The Forgotten Art of Treadle Sewing: Uncovering the History and Significance of Foot-Powered Machines

Tredrille is a misspelling of "treadle", which is an old-fashioned word for a foot-powered lever or pedal that is used to operate a machine, such as a sewing machine or a loom. The word "treadle" is derived from the Old English word "trēadl", which means "a step or tread".

In the context of sewing, a treadle is a lever that is operated by the feet to power a sewing machine. The treadle is connected to a system of gears and pulleys that control the movement of the machine's needle and thread. By pressing down on the treadle with their feet, the operator can make the machine move in different ways, such as forward and backward, or up and down, to create different stitches and patterns.

Treadles were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to power sewing machines, but they have largely been replaced by electric motors in modern times. However, some enthusiasts and collectors still use and restore vintage sewing machines that are powered by treadles, and there is a renewed interest in these machines as a hobby and for their historical significance.