The sewing machine is a truly marvelous invention that has impacted the lives of every human for the past century. It’s hard to imagine life today without it. Sewing machines are involved in manufacturing many items you use in your daily life, from the clothes on your back to the interior of your car. Kramer’s Sew & Vac Center in Cincinnati, OH, have a real respect for this famous invention and have shared their knowledge with a short history of the sewing machine.

The first sewing machine was created in 1790 by English inventor Thomas Saint and was primarily used to stitch various leather items, mostly for horseback, and canvas for ship sails. The machine was amazingly advanced for the time and used a chain stitch, which is still commonly used today. However, the design was never made available to the public.

While there were a number of working prototypes for sewing machines after Saint’s first effort, the first practical, usable machine was made by French tailor Barthélemy Thimonnier in 1829. This version more closely mimicked the sewing machine of today, although it was still much larger. It was able to sew straight lines and use the same chain-stitch method as Saint’s machine, but with more accuracy and practicality. Barthélemy patented his invention in 1830 and put his machines into production, eventually creating the uniforms for the French armed forces.

In 1851, Isaac Merritt Singer submitted his patent for a sewing machine that would eventually become the famous Singer brand everyone knows today. They became the largest manufacturer of sewing machines in the world in 1860 and have remained so ever since.  

Sewing machines particularly changed the lives of many women. At the time, women spent days making their families clothing. With the advent of the sewing machine, a shirt that used to take 10 hours to make now only took one. And, the durability of stitched materials improved drastically as machines became more advanced and new stitching patters and possibilities were introduced. Today, there are dozens of varieties of sewing machines, from basic models for quick fixes to customizable machines that can link to a computer and do the work for you.

The history of sewing machines is an important piece of the way people think of created goods today. It’s a hobby many choose for their free time and is a practical skill that often comes in handy. If you are in need of a new sewing machine or repairs for your old one, talk to the experts at Kramer’s Sew & Vac Center . They have served the Greater Cincinnati community for over 65 years and are a one-stop shop for all things sewing. Call (513) 891-5005 or visit their website to see their selection of machines and services available to you.