A Comprehensive Guide to Sewing Machines

Sewing is an art form dating back almost 20,000 years ago. This art form soon developed into mechanical sewing machines with industrialisation and rapid technology advancements.

So, there are two common types of models – traditional and industrial sewing machines. While the traditional consumer sewing machine’s design works reasonably well for the consumers, industrial ones have an exclusive design for professional and long-term sewing tasks.

This article will answer all your questions about industrial sewing machines and their many different types.

A brief history of sewing machines

The art of sewing has come a long way since it was first discovered almost 20,000 years ago. Surprisingly, the very primitive sewing needles used were made of bones or animal horns and the thread used was made of animal sinew.

The birth of mechanical sewing machines took place in the 18th century. By the mid-nineteenth century, they became widely popular amongst the public.

However, in 1830, Barthelemy Thimonnier, a French tailor, invented the first functional sewing machine to use in his garment factory. Since then, this mechanical machine has seen several evolutions and continues to undergo many of them.

Different models of industrial sewing machines

This section will give you all the information you need on these sewing machines for widescale production. If you’re wondering which sewing machine is the right choice to go for, you’ve come to the right place.

• Flatbed

These are one of the most popular types of sewing machines. They resemble traditional machines where the needle and arm expand around the machine’s surface.

Workers most commonly use these for sewing fabric pieces that are flat. A feed mechanism generally encloses the bed of the machine.

• Cylinder-bed

You will find a cylindrical bed in these sewing machines instead of a flat one. This helps the cloth to move around underneath the bed.

Tailors ideally use these for sewing fabric pieces such as cuffs as they are cylindrical in shape. However, they are also used for curvy items like shoes and saddles.

• Post-bed

These ones are inclusive of loopers, or bobbins placed inside a column that is vertical in shape. This column extends beyond the flat machine base. The length of the column is subject to the machine and its applications.

Some applications, such as boot making, glove making, attaching emblems, etc., make it difficult to access the sewing area. These require this particular type of machine.

• Off-the-arm

These machines are uncommon and expand a base that is cylindrical from the backside of the machine. This bed is placed perpendicularly in the direction of the bed or base of the sewing machine.

Ideally, it is perfect for items that are tubular like sleeves, inseams, and seams of shoulders.

Different types of fabric feed mechanisms

Different industrial machines offer different ways to feed the fabric. Ideally, machines that offer several feed options are more expensive than the rest.

Following are the main types of feed options available in sewing machines.

• Walking foot: In this type of feed mechanism, the mostly immobile presser foot is substituted with a foot that moves along with the feed. This makes room for an easier performance on spongy and thick materials. 
• Drop feed: In this type, the feed mechanism is situated below the sewing surface of the machine. This is one of the most common feed mechanisms in sewing machines. 
• Manual feed: Under this type, the feed worker controls the feed. This allows the worker to perform delicate tasks such as shoe repair, quilting, or embroidering.

Conclusion

Now that you’re aware of the many different sewing machines, you can invest in one according to your professional needs and requirements.

Purchasing good quality and durable sewing machines will last you for years. Though the industrial machines can be slightly more expensive, they will serve their purpose well.