History of the Sewing Machine

Knowing the many options available in terms of sewing machines these days can make one curious about the history of the device. From bones needles to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, sewing machines have come a long way, baby. This brief Sewing Machine History 101 will educate and interest any sewing buff.

The Old School

Before the sewing machine, people employed crude needles made of bone as early as 20,000 years ago to sew together skins and furs. This progressed into iron sewing needles, the first known of which was discovered in Manching, Germany and dates all the way back to the third century B.C.E. By the time of the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.E.-A.D. 220), according to findings within Han tombs, there were complete sewing kits, including the first known use of thimbles.

Early Inventors and Contributors

Many of the sewing machine's originators contributed bits and pieces to its development along the way. Those who molded the many elements of design into working units are those most remembered and credited. British inventor Thomas Saint concocted and patented the first feasible sewing machine in 1790. Although an advancement, it was a raw, complicated model involving just one thread and producing a chain stitch. Both Barthelemy Thimonnier and Walter Hunt made improvements to the sewing machine, but neither made it very far. Thimonnier's machines were destroyed by a horde of angry tailors and Hunt deserted his project for fear of putting seamstresses out of work.

Practical Sewing Machines

In 1846, Elias Howe patented a lock stitch machine that sewed only straight seams and boasted a grooved, eye-pointed needle and shuttle. To be fair, many believe it was his wife, Elizabeth Ames Howe, who actually brought this sewing machine to fruition. In 1851, Isaac M. Singer patented a sewing machine with a rigid arm, a table to support the cloth, and a foot treadle as opposed to hand crank. The Wilcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company went on to produce more affordable sewing machines. Soon after, Helen Augusta Blanchard invented the zigzag sewing machine.

Societal Effects

Sewing machines simplified the work of making garments at home for the family. It provided the same ease for garment and shoemakers that drove up production and profits for the companies, but hindered the average worker, like much commerce did, during the Industrial Revolution.