There are plenty reasons why sewing machines remain such a popular appliance among today's shoppers. First, with a bit of experience and a sewing machine, it is often easier to make a quick repair or adjustment to a piece of clothing than going through the palaver of finding a tailor and taking it in to be fixed.
Second, the clothes most of us purchase and wear are produced en masse. Despite the exacting measurements available, locating 'that perfect fit' can be quite a challenge. A lot of the time, a quick adjustment with a sewing machine can make an item of clothing fit perfectly.
Also, the making of clothes, curtains, bedspreads and similar items is a very popular hobby. A lot of people see clothing design as a form of art and make clothes as much for pleasure as for practical reasons - and the sewing machine is one of the chief tools of their art.
However, the sewing machine made its humble beginnings at a more practical level, and has a rich and interesting history. Sewing machines first emerged around the time of the industrial revolution. They paved the way for the mass production of fabrics and clothes and changed the way they were made.
Englishman Thomas Saint is generally credited with inventing the original sewing machine toward the end of the 18th century. This revolutionary machine automated the sewing process and saw the end of the need for hand sewing, thereby speeding up the job significantly.
The first sewing machines that were used in the home were powered by a foot pedal, but as the years went by they became much sophisticated and easy to use. The 1900s saw the emergence of the electric sewing machines that we know today.
Present day sewing machines are easy to use and offer any number of features and gadgets. More expensive models of sewing machines can be used for numerous tasks; can employ different kinds of stitching; can incorporate multiple spools of threads; and can even be used to speed up such painstaking tasks as embroidery.
One of the original leaders of sewing machine manufacturing, Singer, still makes the appliances now, along with other well known brands, such as Brother, Viking and Kenmore. Basic sewing machines start at about one hundred dollars but more sophisticated models can set you back thousands of dollars.
Before you buy you should think carefully about your specific requirements and familiarize yourself with what is available. Be sure to shop around. You will most likely find some great bargains on the internet, though many buyers prefer to use a local dealer who can help with maintenance and advice.
