A Brief History About Sewing Machines

The industrial revolution changed a skill that was once done by hand. This is because sewing in itself started more than 20,000 years ago during the Ice Age when early man had to put something on to keep warm.

As years went on, people saw the need to invent something that was able to cope with the demands of the market. This also made it possible to create the same amount of clothing uniformly so that businesses would be able to produce these goods in mass quantities, sell them and make a profit.

The first machine that was made only used a single thread and a hooked needle for a chain stitch. More than a hundred years later, not much has changed because the user still has to step on a pedal and move the fabric to get the job done.

In short, the sewing machine both simplified and sped up the process of making clothes and garments which was very labor intensive when done by hand. But still, there are a few items in the world that are still done the old fashioned way not because they don’t want to change but because this maintains the quality of the item.

There are two types of sewing machines. The industrial model is for factory use while the domestic is for the home. Both can be used to sew straight, do zigzag stitches, create button holes and stitch buttons on the clothing.

Just like assembling an automobile, most garment factories have one part done in one workstation before done by another. Some companies don’t use people anymore because computers now do it thus reducing wastage.

An example of what you may see in a production line is a bag closer sewing machine which is designed to sew a single thread chain stitch. Another is the high speed plain sewer that is used for stitching and the double needle model that adds rivets and other details to a pair of jeans. Also, the foot machine that has a dual purpose, first to make coats and second, keeps things moving down the production line.

Knowing the origin of the sewing machine should make you appreciate what it is even if you would rather buy clothes rather than make them. This will give you an idea of how clothes are made and why paying attention to the washing instructions is a must so that they can be used for a long period of time rather than just once.

Popularity: 8%

Useful