My Treadle Sewing Machine

Introduction 

One of my goals for 2025 is to sew an entire Victorian dress as close as possible to how they would have. For a while I had planned on doing it entirely handsewn, then I saw everything expected of me to build a corset and I knew a sewing machine was neccesary.  

After about a month of thinking about it, I finally found one I thought looked in decent enough condition and bought it on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve had most of the afternoon to get acquainted with her, and I am so enthusiastic about this endeavor.  

Getting Acquainted 

First and foremost, I tried out the treadling mechanism. Based on videos I had seen, that came off as the most intimidating feature. While there is definitely still some practice needed, I really feel like I have gotten the hang of it! 

I than had run to the store to get sewing machine oil, I didn’t want to further mess with the machine without doing that much.  

I did also attempt to use some scrap fabric to test the stitches. It went well for a moment. I had managed to thread the bobbin, and the machine, everything was going almost too well. Of course, at some point it stopped stitching and while I was investigating why I snapped the tip of the needle. This did not come as a surprise to myself, if I mess up anything the most with a sewing machine, it is the needles. I should have bought a pack before headed home, but I was just too excited to get my hands on my machine that I didn’t.  

Despite that mess up, it did feel good getting acquainted with the machine. Mistakes are bound to happen and honestly, I would rather it be the replaceable needle over literally any other part of the machine.  

There are also a bunch of additional pieces for the foot to be able to make buttonhole stitches, zig-zag, etc., which is super nice.  

Condition 

I do want to take my time to fix this beauty up as well.  

On the table itself, there’re a few chips in the middle drawer where the feeder bit has caught it as it has been placed into the table. As well as one of the drawers needing a backing. The inside of another drawer has velvet in it that the rest do not, and it’s peeling off in a rather gross way. The varnish is also peeling in a number of places, and I would love to re-do that at some point.  

As for the machine itself, I am itching to get it all polished up. While it is missing the decals, which is unfortunate, otherwise it's in amazing shape. I think with a bit of gentle scrubbing, and proper polish, it may look band new! 

My Treadle Sewing Machine, Hood Down

Identification 

Using so many different sources on antique sewing machines, I have a bit of an idea of who made this machine and when. The machine has the name “Davis” along with the serial #790767, that information alongside an image I found with almost the same build, and a close serial number, leads me to believe this is a Davis VF Model 7, from around years 1883-1900. That is so exciting, I got a piece of history from around a hundred years ago for only $50. It looks beautify just sitting, and feels amazing when I have gotten to use it. 

Idenitified Davis from Fiddlebase

My Treadle Machine

Conclusion 

I cannot wait to get my patterns, tools, and fabric ready so I can tackle this project! That will also be posted here on this blog, so stay tuned!