A Brief History of Sewing Machines

Initially, sewing machines were manufactured for garment factory production lines, allowing for clothing to become uniformly mass-produced. It was French tailor Barthelemy Thimonnier who invented the first functioning sewing machine in 1830 for use in his garment factory.

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This original machine used only one thread and a hooked needle for a chain stitch. His factory was burnt down and he was nearly killed by an angry mob of French tailors who were afraid his machines would leave them unemployed. A few years later in America, Walter Hunt shared the same fears, and abandoned the work to patent his own version of a straight-seam sewing machine. The fears were unfounded, as industrial sewing machines created multiple job opportunities worldwide.

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Modern garment factories incorporate the same mass production techniques as other industries, with each workstation completing one part of the overall job. Industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform one specific sewing function such as embroidery. Machines with different functions are operated to complete clothing items in a production line. Marketing to individuals didn't begin until 1889, allowing for women to have the means to create clothing for their family without the labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine used in the home is manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of clothing.

Industrial sewing machines, like their domestic counterparts for the home, were created to simplify and speed up the otherwise labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine is manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of clothing. Sewing machines were adapted for use in industrial settings, allowing for clothing to become uniformly mass-produced. The industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function such as embroidery or applying buttonholes. Companies from all over the world manufacture industrial sewing machines with very basic features as well as higher-end computer operated models.

A variety of machines with different functions are operated to complete clothing items in a production line. A few examples would be a Bag Closer sewing machine which is used for sewing a single thread chain-stitch, a high-speed plain sewer is used for stitching seems and double needle machines are used for adding top stitching details to items like jeans.

Walking foot machines are invaluable for quilting and sewing coats, as it keeps the fabric moving along without bunching and making for a smoother and faster production. Overlock serger sewing machines, which are also available in smaller versions for the home, create the whipped V stitch along the edge of a seam of T-shirts and other stretchable fabrics.

A Brief History of Sewing Machines

Sewing Machines Info provides detailed information about industrial, embroidery, antique sewing machines, and sewing machines parts, as well as reviews of best sewing machine manufacturers. Sewing Machines Info is the sister site of Vending Machines Web.

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The History of Mechanic Sewing Machines

People have known the art of sewing for a long time, (over twenty thousand years) but not many people have used sewing machines to perform sewing. The first known sewing needles were made of animal horns, or often of bones, while the first iron needles date back from the 14th century. Many inventors have invented their own version of machines that perform sewing, but the first patent for an invention similar to the machine which we use today for sewing was given to a German inventor named Charles Weisenthal in 1755. However there is a lot of controversy about this invention, because it was never shown to people and we don't know if he actually invented it.

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After thirty five years, in 1790 the English inventor Thomas Saint was issued the patent for a machine which will perform sewing, but this invention had many differences with the one we use today. People who later tried to reproduce his machine using his drawings of it couldn't create it. As years passed by, many European inventors tried to invent a machine which will perform sewing for people, although not many people were not successful. Balthasar Krejms from Germany, Josef Madersperger from Austria, Thomas Stone and James Henderson, Scott John Duncan and many other people tried to invent the mechanic machines for sewing but their attempts were all considered unsuccessful and were soon forgotten by people.

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The first mechanic sewer which was proven to be working was invented by the French inventor named Barthelemy Thimonnier in 1830, who invented a machine which used only one threat and a needle. He was very much in danger when his factory was burnt by tailors who were afraid they might get fired from their jobs as hand-sewers due to the invention of the mechanical sewer.

On the other hand, Isaac Singer started to produce his own mechanical sewing machines and then he later sold them using the name "Singer" as a brand. This company still exists and it produces sewing machines. However he continuously was in a conflict with Elias Howe, who also invented a mechanical sewer, for the patent. Howe later was issued the patent while Isaac Singer was forced to pay a fine for patent infringement.

Nowadays there are a lot of sewing machine manufacturers which existed since the late 19th century mostly. "Singer Corporation" is a large sewing machine manufacturer being founded by Isaac Singer himself, with his lawyer in 1851. Today it is based in La Vergne in Tennessee. On the other hand, another large producer of sewing machines is also "Bernina" located in Switzerland.

The History of Mechanic Sewing Machines

For more info on Singer sewing machines, visit: http://www.sewingsinger.com

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History of the Singer Featherweight 221 Sewing Machine

In 1933, when Isaac Singer first introduced the Featherweight model 221 sewing machine at the Chicago World's Fair, he unveiled a machine who's history stretched back over 80 years. The foundation of the Featherweight 221's longevity can be traced back to 1850 when Allen Wilson received his patent for the rotary-hook stitch forming mechanism. Four years later in 1854 Wilson would receive another patent for his four-motion feed. These 2 inventions signaled the birth of the modern sewing machine. Today, all modern electric sewing machines still use both the rotary mechanism and four-motion feed.

From 1850 to 1880, the Wheeler and Wilson Company manufactured more sewing machines than any other company, except Singer. Due to illness, Wilson left the business and later in 1905, Singer bought out Wheeler and Wilson Company.

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In 1900, Singer introduced the Model 66, which featured the innovative top loading bobbin. Singer would then introduce the Model 101 sewing machine in 1915. Although it was the first true electric machine it was unsuccessful, probably due to its incredible cost of 0! In the 1920's Singer introduced the Model 99, and ¾ size version of their Model 66, but it was still much too heavy to be a portable machine. Finally, in 1933 Singer unveiled the Featherweight 221.

The Singer Featherweight Model 221 was the first truly portable, self contained, electric sewing machine. Today, if properly cared for, the 221 will sew just as well as when it was first manufactured. In fact, today ~1% of all Featherweights are still in the hands of their original owners.

Remaining in production until 1960 (except for a few years during WW II), with approximately 2.5 million units produced, the Featherweight 221 is one of the most recognizable machines of the 20th Century. It's all metal, mostly aluminum construction, was critical in not only dropping its weight to a mere 11 lbs, but also made it highly durable. The full rotary mechanism also allowed it to operate very quietly and efficiently. When not in use, the machine could be placed in a special carrying case so it could be stored out of sight (in a closet). Prior to WW II, when Singer had to stop making the 221, creative salesmen informed prospective customers that if they purchased the Featherweight, they would give them the case for free!

Although the 221 was only capable of a straight stitch, its reliability made it the preferred sewing machine of the American housewife for decades. The 221's longevity may also be partly due to the fact that the self contained machine also came with 6 attachments. These were a ruffler, wide hemmer, narrow hemmer, edge stitcher, gathering foot and binder. Singer also included 2 screwdrivers, one for the machine and one to adjust the thread tension.

With such versatility, in such a small package, it's no wonder the 221 was typically the first, and last, sewing machine many would purchase. So it's no wonder that close to 50 years after it was last produced, the Singer Featherweight 221 is still such a highly sought after sewing machine.

History of the Singer Featherweight 221 Sewing Machine

If you liked this article and are looking for either more information or want to know where you can find one, visit the Featherweight 221. Did you know that you can also save yourself quite a few dollars by learning how to repair your sewing machine at home.

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