subject: Antique Sewing Machines – What You Should know! [print this page] Sewing machines have been mass-produced global for more than two-hundred years. Early models featured exclusive designs to add beauty and appeal to buyers. The wide variety of styles and manufacturers make antique sewing machines a favorite collectible. Because of the quality workmanship and heavy materials of the early machines many of the antique sewing machines are still working models.
The antique sewing machines will typically be made of cast iron and feature the patent information in a noticeable location. The machines may have a hand crank or a treadle, which was a flat pedal for both feet to provide the movement for the sewing mechanism. The treadle machines would be mounted onto their own table or cabinet, while several other machines would be in a carrying case and the machine would be placed on the kitchen table.
As a miniature, antique sewing machines become the most desirable, as they are smaller working models that served as marketing's samples, used while traveling or for mending. These miniature machines doubled as children's sewing machines especially for use by young people, since these girls were expected to be trained how to sew. These machines that are marketed as a child's machine were frequently painted in a beautiful color of have floral motifs painted onto the body of the machine.
More then the past two hundred years a lot of sewing machine companies were booming for a time before closing operations, making for the wide variety of machines to be found. Some companies were not able to survive having their manufacturing facilites converted for wartime use, but also lost go post-war Japan's ability to produce cheap products.
The brand of Singer becomes the earliest sewing machine company continues to have antique sewing machines that are the most recognizable and most popular among collectors. The Singer Featherweight model #221, referred to as the Perfect Portable, continues to be a favorite of quilters.
