SINGER® - History
Isaac Merritt Singer
Since 1851, the name SINGER® has been synonymous with sewing. This was the year of Isaac Singer's patent on his first practical sewing machine, making the official beginning of SINGER as a company and its leadership in the industry. The spirit of practical design and creative innovation that characterized the company at its beginning continues today as we develop products for every level of sewing. SINGER has celebrated many firsts, including the world's first zig-zag machine, the first electronic machines, the first sewing assestant app for mobile devices, and much more. From fashions to home décor, embroidery and quilting and more, SINGER is dedicated to helping people express themselves through the craft of sewing.
Today SINGER® celebrates the 171st Anniversary of his patent on the first practical sewing machine!
Our leadership in the industry has remained to this day due to our continued commitment to quality, reliability, innovation and service.
Timeline
1851: Patent issued for the first SINGER brand Sewing Machine on August 12, 1851.
1855: The SINGER brand is awarded the first prize at the World’s Fair in Paris, France. That same year, SINGER becomes the largest selling brand of sewing machines internationally.
1858: SINGER brand introduces the first lightweight domestic machine, the Grasshopper™.
1865: SINGER brand delivers the “New Family” Sewing Machine. US Civil War Ends.
1870: SINGER Brand Red “S” girl trademark makes her debut. Her trademark is produced in several languages, becoming one of the most recognized trademarks in the world.
1889: SINGER brand introduces the first practical electric sewing machine
1890: SINGER brand reaches 90% market share globally.
1921: SINGER brand introduces the Portable Electric™ machine, an electric motor-powered model.
1929: Overall American sales of sewing machines drop. SINGER brand attributes this to the Flapper social trend, featuring emancipated women who were moving away from traditional homemaker role.
1933: The Featherweight™ 221 sewing machine is introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair. This machine stays in production for over 30 years and remains as an iconic image of the SINGER brand.
1939-1945: SINGER brand ceases development of sewing machines to focus on producing war time goods.
1951: SINGER brand’s 600 sewing centers have trained an estimated 400,000 housewives.
1952: SINGER brand introduces its the Slant-o-Matic™, the first zigzag machine.
1975: SINGER brand introduces the world’s first electronic sewing machine, the Athena 2000.
1978: SINGER brand introduces the Touchtronic™ 2001 machine, the world’s first computer-controlled machine.
1985: SINGER brand introduces an entirely new line of state-of the-art sewing machines with models designed to meet individual needs and budgets including innovations for stitch patterns monograms and embroidery.
2001: SINGER brand celebrates its 150th Anniversary. Launches the world’s most advanced home sewing and embroidery machine: the Quantum XL-5000 machine, with one of the most powerful and user-friendly systems on the market.
2005: SINGER brand introduces Futura™ machine, the most affordable computer-enabled embroidery machine in the market.
2007: Introduces Inspiration machine, an iconic new entry-level machine using modern advancement to accentuate ease and simplicity.
2010: Launches 2nd generation of the Futura™ sewing and embroidery machine, the XL 400.
2011: The SINGER brand celebrates its 160th Anniversary, marked by the issued patent of the first SINGER Sewing Machine on August 12, 1851.
2015: Launch of the new machine line with modern features and iconic SINGER body design.
2017: SINGER launches world's first Sewing Assistant App for sewing help on the go!
