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The events that led to the invention of the sewing machine, are often debated among sewing enthusiasts. After reading several historical accounts, I can understand the challenges. Who invented the sewing machine? Howe, Singer, or somebody else? After sorting through dozens of accounts, here is a glimpse of sewing history.

Elias Howe (1819-1867) created the first practical mechanical sewing machine in 1846 which is certified by a patent he filed that year.

The two thread process used one thread connected to a curved needle and a second thread contained inside a shuttle. The first needle would puncture the fabric and bring the first thread to interlace with the second thread inside the shuttle. The result was a locked stitch inside the fabric.

Elias Howe had done it! His lockstitch machine could put out (250spm) as much as five speedy experienced hand sewers.

It was joked that Elias Howe was not actually the inventor of the sewing machine. Some said it was actually his wife. She got so upset with her husband that one day she made up her mind and in two hours invented the sewing machine. Elias, however, filed the patent taking credit for everything. (Russel Conwell, 1877).

We will never know the truth about exactly how it was done, but difficulties marketing the device and struggles over patent rights drained the Howe family of even greater success.

Others were watching and adapting. Isaac Singer (1811-1875) invented a mechanism that moved up and down. Allen Wilson originated a rotary hook shuttle.

Quickly, Isaac Singer led the pack. He produced the first profitable sewing machine with a needle that moved up and down. Unlike many of his competitors how used hand crank drive devices, Singer introduced a sewing machine powered by a foot driven treadle device.

Prior to Elias Howes patent, however, Walter Hunt (1796-1860)) launched a lockstitch machine (1834) using two threads and an eye-pointed needle, but he never filed a patent. Elias Howe sued Hunt for patent infringement, and a panic among garment workers fearing unemployment crushed Hunts enthusiasm. Hunt abandoned his efforts and the patent pursuit.

Seemingly endless legal battles ensued over patent infringements. In spite of winning the court battle (1854), Elias Howe largely lost the marketing battle.

Elias Howe was certainly successful with his invention of the sewing machine. Earning about two million dollars, he became a wealthy man, but the potential of his invention was realized far more by his competitors.

The best known name in the sewing world quickly became Singer. Even today, it is the best known brand of sewing machines. Isaac Singer produced many machine advancements and profitably marketed his machines for now over 150 years.

So, who did invent the sewing machine? Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, Isaac Singer, or perhaps it was simply and age of invention and discovery. In one sense, it does not matter to whom we give credit today. The courts gave credit to Elias Howe, but the world has given the credit to Isaac Singer by buying his sewing machine.

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