Initially, sewing machines were made for garment factory production lines, allowing clothing to be mass-produced in a uniform manner. It was French tailor Barthelemy Thimonnier who invented the first working sewing machine in 1830 for use in his garment factory.

This original machine used only one thread and one hook needle for one chain stitch. His factory was burned down and he was nearly killed by an angry mob of French tailors who feared their machines would put them out of work. A few years later, in the United States, Walter Hunt shared the same fears and gave up work to patent his own version of a straight-stitch sewing machine. Fears were unfounded, as industrial sewing machines created multiple job opportunities around the world.

Modern garment factories incorporate the same mass production techniques as other industries, with each workstation completing a part of the overall job. Industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function, such as embroidery. Machines with different functions are operated on a production line to complete garments. Marketing to individuals did not begin until 1889, allowing women the means to create clothing for their family without laborious manual sewing. The domestic sewing machine used in the home is built to perform many tasks, from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and creating buttonholes, as well as sewing buttons on the garment.

Industrial sewing machines, like their domestic counterparts for the home, were created to simplify and speed up otherwise labor-intensive manual sewing. Your home sewing machine is built to perform many tasks, from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and creating buttonholes, as well as sewing buttons onto your garment. Sewing machines were adapted for use in industrial settings, allowing clothing to be uniformly mass-produced. Industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function, such as embroidering or applying buttonholes. Companies all over the world make industrial sewing machines with very basic features, as well as high-end computer-operated models.

A variety of machines with different functions are operated to complete garments on a production line. Some examples would be a Bag Closer sewing machine used to sew a single thread chain stitch, a high speed single sewer used to sew seams, and double needle machines used to add topstitch detail to items like jeans.

Walking foot machines are invaluable for quilting and coat sewing, keeping fabric moving without bunching for smoother, faster production. Also available in smaller home versions, overlock sewing machines create the whipped V-stitch along the edge of a seam on T-shirts and other stretch fabrics.