Hobbies And Interests
Background
According to the Museum of American Heritage's website, the first workable sewing machine was created in Europe by Thomas Saint in 1790. Several American inventors also had created versions of the sewing machine in the first half of the 19th century, including Elias Howe and Orson Philips. These early models generally featured a curved needle and were powered by a hand crank. In 1850, Isaac Singer created a commercially-successful machine that combined his original ideas with the most effective parts of the Howe and Philips machines.
The Singer Model
Singer's machine featured a fixed, overhanging arm and a shuttle that moved up and down holding a straight needle. An attached table supported the fabric and a presser foot held the fabric in place as the needle moved through it. The machine was powered by gears connected to a treadle on the floor that could be moved by the foot.
Success
Within two years of the first machine's creation in 1850, Singer was the leading marketer and manufacturer of sewing machines in the United States. By 1890, Singer held 80 percent of the worldwide market of sewing machines. The company, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2001, continues to introduce innovations to the original sewing machine.
Significance
Singer's model became the first practically applicable sewing machine. Current models still closely resemble many features of his original design.