Treadle sewing machine, Green Gables Heritage Place

Metal sewing machine attached to a wooden desk with a metal pedal in the middle used to power the machine.

A treadle sewing machine is powered mechanically, pushed back and, forth by the operator's foot. They were commonly placed by large windows for natural light, because the women of the households made most of their own everyday clothing, especially for the children. Mending and sewing were common chores.