If you want to try free motion quilting on a vintage machine you need a Singer 15. There were many minor variations over the years, for example, different stitch length levers, and on some the feed dogs drop. My treadle is a basic Singer 15K (K just means it was manufactured in Scotland, in the factory at Kilbowie). Singer 15s are easily recognisable by the tension discs, which are on the faceplate at the back.
The bobbin is held in the bobbin case directly below the needleplate. This is the central bobbin mechanism, and it is this method of stitch formation which allows the movement of the work necessary for free motion quilting.
Many other manufacturers made machines based on Singer 15s, in particular in Japan after the Second World War. These machines are equally suitable for free motion work.
For a good look at this type of machine, you may want to watch the video with the threading instructions.
So if you have a treadle or electric Singer 15, or another manufacturer's copy, and want to have a go at free motion quilting, give it a try!
Dear Lizzie,
ReplyDeleteI recently bought an 15k portable and after spending a few days getting rid of the damp, musty smell, I finally got around to using it this afternoon. Well, the online diagram for threading the upper thread was close to useless, especially with my poor eyesight. However, your video really did make a difference, especially the close-up still photos'. I was close to giving up until another day before I watched your video, but after watching several times, I finally managed to get it sorted out and now she's sewing beautifully. Thank you, your video is much appreciated.
Allie
Thank you Allie!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I make the videos together, and are always so pleased to hear back from people who have been sorting out old machines.
Love,
Muv
I found your blog via a link from quiltingboard.com. I am picking up a treadle next week and am excited that I can quilt on it. Now, I am quilting and piecing on Singer 301s, just love them. I just love your videos and pictures- a real treat. And listening to you is even more a treat- I am from Buffalo, NY on the edge of Lake Erie. Hope to learn from you and take my vintage use/knowledge up a few notches. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Hello Linda,
DeleteLovely to hear from you!
I hope all goes well with your treadle and that you have it up and running soon. Sewing on a treadle is a real pleasure.
Love,
Muv
Hello Lizzie/Muv/*Insert other!
ReplyDeleteI have a lovely Singer 201 treadle which I lovingly restored after being inspired by your videos,thank you! She is now my pride and joy! I gave my old electric industrial away on freecycle soon after discovering treadling. Now, I am searching for a 15 (or clone) and have been for many months (friends/ebay/gumtree), but with no joy. I have tried free motion on the 201,practicing 'til my hands almost fell off, but it still isn't as good as I'd like. Can you offer any tips while I wait for a lovely 15 to turn up please?
Love E
Hello E,
ReplyDeleteA 15 will turn up sooner or later. I had been waiting for a nice 15K hand machine for about three years, not really looking, when I found mine in a charity shop.
I have never done any free motion work on the 201K. If you read this guide this might explain why you have been having a bit of difficulty.
http://www.ebay.com/gds/Free-Motion-Quilting-with-Vintage-Singer-Sewing-Machine-/10000000003585145/g.html
What I have found helpful is having a table behind the treadle so there is no chance of the work weighing down behind the machine or bumping into the wall. Also, I haven't worked on large pieces. All the practice pieces I am doing are fat quarter sized or a bit bigger.
Hope this helps. Best of luck with your search,
Love,
Muv
Greetings Lizzie,
ReplyDeleteHow to know what kind of treadle my sewingmachine have? The name is Ruby but the metal plate decorations near the tension metal looks exactly the same as the pictures above.. The needle used has number 13 on it.. But I really have no idea what this all meant.. I just want to search for manual but idk what type of sewingmachine Ruby is..
Hello Airi,
DeleteThere's no way I can tell from your description. Look at this page and see if you can find it.
http://needlebar.org/cm/thumbnails.php?search=Ruby&submit=search&album=search&title=on&newer_than=&caption=on&older_than=&keywords=on&type=AND
Love, Muv
I have 19 singers...all but 2 are treadle or handcrank. 6 are 15s. My go to machine is my 1918 15-88. I think there is a screw underneath to drop the feed dogs. Do you use a special darning slide plate or just drop the dogs and go? I can't watch video on tiny cell screen :(
ReplyDeleteOn my machine I can't drop the feed dogs, and I have never used a special darning plate. All I do is set the stitch length to zero.
DeleteHi, what about my singer 15K28 ? thanks very much for any informations....
ReplyDeleteHello Raffaella, What is your question, exactly?
DeleteHello ! Thank You for your Article. It’s Very Interesting. Because, am learning about Quilt’s. And, just happened to own three Singer Class 15’s. Have enjoyed your Videos. Thank You…
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I hope you have many happy hours using your machines.
DeleteLove, Muv
Tq for your time
ReplyDeleteand generous comments
They are so encouraging n useful
All the way from
Malaysia