Janome 712T Treadle Sewing Machine

Posted on September 20, 2009 by Sew Craftful

Antique Singer treadle sewing machine

Sewing green isn’t as hard as you thought if you have a treadle sewing machine.

They operate without power and instead are people-powered.

What are the benefits of buying a Treadle Machine?

1. As soon as you stop pumping your foot, the needle of the machine stops. Stitches are more precise because you have better control over your seams.

2. You’re really sewing “green” because the only energy exerted is body energy.

3. You save money byway of lowered utility costs.

4.  You save time byway of spending less time correcting errors. Plus you maintain better control over your sewing.

5. Treadle sewing machines are built to last.  Evident by the fact that antique treadles are still going strong today.

6. An antique treadle is just as capable at its work (if not more so) that modern day machines.

7. Sewing with a treadle machine is comforting and soothing because the machine gives off a steady hypnotic rhythm.

8. Antique and modern treadle machines are affordable and easy to acquire.

9. Treadle machines are easy to use.  Anyone can learn to use one within a day or two through patience and practice.  There are no intricate programs.

10.  They’re just cool to have around to look at, collect and talk about.

The basic steps to using an antique/vintage treadle machine:

1. Sit up straight in a comfortable chair.
2. Feed your fabric under the needle and lower the presser foot.
3. Slowly turn the balance wheel toward you until the needle moves down.
4. Place the ball of your right foot on the top, right hand corner of the treadle. Then place the heel of your left foot on the lower left corner.
5. Alternate your heel and your toe to pump the treadle and cause the needle to move.

Now you’re sewing.

Tip:  Treadle machines stitch straight.  They don’t have a reverse stitch. To secure your seams turn the fabric and re-sew along your seam.

Buying a Treadle (vintage or new)
You can purchase an antique or modern day treadle machine with relative ease. Find antique versions online, at yard and estate sells, or in thrift and charity shops.

Janome offers a quality modern-day version:  Janome’s 712T  Treadle-powered sewing machine.

Maintaining & Repairing

A treadle is easy to fix. They barely need repair, but in the event the Janome 712T comes with a warranty and for other fix tips on treadles there are any number of sources available online.

Janome 712T

Janome 712T

What I like about this machine

  • Ten (10) utility stitches plus a built-in buttonhole stitch.
  • Its flatbed design fits existing or new cabinetry.
  • It’s lightweight.
  • Its cost and quality of work is great.
  • Treadle machines are built to last!

Utility stitches

  • Sliding Buttonhole Foot J
  • Zipper Foot E
  • Zig-Zag Foot A
  • Over edge Foot
  • Hemmer Foot 2mm D
  • Blind Stitch Foot G
  • Screwdriver (L)
  • Seam Ripper
  • Lint Brush
  • Set of Needles
  • Bobbins (5)
  • Finger Guard
  • Foot Control
  • Power Cord
  • Instruction Book
  • Warranty Instructions
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