New Home Treadle Sewing Machine

On display is a New Home Treadle Sewing Machine from the 1900s, manufactured by the New Home Sewing Machine Company. The company operated from 1882 to the late 1920s,and they were a prominent American sewing manufacturer that became known for their treadle sewing machine and later electric sewing machines. This sewing machine operates via a foot pedal mechanism to power the needle and other components. There is a wheel band that is attached to the foot pedal that powers the flywheel (the disk shape thing) that moves a needle up and down, with clothing thread attached to the needle the sews stitches. This machine included a single wooden board to put longer pieces of clothing onto and cabinets to store extra needles, thread, or any numerous attachments or sewing related items. This machine would have cost around $55 to $65 depending on the model. These machines represent a key period in sewing technology as this reflects an increase in automation of clothing making as before these machines were invented, most housewives would have to hand sew items of clothing.

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