In 1830, a French tailor named Barthelemy Thimonnier patented a sewing machine that used a hooked needle to create a special stitch, what was it called?
- The lockstitch
- The chainstitch
- The tambour stitch
- The backstitch
Correct Answer: The chainstitch
Correct Answer Explanation: Thimonnier’s machine was one of the earliest attempts at a mechanical sewing machine. He used a hooked needle to create a chainstitch, a stitch that is made by interlacing loops of thread.
In the early 19th century, the sewing machine was initially met with resistance from which industry?
- The weaving industry
- The spinning industry
- The clothing industry
- The shoe industry
Correct Answer: The clothing industry
Correct Answer Explanation: Many tailors were afraid that the sewing machine would take their jobs away. However, the sewing machine ultimately revolutionized the clothing industry by making it possible to produce clothes more quickly and efficiently.
Who received the fifth US patent for a sewing machine in 1846?
- Walter Hunt
- Isaac Singer
- Elias Howe Jr.
- James E.A. Gibbs
Correct Answer: Elias Howe Jr.
Correct Answer Explanation: Howe’s invention was significant because it featured a crucial element that became standard in many future sewing machines: an eye-pointed needle combined with a shuttle to create a lockstitch. The lockstitch is a stitch that is made by interlacing two threads, one passing through a loop in the other, creating a strong and secure seam.
What was the name of the invention that was a critical component in Elias Howe Jr.’s sewing machine patent?
- The chainstitch
- The shuttle
- The baster plate
- The rotary hook
Correct Answer: The shuttle
Correct Answer Explanation: The shuttle is a component in sewing machines that carries a bobbin of thread and interlocks it with the needle thread to form a stitch. This interlacing of two threads makes the stitch more secure and durable. Howe’s invention combined the shuttle with an eye-pointed needle, creating a lockstitch that made sewing machines more efficient and effective than earlier models.
In 1856, a group of sewing machine manufacturers formed a patent pool to address legal disputes, what was it called?
- The Sewing Machine Combination
- The Patent Protection League
- The Sewing Machine Alliance
- The American Sewing Machine Association
Correct Answer: The Sewing Machine Combination
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sewing Machine Combination was formed to resolve the many patent disputes that were happening in the early days of the sewing machine industry. By forming this patent pool, the manufacturers were able to share their patents and work together to develop new technologies. This led to a significant increase in the production and adoption of sewing machines in the United States.
Which of these sewing machine manufacturers was NOT a member of the Sewing Machine Combination?
- Singer
- Wheeler & Wilson
- Grover & Baker
- Remington
Correct Answer: Remington
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sewing Machine Combination was formed in 1856 by a group of major sewing machine manufacturers to address patent issues and promote the growth of the industry. While Singer, Wheeler & Wilson, and Grover & Baker were key members of this group, Remington was not involved in the early stages of the sewing machine industry.
What is the name for the early sewing machine device that was used to hold and advance the fabric during stitching?
- The shuttle
- The baster plate
- The bobbin
- The rotary hook
Correct Answer: The baster plate
Correct Answer Explanation: The baster plate was a crucial component in early sewing machines because it allowed the fabric to be fed smoothly under the needle. The baster plate helped to ensure that the fabric was held in place and moved forward at a consistent pace, making it possible to create even stitches.
Who invented the single-thread chainstitch sewing machine, making sewing more affordable for home use?
- Walter Hunt
- Elias Howe Jr.
- Isaac Singer
- James E.A. Gibbs
Correct Answer: James E.A. Gibbs
Correct Answer Explanation: Gibbs’s invention was significant because it made sewing machines more accessible to a wider range of people. The single-thread chainstitch was a simpler stitch to make, and it required less complicated machinery, which made it possible to create sewing machines that were more affordable.
What popular garment from the mid-19th century was made easier to produce because of the sewing machine’s ability to create mass-produced garments?
- The bustle
- The crinoline
- The corset
- The chemise
Correct Answer: The crinoline
Correct Answer Explanation: The sewing machine made it possible to create crinolines more quickly and efficiently. Crinolines were a popular garment in the mid-19th century, and they were often made with a lot of fabric. Sewing machines made it easier to sew together the many layers of fabric needed to create a crinoline, and they also made it possible to mass-produce crinolines, which made them more affordable for a wider range of people.
What was the approximate annual production of sewing machines in the United States by 1860?
- 1,000
- 10,000
- 100,000
- 1,000,000
Correct Answer: 100,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The sewing machine industry grew rapidly in the 19th century, and by 1860, the United States was producing over 100,000 machines annually. This demonstrates the growing demand for sewing machines and their widespread adoption in homes and factories.
By the mid-19th century, where was the ready-made clothing industry booming in the United States?
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Chicago
- Boston
Correct Answer: New York
Correct Answer Explanation: New York became a major center for the ready-made clothing industry in the mid-19th century. The city’s large population and its proximity to ports made it an ideal location for the production and distribution of clothing. The sewing machine played a key role in the growth of the ready-made clothing industry in New York, allowing manufacturers to produce clothes more quickly and efficiently.
During the Civil War, the US Army purchased over 473,000 pairs of what, demonstrating the impact of the sewing machine on everyday items?
- Machine-sewn trousers
- Machine-sewn shirts
- Machine-sewn shoes
- Machine-sewn jackets
Correct Answer: Machine-sewn shoes
Correct Answer Explanation: The US Army was initially hesitant to use machine-sewn clothing, but they eventually realized the benefits of using sewing machines to create uniforms and other items. During the Civil War, the Army purchased over 473,000 pairs of machine-sewn shoes, demonstrating the impact of the sewing machine on the everyday items used by soldiers.
What was the approximate value of American sewing machines exported from 1860 to 1900?
- $10 million
- $50 million
- $90 million
- $150 million
Correct Answer: $90 million
Correct Answer Explanation: The sewing machine became a significant export product for the United States in the 19th century. By 1900, American sewing machines had been exported to countries around the world, generating over $90 million in revenue. This demonstrates the global impact of the sewing machine and its widespread adoption throughout the world.
What was the name of the sewing machine that featured a rotary shuttle, which inspired improvements in other models?
- The Singer Sewing Machine
- The Greenman and True Sewing Machine
- The Blodgett & Lerow Sewing Machine
- The New England Sewing Machine
Correct Answer: The Blodgett & Lerow Sewing Machine
Correct Answer Explanation: The Blodgett & Lerow sewing machine was an early attempt to create a sewing machine that used a rotary shuttle. While the machine was not entirely successful, it inspired Isaac Singer to develop his own sewing machine with a rotary hook. Singer’s design was more efficient and durable, and it became one of the most popular sewing machines of the 19th century.
Which of these sewing machines was NOT a single-thread chainstitch machine?
- The New England sewing machine
- The Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine
- The Singer sewing machine
- The Blodgett & Lerow sewing machine
Correct Answer: The Singer sewing machine
Correct Answer Explanation: The Singer sewing machine was one of the first machines to successfully use a lockstitch. The Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine was developed by James E.A. Gibbs and used a single-thread chainstitch, which made sewing more affordable for home use. The New England sewing machine was another example of a single-thread chainstitch machine, offering a simpler and more affordable option for home sewers.
The sewing machine was not the invention of one person, but rather a collaborative effort of many inventors who built upon each other’s work. Which of the following inventors is NOT considered a significant contributor to the development of the sewing machine?
- Elias Howe Jr.
- Isaac Singer
- Walter Hunt
- Thomas Edison
Correct Answer: Thomas Edison
Correct Answer Explanation: While Thomas Edison was a prolific inventor, he did not play a significant role in the development of the sewing machine. The inventors who are considered to have made major contributions to the sewing machine include Elias Howe Jr., Isaac Singer, and Walter Hunt.
What was the approximate value of ready-made clothing production in Cincinnati in 1860?
- $1 million
- $5 million
- $10 million
- $15 million
Correct Answer: $6,381,190
Correct Answer Explanation: Cincinnati was a major center for the ready-made clothing industry in the 19th century. The city’s large population and its proximity to ports made it an ideal location for the production and distribution of clothing. The sewing machine played a key role in the growth of the ready-made clothing industry in Cincinnati, allowing manufacturers to produce clothes more quickly and efficiently.
What was the approximate value of clothing sold at wholesale in New York in 1841?
- $1 million
- $2.5 million
- $5 million
- $10 million
Correct Answer: $2.5 million
Correct Answer Explanation: The value of clothing sold at wholesale in New York in 1841 was estimated at $2,500,000. This demonstrates the significant growth of the clothing industry in the United States, even before the widespread adoption of the sewing machine.
What was the approximate time it took to stitch a frock coat before the introduction of the sewing machine?
- 4 hours
- 8 hours
- 16 hours 35 minutes
- 24 hours
Correct Answer: 16 hours 35 minutes
Correct Answer Explanation: The sewing machine dramatically reduced the time it took to stitch a frock coat. Before the sewing machine, it could take as long as 16 hours and 35 minutes to stitch a frock coat by hand. The sewing machine reduced this time to just 2 hours and 38 minutes. This demonstrates the significant impact of the sewing machine on the productivity of the clothing industry.
Oliver F. Winchester’s shirt factory in 1860 employed how many sewing machines and operators?
- 100
- 200
- 400
- 600
Correct Answer: 400
Correct Answer Explanation: The use of sewing machines became widespread in clothing factories in the mid-19th century. Oliver F. Winchester’s shirt factory in 1860 employed 400 sewing machines and operators, demonstrating the scale of sewing machine adoption in the clothing industry.
What is the name for the system of installment buying where a customer makes regular payments until the full purchase price is paid?
- The installment plan
- The hire-purchase plan
- The deferred payment plan
- The credit plan
Correct Answer: The hire-purchase plan
Correct Answer Explanation: The hire-purchase plan was a popular way to buy sewing machines in the 19th century, especially for people who could not afford to pay the full price upfront. This made sewing machines more accessible to a wider range of people and helped to drive the growth of the sewing machine industry.
What is the name for the practice of combining patents held by multiple entities to create a shared pool of intellectual property?
- The patent alliance
- The patent coalition
- The patent pool
- The patent network
Correct Answer: The patent pool
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sewing Machine Combination was an example of a patent pool. The formation of patent pools was a way to resolve patent disputes and encourage innovation. By sharing patents, manufacturers could avoid legal challenges and focus on developing new technologies.
What is the name for the circular device in some sewing machines that catches the loop of thread and draws it through to form a stitch?
- The shuttle
- The bobbin
- The rotary hook
- The needle
Correct Answer: The rotary hook
Correct Answer Explanation: The rotary hook is a crucial component in some sewing machines, particularly those that use a lockstitch. The rotary hook is a circular device that catches the loop of thread and draws it through to form a stitch. This helps to create a secure and durable stitch that is less likely to unravel.
Which of these sewing machines was NOT designed for home use?
- The Greenman and True sewing machine
- The Singer Family Sewing Machine
- The Blodgett & Lerow Sewing Machine
- The New England sewing machine
Correct Answer: The Blodgett & Lerow Sewing Machine
Correct Answer Explanation: The Blodgett & Lerow Sewing Machine was an early sewing machine that was not designed for home use. It was more complex and expensive than the other machines listed, making it more suitable for industrial use. The Singer Family Sewing Machine was specifically designed for home use and was much more affordable than earlier models. The Greenman and True sewing machine was another early model that was popular for home use, and the New England sewing machine was a small, hand-turned chainstitch machine that was also designed for home use.
Which of these inventions was NOT directly related to the development of the sewing machine?
- The shuttle
- The rotary hook
- The steam engine
- The baster plate
Correct Answer: The steam engine
Correct Answer Explanation: While the steam engine was a significant invention that revolutionized transportation and manufacturing, it was not directly related to the development of the sewing machine. The sewing machine was a more specific invention that focused on the mechanical process of stitching. The shuttle, rotary hook, and baster plate are all components that were developed for sewing machines.
Which of the following sewing machines was known for its ease of use and affordability?
- The Greenman and True sewing machine
- The Blodgett & Lerow Sewing Machine
- The Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine
- The Singer Sewing Machine
Correct Answer: The Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine
Correct Answer Explanation: The Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine was known for its ease of use and affordability. It was a single-thread chainstitch machine that was less complex than other sewing machines, making it easier to operate. The Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine was also more affordable than other models, making it accessible to a wider range of people.
What is the name for the technique of embroidery using a hooked needle to create a chainstitch?
- The lockstitch
- The tambour embroidery
- The backstitch
- The chainstitch
Correct Answer: The tambour embroidery
Correct Answer Explanation: Tambour embroidery is a technique that uses a hooked needle to create a chainstitch. This technique was used to create elaborate embroidery designs on clothing and other items. The tambour embroidery technique was a precursor to the development of the sewing machine.
The sewing machine is considered a significant milestone in the history of technology. What is the key factor that made it such a groundbreaking invention?
- Its ability to create intricate designs
- Its ability to produce garments quickly
- Its ability to use a variety of fabrics
- Its ability to sew without thread
Correct Answer: Its ability to produce garments quickly
Correct Answer Explanation: The sewing machine was such a groundbreaking invention because of its ability to produce garments quickly and efficiently. The sewing machine revolutionized the clothing industry by making it possible to mass-produce garments at a much faster pace than was possible with hand sewing. This made clothing more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people, and it also led to the growth of the ready-made clothing industry.