Sewing Machine History - A Short Overview of a Long Tale

Sewing Machine History dates back to the time of First Industrial Revolution that intended to reduce manual sewing workload at different fabric manufacturing units. Presumably the 1st stitching machine was a discovery by Thomas Saint in 1790. In 1791 Saint took the patent although no working model was built based mostly on this design. Josef Madersperger, the Australian tailor came up with the 1st physical sewing machine.

Barthlemy Thimonnier, the French tailor patented his stitching machine that used chain stitches to stitch straight streams. He also set up a factory that used total 80 stitching machines and made French military uniforms. Sadly the rebelling French tailors demolished the factory putting a stop on Thimonnier’s journey.

In 1833 Walter Hunt invented the ‘lock stitch’ sewing machines. This machine employed an eye-pointed curved needle that carried the upper thread and it left loops while touching thru the fabric horizontally. It also contained a shuttle which carried a lower thread and made interlocks with the threads while passing thru the loops. Hunt sold off the machine without taking patent to be part of stitching Machine History.

In US John Greenough patented his first stitching machine in 1842. In 1845, Elias Howe came up with a stitching machine that was slightly like that of Hunt’s. But it was a majorly improved version and many individuals in America tried to contravene his patent which he contested and won in 1854. Sewing Machine History remains unfinished without mention of Isaac Merritt Singer whose machine incorporated the best of methods from older models and provided excellent productiveness. Allen. B. Wilson and John Bradshaw also contributed in stitching Machine History.

James Edward Allen Gibbs got the patent for first ‘chain-stitch single-thread stitching machine’ in 1857. The 1st set of electric stitching machines was made by Singer Sewing company in 1889. NECCHI and TOYOTA are worth mention in sewing Machine History. Orisol made computerized machines for industrial use. Modern stitching machines are much improved and come with augmented aesthetic appeal. Searching for a Home Sewing Machine? Check our review of wonderful Brother XL2600I at http://homesewingmachine.org/