Old Ruby treadle machine

[Southerngunner]

 This old gal was on craiglist and the guy said his lady wanted it gone. They never tried to sew with it ,but every thing moved freely and it appeared to be complete. I ended up giving him $20.00  for it and figured I would have a conversation piece at the least.

  I'm not sure when it was made but the serial #is R231636 if any of you has an approximate mfg. date I would appreciate any info.

Ruby was produced by New Home machines, I found a couple youtube videos and figured out how to thread it and make some stiches. I oiled it and did very little cleaning as it all was in fantastic shape.  I didn’t know what area to post this because I know it is not a leather machine per say even though it will sew lighter material. It did not have a belt but I was able to sew by turning the handwheel. I didn't expect much for $20.00 but I am very happy so far.

Opinions and comments are welcome 

[Beehive]

That's an old one for sure. Has a shuttle instead of a bobbin. I've put a Singer on a PFAFF base. Made the top out of poplar. Found a replacement round leather belt. Did the machine up nice. 

 

To this day, I can't use an electric sewing machine and not think it's the biggest POS that's ever existed. The feeling, power, and control you get from a treadle machine is impossible to replicate in any modern sewing machine.

[Southerngunner]

Thanks for your reply, I'm still trying to find out how old but I'm betting it's over 100 . I ordered some belts and extra bobbins that should be here next week.

Regards, Terry

[Beehive]

I dare you to build a shirt. Or a duster coat. Using the old school patterns that come in a paper packet. 

That's what I did with mine. I can legitimate say, I've made clothing. You're going to really enjoy that machine. 

Edited Friday at 06:51 PM by Beehive

[AlZilla]

Congrats on a pretty cool old machine. I have a couple of New Homes that look identical. If memory serves, mine date to 1890 something and the other to 190x something. You may luck out and use standard sewing machine needles, or you could need 20x1. Mine use the latter.

[Southerngunner]

Thanks for the info  they are really cool old machines, these are the only needles that I have that would fit. At first it wouldn't pick up the bobbin thread so I cheated it down a lttle in the clamp and it seems to work ok. Can you tell me where I can order some 20x1 size  needles?

[AlZilla]

A quick search for "20x1 sewing machine needles" will turn up plenty of choices. One of my machines came with about 50, so I'm pretty well set.

I think the difference is about 1/8" in length. One trick is to snip a small piece of refrigerator magnet and insert it into the hole in the needle bar. Essentially, what you did.

[Wizcrafts]

@Southerngunner

My heart skipped a beat when I saw your photos of this 19th Century machine! It is in mint looking condition! When these types of shuttle machines were the rage, they were built strong enough to sew leather. I refurbished a few Singer 27 and 127 boat shuttle machines from the late 1880s and 1890s and they were able to sew 9-10 ounce bridle leather strips with #92 bonded thread (using a #19 or 20 needle)! I included a sewn sample with the machines to help sell them. If your machine can even sew 8 ounces, with #69 thread, it's worth 10 times what you paid for it!

[Southerngunner]

Thanks for everyone's replies so far. 

Wiz your assessment means a lot as I went into this one blind but lucky. I knew the price I paid was well worth it if just for the cabinet and treadle , the shape of the machine was a huge bonus. 

I found this list of New Home machine dates and if I'm reading it right this old gal was made in 1881.

regards to all , 

Terry

[Southerngunner]

AlZilla, thanks for the tip on the needle, there is not many options in my area for picking up parts and supplies. The only sewing machine shop that I used relocated 70 miles away.

The idea about the magnet is a keeper.

[Wizcrafts]

@Southerngunner

Your 144 year old machine is still in perfect sewing condition! They sure built things to last in the late 1800s.

[Cumberland Highpower]

On 2/28/2025 at 12:29 PM, Beehive said:

 

 

To this day, I can't use an electric sewing machine and not think it's the biggest POS that's ever existed. The feeling, power, and control you get from a treadle machine is impossible to replicate in any modern sewing machine.

That's an interesting point.  I never cared for a treadle machine.  I always found it distracting and less controllable. Less controllable that you have to keep a hand on the flywheel for braking more than you would with an electric motor. Of course each to their own style and preferences. 

I've probably watched 200 Japanese videos on youtube and the older treadles are real popular, even for light leather machines in production environments.  Over there it's just because of the tradition and many don't want to pay for the electrification of older machines.

Edited 18 hours ago by Cumberland Highpower

[Southerngunner]

3 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

@Southerngunner

Your 144 year old machine is still in perfect sewing condition! They sure built things to last in the late 1800s.

I can't wait for the leather drive belts to get here so I can really run it the way it is supposed to be. I still can't believe it's 144 years old and totally functional, 

I can't help but wonder if  my Class 26 will hold up that long.

[Beehive]

4 hours ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

That's an interesting point.  I never cared for a treadle machine.  I always found it distracting and less controllable. Less controllable that you have to keep a hand on the flywheel for braking more than you would with an electric motor. Of course each to their own style and preferences. 

I've probably watched 200 Japanese videos on youtube and the older treadles are real popular, even for light leather machines in production environments.  Over there it's just because of the tradition and many don't want to pay for the electrification of older machines.

I was a young man exploring tailoring. I'd hem my own pants. Fit my shirts. The home, plastic, sewing machines were common. Using one was an awful feeling. 

Then I found a Singer at a garage sale. Then the Pfaff at an antique store. The Pfaff machine was trashed but the base was excellent. Cleaned it and painted it. Even replaced the gold paint accents. Replacement top and the Singer. 

Layers of thick denim was a breeze. Light cotton was smooth. It made every home machine look and feel like junk. 

I've owned a couple of Juki industrial machines. As for a treadle machine. You have to make friends with it. Learn the flow of using your legs while you're using your hands. There's a learning curve but once you get use to it. It's a really enjoyable machine. Romantic in a way.

( I can still hear the clicks it'd make)

 

Edited 13 hours ago by Beehive