How to repurpose old sewing machine?

Beth Makowski
by Beth Makowski
  9 answers
  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Sep 13, 2017

    Do you have plans to use one, or maybe turn it into a keepsake? Let us know.

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Sep 13, 2017

    What about old sewing machine? What do you need help with? More information on this matter, would help. EJL.

  • Bobbie Mitchell Bobbie Mitchell on Sep 13, 2017

    there is demand for old sewing machines. put on market. or go to featherweight site as how to clean. I have 3 old machines that I use for quilting and regular sewing the stitch is better.

  • Dfm Dfm on Sep 13, 2017

    do you need parts, or are going to repurpose it....

  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 14, 2017

    How old is it? Do you know if it functions properly at all? If you posted a picture of it, more Hometalkers would be able to answer your question specific to your situation.

  • Sandra Crosbie Sandra Crosbie on Sep 14, 2017

    What do you need ideas for? Are you restoring, repairing or just need suggestions on how to repurpose? it. A photo or two would make it easier to get the help you are looking for.

  • V Smith V Smith on Sep 14, 2017

    If this is an old treadle machine and you want to repurpose the base into a table or a sink base, there are many ideas on the internet. If you don't sew or don't have a sewing/crafting area you probably do not want to display it as a sewing machine. Because these old things are now treasures to those who sew or love antiques I would suggest that you leave it as it as it is and use it as an accent table until the day comes that you know what is right for you. It will not be a treasure once it is dismantled -- it will just be a trendy table. If you are talking about an electric machine inside a table, those tables can be fitted with a lidded box that sits down in the machine area to become a hidden craft table or desk. If you have a working, older, electric machine some sewing machine shops will take it to donate to a womans shelter.

  • Lynn Lynn on Sep 22, 2017

    It all depends on the value, plus sentiment of the machine. If you have no real connection to the machine, search on ebay to see what they've been selling for (IF they've been selling!). Often the market is overflowing with them, but it depends on the type and your location as to how marketable they are. Often times, you might get more use if you repurpose them. I'm assuming it's the old treadle type machine with the wood cabinet. There are several ideas you can do, depending on your level of 'handiness'! You can basically take it apart and repurpose the machine itself into a lamp, the iron stand can become the 'legs' for a table of some sort, the drawers can be used for storage, or you can push the two banks of drawers together for a clever end table! Like the above poster mentioned, just search 'vintage sewing machine repurposed' and you'll get tons of ideas!