Sewing Machine Adapter Plates

Lee's unpatented, no measuring, no tears technique for making Adapter Plates for use with a Multi-Use Treadle

Having a small home, I have taken to using Multi-Use-Treadles created to allow me to use multiple sewing machines on a single treadle. I first read about the concept at the TREADLE ON site : TreadleOn - Universal Treadles

Special thanks to Treadle On friends that have helped me along the path.

My MUT#2 was cobbled together from a White Sit Straight Treadle with a donor top from a modern electric Singer sewing machine cabinet. This allows use of Singer machines naturally and other machines with adapter plates.

Since I have no wood working genes I decided to make my adapter plates out of 1/2" poly cutting boards which are easy to cut and don't require any finishing. Several e-friends suggest MDF as a cheaper alternative. I don't remember where I found this pattern process, but I am going to attribute it to the naval architect Bruce Bingham (designer of the Flicka).

This is my new Davis "New Vertical Feed", the last of the family of Davis needle fed domestic sewing machines.There are NO feed dogs, the needle does all the fabric movement. This model is distinctive in that it uses 15x1 needles and has a back-tack feature. It also has 4 little legs that let it stand proud on its own. This is yet another of my cheap Craigs List finds. It came with a decent treadle with a cabinet with poor veneer which doesnt rate a spot in the house (it is a tough world .. but the shed is under a big tree and does not leak).

I support the machine upside down over a sturdy storage tub using scrap 1x2s. Extra slats help support the pattern.

I begin by laying in chunks of manilla folders to outline the opening.

I use smaller pieces to fine tune openings and tape the pieces in place as I go. This example used high quality painters tape, but actually normal masking tape has better stick.

It is handy to stabilize the pattern by taping it to the machine.

Almost Done..

Done. Lotsa tape was used to help stabilize the pattern.

Completed Pattern

Pattern traced on fresh manilla folder. This pattern is then taped to the adapter stock.

Adapter plate cut out.

It works.

NVF up and running on MUT#2. The stretch in the poly tubing allows multiple machines to use the same belt for occasional use. Custom belts are used for more extended use.

Thus endeth the lesson