Whether you’re a novice seamstress or an experienced tailor, you wouldn’t be able to complete your project as quickly or efficiently without a sewing machine. This powerful tool is almost essential for sewing fabric and materials together in the modern age, but not many people know about how they came to be. Between industrialism, politics, and scandal, sewing machines have a rich and exciting history. 

The Humble Origins of Sewing Machines

As far back as 20,000 years ago, people used their hands to sew using needles made from animal bones. When the industrial revolution hit Europe in the 18th century, the demand for a machine that could mimic sewing actions led to the first machine designed by Thomas Saint. The English cabinetmaker patented his design, but he never built the machine.

Forty years after Saint’s initial patent, the first successful sewing machine was built by Barthélemy Thimonnier in 1830. This French tailor opened the first machine-based clothing manufacturing company that was used to produce uniforms for the French army. In 1831, Thimonnier’s factory was burned down with him inside by other French tailors who feared his machines would put them out of work.

English inventor John Fisher created a sewing machine design in 1844 that was improved upon by an American named Elias Howe. Howe created the famous lockstitch, which features an eye-pointed needle and reverse-loop stitching.

The Beginning of Mass Production

In 1851, Isaac Merritt Singer began his iconic Singer® sewing machine empire, building machines with a foot pedal and up-and-down needle. Singer solidified his mark on the industry by creating the first patent pool, buying seven patents for sewing machines from other inventors.

Isaac improved upon each design, but Elias Howe sued him for patent infringement. Singer was ordered to pay royalties to Howe as a result, and both became multimillionaires from the product.

Olive Juice Quilts in Onalaska, WI, has a wide selection of fabrics, sewing machines, and quilting accessories to jumpstart your next project. Each machine purchase at the store comes with mastery classes for life, and their knowledgable staff is dedicated to helping La Crosse County residents find the best machine for their needs. Call (608) 782-3257 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to view their sewing class schedule.