We often get asked about British-made sewing machines! Many British engineers played a role in the invention of the sewing machine as we know it today, starting with Thomas Saint in 1790. He designed what is arguably the first sewing machine, a chain stitch machine with a hand-crank intended for use on leather and canvas. Times have changed since then though, and in this blog we answer some of your questions about the industry in the UK and the potential for a British-made machine to be built in the future.
Why do people want British-made sewing machines anyway?
There are a few reasons people have given for wanting a sewing machine made in the UK. The most common is patriotism, wanting to support British manufacturing and engineering. The other is the idea that the machines will be of higher quality. Although not made in this country, the machines we supply are of superior quality and we are confident in recommending them as durable and reliable options. There are plenty of cheap and poorly-made brands on the market, but we avoid these so we can ensure our customers are investing in a quality product and getting the best value for their money!
Have sewing machines ever been produced in the UK on a large scale?
From as early as the 19th Century there were many small factories producing rudimentary versions of sewing machines. The most famous sewing machine factory to exist in the UK was the Singer factory which produced machines in Kilbowie, Scotland, for over 100 years. At the time, demand for machines was so high that a super-factory was built, which for a long time was the largest and most modern sewing machine factory in the world. The factory thrived for many years but was forced to close when demand declined rapidly in the 1960s. Sadly the UK’s sewing machine manufacturing heritage essentially ended when this factory was demolished.
Why did production stop?
The answer to this question is part of a much larger story about the decline of manufacturing in Britain. Many companies realised they could produce items much more cheaply abroad and took advantage of this to increase profits. With cheaper sewing machines being made in Asia, demand for British-made machines started to decline. It also became more profitable for clothing to be produced abroad, reducing the quantity of machines required for the UK market. These factors coincided with political and economic policies which placed less emphasis on manufacturing. Sadly, the tale of many factories in the UK is the same – it simply wasn’t financially viable to keep them open.
Is it still possible to buy a British-made sewing machine?
It is testament to the quality of the machines which were produced in the UK that there are still many in working order today. These are rare but can be found through second-hand dealers or websites like Ebay. Unfortunately though as machines are no longer being produced today these vintage models are the only option available for those seeking a truly British-made machine!
Where are most sewing machines produced today?
The majority of sewing machines are currently produced in Asia, primarily Japan, China, and Taiwan. Some companies (such as Durkopp Adler) do have factories in Europe, but these are in the minority. A lot of production from many industries shifted to these global manufacturing superpowers around 50 years ago. Traditionally this was because they could take advantage of a low-paid workforce to produce machines far more cheaply than their European counterparts. Nowadays, companies such as Juki, Yamato, Siruba, Pegasus and Brother (to name a few!) have gained a reputation for their high-quality products and for being at the forefront of new technological advancements.
Will there ever be another sewing machine made in the UK?
Sadly, it is highly unlikely that a British sewing machine company will emerge. This is mainly because the cost would be prohibitive, a machine produced from scratch in the UK would likely have to retail at an extortionate price to be profitable! Another factor to consider is that machines made in this country are unlikely to offer anything different or unique when compared to the high-quality machines which are currently produced abroad. Still, never say never! Many companies are bringing production back to the UK in recent years, so it is possible that there may one day be a gap in the market for a machine produced closer to home.
How can I support British businesses and engineering when purchasing a sewing machine?
This is where we come in! We don’t just re-sell boxed machines like many other companies. Every machine we sell is built and set up by our team. We work with our customers to ensure that they are getting the right machine and then set it up for them so they can get started straight away! If you have a particular production process that you would like to streamline you can also enquire about Advance, our own precision range! When we develop our Advance automated machinery, all the components we use, including engineered metals, conveyor belts, and aluminium, are made in Britain. Our engineers adapt machines and engineer creative solutions to make automation possible. For more information about us and what we do you can read last week’s blog!
https://www.ae-sewingmachines.co.uk/blog/brand-profile-advance/
To enquire about purchasing a machine for yourself or your business you can contact our friendly team through the contact form on our website or via info@ae-sewingmachines.co.uk