The electric sewing machine was invented in 1889 by American inventor and entrepreneur, Singer. It revolutionized the ability to do various sewing jobs, such as making clothing and sewing on buttons, in a fraction of the time and energy previously required when working with the manual hand-crank model. But how did it all start?
It all began when Elias Howe developed the first sewing machine in 1846. The invention was revolutionary in its ability to use an eyelet and a shuttle to create a continuous interlocking stitch that was greatly superior to the hand-sewn stitch. A few short years later, an inventor from England, Isaac Merritt Singer, developed a machine that could sew faster and more accurately than Elias Howe’s machine. His is the model that’s widely credited as the first practical electric sewing machine.
Elias Howe’s original patent lapsed in 1855, allowing copycat designs and further developments to emerge. The first electric sewing machine was introduced in 1889 by the Domestic Sewing Machine Company. By 1889, a US patent had been issued pertaining to an electric motor-driven sewing machine. The challenge was that the energy supplied by the available electricity supply motors failed to keep up with the machine’s requirements. Singer tackled the problem and eventually overcome it, successfully powering the electric sewing machine by supplying it with an improved, high-powered electric motor.
The powerful electric motor allowed the Singer machine to offer a much faster and more efficient sewing experience compared to the existing mechanical, hand-cranked versions. Powered by a 110-120 Volt AC motor, the electric machine could sew a straight or curved stitch up to 400 times faster than a traditional, hand-cranked machines. Depending on the model, the electric Singer machines could produce up to 1,000 stitches per minute.
Singer eventually established a monopoly and the electric sewing machine became the standard for the industry. Other companies mimicked the design of the Singer’s electric sewing machine and some developed variations of their own. It wasn’t until 1910 that the manufacturing process of electric motors improved to the point where they could be mass-produced, drastically reducing the cost and allowing electric sewing machines to become widely available to households.
Employers also began to purchase electric machines for production work in more significant numbers, revolutionizing the manufacture of items such as clothing, sails, rugs, and quilts. It caused entire production lines to become automated and capable of completing more tasks in a shorter amount of time. In this way, the electric sewing machine was largely responsible for the birth of the industrial production of clothing and entirely changed the nature of the industry.
The invention of the electric sewing machine is considered one of the most important advances of all time. It marked the beginning of the age of automation and opened up all sorts of possibilities for mass production, including the manufacture of clothing, sails, rugs and quilts. The electric machine began an industrial revolution with its incredible speed, efficiency, and consistency.
Continued Use of Electric Sewing Machine
Years after its invention, the electric sewing machine has become a vital tool in the clothing industry. For example, industrial garment manufacturers use Singer electric machines for their production needs. It can be used for sewing zippers and hems, attaching pockets, and executing a variety of other specialized tasks. In addition, many home seamstresses use electric sewing machines for working on smaller garment projects and quilting.
These days, electric sewing machines come in various sizes, types, and styles. They generally consist of a needle, an arm, a power source, and various controls. The power source often consists of an electric motor or internal battery that drives the needle up and down through fabric, allowing the user to stitch in a straight line. Many machines also feature an adjustable needle position that allows the user to sew in different directions.
The most sophisticated machines are also equipped with additional features, such as computerized controls, for setting different stitch types and lengths. These machines are equipped with LCD screens and knobs or touchscreens that let the user customize the stitches with just a few taps or twists. They can also be programmed to repeat a stitch pattern.
In addition, modern electric sewing machines can offer a wide variety of features, such as automatic thread cutters, needle threaders, and even automatic presser feet. Many also come with an array of decorative stitches, giving users more control over the look of their project and allowing them to get creative. With the help of these features and modern technology, sewing with an electric machine is now much easier and faster than with a manual model.
Different Types of Electric Sewing Machines
Nowadays, electric sewing machines come in a variety of forms. The most basic electric sewing machines are simple machines with a few basic functions and no extra features. They are perfect for those who have just started to learn how to sew, as they provide basic stitches for garment construction, mending and quilting.
For more experienced sewers, electric sewing machines with more features might be a better option. These machines usually feature stitch selection, adjustable needle positions and pressure feet, automatic thread cutters, and various decorative stitches. They are perfect for making intricate designs and completing complex tasks. Some models also come with embroidery features, allowing users to embroider patterns and create custom projects.
For those looking for a combination of affordability and performance, computerized electric machines are the perfect choice. These models offer a range of features and controls that let users customize their stitch length and type, as well as access a wide variety of decorative stitches. Some include memory functions that allow users to store their stitch settings and projects.
Finally, for advanced sewers, industrial electric sewing machines provide an array of features that make working on large projects a breeze. They are powerful machines with high-speed, consistent stitches that can stitch through multiple layers of fabric with ease. They are perfect for producing high-volume items like upholstery, leather goods, bags, and even masks.
Advanced Features of Electric Sewing Machines
The invention of the electric sewing machine revolutionized the sewing industry by allowing sewers to gain greater control over the stitching process. Today, electric machines come with a wide variety of features that allow users to customize their projects with more precision. Many machines feature adjustable stitch lengths and types that allow users to produce more intricate designs. In addition, electric machines often feature automatic thread cutters, needle threaders, and one-touch presser feet that help make garment construction and quilting easier to execute.
In addition, many machines come with more advanced features, such as self-threading and automatic bobbin winding. Self-threading machines allow users to quickly and accurately thread their needles with the push of a button. Automatic bobbin winders allow users to insert thread and wind bobbins automatically, making it even easier to do garment construction and quilting.
For experienced sewers, industrial electric machines provide advanced features that make it easier to construct large and intricate items. These include reinforced feed systems, variable speed controls, and continuous patterns for making fast and even stitches. In addition, some machines come with integrated cutting systems that allow users to cut through multiple layers of fabric quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
The invention of the electric sewing machine in 1889 revolutionized the way clothing and other fabric items were made. It enabled the mass production of clothing and opened up a new world of possibilities for the sewing industry. The electric sewing machine allowed manufacturers to produce more items in a shorter amount of time. It was so successful that, to this day, it remains one of the most popular and frequently used machines in the industry.
The modern electric sewing machine is no longer just a simple sewing machine with a few basic features. It has come a long way from its initial invention and has evolved to include a wide variety of features and capabilities. Users still have the basics of stitching, but with the addition of adjustable needle positions, automatic thread cutters, and other advanced features, the possibilities for project customization have become almost limitless. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the electric sewing machine, paving the way for new innovations in the industry.
