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This article will go over some of my top picks for sewing machines that are lightweight and portable, sometimes referred to as 3/4 sewing machines because of their size. Before I get started I want to clarify the type of sewing machines I will focus on here. There are a couple different types of lightweight sewing machines.
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- Brother CS6000i 60-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Wide Table(323)Total Ratings 323,$40.00 shipping
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- Portable Needlework Cordless Mini Hand-held Clothes Fabrics Sewing Machine(1)Total Ratings 1,
- Juki Hzl-dx7 Professional Computerized Quilting Sewing Machine
- Brother PE800 5 inch x 7 inch Embroidery Machine with Color Touch LCD and USB(8)Total Ratings 8,$399.69 Used
- Brother SE625 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine(9)Total Ratings 9,$280.00 Used
- $450.00 Used
- Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist Electronic Sewing Machine(106)Total Ratings 106,$158.69 Used
- Brother SQ9285 150 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine(8)Total Ratings 8,$129.95 Used
- Brother CS6000i 60-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Wide Table(310)Total Ratings 310,$60.00 Used
Portable Smart Needlework Cordless Mini Hand-Held Clothes Fabrics Sewing Machine
Can deal with conventional desktop machines cannot handle things, such as sewing curtain rod. Loose the setscrew with a screwdriver and take off the old needle. Notice to let the flat part of needle face the invariant setscrew.From Hong KongFree shippingBrand: UnbrandedType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedBERNINA 1090 SEWING MACHINE with accessories and BOOK
<p>BERNINA 1090 S SEWING MACHINE with accessories, Case and BOOK . Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. Machine is in good working condition. </p>0 bids$97.72 shippingEnding Sep 22 at 4:01PM PDT2d 8hBrand: BERNINAType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedHusqvarna Viking Designer 1 Embroidery Sewing Machine
<p>Husqvarna Viking Designer 1 Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machine. Includes everything you see in the picture.</p><p>This was my grandma’s. She took great care of her sewing equipment. Machine is in good working order. All accessories are in good condition. User Manual has some water damage....only flaw I can see. Reach out with any questions.</p>1 bid$167.86 shippingEnding Today at 2:59PM PDT7h 33mBrand: Husqvarna VikingType: Sewing/Embroidery ComboOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedNice Pfaff tiptronic 2030 computerized sewing machine w/ accessories and manuals
Here is a used Pfaff tiptronic 2030 sewing machine. This is a digital sewing machine. You just press the buttons and it gives you all the different stitches. We tested the unit out and it works great.Brand: PFAFF$117.55 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedKENMORE MODEL 385.19233 ELECTRONIC SEWING MACHINE TESTED WITH ACCESSORIES
Up for sale is a very nice used Sears Kenmore model 385.19233 multi stitch computerized sewing machine. It has been cleaned and lubricated where needed. I have sewn with most of the stitches available including the monogramming and the buttonhole stitch.Top Rated Plus$59.88 shippingBrand: KenmoreType: SewingOperation: ElectronicCustoms services and international tracking providedBROTHER COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE XR1355 With Pedal
Treat the designer in you to a range of professional features in the Project Runway CS5055PRW Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine. It features 50 built-in stitches, including 5 styles of auto-size buttonholes.Brand: Brother$53.95 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother CE8100 120-Stitch Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
This is to insure your item arrives safe and secure.Brand: BrotherTrending at $149.66Type: SewingOperation: Computerized12 watchingCustoms services and international tracking providedHusqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Computerized Sewing Machine
Stylus for Screen. No case or embroidery unit are included. This is very clean and seems to be fully operational. It is very clean. I do not know the service history, so it may be due. It is missing the Bobbin Case, but those are easily acquired.Brand: Husqvarna Viking$139.45 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedBrand: PFAFF$83.76 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedPfaff Creative Vision Sewing and Embroidery Machine
0 bids$350.12 shippingEnding Sep 26 at 11:17AM PDT6d 3hBrand: PFAFFType: Sewing/Embroidery ComboOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBernina 1230 Computerized Sewing Machine
I do not know the history nor when it was last serviced. I checked you tube tutorial and everything seems to work as it should. You must fiddle a little bit with light but it does work. There is no extension table.Brand: BERNINA$104.07 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedPFAFF PERFORMANCE 2056 Computerized Sewing Machine,DECORATIVE ART AND MORE
Brand: PFAFF$107.09 shippingType: Sewing/Embroidery ComboOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother 50-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine - CS5055PRW
Brand New, USA WarrantyBrand: Brother$46.54 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother CE1125PRW Computerized Sewing Machine (100 Stitch Types)
Selecting your stitch is as easy as pressing a button with the easy stitch selector and LCD display screen. Sewing in low light?. Not a problem, the CE1125PRW features a super bright LED-lit workspace.Top Rated PlusWas: Previous Price$153.93Brand: BrotherType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother SE625 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine BRAND NEW
Brand: Brother$54.75 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedHusqvarna Viking Designer 1 Computerized Embroidery & Sewing Machine Extras #2
We listen for any odd or loud noises of which there were none - it seems to run smoothly and quietly. See photos for want you're getting!Brand: Husqvarna Viking$98.93 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother SE425 SE 425 Computerized Sewing & Embroidery Machine Refurbished
Embellish your projects beautifully and affordably! Beginner and more advanced sewers alike enjoy the SE425's many built-in sewing features, including 67 sewing stitches with 98 stitch functions. And getting started with embroidery is easy, with the intuitive LCD screen display, built-in tutorials, and quick start guide.Brand: Brother$107.65 shippingType: Sewing/Embroidery ComboOperation: ComputerizedHusqvarna Viking Designer 1 Computerized Embroidery & Sewing Machine Extras #1
We listen for any odd or loud noises of which there were none - it seems to run smoothly and quietly. See photos for want you're getting!Brand: Husqvarna Viking$93.70 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedHusqvarna Viking SAPPHIRE 830 Sewing Machine Attachments Manuals Carrying Case
Machine in Working Order.Beautiful.Brand: Husqvarna Viking$116.00 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedBenefits charityCustoms services and international tracking providedJanome 3160QDC-B Quilting and Sewing Machine Refurbished
You will find 60 stitches including 6 one-step buttonholes. Locking Stitch Button. Maximum stitch width: 7mm. Maximum stitch length: 5mm. Satin stitch foot. Seam ripper (Buttonhole opener). Lint brush.Brand: Janome$60.12 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedSinger 6268 computerized home sewing machine
Machine is running and electronic panel lights up when pushing the buttons. For parts/ repair only.Brand: SINGER$84.53 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother - CS-100 - Multiple Stitch - Sewing Machine w/Table and More - Tested
A nice working sewing machine, works great. I do research as much as possible on the item’s I find, but I am not a professional on everything.1 bid$84.79 shippingEnding Sep 22 at 6:11PM PDT2d 10hBrand: BrotherType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedPFAFF Hobbymatic 919-1 Sewing Machine German with Case and Accessories
This PFAFF sewing machine is in overall good condition with light surface wear and scratches as pictured. This sewing machine is in working condition and includes the original case and accessories as pictured.Brand: PFAFF$71.57 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedSINGER 160 Limited Edition 160th Anniversary Computerized Sewing Machine- Used
Condition is Used. Pre-owned SINGER 160thAnniversary Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine.Brand: SINGER$194.31 shippingType: SewingOperation: Computerized0 bids$115.18 shippingEnding Sep 26 at 7:11PM PDT6d 11hBrand: JanomeType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedSinger 6160 Computerized Sewing Machine with Automatic Needle Threader
Check Price for 'SINGER 6160 Computerized Sewing Machine with Auto Needle Threader'. Get SINGER 6160 Computerized Sewing Machine with Auto Needle Threader for as low as. ,Yahoo! Read honest and unbiased product. ,The SINGER 6160 Brilliance electronic sewing machine boasts features to make sewing a breeze at an affordable price.Brand: SINGERWas: Previous Price$175.00Type: SewingOperation: AutomaticCustoms services and international tracking providedBernina 560E Computerized Sewing & Embroidery Machine w/ Acc. - Fully Serviced
Bernina 560E Computerized Sewing & Embroidery Machine w/ Acc. - Fully Serviced. Item Condition: Sewing machine has been fully serviced and cleaned. We did our best to show everything that is included.Top Rated Plus$149.20 shippingBrand: BERNINAType: Sewing/Embroidery ComboOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother Project Runway Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine CE1100PRW
<p>Brother Project Runway Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine CE100PRW</p><p>In excellant used condition!! Comes with accessories as pictured. Runs well!!!</p>Brand: Brother$79.39 shippingType: SewingOperation: Computerized10 watchingCustoms services and international tracking providedSinger ONE Computerized Sewing Machine Brand New In The Box Free Shiping
Singer ONE Computerized Sewing Machine.Brand: SINGER$50.04 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedJanome DC1050 Computerized Sewing Machine Refurbished
Fifty stitches, including three automatic one step buttonholes, provide a large variety for your diverse sewing needs. Auto-Declutch bobbin winder. Convertible free arm for circular sewing. Locking stitch button.Brand: Janome$55.31 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedJANOME Sewing Machine -- NEW UNUSED IN BOX -- Model 234 New Home
—>Free arm for versatile sewing —>Front-loading, push-pull bobbin winder —> Manual stitch. selection dials—>Maximum stitch width:5mm (.198') —>Maximum stitch length: 4mm (.157'). Manual Stitch Selection Dials Manual Thread Tension Easy Reverse Lever.Brand: Janome$74.70 shippingType: QuiltingOperation: ComputerizedBenefits charityCustoms services and international tracking providedBROTHER CS6000i SEWING MACHINE+TABLE+HARD CASE+25 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This light weight computerized sewing machine is heavy on the features that you are looking for! The CS-6000i has 60 built in stitches including, utility, decorative, heirloom, quilting and 7 styles of one step auto-sizing buttonholes.Brand: Brother$42.54 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedVIKING HUSQVARNA COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE MODEL 980
<p>For sale is a VIKING HUSQVARNA COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE MODEL 980. The sewing machine works as shown in the pictures. Only problem was that where the foot pedal plugs to the sewing machine it seems to wiggle some and that makes it loose contact. I noticed that if you take out the plug a little after plugging it in it works better or maybe stick a piece of something to make it wedge and tighten up the plug so that it does not move. Other than that it works fine. Also the foot pedal has been repaired in 2 places. I took several pictures to show details of it working and all that is included. </p><br><p>I only do shipping in the USA. Thank you for looking and please look at my other items for sale. Any questions please email me.</p>Brand: Husqvarna Viking$90.14 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedSimplicity Embroidery Sewing Machine - Model SE3 works (N128)
Great working condition.Brand: Simplicity$77.76 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother PE-150 Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machine Box Manual Mem Card Hoops
Brother PE-150 Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machine. Sewing machine. The machine has been tested and works. I was using thin t-shirt material for the demo, which isn't the best material for embroidery.Brand: Brother$80.07 shippingType: SewingOperation: Computerized17 watchingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedBrother CS-6000i Computer Sewing Machine. GENTLY USED
<p>Brother CS-6000i Computer Sewing Machine. GENTLY USED. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.</p><p>My neighbor who does quite a bit of sewing tested this machine and says it runs great. It has minimal wear with a few areas of light scuff marks Etc. I'm selling everything in the picture for one price. It's not in the picture that I do not have it.<br>Unfortunately we do not accept returns or partial refunds. Thanks for viewing and have a wonderful day.</p>Brand: Brother$152.48 shippingType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedJanome JW8100 Computerized Sewing Machine (READ DESCRIPTION)
Never used. Open/rough box. Stitch chart card not included.0 bids$51.44 shippingEnding Sep 22 at 3:48PM PDT2d 8hBrand: JanomeType: SewingOperation: ComputerizedCustoms services and international tracking providedShowing slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES} - Top Rated
- Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist Electronic Sewing Machine(105)Total Ratings 105,98% agree - Good value$158.69 Used
- Brother CS5055PRW 50 Stitches Computerized Sewing Machine(28)Total Ratings 28,96% agree - Good value
- (15)Total Ratings 15,100% agree - Good value
- (15)Total Ratings 15,100% agree - Good value$265.00 Used
- Brother SE625 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine(12)Total Ratings 12,100% agree - Good value$280.00 Used
- Brother SQ9285 150 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine(9)Total Ratings 9,87% agree - Good value$129.95 Used
- Janome Jw8100 Fully-featured Computerized Sewing Machine With 100 Stitches(8)Total Ratings 8,100% agree - Good value
- Brother PE800 5 inch x 7 inch Embroidery Machine with Color Touch LCD and USB(8)Total Ratings 8,100% agree - Good value$399.69 Used
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Diagram of a modern sewing machineA sewing machine is a machine used to sew fabric and other materials together with thread. Sewing machines were invented during the first Industrial Revolution to decrease the amount of manual sewing work performed in clothing companies. Since the invention of the first working sewing machine, generally considered to have been the work of Elais Howard, and Englishman Thomas Saint in 1790,[1] the sewing machine has greatly improved the efficiency and productivity of the clothing industry.Home sewing machines are designed for one person to sew individual items while using a single stitch type. In a modern sewing machine the fabric easily glides in and out of the machine without the inconvenience of needles and thimbles and other such tools used in hand sewing, automating the process of stitching and saving time.Industrial sewing machines, by contrast to domestic machines, are larger, faster, and more varied in their size, cost, appearance, and task.- 1History
- 2Design
- 2.1Stitches
- 2.2Feed mechanisms
History[edit]
Invention[edit]
Charles Fredrick Weisenthal, a German-born engineer working in England was awarded the first British patent for a mechanical device to aid the art of sewing, in 1755. His invention consisted of a double pointed needle with an eye at one end.[2]Newton Wilson's copy of Saint's sewing machine.Thomas Saint's chain stitch used on the first ever complete sewing machine design for leather work. An awl preceded the eye pointed needle to make a hole in preparation for the thread.In 1790, the English inventor Thomas Saint invented the first sewing machine design, but he did not successfully advertise or market his invention.[3] His machine was meant to be used on leather and canvas material. It is likely that Saint had a working model but there is no evidence of one; he was a skilled cabinet maker and his device included many practically functional features: an overhanging arm, a feed mechanism (adequate for short lengths of leather), a vertical needle bar, and a looper.His sewing machine used the chain stitch method, in which the machine uses a single thread to make simple stitches in the fabric. A stitching awl would pierce the material and a forked point rod would carry the thread through the hole where it would be hooked underneath and moved to the next stitching place, where the cycle would be repeated, locking the stitch.[4] Saint's machine was designed to aid the manufacture of various leather goods, including saddles and bridles, but it was also capable of working with canvas, and was used for sewing ship sails. Although his machine was very advanced for the era, the concept would need steady improvement over the coming decades before it could become a practical proposition. In 1874, a sewing machine manufacturer, William Newton Wilson, found Saint's drawings in the London Patent Office, made adjustments to the looper, and built a working machine, currently owned by the London Science Museum.In 1804, a sewing machine was built by the Englishmen Thomas Stone and James Henderson, and a machine for embroidering was constructed by John Duncan in Scotland.[5] An Austrian tailor, Josef Madersperger, began developing his first sewing machine in 1807 and presented his first working machine in 1814. Having received financial support from his government, the Austrian tailor worked on the development of his machine until 1839, when he built a machine imitating the weaving process using the chain stitch.The first practical and widely used sewing machine was invented by Barthélemy Thimonnier, a French tailor, in 1829. His machine sewed straight seams using chain stitch like Saint's model, and in 1830, he signed a contract with Auguste Ferrand, a mining engineer, who made the requisite drawings and submitted a patent application. The patent for his machine was issued on 17 July 1830, and in the same year, he opened (with partners) the first machine-based clothing manufacturing company in the world to create army uniforms for the French Army. However, the factory was burned down, reportedly by workers fearful of losing their livelihood following the issuing of the patent.[6]A model of the machine is exhibited at the London Science Museum. The machine is made of wood and uses a barbed needle which passes downward through the cloth to grab the thread and pull it up to form a loop to be locked by the next loop. The first American lockstitch sewing machine was invented by Walter Hunt in 1832.[7] His machine used an eye-pointed needle (with the eye and the point on the same end) carrying the upper thread and a falling shuttle carrying the lower thread. The curved needle moved through the fabric horizontally, leaving the loop as it withdrew. The shuttle passed through the loop, interlocking the thread. The feed let the machine down, requiring the machine to be stopped frequently and reset up. Hunt eventually lost interest in his machine and sold individual machines without bothering to patent his invention, and only patenting it at a late date of 1854. In 1842, John Greenough patented the first sewing machine in the United States. The British partners Newton and Archibold introduced the eye-pointed needle and the use of two pressing surfaces to keep the pieces of fabric in position, in 1841.[8]The first machine to combine all the disparate elements of the previous half-century of innovation into the modern sewing machine was the device built by English inventor John Fisher in 1844, thus a little earlier than the very similar machines built by Isaac Merritt Singer in 1851, and the lesser known Elias Howe, in 1845. However, due to the botched filing of Fisher's patent at the Patent Office, he did not receive due recognition for the modern sewing machine in the legal disputations of priority with Singer, and it was Singer who won the benefits of the patent.Industrial competition[edit]
- Elias Howe's lockstitch machine, invented in 1845
- Elliptic sewing machine with elliptic hook and stationary bobbin, American Institute Fair, 1862
- Singer treadle machine
- An 1880 machine from the Wheeler and Wilson Company
Elias Howe, born in Spencer, Massachusetts, created his sewing machine in 1845, using a similar method to Fisher's except that the fabric was held vertically. An important improvement on his machine was to have the needle running away from the point, starting from the eye.[9] After a lengthy stay in England trying to attract interest in his machine, he returned to America to find various people infringing his patent, among them Isaac Merritt Singer.[10] He eventually won a case for patent infringement in 1854 and was awarded the right to claim royalties from the manufacturers using ideas covered by his patent, including Singer.Singer had seen a rotary sewing machine being repaired in a Boston shop. As an engineer, he thought it was clumsy and decided to design a better one. The machine he devised used a falling shuttle instead of a rotary one; the needle was mounted vertically and included a presser foot to hold the cloth in place. It had a fixed arm to hold the needle and included a basic tension system. This machine combined elements of Thimonnier, Hunt and Howe's machines. Singer was granted an American patent in 1851, and it was suggested[by whom?] he patent the foot pedal or treadle, used to power some of his machines; unfortunately, the foot pedal had been in use too long for a patent to be issued. When Howe learned of Singer's machine he took him to court, where Howe won and Singer was forced to pay a lump sum for all machines already produced. Singer then took out a license under Howe's patent and paid him $1.15 per machine before entering into a joint partnership with a lawyer named Edward Clark. They created the first hire-purchase arrangement to allow people to buy their machines through payments over time.Meanwhile, Allen B. Wilson developed a shuttle that reciprocated in a short arc, which was an improvement over Singer and Howe's. However, John Bradshaw had patented a similar device and threatened to sue, so Wilson decided to try a new method. He went into partnership with Nathaniel Wheeler to produce a machine with a rotary hook instead of a shuttle. This was far quieter and smoother than other methods, with the result that the Wheeler & Wilson Company produced more machines in the 1850s and 1860s than any other manufacturer. Wilson also invented the four-motion feed mechanism that is still seen on every sewing machine today. This had a forward, down, back and up motion, which drew the cloth through in an even and smooth motion. Charles Miller patented the first machine to stitch buttonholes.[11] Throughout the 1850s more and more companies were being formed, each trying to sue the others for patent infringement. This triggered a patent thicket known as the Sewing Machine War.[12][13]In 1856, the Sewing Machine Combination was formed, consisting of Singer, Howe, Wheeler, Wilson, Grover and Baker. These four companies pooled their patents, with the result that all other manufacturers had to obtain a license and pay $15 per machine. This lasted until 1877 when the last patent expired.James Edward Allen Gibbs (1829–1902), a farmer from Raphine in Rockbridge County, Virginia patented the first chain stitch single-thread sewing machine on June 2, 1857. In partnership with James Willcox, Gibbs became a principal partner in Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company. Willcox & Gibbs commercial sewing machines are still used in the 21st century.Spread and maturation[edit]
Jones Family CS machine from around 1935William Jones started making sewing machines in 1859 and in 1860 formed a partnership with Thomas Chadwick. As Chadwick & Jones, they manufactured sewing machines at Ashton-under-Lyne, England until 1863. Their machines used designs from Howe and Wilson produced under licence.[14] Thomas Chadwick later joined Bradbury & Co. William Jones opened a factory in Guide Bridge, Manchester in 1869.[15] In 1893 a Jones advertising sheet claimed that this factory was the 'Largest Factory in England Exclusively Making First Class Sewing Machines'.[16] The firm was renamed as the Jones Sewing Machine Co. Ltd and was later acquired by Brother Industries of Japan, in 1968.[17]Vintage sewing patternsClothing manufacturers were the first sewing machine customers, and used them to produce the first ready-to-wear clothing and shoes. In the 1860s consumers began purchasing them, and the machines—ranging in price from £6 to £15 in Britain depending on features—became very common in middle-class homes. Owners were much more likely to spend free time with their machines to make and mend clothing for their families than to visit friends, and women's magazines and household guides such as Mrs Beeton's offered dress patterns and instructions. A sewing machine could produce a man's shirt in about one hour, compared to 14 1/2 hours by hand.[18]In 1877 the world's first crochet machine was invented and patented by Joseph M. Merrow, then-president of what had started in the 1840s as a machine shop to develop specialized machinery for the knitting operations. This crochet machine was the first production overlock sewing machine. The Merrow Machine Company went on to become one of the largest American manufacturers of overlock sewing machines and continues to be a global presence in the 21st century as the last American over-lock sewing machine manufacturer.In 1885 Singer patented the Singer Vibrating Shuttle sewing machine, which used Allen B. Wilson's idea for a vibrating shuttle and was a better lockstitcher than the oscillating shuttles of the time. Millions of the machines, perhaps the world's first really practical sewing machine for domestic use, were produced until finally superseded by rotary shuttle machines in the 20th century. Sewing machines continued being made to roughly the same design, with more lavish decoration appearing until well into the 1900s.The first electric machines were developed by Singer Sewing Co. and introduced in 1889.[19] By the end of the First World War, Singer was offering hand, treadle and electric machines for sale. At first, the electric machines were standard machines with a motor strapped on the side, but as more homes gained power, they became more popular and the motor was gradually introduced into the casing.Design[edit]
Stitches[edit]
The bobbin driver of a Husqvarna 3600 sewing machineSewing machines can make a great variety of plain or patterned stitches. Ignoring strictly decorative aspects, over three dozen distinct stitch formations are formally recognized by the ISO 4915:1991 standard, involving one to seven separate threads to form the stitch.[20]Plain stitches fall into four general categories: chainstitch, lockstitch, overlock, and coverstitch.Chainstitch[edit]
The basic chain stitch.Chainstitch was used by early sewing machines and has two major drawbacks:- The stitch is not self-locking, and if the thread breaks at any point or is not tied at both ends, the whole length of stitching comes out. It is also easily ripped out.[21]
- The direction of sewing cannot be changed much from one stitch to the next, or the stitching process fails.
A better stitch was found in the lockstitch. The chainstitch is still used today in clothing manufacture, though due to its major drawbacks, it is generally paired with an overlock stitch along the same seam.Lockstitch[edit]
Formation of a lock-stitch using a boat shuttle as employed in early domestic machinesLockstitch utilising a rotating hook invented by Allen B Wilson. This is employed on many modern machinesLockstitch is the familiar stitch performed by most household sewing machines and most industrial 'single needle' sewing machines from two threads, one passed through a needle and one coming from a bobbin or shuttle. Each thread stays on the same side of the material being sewn, interlacing with the other thread at each needle hole by means of a bobbin driver. As a result, a lockstitch can be formed anywhere on the material being sewn; it does not need to be near an edge.Overlock[edit]
A Zoje industrial overlockerOverlock also known as 'serging' or 'serger stitch', can be formed with two to four threads, one or two needles, and one or two loopers. Overlock sewing machines are usually equipped with knives that trim or create the edge immediately in front of the stitch formation. Household and industrial overlock machines are commonly used for garment seams in knit or stretchy fabrics, for garment seams where the fabric is light enough that the seam does not need to be pressed open, and for protecting edges against raveling. Machines using two to four threads are most common, and frequently one machine can be configured for several varieties of overlock stitch. Overlock machines with five or more threads usually make both a chainstitch with one needle and one looper, and an overlock stitch with the remaining needles and loopers. This combination is known as a 'safety stitch'. A similar machine used for stretch fabrics is called a mock safety.Coverstitch[edit]
Coverstitch is formed by two or more needles and one or two loopers. Like lockstitch and chainstitch, coverstitch can be formed anywhere on the material being sewn. One looper manipulates a thread below the material being sewn, forming a bottom cover stitch against the needle threads. An additional looper above the material can form a top cover stitch simultaneously. The needle threads form parallel rows, while the looper threads cross back and forth all the needle rows. Coverstitch is so-called because the grid of crossing needle and looper threads covers raw seam edges, much as the overlock stitch does. It is widely used in garment construction, particularly for attaching trims and flat seaming where the raw edges can be finished in the same operation as forming the seam.Zigzag stitch[edit]
Zigzag stitchA zigzag stitch is a variant geometry of the lockstitch. It is a back-and-forth stitch used where a straight stitch will not suffice, such as in preventing raveling of a fabric, in stitching stretchable fabrics, and in temporarily joining two work pieces edge-to-edge.When creating a zigzag stitch, the back-and-forth motion of the sewing machine's needle is controlled by a cam. As the cam rotates, a fingerlike follower, connected to the needle bar, rides along the cam and tracks its indentations. As the follower moves in and out, the needle bar is moved from side to side.[22] Very old sewing machines lack this hardware and so cannot natively produce a zigzag stitch, but there are often shank-driven attachments available which enable them to do so.Feed mechanisms[edit]
Besides the basic motion of needles, loopers and bobbins, the material being sewn must move so that each cycle of needle motion involves a different part of the material. This motion is known as feed, and sewing machines have almost as many ways of feeding material as they do of forming stitches. For general categories, there are: drop feed, needle feed, walking foot, puller, and manual. Often, multiple types of feed are used on the same machine. Besides these general categories, there are also uncommon feed mechanisms used in specific applications like edge joining fur, making seams on caps, and blindstitching.Drop feed[edit]
Presser foot raised with feed dogs visibleThe drop feed mechanism is used by almost all household machines and involves a mechanism below the sewing surface of the machine. When the needle is withdrawn from the material being sewn, a set of 'feed dogs' is pushed up through slots in the machine surface, then dragged horizontally past the needle. The dogs are serrated to grip the material, and a 'presser foot' is used to keep the material in contact with the dogs. At the end of their horizontal motion, the dogs are lowered again and returned to their original position while the needle makes its next pass through the material. While the needle is in the material, there is no feed action. Almost all household machines and the majority of industrial machines use drop feed.Differential feed[edit]
Differential feed is a variation of drop feed with two independent sets of dogs, one before and one after the needle. By changing their relative motions, these sets of dogs can be used to stretch or compress the material in the vicinity of the needle. This is extremely useful when sewing stretchy material, and overlock machines (heavily used for such materials) frequently have differential feed.Needle feed[edit]
A needle feed, used only in industrial machines, moves the material while the needle is in the material. In fact, the needle may be the primary feeding force. Some implementations of needle feed rock the axis of needle motion back and forth, while other implementations keep the axis vertical while moving it forward and back. In both cases, there is no feed action while the needle is out of the material. Needle feed is often used in conjunction with a modified drop feed, and is very common on industrial two needle machines. Household machines do not use needle feed as a general rule.Walking foot[edit]
Vintage Davis vertical feed (walking foot) sewing machine produced around 1890A walking foot replaces the stationary presser foot with one that moves along with whatever other feed mechanisms the machine already has. As the walking foot moves, it shifts the workpiece along with it. It is most useful for sewing heavy materials where needle feed is mechanically inadequate, for spongy or cushioned materials where lifting the foot out of contact with the material helps in the feeding action, and for sewing many layers together where a drop feed will cause the lower layers to shift out of position with the upper layers.Puller feed[edit]
Some factory machines and a few household machines are set up with an auxiliary puller feed, which grips the material being sewn (usually from behind the needles) and pulls it with a force and reliability usually not possible with other types of feed. Puller feeds are seldom built directly into the basic sewing machine. Their action must be synchronized with the needle and feed action built into the machine to avoid damaging the machine. Pullers are also limited to straight seams, or very nearly so. Despite their additional cost and limitations, pulling feeds are very useful when making large heavy items like tents and vehicle covers.Manual feed[edit]
A manual feed is used primarily in freehand embroidery, quilting, and shoe repair. With manual feed, the stitch length and direction is controlled entirely by the motion of the material being sewn. Frequently some form of hoop or stabilizing material is used with fabric to keep the material under proper tension and aid in moving it around. Most household machines can be set for manual feed by disengaging the drop feed dogs. Most industrial machines can not be used for manual feed without actually removing the feed dogs.Needles[edit]
Sewing machines use special needles tailored to their needs and to the character of the material being sewn.Industrial vs domestic[edit]
Industrial Sewing Machine (left), Domestic Sewing machine (right)Industrial sewing machines are larger, faster, and more varied in their size, cost, appearance, and task. Industrial machines, unlike domestic machines, perform a single dedicated task and are capable of long hours of usage and as such have larger moving parts and comparatively much larger motors. Industrial machines are also more generic; a motor for almost any type of machine can work on any brand. Sewing feet and bobbins between brands are interchangeable. However, with domestic machines the motor, and to a lesser extent bobbins and sewing feet, are brand specific.The motors on industrial machines, as with most of their components, lights, etc., are separate, usually mounted to the underside of the table. Domestic machines have their OEM motors mounted inside the machine. There are two different types of motor available for industrial machines: a servo motor (which uses less electricity and is silent when not in use), and the more traditional clutch motor (which is always spinning; even when not in use).[23]Social impact[edit]
Seamstresses in 1904Before sewing machines were invented women spent much of their time maintaining their family's clothing. Middle-class housewives, even with the aid of a hired seamstress, would devote several days of each month to this task. It took an experienced seamstress at least 14 hours to make a dress shirt for a man; a woman's dress took 10 hours;[24] and a pair of summer pants took nearly three hours.[25] Most individuals would have only two sets of clothing: a work outfit and a Sunday outfit.Sewing machines reduced the time for making a dress shirt to an hour and 15 minutes; the time to make a dress to an hour;[24] and the time for a pair of summer pants to 38 minutes.[25] This reduced labor resulted in women having a diminished role in household management, and allowed more hours for their own leisure as well as the ability to seek more employment.[24]Woman using a treadle sewing machine manufactured by SingerPeople working in a clothing factory in Montreal, Quebec, in 1941Industrial use of sewing machines further reduced the burden placed upon housewives, moving clothing production from housewives and seamstresses to large-scale factories.[24] The movement to large-scale factories also resulted in a decrease in the amount of time clothing production took, which caused the prices for clothing to drop significantly. This is because manufacturers were able to decrease the number of workers needed to produce the same amount of clothing, resulting in reduced costs. Increased supply also lowered the cost.[25]The initial effects of sewing machines on workers were both positive and negative, however in the long run the negative effects decreased. Many of the women who had previously been busy at home could now seek employment in factories, increasing the income for their family. This allowed for families to be able to afford more sets of clothing and items than they previously could.[25] For seamstresses, home sewing machines allowed them to produce clothing for the average person during periods when demand for fitted clothes was low, effectively increasing their earnings. When industrial sewing machines initially became popular many seamstresses working in factories, as well as those working at home, lost their jobs as it meant that fewer workers could produce the same output.[24] In the long run these now unemployed workers along with thousands of men and children would eventually be able to gain employment in jobs created as the clothing industry grew.[25]The sewing machine's effects on the clothing industry resulted in major changes for other industries as well. Cotton production needed to increase in order to match the demand of the new clothing factories. As a result, cotton became planted in new areas where it had not previously been farmed. Other industries involved in the process benefited as well such as metal companies who provided for parts of the machines and shippers to move the increased amounts of goods.[26] In addition to being important for clothing production, sewing machines also became important in the manufacturing of furniture with upholstery, curtains and towels, toys, books, and many other products.[26]See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^A brief history of the sewing machine, ISMACS.
- ^'Sewing Machine Beginning'. Sewing. Retrieved 2012-12-17.
- ^Sewing Machines
- ^'Sewing Machine History'. Retrieved 2013-12-17.
- ^'Who invented the first sewing machine?'(PDF).
- ^[1], 'Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2011. Web. 31 Dec. 2011.'.
- ^A Brief History of the Sewing Machine
- ^Forsdyke, Graham. 'Case Against Howe'. Retrieved 2013-12-17.
- ^Elias Howe Jr., Sewing Machine, United States Patent Office, US Patent 4,750, issued 10 September 1846, expired 1867.
- ^e.g. Bill Bryson: Made in America: an Informal History of the English Language in the United States, Black Swan, 1998, ISBN0-552-99805-2, p. 110.
- ^U.S. Patent 10,609
- ^Adam Mossoff, A Stitch in Time: The Rise and Fall of the Sewing Machine Patent Thicket; summarized and discussed at Sewing Machine Blogging, The Volokh Conspiracy.
- ^'Seworbit.com'.
- ^Veteran Sewing Machines by E Brian Jewel pp. 99
- ^Sewing Machines by K. R Gilbert (1970) published for the London Science Museum pp12
- ^Sewalot at: http://www.sewalot.com/jones_sewing_machines.htm
- ^Brother Industries at: 'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2012-04-19. Retrieved 2013-01-26.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^Draznin, Yaffa Claire (2001). Victorian London's Middle-Class Housewife: What She Did All Day (#179). Contributions in Women's Studies. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. pp. 66–68. ISBN0-313-31399-7.
- ^Sewing Machine History – Invention of the Sewing Machine
- ^Summary of stitch types
- ^[2] The Home Sewing Machine
- ^Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. Pleasantville, New York: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., pp. 32–36.
- ^http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/beginners-guide-to-sewing-with-industrial-machines/ Beginner’s guide to sewing with industrial machines
- ^ abcdeSewing MachineArchived 2008-01-09 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ abcde19th Century Fashion and the Sewing Machine
- ^ abThe Sewing Machine and Its Impact on America
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sewing machines. Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Sewing Machines. - How Sewing Machines Work at HowStuffWorks
- Sewing Machines, Historical Trade Literature. Smithsonian Institution Libraries.
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