Modern Sewing Machine's History
Singer, Howe and Other Pioneers of the Early Sewing Machine
Sincere’s History of the Sewing Machine by William Ewers (Sincere Press, 1970) tells us of the many 18th and 19th century inventors who focused on making machines that emulated hand-sewing. But a paradigm shift occurred in 1834; an American named Walter Hunt invented the first machine that did not try to imitate hand sewing. Instead, it made a lock stitch using two spools of thread and incorporated an eye-pointed needle. It was unsuccessful because it could only produce short, straight seams.
Nine years later another American, John Greenough, produced a working machine. This model implemented a needle that passed completely through the cloth. Although a model was made and exhibited in the hope of raising capital, no financial backers came forward at that time.
John Fisher
Ewers asserts that the essentials of a working modern sewing machine came together in 1844 when Englishman John Fisher introduced a machine designed for the production of lace. However, because of a misfiling incident at the patent office, the origin of the invention was in question. Long legal arguments ensued, but Fisher never made the millions of dollars that he may have been entitled to.
Elias Howe
Laurie Carlson, author of, Queen of Inventions: How the Sewing Machine Changed the World, (Millbrook Press, January 16, 2003) tells the rest of the story. Most historians agree that the basic sewing machine was invented by Massachusetts farmer Elias Howe, who completed his first prototype in 1845. One year later it was patented and Howe set about trying to stimulate interest within the tailoring trade. Alas, the world wasn't yet ready to replace hand sewing. Despite months of demonstrations, Howe could not make a sale.
Amasa Howe
Carlson continues the tale. Desperately in debt, Howe sent his brother Amasa to England with the machine in the hope that it would receive more interest on the other side of the Atlantic. Amasa could find only one backer, a corset maker named William Thomas, who eventually bought the rights to the invention and arranged for Elias to come to London to further develop the machine. The two had major personality conflicts, and eventually Elias, now penniless, returned to America.
Singer Sewing Machines
According to Carlson, when Elias arrived back home, he found that the sewing machine had finally caught on and that dozens of manufacturers, including Isaac Singer, were busy making machines. While Singer did pioneer aggressive sales tactics, he did not invent any notable sewing-machine advances. Another long series of law suits resulted, where Elias finally received his just reward.
The Modern Sewing Machine
Carlson tells us that the story does have a somewhat happy ending. Both Singer and Howe reached a legal agreement and lived out their days as multimillionaires.
The sewing machine helped give women more time for other chores and interests. Clothing, curtains, and so many more practical, everyday items no longer took days or weeks to complete. The world was on its way to being industrialized and the sewing machine certainly helped it on its way.
