National Sewing Machine Day

National Sewing Machine day is an unofficial holiday that is celebrated every year on June 13. It was created in recognition of the invention of the sewing machine, a machine that made clothing production easier and quicker.

Who invented the sewing machine?

In 1790 an English inventor, Thomas Saint, received a patent for a machine that would be powered by a hand crank and could sew leather and canvas. Alas no one has ever found evidence that his idea went beyond initial drawings.

In 1874, William Newton Wilson discovered Saint's design and built a working model. The model was later donated to the London Science Museum.



Since Saint's initial design, many inventors have tinkered with the machine in order to improve its functionality. One of the most notable modifications to the machines came in 1851 when Isaac Singer adapted the design to include a foot pedal and a push down needle. Singer was then able to bring the machine beyond factories and into American households.



You can click on this link to further explore the history, and controversies, behind the creation of the modern sewing machine.

How to celebrate National Sewing Machine Day?

• Sew something for charity
• If you do not already have a machine, borrow one and practice
• Examine quilts and reflect on familial heritage

Lastly our library has a large collection of materials to help generate ideas for projects. Below are some examples: 

Books and Ebooks 

• The Complete Book of Sewing
• Power Sewing Step-by-Step by Sandra Betzina
• Quilts, 1700-2010: Hidden Histories, Untold Stories by Sue Prichard
• Sewing for Fashion Designers by Annette Fischer

Digital Videos

• Beginning Sewing Techniques
• Levi's: Sewing a Legend
• Sewing ABCs

If you need help finding resources, contact the library at reference@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9249.