The history of the sewing machine dates back to the 18th century when the first designs for mechanical sewing machines were proposed. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that practical sewing machines were developed, revolutionizing the way clothes were made and paving the way for the modern textile industry.

In 1790, the English inventor Thomas Saint patented the first working sewing machine, which was designed for sewing leather and canvas. However, his machine was never put into production, and its design was lost.

In 1830, the French tailor Barthelemy Thimonnier invented a sewing machine that used a hooked needle to create a chain stitch. Thimonnier's machine was the first to be successfully used in a factory setting, and he was granted a patent for his invention in 1830.

In 1844, the American inventor John Greenough patented the first American sewing machine, which used a needle with an more...

36 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Early miniature German sewing machine

Tiny antique German sewing machine

Early miniature German sewing machine

Boxed vintage miniature sewing machine early red painted…

Vintage Miniature Sewing Machine in Fitted Box

Boxed vintage miniature sewing machine early red painted miniature sewing machine, in fitted carry box.

Miniature Muller hand painted sewing machine, 25946, 19 cm high,…

Hand-painted Miniature Muller Sewing Machine

Miniature Muller hand painted sewing machine, 25946, 19 cm high, 18 cm wide,

Victorian cast miniature hand painted sewing machine, 20 cm…

Hand-Painted Victorian Miniature Sewing Machine

Victorian cast miniature hand painted sewing machine, 20 cm high, 25 cm wide,

Grossmann Anita B zigzag sewing machine manufactured in Dresden…

Grossmann Zigzag Hat Sewing Machine from Dresden

Grossmann Anita B zigzag sewing machine manufactured in Dresden for hats etc, 23 cm high, 23 cm wide,

Two Novelty sewing machine ornaments

Sewing Machine Ornaments

Two Novelty sewing machine ornaments

Vintage Willcox and Gibbs sewing machine hand operated sewing…

Hand-Operated Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine on Wooden Base

Vintage Willcox and Gibbs sewing machine hand operated sewing machine, on wooden base, including (worn) copy of the instruction manual, and some attachments.

Ornate Wertheim hand painted and gilt convertable sewing…

Wertheim Hand Painted Sewing Machine with Inlaid Case

Ornate Wertheim hand painted and gilt convertable sewing machine inlaid case

Small sewing machine in tin case, Ideal Sewing Company

Compact Sewing Machine in Tin Case by Ideal Sewing Co

Small sewing machine in tin case, Ideal Sewing Company

An American new century Treadle sewing machine, 78 x 83 x 46 cm

Antique Treadle Sewing Machine from America

An American new century Treadle sewing machine, 78 x 83 x 46 cm

Antique hand cranked PFAFF faced cased sewing machine

Antique PFAFF Hand Cranked Sewing Machine

Antique hand cranked PFAFF faced cased sewing machine

Victorian Moldacot portable sewing machine, with accessories &…

Victorian Portable Sewing Machine with Accessories and Tin

Victorian Moldacot portable sewing machine, with accessories & original tin, 20.5 cm x 7.5 cm

Miniature 'Peter Pan' sewing machine

Tiny 'Peter Pan' Sewing Machine

Miniature 'Peter Pan' sewing machine

Miniature 'Peter Pan' sewing machine with original manual

Vintage Peter Pan Sewing Machine and Manual

Miniature 'Peter Pan' sewing machine with original manual

Small hand operated sewing machine

Handheld Sewing Machine

Small hand operated sewing machine

A 19th century Pinnook high-arm sewing machine, with original…

Antique Pinnook Sewing Machine with Manual and Accessories

A 19th century Pinnook high-arm sewing machine, with original instruction manual and accessories

A chromed cast iron Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine on the…

1890 Cast Iron Sewing Machine with Foot Pedal Base

A chromed cast iron Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine on the original cast iron foot pedal base, Circa 1890

A Pinnock table manual sewing machine in working condition.…

Antique Pinnock Sewing Machine with Inlaid Case

A Pinnock table manual sewing machine in working condition. Inlaid case and original lock & key 30 cm high, 48 cm long, 26 cm wide

A late nineteenth century Wilcox & Gibb treble sewing machine…

Antique Wilcox & Gibb Treble Sewing Machine with Manuals

A late nineteenth century Wilcox & Gibb treble sewing machine in complete and working condition, including original operation manuals 100 cm high, 75 cm wide, 40 cm deep

A 19th century Pinnook high-arm sewing machine, with original…

Antique Pinnook High-Arm Sewing Machine with Accessories

A 19th century Pinnook high-arm sewing machine, with original instruction manual and accessories

Cased home Shuttle sewing machine Charles Davis of Hobart

Charles Davis' Hobart Cased Shuttle Sewing Machine

Cased home Shuttle sewing machine Charles Davis of Hobart

Early miniature German sewing machine

Antique German Mini Sewing Machine

Early miniature German sewing machine

Willcox & Gibbs hand cranked antique sewing machine with some…

Antique Hand-Cranked Sewing Machine with Accessories

Willcox & Gibbs hand cranked antique sewing machine with some accessories. Height 27 cm, width 32 cm, depth 21 cm.

Jones hand sewing machine

Handheld Sewing Machine by Jones

Jones hand sewing machine

Table top sewing machine in box

Boxed Tabletop Sewing Machine

Table top sewing machine in box

Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine in Carry box

Portable Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine with Carry Box

Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine in Carry box

Vintage Vulcan child's sewing machine, with original cardboard…

Child's vintage Vulcan sewing machine with box

Vintage Vulcan child's sewing machine, with original cardboard box,

Vintage sewing machine

Retro Sewing Machine

Vintage sewing machine

Vintage Sewmate small hand operated sewing machine, 15 cm high

Vintage Sewmate Handheld Sewing Machine - 15cm Tall

Vintage Sewmate small hand operated sewing machine, 15 cm high

White treadle sewing machine

Vintage White Treadle Sewing Machine

White treadle sewing machine

Wertheim sewing machine base with marble top

Marble-top Sewing Machine Base by Wertheim

Wertheim sewing machine base with marble top

Antique cast iron sewing machine base with marble top, 87 cm…

Antique Sewing Machine Base with Marble Top

Antique cast iron sewing machine base with marble top, 87 cm long, 75 cm high

An early 20th century 'Stitchwell' small hand operated sewing…

Stitchwell Hand Sewing Machine with Decorative Enamel Body

An early 20th century 'Stitchwell' small hand operated sewing machine, the circular nickel plate embossed with maker's details, decorative transfer decoration to the black enamelled body.