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A Brief History of Sewing Machines
Initially, sewing machines were manufactured
for garment factory production lines, allowing for clothing to
become uniformly mass-produced. It was French tailor Barthelemy
Thimonnier who invented the first functioning sewing machine in 1830
for use in his garment factory.
This original machine used only one thread and a hooked needle for a
chain stitch. His factory was burnt down and he was nearly killed by
an angry mob of French tailors who were afraid his machines would
leave them unemployed. A few years later in America, Walter Hunt
shared the same fears, and abandoned the work to patent his own
version of a straight-seam sewing machine. The fears were unfounded,
as industrial sewing machines created multiple job opportunities
worldwide.
Modern garment factories incorporate the same mass production
techniques as other industries, with each workstation completing one
part of the overall job. Industrial sewing machines are generally
designed to perform one specific sewing function such as embroidery.
Machines with different functions are operated to complete clothing
items in a production line. Marketing to individuals didn't begin
until 1889, allowing for women to have the means to create clothing
for their family without the labor-intensive hand stitching. The
domestic sewing machine used in the home is manufactured to perform
many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and the creation
of buttonholes, as well as stitching buttons on to the piece of
clothing.
Industrial sewing machines, like their domestic counterparts for the
home, were created to simplify and speed up the otherwise
labor-intensive hand stitching. The domestic sewing machine is
manufactured to perform many tasks from sewing straight or zigzag
stitches and the creation of buttonholes, as well as stitching
buttons on to the piece of clothing. Sewing machines were adapted
for use in industrial settings, allowing for clothing to become
uniformly mass-produced. The industrial sewing machines are
generally designed to perform a specific sewing function such as
embroidery or applying buttonholes. Companies from all over the
world manufacture industrial sewing machines with very basic
features as well as higher-end computer operated models.
A variety of machines with different functions are operated to
complete clothing items in a production line. A few examples would
be a Bag Closer sewing machine which is used for sewing a single
thread chain-stitch, a high-speed plain sewer is used for stitching
seems and double needle machines are used for adding top stitching
details to items like jeans.
Walking foot machines are invaluable for quilting and sewing coats,
as it keeps the fabric moving along without bunching and making for
a smoother and faster production. Overlock serger sewing machines,
which are also available in smaller versions for the home, create
the whipped V stitch along the edge of a seam of T-shirts and other
stretchable fabrics.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
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Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
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generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
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