The Amish are a traditional, Christian sect that shuns modern technology and seeks to live a simple lifestyle. In many regards, the Amish lifestyle mirrors that of their pre-industrial ancestors, relying on manual labor and the horse-and-wagon for transportation. This begs the question: Do the Amish use sewing machines in their fashion and crafts?
As far as sewing machines are concerned, the answer is no. According to Amish Bishop David Lapp, the Amish stick to hand stitching only, mostly done at home by members of the family or other Amish women in the community. The Amish rarely hire non-Amish people to do hand-stitching for them, as that, too, would straddle the line between the traditional Amish lifestyle and modern technology, which the Amish typically frown upon.
Other methods of clothing construction, such as weaving and knitting, are also bypassed in favor of hand-stitching. Even some of the more intricate sewing tasks, such as creating bonnets and hats, are accomplished with just a needle and thread. The Amish use stocking stilettos, needles, and thimbles to perform a majority of the clothing construction—all by hand. As a result, their clothing patterns and textiles may lag several years behind those of the contemporary fashion industry.
But why do the Amish shun such a simple labor-saving device as the sewing machine? A majority of this reluctance may be rooted in religious doctrine. As far as the Amish are concerned, no gadget or technological device should provide a shortcut to completion of a task. Working hard and with determination is valued, and in the Old Orders, the use of the sewing machine does not fit that mould.
Also, the Amish view the fabric crafts and attire as a way to express their faith. For them, hand-stitching represents dedication to the task, which is highly praised by both their fellow Lords of the Day and their families. In the same vein, the use of the sewing machine also suggests slothfulness, which is not encouraged by the Amish.
However, it should be noted that there are some Amish communities that do, in fact, utilize electricity and even the sewing machine in their homes. Along with this, some of these communities may use modern vehicles and certain personal amusements. In effect, the “Paradise Agreement” has split the Amish into two different schools of thought—the Old Order and the New Order. The Old Order, of course, adheres to traditional values, including the hand-stitching of clothing, while the New Order has begun to adapt to contemporary fashion trends and embrace the sewing machine with some caution.
Do Amish Actually Sew?
For many Amish, the handmade garments and other goods serve not only a practical purpose, but also a symbolic one. Sewing and other fabric crafts are a very important part of the Amish culture, and Amish families place great value in constructing goods that represent the Amish spirit of faith and humility. Even if the use of the sewing machine is allowed in some communities, the Amish rarely choose to use it.
Whether all the Amish communities feel the same toward sewing machines, though, tends to vary. Some may allow the use of certain modern gadgets and tools while others choose to stick with hand-stitching. But what can be said with certainty is that the majority of Amish communities will not use sewing machines due to religious beliefs, traditional values, and a commitment to hand-stitching.
Modern Sewing Machines vs Hand-stitching
For those that want to keep with tradition, hand-stitching allows for more flexibility when creating patterns and pieces of apparel. It also allows for more creative ways to use fabrics, as the Amish have found superior ways to utilize traditional cloth for their garments. On the other hand, the use of modern sewing machines allows for quicker production times with increased accuracy. However, when the Amish are constructing their clothing and crafts, accuracy is not as important as religious symbolism.
So, from the perspective of both religion and tradition, the Amish do not use sewing machines. For the majority of Amish communities, hand-stitching is preferred due to its religious symbolism and potential for flexibility. While modern sewing machines provide advantages as far as accuracy and productivity, the Amish choose to stick with hand-stitching as a way to honor their faith and maintain their culture and traditions.
Are The Amish Overly Protectionist of Their Tradition?
There has been much criticism of the Amish and their stand on technology and labor. Some argue that the Amish’s refusal to use modern gadgets and devices deprives them of labor-saving devices that could make their lives easier, and thus prevent the Amish from living the fullest life they can. Others contend that the Amish are protectionist and wish to hold onto the past at the expense of their present.
To get a sense of the Amish’s position on technology, one need look no further than the interactions between Amish communities and the contemporary world. Despite shunning modern technology, many Amish communities rely heavily on the non-Amish population in order to access certain goods and services. In effect, the Amish rely on the same technology they wish to avoid in order to maintain their lifestyle. This indicates that while the Amish do prefer tradition to modernity, they are more than willing to utilize the advantages that contemporary technology can bring.
Some have also speculated that the Amish’s adamant insistence on avoiding modern technology may unduly hinder their ability to take part in contemporary society. For instance, many Amish communities lack access to basic services such as modern healthcare, reliable transportation, and other amenities that are central to leading a full life.
Nonetheless, the Amish are usually wary of technology, and for religious reasons, some Amish communities may have chosen to forgo mechanized labor. Despite this, some of the Amish’s reasons for not engaging in mechanized labor are steeped in tradition and values, providing insight into how the Amish view the importance of manual labor, humility, and dedication.
Critical Commentary & Opinions On Amish Attitude Towards Sewing Machines
In the U.S. fashion industry and other sectors of business, moderate use of the sewing machine is customary. Therefore, it has garnered a great deal of criticism towards the Amish as far as their traditional approach of hand-stitching is concerned. Obviously, the increased time and effort for creating a garment with a needle and thread cannot be matched by the sewing machine, and thus it has been viewed as an antiquated and outdated means of production.
For those that view the use of the sewing machine as inevitable, there is even greater concern that, by not using the sewing machine, the Amish are limiting themselves in terms of providing jobs, contributing to the national economy, and creating modern wares for sale in the open market.
Still, there have been some non-Amish that have come to the defense of their fellow minority group. Despite their antiquated ways, the Amish have garnered considerable respect and admiration for their commitment to tradition, especially in regards to the hand-stitching of clothing. With this in mind, some have argued that it is necessary to respect the belief system of the Amish while allowing them the same liberties and opportunities enjoyed by others in the U.S.
Impact Of Hand-stitching On The Amish Society
Needlework and other fabric crafts remain an integral part of Amish women’s lives that has been passed down for hundreds of years. The Amish use their sewing not only for practical purposes but also as a religious and cultural expression. Sewing helps the Amish teach their children the importance of manual labor, humble living, and dedication to the task at hand, which are all lessons taught in Amish classrooms.
The hand-stitching also serves another important purpose: fundraising. Each year, the Amish hold auctions and other craft sales where they can sell their hand-made wares and keep the money for local charities or other community-centric services. This goes to show that the Amish are not only dedicated to adhering to their traditional values, but they also find ways to help their families and neighbors in the process.
For the less orthodox Amish, the sewing may be seen as a symbol of the past or something to be revered in old age but not as a daily necessity. As a result, many of the young Amish may choose to purchase their clothing from the local stores rather than make it by hand. This modest departure from tradition continues to be debate amongst Amish communities, but it opens the door to a level of modernization that ultimately permits the Amish to form connections with the outside world, while still maintaining tradition.
Adoption Of Sewing Machines By The Amish Community
Recently, accounts have surfaced about the Amish introducing the simpler, treadle-operated sewing machine in some households. Generally, the sewing machine has been accepted in Amish society as long as it is powered by a hand or foot pedal and the machine is used solely for its intended purpose. It is impossible to know the full extent of Amish communities that have adopted the use of the sewing machine; it is clear, though, that its introduction into Amish society is an evolution towards financial prosperity.
When viewed from a larger cultural perspective, one can clearly see the influx of technology into almost every sector of the Amish society. Members of many communities have begun to use phones, computers, and other technologically advanced devices, albeit for limited periods of time. This move to incorporate technology is typically balanced with limiting usage and the avoidance of mechanical labor whenever possible. With this in mind, it is more than clear that the avoidance of the sewing machine is closely interconnected with the Amish’s views on traditional values, faith, and their commitment to manual labor.
Uncertainty of The Amish On Utilizing Sewing Machines
Not all Amish communities may accept the use of the sewing machine, even in its most simple form. Many communities fear the implications of transgression—they worry that sewing machines might introduce shortcuts in their garments, thus negating the religious symbolism of manual labor. Others worry that the introduction of the sewing machine will signal the infiltration of modern gadgets into a realm that the Amish deem should remain traditional. In the end, the decision to use the sewing machine remains an act of individual choice for Amish members, with doctrinal and traditional implications for each household.
Moreover, the Amish have and continue to use weaving and crochet hooks in much the same manner as the sewing machine. These tools can be used in place of the needle and thread, as they offer the same range of maneuverability, though it takes some experience before one can become proficient. This shows that, when it comes to garment creation, the Amish are more than willing to use available tools without compromising the reliability and traditional symbolism of manual labor.
Crowdsourcing Amongst The Amish
In recent years, a
