The sewing machine was invented in the middle of the industrial revolution, but before the widespread application of electric motors. To turn the sewing mechanism required the use of ones own people power. This was achieved either by rocking a level with your feet or turning a handle with your hand.

For well over a century the preferred method of powering a sewing machine was with the foot driven treadle system. It consisted of a pivoting foot lever that turned a wheel connected to the sewing machine by a belt.

Even today treadle machines are manufactured by Janome International for use where electric power is scarce, undependable, undesirable, or expensive. In addition to the foot driven models, there were thousands of hand crank machines manufactured.

Electric motors revolutionize the sewing machine. It enabled the sewer to sew with far less effort, but also to sew faster and with greater control.

The modern sewing machine has advanced to a point where electricity and electronics are enhances with full fledged computer operations. The days of the treadle and hand crank are left to the age of nostalgia.

With the introduction of electricity and electric motors, came relief from the physical work of pumping or turning the sewing machine. Also, however, came issues of electrical shock, fire, and shorts. The power systems in the United States and Europe were different. The quality of wiring in homes varied greatly. All of this power had to be transferred through the electric cord.

A power transformer could be used to adjust to differing power systems. Just plug in and go. The catch is that everything has to be in good condition to work properly.

While the electrical system of the sewing machine is highly dependable and generally very safe, it still has issues. The power cord that plug the sewing machine into the power socket, requires very special care.

If it gets pinched, worn, cracked, or otherwise exposes the wires inside the cord, they can cause big problems. If the two wires touch they may spark a fire, cause a shock, create electrical discharges that can damage the sewing machine.

Caution is needed.

If you are insecure, you can take your cord to a professional sewing machine repair specialist.  However, you can probably do the repair yourself and save time and money.

So, check out that power cord every time you plug it in. Check it for wear and tear. Check it for insulation cracks, cuts, pinched spots, and anywhere the wires might be exposed or vulnerable to short. Check the plug too. Avoid too many items plugged into a circuit. Prevent problems.

You may find spots on the cord that are not real bad, but could become a problem. There might be slight cuts, nicks, or cracks. You can fix these by wrapping them with electrical tape. Be sure that you wrap a little above and below the abrasion.

If you see cracks or an obvious break in the power cord, repair the cord by cutting the bad spot out of the power cord. Join only good ends by separating the two wires on each section.

Make sure the insulation is intact. Attach the appropriate ends together. Remember you are working with AC voltage so as long as the wire is continuous after joining, they will work. You may solder the ends or use wire nuts to join the wire. Once the wires are joined, cover the joint with electricians tape thoroughly to prevent further wear.

If the cord is badly worn, replace it.

Do not continue using faulty sewing machine power cords.

In most cases, you can install a new power cord without replacing the foot control.

Yes, many cords do attach to the foot control, but the foot control may be disassembled and the ends of the new cord installed.

Replace it or burn. That has got to be your thinking.

If the cord is bad, replace it. You can get new cords through your local independent sewing machine dealer. Or you can contact wholesale parts suppliers like Tacony Corporation to get what you need.

Generally, do not worry about getting the exact same brand or model cord or foot control. Generic after market products will do a good job, and they are more likely available.

Caution: Fix or replace bad power cords. Save you home and your life.