Posted 10 years ago
kathiecamp…
(1 item)
This Improved Faultless Treadle Sewing machine belonged to my great grandmother in San Jose, CA and was given to me as a memento when she passed away about 50 years ago. It was refinished 20 years ago, so unfortunately does not have its original wood finish. I used this machine even into my college years and made shirts for my dad and boyfriend (now husband) wool vests, and some of my own clothes.
Great to know it's been well used.
Think of everything it's made in it's life to now.....priceless really.
Your Improved Faultless is a National machine, a Vindex model.
What a beautiful looking machine...Faultless...and surely Edwardian in time Bernadette?
Welcome to CW btw...
Does anyone know where I can find the value of this Faultless sewing machine?
I am in the process of restoring a Faultless Sewing Machine and cabinet. Does anyone know how to find out what year it was made? It has what could be a serial number where you slide the piece out for the bobbin. I looks just like this one only the decals are worn quite badly.
Your faultless looks a lot like my treadle. I think it’s a National brand. The decals that are gone used to day United States where yours says improved faultless. I was told mine is a vindex 1 or 2. It has a shuttle bobbin. The decals I think are the same, an Egyptian theme. I think it’s from around 1908 since the greist accessories have a patent date on them of 1908. I haven’t found any instructions online on how to thread the upper part, only the bobbin. I got it to work by lowering the needle a little bit on the needle bar. The needles we use today are shorter. It sews beautifully, so I guess I have it threaded correctly.
Hi again, TeresaDesign. :-)
Aha, ya found another vintage sewing machine like yours, and now you're sharing. };-)
That's actually great. <3
Yes, the late great Bernadette identified this "Improved Faultless" badged machine as a National Vindex.
She didn't link the Needlebar dot org page for National vibrating shuttles, so I'll do that now:
http://needlebar.org/nbwiki/index.php/National_Vibrating_Shuttle_Machines
Neither did she specify whether it was a Vindex Type 1 or Type 2, but like yours, this one has the rounded body shape, so I'd say Type 2.
I don't see an entry at needlebar for the badge Improved Faultless, although I do see Faultless:
http://needlebar.org/main/makers/usa/national/index.html
Bernadette was actually one of the original contributors to the needlebar site:
http://needlebar.org/nbwiki/index.php?title=Bernadette
As to the needles, I see that you've realized your machine originally used a longer needle than typical modern sewing machines (20 x 1 as opposed to 15 x 1).
That French forum I linked on your post discussed this issue, and linked the needle cross reference chart at ISMACS:
https://ismacs.net/needle_and_shank/needle-cross-reference-chart-flat-shank.html
However, you've hit on a common workaround. Here is a lengthy discussion of needles and needle workarounds at the victoriansweatshop forum:
https://www.victoriansweatshop.com/post/20-x-1-needles-8065031
You might want to consider joining that forum, as there is a wealth of VSM information there. They might even have a manual for you.
If they don't, you might want to consider threading your machine with a bright contrasting color of thread and taking pictures of it.
You yourself have figured out how to thread it, but the next owner might appreciate it some guidance. At the risk of being morbid, you are not the first owner of your machine, and you might not be the last.
Enough of my darkness. Enjoy your VSM. :-)