Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a sewing needle and thread. Sewing is one of the first and most basic crafts of humanity, dating back to the Stone Age. In fact, sewing is so old that it pre-dates our own species, and was practiced by earlier hominin peoples to make the first clothing. Archaeologists have found needles dating back to 30,000 years ago, and the earliest needles with eyes are estimated to have been made 17,500 years ago. 

In 1885, Singer introduced the Singer Vibrating Shuttle sewing machine, which was a substantially improved design. These machines were practical, easy to use, and marketed directly toward the home sewer. They sold millions, and the machines were so durable and reliable that some of them are still in use today. 

The most significant change in sewing machines since the 1950s has been the integration of computer capabilities. Today’s sewing machines are programmable, automatic, intuitive to use, and capable of designs and functions that sewers 100 years ago wouldn’t have dreamed of. Sewing today is often seen as a craft, a hobby, and a form of artistic expression.