timeline
English cabinetmaker Thomas Saint made plans for a machine that could stitch leather. Designs showcased a flat plate and hand crank. It’s dubious if it was ever built, though Newton Wilson of London built a version based on Saint’s designs.
Madersperger was a Viennese tailor granted a patent on a design for a sewing machine first designed to stitch straight lines, and then later embroidery. Due to the poor reliability of his machines, he never made them publicly available.
French tailor that created the first mechanical sewing machine that used a hooked and barbed needle to produce a chain stitch.
American inventor that created the first American sewing machine. Two needles were used to create a lock stitch seam. He abandoned his machine in 1838, believing he’d put seamstresses out of work.
Created hand-cranked machine that beat out five seamstresses in a challenge. While in London, Howe’s designs became more and more popular in America, though without due credit. Fought infringers in court and won every case.
Machinist sued by Howe for patent infringement. He later gathered manufacturers to pay Howe for patent rights. His machine was similar to Howe’s save for its eye-pointed needle. In addition, it had a practical foot pedal. While initially made for industrial production, family models were created for parlors and domestic spaces.