Sewing Machine History: The Road of Invention

Hand sewing was not a choice but rather the norm in years long past. All home furnishings, clothing, and sacks used for agriculture or other storage purposes were all hand sewn. From that point to now, the road to the creation of the sewing machine has been a key thread in the fabric of our history and our society. The story of the inventors and their various contributions that culminated in the machine we recognize today as the sewing machine is complex. Today's sewing machine is the physical manifestation of a dream, where sewing was made easier and the time spent creating was cut down significantly.

An interesting fact about the creation of the sewing machine is that the inventor to first apply for a patent is thought to have never actually built a working sewing machine. In 1791, a British inventor by the name of Thomas Saint applied for the patent. However, there is no evidence he actually created a machine. Meanwhile, the first known working sewing machine was created in 1814 in Austria by an inventor named Josef Madersperger. However, his work did not result in anything that worked long-term.

sewing machine history
Thomas Saint's Sewing Machine

French inventor Barthelemy Thimonnier was the next to try his hand at the creation of a sewing machine. In 1830, he successfully patented a machine that was able to sew straight seams. This machine used a chain stitch. By 1841, he built a factory to create these machines. However, the French Tailors in the area were allegedly threatened by the machines and felt they would lose their jobs. As a result, they burned down the factory and sabotaged his efforts. Thimonnier moved to England and is thought to be the first person to sell working machines. He also was in charge of a garment factory during his lifetime.

Meanwhile, in the US, American Walter Hunt was creating a sewing machine that could complete a lockstitch. He managed this in 1833. The machine introduced the use of two spools of thread and a needle with an eye, similar to that used today. However, there were still flaws in the design. This machine required resetting too often to truly be useful. Another American, John Greenough, was working on the design of a sewing machine and created a machine that managed to pass the needle through the material. However, society was significantly uninterested in the idea, and it failed to garner enough interest to be sold.

sewing machine history

In 1845, a different and improved version of the machine created by Walter Hunt was introduced by Elias Howe. This machine was the most viable at that point in history. However, Howe struggled to find investors to fund his project. A trip to England to garner backing proved unsuccessful. Upon return to the US, Howe found that several people were making similar machines and infringing on his patent with their creations.

An engineer named Isaac Merritt Singer took the concept of the rotary sewing machine and redesigned it to include a flying shuttle. A presser foot to hold the cloth in place and a needle mounted vertically were also notable changes introduced by Singer, as well as a fixed arm holding the needle and the introduction of a tensioning system at a very basic level.

Singer procured an American patent for his design in 1851. He also created a treadle (foot pedal) for use with his machines. Meanwhile, Howe took the legal route and pursued compensation from Singer and other individuals at the time. He was successful.

sewing machine history

Interestingly enough, the sales of Singer sewing machines were successful more for the sales techniques used than for the machines themselves. A lawyer named Edward Clark partnered with Singer to create a payment scheme that is considered the first hire-payment or leasing agreement. This effort was intended to help more people afford the machines.

Also in the 1850's, Allen B. Wilson and Nathaniel Wheeler created a quieter machine that ran smoother under the name of the Wheeler and Wilson Company.

At this point, a number of partnerships were created to work on and market sewing machines. They also ended in more than a few disagreements and legal issues, like patent infringement and threatened lawsuits. This period was known as “The Sewing Machine War,” since inventors at the time were intent on protecting intellectual property. As a result, Singer joined with Howe, Wheeler, Wilson, Grove, and Baker to create the Sewing Machine Combination in 1856. This ensured that these inventors would need to be paid if others were intent on marketing their own versions of the sewing machine.

sewing machine history

In 1877, the sewing world saw the creation of the crocheting machine, made by inventor Joseph Merrow. The machine was produced and marketed by the Merrow Machine Company. It was considered the first overlocking machine, and this type of machine is still manufactured and sold today by the Merrow Machine Company.

In 1885, Singer applied for and received a new patent – this one for the Singer Vibrating Shuttle sewing machine. This machine used the Allen B Wilson vibrating shuttle and had greater precision in lockstitching. It also replaced oscillating shuttles. This type of shuttle stayed in use until the introduction of rotary shuttles.

In 1889, the Singer Sewing Company developed electric sewing machines. The early models had an electric motor stuck to the side of older models that were not electric. Over time, that motor was moved inside, and the modern version of the machine was born.

sewing machine history

In 1946, Toyota introduced its first electric sewing machine. Fast forward to the 1980s, when computer-controlled machines hit the market, increasing the function capabilities to the point where sewing machines could be used in various industries that included clothing, industrial, and shoemaking manufacturing. With the introduction of computer-controlled machines, embroidery machines could forgo the use of cards and expand the capabilities, allowing any design to be put on fabric.

sewing machine history

The sewing machine made a significant difference in the way we have all lived our lives. The machine changed the economy and influenced industrialization. Meanwhile, women were freed to pursue other interests and no longer kept home by the need to sew clothes and linens for the household. The ability to create with a wider variety and limitless options has greatly improved interior design and fashion, all thanks in great part to the invention of the sewing machine.

sewing machine history

If you like learning about sewing machines, be sure to check out this article entitled, The Irresistible Allure or Vintage Sewing Machines.


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Jackie
Jackie

Just as an aside, Singer still makes treadle machines for the Third World countries.

inge jensen
inge jensen

very interesting! thanks for an interesting article. i have an old hand machine called “Avenue”. never heard of it before. it is in working condition, but i have it on a shelf for show.

Debra Rieske
Debra Rieske

Before I begin my sewing machine unit, I have my students research FACS facts about this very topic! Thanks for enhancing my lesson plans! Great information and graphics!

Patty Pritchett
Patty Pritchett

Thanks for this! It was very informative.

Many sewists (except a few older ones like me) may not be aware that when new models of machines were offered for sale in past decades, especially Singer, they would give a nice discount if you traded in your old machine. Many did, only to discover to our horror (many years later) the reason was to keep us from selling our old machines to new users, the companies wanting to sell only newer, more cheaply made machines to those needing a machine. I have one Singer model from the 1960’s I bought used, exactly the model I learned to sew on that my sister has possession of. It is a workhorse, unlike the lesser quality (beginner?) machines sold these days with plastic gears that will break or wear out with heavy use.

Yvette
Yvette

“We’ve come a long way baby.” Thank you for providing the history of this marvelous invention. Because of it, we now have these delightful and insightful newsletters and, of course, fabulous fashions and other wonderful creations. Where would the world of sewing be without this machine?

Joanna
Joanna

Great article…thank you for the research and giving us the lowdown!

I. Reid
I. Reid

Nice article. I learned to sew on an old Singer treadle machine!! Sure do appreciate my new (2010) one even though its not fully computerized! SO much easier and so many more options! I may be elderly but I appreciate these “new fangled inventions!”

Pam Hopp
Pam Hopp

Fascinating history. Thank-you for sharing.

Tonya A. Wohlever
Tonya A. Wohlever

Thank goodness for this wonderful invention!! Fascinating article!

Linda L.
Linda L.

Thanks for this article. It’s very interesting to know how the everyday things we use were developed. I started out on a Singer treadle machine which was the ‘latest thing’ in its day. I can only imagine what my grandmother and her generation would make of our computerized machines.

Bonnie Thiem
Bonnie Thiem

Thanks so much for this very interesting History lesson on sewing machines. I like learning about things I’m interested in.

Roch
Roch

To popularize and sell his machinto the housewife, who was in charge of sewing in the home, Singer was 1st to introduce the payment credit plan of buying something on time to individuals.

Alisemary
Alisemary

Thank you for this interesting article. I am teaching a group of teenage girls to sew and will enjoy sharing this brief history with the class!