Disassembly Guide
Tools Needed:
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Small adjustable wrench
- Lubricating oil (sewing machine specific)
- Clean cloths and brushes
- Magnetic parts tray
Step-by-Step Disassembly
- Remove Needle and Presser Foot: Turn handwheel toward you to raise needle to highest position. Loosen needle clamp screw and remove needle. Remove presser foot by loosening screw.
- Remove Face Plate: Unscrew and remove the face plate to access internal mechanisms. Keep screws organized.
- Disengage Treadle Belt: Loosen tension on treadle belt and remove from handwheel and treadle wheel.
- Remove Bobbin Case: Slide bobbin case latch and lift out entire bobbin case assembly. Clean lint and thread debris.
- Access Shuttle Race: Remove shuttle race cover and carefully extract shuttle. Note orientation for reassembly.
- Disassemble Tension Assembly: Carefully disassemble upper tension discs, noting spring order and orientation.
- Remove Handwheel: Loosen setscrew on handwheel and slide off shaft. May require gentle tapping with rubber mallet.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Singer Manufacturing Company |
| Type | Treadle-Powered Sewing Machine |
| Common Models | 127, 128, 66, 99, 15, 201 |
| Stitch Type | Lockstitch |
| Stitch Length | Adjustable 6-20 stitches per inch |
| Bobbin Type | Oscillating Shuttle or Rotary Hook |
| Needle System | 15x1 (Standard Domestic) |
| Treadle Mechanism | Cast Iron with Pitman Rod |
| Table Dimensions | Approx. 30" x 16" x 30" H |
| Machine Weight | 25-30 lbs (machine only) |
| Total Weight | 80-120 lbs (with cabinet) |
| Production Era | Late 1800s - Mid 1900s |
Identification Guide
- Serial Number Location: Under base plate or on right side of machine
- Model Identification: Check slide plates, decals, and mechanical features
- Dating Your Machine: Use Singer serial number database for exact year
For parts identification, contact Singer Customer Service at 1-800-4-SINGER or visit Singer.com
Maintenance Procedures
Cleaning Procedures
Remove lint and thread debris from bobbin area, feed dogs, and tension discs using small brushes and compressed air. Clean exterior with mild soap and water.
Lubrication Points
Apply sewing machine oil to all moving joints, bearings, and friction points. Key areas: needle bar, presser bar, shuttle race, treadle joints, and handwheel shaft.
Timing Adjustment
Proper hook-to-needle timing is critical. Adjust when needle is at lowest position, hook should pass needle eye 1/16" above eye. Requires specialized tools.
Tension Adjustment
Balance upper and lower tension for perfect stitches. Upper tension adjusted via tension dial, bobbin tension via small screw on bobbin case.
Feed Dog Adjustment
Adjust feed dog height and timing for proper fabric feeding. Height should be slightly above needle plate during forward motion.
Treadle Belt Replacement
Replace worn leather or synthetic belts. Adjust tension so belt has 1/2" deflection when pressed midway between pulleys.
Monthly Maintenance Schedule
Weekly
Clean lint from bobbin area and oil visible moving parts
Monthly
Complete cleaning and oiling of all mechanisms
Quarterly
Check belt tension and adjust as needed
Bi-Annually
Disassemble and clean shuttle race area
Annually
Complete timing check and adjustment
As Needed
Replace needles, belts, and other consumables
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machine won't sew | Treadle belt broken, mechanism jammed | Replace belt, clean and oil mechanism, check for obstructions |
| Skipped stitches | Wrong needle, bent needle, timing off | Replace needle, check needle insertion, adjust timing |
| Thread breaking | Burred needle, tension too tight, rough spots | Replace needle, reduce tension, polish rough areas |
| Uneven stitches | Uneven tension, worn feed dogs | Balance tensions, replace or adjust feed dogs |
| Machine runs stiffly | Lack of oil, dried old oil, bent parts | Clean and re-oil, check for bent shafts or parts |
| Fabric not feeding | Feed dogs worn or lowered, pressure too light | Raise feed dogs, increase presser foot pressure |
Common Adjustments
- Stitch Length: Adjust via stitch length lever or dial - typically located on right side of machine
- Presser Foot Pressure: Adjust via spring tension screw on top of machine
- Bobbin Tension: Small screw on bobbin case - turn clockwise to increase tension
- Needle Position: Ensure needle is inserted fully with flat side to back
- Hook Timing: Critical adjustment requiring technical expertise
- Treadle Action: Adjust pitman rod length for smooth pedal action
Manual Downloads
Singer Treadle Models
Model 127
Vibrating Shuttle Treadle
Model 66
Red Eye Treadle
Model 15
Classic Treadle
Model 201
Rotary Hook Treadle
Related Manuals
Treadle Cabinet
Cabinet Repair & Restoration
Electrical Conversion
Treadle to Electric Conversion Guide
Parts Catalog
Singer Treadle Parts Reference
Restoration Guide
Complete Restoration Manual