What is a Sewing Machine?
A sewing machine, in simpler terms, is an electrical or treadle-powered machine intended to weave fabrics such as clothes, faux fur, leather holsters, etc., using a specific type of thread for each fabric. Sewing machines have emerged as the most vital component of any family, automobile industries, jeans factories, etc.
Got that? Let’s take a step ahead towards its history!
History of sewing machines?
People used to sew by hand around 2000 years ago using needles made of bones and animal horns and thread made of animal sinew. Inventor Thomas Saint came up with the first sewing machine design in 1790. Although there is no evidence of Saint’s working model, he likely used leather and canvas material; he was a furniture maker with many practical features: a needle bar, an overhanging arm, a feed mechanism, and a looper.
The sewing machine was invented by Thomas Stone and James Henderson in 1804, while John Duncan in Scotland invented the embroidery machine.
Until the 1970s, sewing machines were mechanical that people operated by hands. But after that, electronic sewing machines were invented that are now the most used machines having advanced features and are operated by electricity. As a result of these electronic components, new stitch patterns and stitch combinations were possible, as well as automated thread cutters (Learn about the types of Scissors and cutters), needle positioning, and backpacking.
However, electronic sewing machines don’t last for too long compared to vintage or mechanical ones because modern sewing machines contain electrical wires, delicate features, etc., that are prone to damage.
Everything There Is To Know About The Sewing Machine and its Applications
It may take me hours or even a book to write about the importance and uses of sewing machines.
But following are some of its most distinguished applications:
- The main usage of a sewing machine is to stitch fabrics and make different types of clothes and designs.
- With a sewing machine, you can make furniture covers, clothes, patches on jeans, sew canvas, bedding items, etc.
- Sewing machines are often employed to produce embroidery and quilts and to repair cloth items.
- It is appropriate for all types of design layouts and has the ability to produce the smallest stitches that are inconceivable with hand sewing.
- Sewing machines are utilized in industries to sew jeans, shoes, pants, skirts, etc., on a much larger scale to meet the country’s needs.
- Sewing machines can potentially be a great contributor to the country’s GDP.
- With a sewing machine, you can easily restore worn-out clothes at home.
- You can create sophisticated and up-to-date embroidery designs with sewing machines
- You can incorporate sewing machines into your sewing academy and teach them to learners to earn money.
- Different companies like LV, GUCCI, FENDI, KENZO, TOYOTA, MERCEDES, BUGATTI, etc., rely on sewing machines for their manufacturing processes.
- Sewing machines are commonly used in the toy industry to make different clothes and toys.
- You can stitch together books, papers, exam papers, etc., without difficulty with sewing machines.
- They are suitable for sewing wedding clothes, jackets, bags, curtains, decorative pillows, bed accessories, etc., professionally and in more elegant ways.
How to use a sewing machine?
It may appear at first glance that operating a sewing machine is as simple as placing fabrics under the presser foot and then starting the machine.
Before operating a sewing machine, there are a few other considerations to be made:
Turn on the sewing machine: The first and foremost thing is to switch it on; you can sew anything. There will be a Power Switching button on the right side of most sewing machines. However, if you have a manual sewing machine, you can operate it manually by rotating the wheel handle.
Raise the needle: Make sure your machine’s needle is positioned higher so that you can properly position the fabrics. According to the sewing machine’s model, you can raise the needle by a knob or a button.
Raise presser foot: The presser foot should be raised for fabric alignment.
Place your fabrics: You will have to place fabrics delicately so there is no incline. Then lower the presser foot by a presser foot lever.
Start sewing: After lowering the presser foot, you need to start sewing by pressing the foot pedal slowly or rapidly, depending on the fabric type and the available time.
Lock stitches: The best method, in my opinion, is to secure the stitches at the beginning and end of the project, so they do not fall apart. Several modern sewing machines backstitch professionally and have an automatic thread cutting technology to make sewing more convenient.
Raise the presser foot: After you have sewed, the next step will be to lift the presser foot and pull out the finished fabrics.
How to store a sewing machine?
When you are a sewing machine owner, you will use it a lot for different sewing-related works, and at the end of the day, you may think about where and how to store it. Don’t worry, and it is simple. You must clean all the dust, dirt, thread, needle, and presser foot, then oil all the moving parts gently. Also, dry all the moist parts, so they don’t get rusty. After that, cover them with protective covers or buy a dedicated sewing machine case if you have a small expenditure.
Types of Sewing machines
Market is full of different types of machines among them some of them are listed below:
- Domestic model sewing machine
- Industrial model sewing machine
- Handheld sewing machine
- Treadle sewing machine
- Mechanical sewing machines
- Electronic sewing machine
- Computerized sewing machine
- Mini sewing machines
- Lockstitch machine
- Chain stitch machine
- Blind stitch machine
- Cover stitch machine
- Serger
- Safety stitch machine
- Flat seam machine
- Bar tack sewing machine
- Button sewing machine
- Long Arm Quilting Sewing Machine
- Embroidery-only Sewing machine
- Vintage sewing machine
Quick Comparison Between The Most Used Machines (Industrial Sewing Machines Domestic Sewing Machines)
| Details | Industrial Sewing Machines | Domestic Sewing Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Stitch Options | They specialize in one clean and professional stitch | They can perform plenty of stitches which need to be done professionally |
| Speed | Faster so they need to be operated professionally | Slower that is why you can control them easily |
| Fabric flexibility | The industrial machines can handle larger cloth and thicker fabric | Domestic sewing machines have smaller motors that are unable to handle all types of cloth or fabric |
| Duty Cycle/Operation Time | Industrial machines are meant to last a lot longer than domestic machines and can operate for much longer. | Domestic machines are not intended to operate for more than 5 hours at a time. If you go over this 5-hour limit, you risk burning out the motor |
| Maintenance | Since industrial machines are doing more heavy-duty projects and for longer periods of time, they do require a bit more maintenance | With domestic machines, you can only do smaller sewing projects and therefore the machine is only required to be clean and maintained every few months for most people |
| Price | Industrial machines range from $2,000-5,000 or more | Domestic machines range anywhere from $400-500 |
| Weight | Heavy | Little lighter |
| Durability | More long-lasting | Less long-lasting |
Sewing machine revenue per year
In the USA: The Sewing Machines market in the U.S. is expected to reach US$591.5 Million in the year 2022.
Worldwide: 4.2 Billion Dollars in 2022 and expected to reach 6.0 Billion dollars by 2028
Sewing machine uses according to age
- Elementary and middle school children (sewing machines with very basic features).
- High school children (using modern sewing machines).
- 18-35 years old men and women (Computerized and heavy-duty machines).
- Above 35 to 60 years old people (Advanced heavy-duty sewing machine).
Note: People over 60 should avoid using it due to poor eye sight and other issues
Sewing machine usage by gender
- Sewing machines are used by 71.7% of women in the US
- Men use it at a rate of 28.3%.
So it means that sewing machines are mostly used by women, not men.
Note: there should be suitable light in a sewing room especially for aged people as their eyesight get week within the passage of time
The most popular brands of sewing machines
Following are some of the top-tier sewing machine brands in the world.
- Juki (Made in Japan)
- Janome (Made in Japan)
- Singer (Made in the USA)
- Brother (Made in Japan)
- Bernina International (Made in Swiss)
- Pfaff (Made in Germany)
- Husqvarna Viking (Made in Sweden)
- Toyota (Made in Japan)
- Babylock (Made in Japan)
- Bernette (Made in Swiss)
- Elna (Made in Swiss)
- Kenmore (produced by several companies, not one)
- Jaguar (Made in Japan)
- Consew (Made in China)
- Necchi (Made in Italy)
- Merrow (Made in the USA)
- Melco (Made in the USA)
Top 10 companies that use sewing machine
Which sewing machine is best
In my opinion, almost every sewing machine can make or break your work, but below I will list of a few best sewing machines that are the best overall in the market for specific types of work.
Top 5 Sewing machine Quotes
“My soul is fed with needles and thread.”
“When life gives you scrap, make a quilt.”
“Sew much fabric, sew little time.”
“I’m a fabricaholic on the road to recovery. Just kidding. I’m on the road to the fabric store.”
“I’m working on my PhD (projects half done) in sewing.”
Top 10 common errors on all types of sewing machines
- Thread breaking
- Uneven stitches
- E1 error (specifically on Brother sewing machines)
- Fabric not moving forward
- Bent or broken needle
- Freezing issues
- Puckering
- Skipped stitches
- Staggered Stitches
- Sudden jerk while sewing
Pros and Cons of sewing machines
As for me, a sewing machine is one of the most important home appliances with few to no cons, but I would like to mention a few.
Parts of a sewing machine
After telling you all the other things about sewing machines, now comes the most important part: the parts of sewing machines. Well, sewing machines have plenty of crucial parts worth writing about, but I will explain the 6 most important parts.
Needle
The needle is the first and foremost part of sewing work because, without it, you cannot complete sewing work. Needles are also replaceable parts that are necessary for stitching. There are several needles, such as Universal, Ballpoint, Quilting, Sharp, Leather, jeans, etc. It would be best if you changed the needle often so you will not lose any precision.
Interesting topic: Learn what size needle is used for denim in 2022?
Key Points:
- Position: Above the presser foot.
- Function: To sew fabrics, clothes, leathers, etc.
Bobbin
The main purpose of a Bobbin is to secure the thread below the needle to make up the lower section of the stitch. Among the different types of bobbins are metal bobbins, plastic bobbins, and aluminum bobbins, with metal being sturdier. However, plastic and aluminum are the most lightweight. According to the type of sewing machine, there are top drop-in and front-loading bobbins.
Key Points:
- Position: Top drop-in and Front-loading.
- Function: Hold the thread below the needle.
Note: Only use that bobbin suitable for your sewing machine for better results.
Bobbin Case
It is a metal case used to stabilize the bobbin and ensure it remains stable in one place.
Key Points:
- Position: Where we put bobbin (top or front-loading).
- Function: To support the bobbin.
Presser Foot
Presser feet are removable and designed to hold the fabrics flat for a perfect sewing experience. There are different types of presser feet depending upon the stitching types, such as Zipper foot, all-purpose foot, Adjustable Zipper foot, Sew-easy foot, etc. (Here is a detailed guide on Presser Foot).
Key Points:
- Position: Back or front side of sewing machine
- Function: It keeps the fabric flat, so it doesn’t rise.
Spool Holder
Spool holders are primarily used for controlling thread direction and holding spools. Depending upon the type of sewing machines, spool holders may be horizontal and vertical. When decorative stitching is required, a sewing machine may have more than one spool holder.
Key Points:
- Position: On the front
- Function: To control the thread direction and hold and spool.
Power Switch
Today almost every sewing machine consumes electricity for its operations, so you should have a power switch to control them appropriately. When we talk about the location of Power Switch in a sewing machine, then it will be on the right side depending upon the sewing machine’s type.
Key Points:
- Position: Mostly on the right side of the sewing machine.
- Function: To power on and off the sewing machine.
Balance Wheel
A balance wheel is a part of sewing machine present on the upper right side of sewing machine that rotates the upper drive shaft for moving needle and hook in such a manner to produce perfect stitches. Stitching speed and its quality thoroughly depend upon the reliability of the balance wheel.
Key Points:
- Position: Upper right side of sewing machine
- Function: It rotates the upper drive shaft for moving needle and hook in such a manner to produce perfect stitches.
Bobbin winder
Bobbin winder in a sewing machine helps to wind the thread on the bobbin evenly in such a manner that it is compatible with the tension of the top sewing machine. Well you can wind the thread manually by hand, but bobbin winder gives you precise winding with proper tension of thread.
Key Points:
- Position: Front on sewing machine under Balance Wheel
- Function: It helps to wind the thread on the bobbin evenly in such a manner that it is compatible with the tension of the top sewing machine.
Face plate thumb screw
This part of sewing machine is used to attach the faceplate of a sewing machine because faceplate saves needle bar, presser bar, and take up lever from dust that is why you should know about Face plate thumb screw.
Key Points:
- Position: Left side of sewing machine above needle position.
- Function: It is used to attach the faceplate of a sewing machine.
Feed dog
A feed dog is a movable plate which pulls fabric through a sewing machine in discrete steps between stitches.
Key Points:
- Position: Under the needle and on throat plate
- Function: It pulls fabric through a sewing machine in discrete steps between stitches.
Needle Clamp
Needle Clamp is an extremely important component of sewing machines because it holds the needle erect in place. If the needle clamp is not tight, your needle will also be loose as a result of no sewing.
Key Points:
- Position: Beside needle.
- Function: It holds the needle erect in place.
Presser Bar Lifter
The presser bar lifter is used to raise and lower the presser bar, so that the sewing machine foot is placed in contact with the feed dog.
Key Points:
- Position: On the faceplate.
- Function: The presser bar lifter is used to raise and lower the presser bar.
Throat Plate
A sewing machine throat plate has holes or slots for the needle to pass through as it moves up and down to stitch the fabric.
Key Points:
- Position: Below the needle and presser foot.
- Function: It has holes or slots for the needle to pass through as it moves up and down to stitch the fabric.
Sewing machine sizes (body dimensions)
Sewing machine size plays a crucial role in storing it properly or arranging it in a sewing room. There are different sewing machines, each with specific body dimensions but the most used ones are 42” X 21”. But on the other hand, lockstitch and overlock sewing machines are of 47” X 22” and 54” X 28” dimensions. Moreover, handheld sewing machines are the smallest in the world, with an average size of around 11 cm x 2.5 cm x 7 cm. Additionally, the treadle sewing machine and industrial sewing machine are both larger, and the second one comes with a table that makes it even larger.
Wrapping things up
Here we are at the end of this article, where I have explained almost everything about sewing machines, including their history, applications, how they can be used, pros and cons, parts, and much more. Hopefully, you now better understand what sewing machines are and why we need them.
So take out some time, read this article, and get the most out of it.
Thanks for coming here and reading it thoroughly!