Invented during the first Industrial Revolution to reduce manual sewing work performed in clothing companies, sewing machines are among the most important pieces of equipment a person can own. These pieces of equipment not only revolutionized the shoe and garment industry in their introduction, they also modernized the domestic scene in terms of making clothes. Throughout the years, the sewing machine has undergone many improvements since its introduction and various models have been introduced by various manufacturers-say for example the very popular Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine. As such, equipping one with the information on the different types of sewing machines and the various criteria in finding the best machine would help individuals in their search of these pieces of equipment.
People have been sewing clothes for nearly 20,000 years. Yet, it was in 1830 when clothes were sewn using mechanical tools at the introduction of the first practical sewing machine patented by French tailor Barthelemey Thimonnier in 1830. Dubbed the "Queen of Inventions" by Gody's magazine in 1860, the invention of sewing machines modernized the clothing industry. The introduction of the machine resulted to increased production and lower prices of clothing products as production was moved from homes and small shops into large, machine-controlled environments. In the domestic scene, women were given freedom from long sewing hours, the extra hours they used for leisure and worthwhile pursuits.
It was Isaac Singer in 1850 who built the first commercially successful sewing machine. Singer patented the first rigid-arm sewing machine that included a table to support the cloth horizontally, a vertical presser foot to hold the cloth down against the upward stroke of the needle, and an arm to hold the presser foot and the vertical needle-holding bar in position over the table. From there, Singer founded the company The Singer Shop which is until today the largest manufacturer of sewing machines. Among the most popular sewing machines from Singer is the Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine. Other notable companies today that manufacture sewing machines are Brother, Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, Janome, Bernina USA, and Necchi Sewing Machines.
There generally are three types of sewing machines. First are mechanical sewing machines that are controlled by a rotary wheel and moving a dial is required in any adjustment such as the tension or length or width of the stitch. Electronic sewing machines, on the other hand, are run via electricity and feature other functions that can be accomplished simply by pressing a button. Finally are computerized sewing machines that include various motors for various duties that are coordinated by a computer.
Sewing machines also differ depending on their stitch formation. These stitches can either be lockstitch, chain stitch, over lock, or cover stitch. Aside from such, sewing machines also differ in their feed mechanisms. These refer to the system of motion of the material sewn on the machine so that each cycle of the needle motion involves a different part of the material. Feed mechanisms may either be drop feed, needle feed, walking foot, puller feed, or manual feed. Singer featherweight sewing machines, for example, come in various models that can perform various stitches and have various feed mechanisms.
Finally, identifying the type of machine that one is to purchase require keen thinking. The most important criterion in the selection of one is the type of sewing one is to do-which can either be clothing, crafts, repairs and alterations, or home decorations. Another criterion is the place where the sewing will be done, hence, the area where the machine is to be placed. Singer featherweight sewing machines, for example, boast of their portability that allows them to be easily transported, stored, or kept aside. Lastly, and most importantly, is the amount of money one is willing to shell out to get a sewing machine. Providing answers to these criteria will allow one to make the right decision on which of the above mentioned sewing machines one is to purchase.
People have been sewing clothes for nearly 20,000 years. Yet, it was in 1830 when clothes were sewn using mechanical tools at the introduction of the first practical sewing machine patented by French tailor Barthelemey Thimonnier in 1830. Dubbed the "Queen of Inventions" by Gody's magazine in 1860, the invention of sewing machines modernized the clothing industry. The introduction of the machine resulted to increased production and lower prices of clothing products as production was moved from homes and small shops into large, machine-controlled environments. In the domestic scene, women were given freedom from long sewing hours, the extra hours they used for leisure and worthwhile pursuits.
It was Isaac Singer in 1850 who built the first commercially successful sewing machine. Singer patented the first rigid-arm sewing machine that included a table to support the cloth horizontally, a vertical presser foot to hold the cloth down against the upward stroke of the needle, and an arm to hold the presser foot and the vertical needle-holding bar in position over the table. From there, Singer founded the company The Singer Shop which is until today the largest manufacturer of sewing machines. Among the most popular sewing machines from Singer is the Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine. Other notable companies today that manufacture sewing machines are Brother, Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, Janome, Bernina USA, and Necchi Sewing Machines.
There generally are three types of sewing machines. First are mechanical sewing machines that are controlled by a rotary wheel and moving a dial is required in any adjustment such as the tension or length or width of the stitch. Electronic sewing machines, on the other hand, are run via electricity and feature other functions that can be accomplished simply by pressing a button. Finally are computerized sewing machines that include various motors for various duties that are coordinated by a computer.
Sewing machines also differ depending on their stitch formation. These stitches can either be lockstitch, chain stitch, over lock, or cover stitch. Aside from such, sewing machines also differ in their feed mechanisms. These refer to the system of motion of the material sewn on the machine so that each cycle of the needle motion involves a different part of the material. Feed mechanisms may either be drop feed, needle feed, walking foot, puller feed, or manual feed. Singer featherweight sewing machines, for example, come in various models that can perform various stitches and have various feed mechanisms.
Finally, identifying the type of machine that one is to purchase require keen thinking. The most important criterion in the selection of one is the type of sewing one is to do-which can either be clothing, crafts, repairs and alterations, or home decorations. Another criterion is the place where the sewing will be done, hence, the area where the machine is to be placed. Singer featherweight sewing machines, for example, boast of their portability that allows them to be easily transported, stored, or kept aside. Lastly, and most importantly, is the amount of money one is willing to shell out to get a sewing machine. Providing answers to these criteria will allow one to make the right decision on which of the above mentioned sewing machines one is to purchase.
About the Author:
Serene Leonard is an office clerk and a mother of two from Honolulu, Hawaii. On her free time, she enjoys sewing clothes for her two small daughters using her Singer Featherweight sewing machine.