the machine and guided the stitching. Once you reached the end of the frame, it had to be removed and the fabric reset. This meant that A) no continuous stitching was possible, and B) you could only stitch in straight lines, you could not follow a
curve. Because of this, Howe's machine could not be considered a serious solution to the sewing problem and was therefore not a true and practical "sewing machine".
In 1850 a familiar name entered the sewing machine world Isaac Singer. I think that Singer should be considered the inventor of the first practical sewing machine it could stitch continuous lines, it could stitch around curves, it used a pressor foot, and it was a marketable solution available for a reasonable price.
Other inventors also introduced sewing machines t.compete with Singer and the sewing machine industry was born.
However, Elias Howe was not quite finished. He noticed that all sewing machines used two threads and a shuttle.
He held a patent on this method (even though Hunt had invented it first a decade earlier) Howe then embraced that great American business plan, "Those who can, do those who can't, sue!"
Howe began a vigorous legal campaign against all sewing machine manufacturers. It's interesting to note that it was impossible to build a practical sewing machine solely by using Howe's patents. It took many patented items (they soon ranged into the 100's) in order to construct a workable sewing machine. Still, the idea of two threads and a shuttle was also an essentia.component of a usable sewing machine.
The courts agreed. Howe soon received royalties of up to $25 per every sewing machine sold. Without selling a single machine of his own design, Howe became rich.
Singer and others tried to oppose him. They uncovered Walter Hunt's earlier work and tried to find some proof that was presentable in court in order to break Howe's patent. Unfortunately, when Hunt lost interest in his device, he neglected to keep any of the devices he had already constructed or notes of their workings.
Although Hunt was first, it was impossible to prove in court and Howe's suit held up.
So it's apparent that Elias Howe did not invent the first sewing machine. He didn't even invent the first sewing device. What he did do was be the first to patent .component that was used by the real inventor of the first workable, usable, and marketable sewing machine, Isaac Singer.
About The Author
Joey Robichaux operates the "Needlecrafting" website at
needlecrafting.com. This article may be reprinted provided this attribution clause is included.
