Sewing Machines The first Wheeler and Wilson sewing machine, 1866

Sewing Machines The first Wheeler and Wilson sewing machine, 1866. This machine is the true ancestor of the modern lock-stitch sewing machine, since it incorporates the rotating hook principle and four motion feed invented by Allen B Wilson (1824-1888). Although Wilson patented his inventions in 1851 and 1854 respectively, the first sewing machine was not made until 1866. In this machine the underthread is contained in a disc bobbin which fits loosely in a ring-shaped holder. Interlocking of the two threads occurs when the loops of the needle thread are caught and extended by the revolving hook and passed under the bobbin. The presser-foot has an inset glass plate which allows the seamstress to observe the seam at the point of stitching. The machine was treadle driven but the stand is not shown. Photographie ©SSPL/Science Museum