Interesting Sewing Facts

There’s no denying that sewing machines revolutionised the clothing industry, and are now essential pieces of equipment used in the production of clothing items. Industrial sewing machines are also used in the production a number of other products including toys, bags and even sofas. Here we take a quick look at some interesting and lesser-known sewing facts that might just surprise you! Sewing is not solely a modern day activity, indeed humans have been engaging in sewing activities for thousands of years. Early predecessors of modern day sewing machines consisted of sewing needles made out of bone, which have been found to date back as far as 30,000 years ago. There is much controversy surrounding the invention of the sewing machine. However the first ever patent for a sewing machine is widely accepted as having been awarded to English inventor Thomas Saint back in 1790. Thanks to this innovation, leather and canvas could now be stitched by this heavy duty machine, which copied the motion of hand sewing and was capable of creating a chain stitch. It was to be a good few years later, in 1899, before the first electric-powered sewing machine was invented.

The Victorians were renowned for their often unusual inventions, and this was also true of some of the sewing machine designs that emerged during this period, before the engine became popular. Indeed one Victorian inventor came up with the rather unique idea of a sewing machine … powered by dogs! Fortunately, and perhaps rather unsurprisingly, the idea didn’t really take off. Sewing machines have also been used for some rather surprising applications. For example according to a recent news article, giant sewing machines are set to be used in the make-over of the pitch of Cardiff’s millennium stadium, and will be used to stitch up to 21 million artificial turf fibres into the natural grass roots . 

 Here at Stocks Sewing Machines we are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of industrials sewing machines and commercial embroidery equipment, and are proud to stock a range of products including Brother sewing machines. For more information about our fantastic range of products and services, please do not hesitate to contact us, and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help you with your enquiries.