Singer is one of the world’s oldest and most recognised sewing machine brands. Established in 1851 in the United States, the company revolutionised both domestic and industrial sewing by introducing one of the first practical machines for everyday use. For over 170 years, Singer has been synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and quality, serving millions of households, fashion designers, tailors, and businesses globally.1

Today, Singer manufactures an extensive range of sewing, embroidery, quilting, and crafting machines, alongside accessories and software tailored for beginners and professionals alike. The brand continues to innovate while maintaining its legacy as a pioneer in the sewing industry.2

Singer was established after Isaac Merritt Singer patented his practical sewing machine on August 12, 1851. Although sewing machines already existed at the time, Singer’s design significantly improved ease of use, durability, and productivity, making the technology more accessible for commercial and domestic users.

Throughout the late 19th century, Singer expanded rapidly across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It became one of the first truly global manufacturing enterprises, establishing factories, retail stores, and service centres worldwide. Notably, Singer pioneered the instalment payment system, which allowed ordinary families to purchase sewing machines through affordable monthly payments. This business model was instrumental in popularising sewing machines in homes around the world.

By the late 1800s, Singer reportedly held a dominant share of the global sewing machine market and had become one of the most recognised industrial brands in history.

Singer has introduced numerous innovations that have shaped the sewing industry, including:

• First practical home sewing machine (1851)
• First lightweight domestic sewing machine
• First practical electric sewing machine (1889)
• First zigzag sewing machine
• World’s first electronic sewing machine (1975)
• One of the first computer-controlled sewing machines (1978)
• Modern computerised embroidery and quilting systems
• Mobile sewing assistant applications and connected sewing technologies

Singer offers products catering to hobbyists, home users, professionals, and industrial manufacturers.

Sewing Machines

• Mechanical sewing machines
• Electronic sewing machines
• Computerised sewing machines

Embroidery Machines

• Single-function embroidery machines
• Sewing and embroidery combination machines

Quilting Machines

• Machines designed specifically for quilting projects

Heavy-Duty Machines

Built for handling demanding materials such as:

• Denim
• Canvas
• Leather
• Upholstery
• Multiple fabric layers

Sergers (Overlock Machines)

Designed for professional edge finishing and garment construction.

Craft Machines

Singer has expanded into crafting equipment, including digital cutting machines for fabric and paper projects.

Singer products are designed for a diverse user base, including:

• Beginners learning to sew
• Home users
• Hobbyists
• Fashion designers
• Professional tailors
• Quilters
• Small businesses
• Industrial garment manufacturers

The company offers models ranging from affordable entry-level machines to advanced computerised systems.

Singer emphasises core values of innovation, reliability, durability, ease of use, creativity, and accessibility for sewists of all skill levels. Its mission is to inspire creativity while making sewing enjoyable and accessible for everyone.3

Singer products are sold in more than 100 countries through authorised dealers, distributors, retail stores, and online platforms. The brand maintains a strong international presence with regional operations serving North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.4

Singer has built a longstanding reputation for high-quality construction, long machine lifespan, reliable customer support, wide availability of spare parts, user-friendly operation, and excellent value for both beginners and professionals. Vintage Singer machines, particularly models such as the Featherweight 221, remain highly collectible and are still used by many sewing enthusiasts due to their enduring durability.5

For over 170 years, Singer has remained one of the most influential names in sewing technology. The brand transformed sewing from a labour-intensive task into an accessible household activity and continues to develop modern solutions for sewing, embroidery, quilting, and crafting. Its combination of heritage, innovation, and global reach has made Singer one of the most enduring and recognisable brands in the textile and sewing industries.

1. About SINGER®: Company, History & Future | SINGER®
2. Company History | SINGER®
3. About Us
4. History – Singer Sewing Machine
5. History