleats or gathers. It’s a handy foot.

[@davidbutler1825]

"ruffler"

[@sherryl817]

Wish I had one on our homestead!! Love it! Good job learning how to use it!

[@ayisha1978]

history is amazing, thank you so much for the thorough lesson, loved it!!! And love your channel it's absolutely awesome

[@juliebeans7323]

I learned on an old electric singer - same basic shape, in a timber box with knee bar instead of a foot control. I have a collection basic electric machines, as well as a computerised embriodery machine. And i recently collected a slightly younger singer treadle that my grandmother gave me. Sadly it wasn't always hers, and requires some tlc, but it will get some use. The attachment you pulled out first is a ruffler. I am pretty sure i still have one exactly like that. The second looked to be for hemming, but i didn't see enough of it to be sure.

[@mattgross3478]

Thank you for the little history lesson I enjoyed it

[@janis.T]

The attachment you picked up is a ruffler. There are tons of resources on the attachments online.

[@praiseYAHalways]

that is cool, we (my family) had one a lot like that one (minus the roses) I'm not sure who in the family has it now. But I remember always thinking that it was really cool! :)

[@AnthemBassMan]

I have my Grandma’s electric Singer 66 Red Eye. Still works just like it did when Grandma was still alive.

[@mjshmo7363]

The first accessory that you showed looked like a roll hemmer or ruffler. You went so fast. Yep this both work grand!

[@pbar8439]

I purchased my Singer Red Eye Treadle about 10 years ago for $200 in the cabinet. She was born in 1910. I purchased it from the grandson of the owner. Her name is Joan after the original owner. Someone offered to buy it from him before I came. The person was going to dismantle it and use the base to make a table. He refused to sell it to him. He wanted to sell it to someone who would use her and love her. I am currently piecing a quilt on her. I have a Singer 301, two featherweights and a fashion mate. They are all electric machines. I also have two Vikings a Bernina and a Juki. I love them all and bring them out to play. I rotate with each new project. My leather belt was old and shredding. I replaced it with plastic tubing and a connector. Works like a charm. I learned this from a fellow quilter named Bonnie Hunter. She has a You Tube Channel and a blog post. She knows a lot about old machines. Look her up if you have questions.

[@zinmaker2522]

I have an inherited Singer model 13 made in 1905, and am new to sewing, however that may have been an attachment in your hand that will add another piece of thread for doing embroidery, or it was something for ruffling.