
1843 - Benjamin W. Bean's Patent Model of a Sewing Machine
This invention was similar to Greenough's in making a running stitch, but the approach was different. Bean's method, like Greenough's, was yet another attempt to emulate hand sewing. Although Bean's running stitch machine had little commercial success, small inexpensive machines were later sold in the 1860s for household use based on this principle. It remained for Elias Howe, three years later, to patent a sewing machine using a lockstitch that functioned differently from the movements of hand sewing.
before 1843-03-04
TE.T06049
Image and text © National Museum of American History, 2021
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