Sewing machines, which are among the most important pieces of equipment a person can own, were invented during the first Industrial Revolution to reduce manual sewing work performed in clothing companies. 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.
Sewing Machines
People have been sewing clothes for more than 20,000 years. However, the use of a mechanical tool to sew clothes was introduced in 1830 when French tailor Barthelemey Thimonnier patented the first practical sewing machine. The invention of the machine, dubbed the "Queen of Invetions" by Gody's magazine in 1860, as was aforementioned revolutionized the shoe and garment industries. It moved production from homes and small shops into large, machine-controlled environments which resulted to increased production and lower prices. On the other hand, in the domestic scene, women-who often did the sewing-welcomed the extra free hours for leisure and worthwhile pursuits brought about by the reduction of sewing hours.
In 1850, the first commercially successful sewing machine was built by Isaac Singer. Singer designed the first rigid-arm sewing machine that also included a table. The table was made to support the cloth horizontally. The arm-rigid sewing machine also has a vertical presser foot and a vertical needle-holding bar in the position over the table. Because of the success of Singer's invention, he was a able to put up his own company which he called the Singer Shop. Until now the Singer shop is still the largest manufacturer of sewing machines. One of the most popular sewing machines created by the Singer Shop is the Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine. Other than Singer, there are also other notable companies that also manufacture quality sewing machines like the Brother, Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, Janome, Bernina USA, and Necchi Sewing Machines.
Generally, sewing machines have three types, namely, the mechanical sewing machine, electronic sewing machine, and the computerized sewing machine. the mechanical sewing machine is 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, the electronic sewing machine on the other hand is run via electricity and features other functions that can be accomplished simply by pressing a button. Finally, the computerized sewing is coordinated by a computer that includes various motors for various duties.
Various sewing machines like Singer Featherweight Sewing Machines also differ in their stitch formation and feed mechanisms. Sewing machine stitches can either be lockstitches, chain stitches, over locks, or cover stitches. Feed mechanisms, which refer to the motion of the material being sewn on the machine, on the other hand, can either be drop feed, needle feed, walking foot, puller feed, or manual feed.
Keen thinking is a necessity in the decision of which sewing machine to purchase. Yet, the most important factor to be considered is the type of sewing one is to do with the machine. Types of sewing can either be clothing, crafts, repairs, alterations, or home decorations. It is also important to consider the place where most of the sewing will be done so as to verify the size of the machine to be purchased. Singer Featherweight Sewing Machines, for example, boasts of their portability that allows them to be easily transported, stored, or kept aside. Finally, one should always consider their budget. With these factors answered, one will get a better idea which or what sewing machine to have.
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.