The First Sewing Machine Ever Made
by Kelsi Watts: The first sewing machine was invented by Charles Fredrick Wiesenthal in 1755. However, this machine was not practical and did not catch on. The first practical sewing machine was invented by French tailor Barthélemy Thimonnier in 1830.
Thimonnier's sewing machine was a simple, hand-cranked device that used a single thread and a hooked needle to make a chain stitch. This machine was an important development in the history of sewing, as it was the first machine that could sew a continuous seam.
However, Thimonnier's sewing machine was not well-received by tailors, who were afraid that it would put them out of work. In fact, a mob of tailors destroyed many of Thimonnier's machines in an effort to protect their livelihoods.
Despite this setback, Thimonnier continued to improve his sewing machine, and he eventually opened a factory to produce them on a larger scale.
The sewing machine belt shifter - what it does
A sewing machine's belt shifter is located on the lower part of the sewing machine and its function is to help remove the drive belt. Not all models have a drive belt, or a belt shifter, but for sewing machine models with a belt drive the shifter is needed for belt adjustment and removal.
Sewing machines capable of industrial use
There are several brands of sewing machines that perform well for industrial sewing. These five sewing machine models currently provide top value for industrial sewing purposes as of 2021/22. They are the Juki DDL-8700, the Janome HD1000, the Singer 191D-30, the Juki DDL-5550N and the Consew 206RB-5.
Cool facts about the first sewing machine
Barthélemy Thimonnier patented the first mechanical sewing machine in France circa 1830. His crude machine used a barbed hook to create a chain stitch.
Still, Mr. Thimonnier's machine was faster at producing garments and it caught the attention of the french army earning Mr. Thimonnier a lucrative contract making French military uniforms.
The most reliable brand of sewing machine is…
When used as directed by the manufacturer most new sewing machines are reliable. Current research of Amazon reviews suggests the most reliable machines are the Juki MO654DE portable thread serger, the Brother 1034D serger, the Brother 2340CV coverstitch serger, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 computerized portable and the Singer Stylist 7258 100-Stitch computerized sewing machine.
A presser foot holds the fabric while sewing
The presser foot is what holds your fabric while using you sew with your home sewing machine. It's important that you remember to lower the presser foot each time you start to sew of you'll find that the fabric doesn't move through your machine as easily as it should. When I first started sewing I forgot it ALL THE TIME!
How long computerized sewing machines can last
Typically, a sewing machine can last 25 years or longer. However, care and sewing conditions can drastically shorten the life of any sewing machine, not just a computerized sewing machine.
After some years it's likely that vibration, humidity, heat and other environmental factors affect the chips and wires in a computerized sewing machine more than a mechanical one, but, these can be replaced fairly cheaply.
Serger machines make sewing faster (and easier)
After becoming proficient with a traditional home sewing machine it's common to want to upgrade your machine for something faster and easier. A serger home machine is the most common upgrade.
A serger sewing machine can handle seam sewing, edge finishing and trim away excess fabric all at once making it faster and, with some experience, easier.
The price of a good sewing machine
For starters, the cost of a bad sewing machine is higher than that of a good one, even if it's cheaper. Secondly, try renting or borrowing a sewing machine if you're not sure it's the model you want or need.
Lastly, the average price range of a typical 'good' sewing machine is between $150 and $750 depending on your needs, less if used.
Avoid a sewing machine injury (simple tip)
A good and simple way of avoiding a sewing machine injury is to unplug the machine when not in use. Some machines are easily turned on with a switch or button which a curious pet or child might touch and turn on. To be safe, unplug your sewing machine when you're not sewing.
