Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-01-19
SrAuNToN, Nov. II, 1852,

Mr.. Editor Your letter came TO me
few days since, and have the pleasure of
giving the information you desire at my
earlies possible convenience. The sewing
machine, now in my possession, was IN
vented by ]. M. Singer, of New York. 1t
is a small instrument, about II inches
square, weighing about IS pounds, and as
simple in structure as | can conceive it
possible for machine for such purpose to
be made. And yet with all its simplicity
II is not possible to give you full and sat-
isfactory explanation Of it.
There are three small wholesome 7
inches diameter, the others about inches
diameter. The two smallest wheels are
both operated by the larger one. From
each Of these smallest wheels there is a
shaft passing across the machine, and ter
minating each with small but stronge
friction wheel about half an inch in dame
ter. These friction wheels act in grooves
made somewhat in the shape of heart
One of these little wheels carries the nee
die bar, and the other the shuttle. The
needle works perpendicularly and the shut
tie horizontally, just below the point of the
needle. There are two threads, one pas
sing from spool which turns on wire at
the top Of the machine, and passing down
the needle bar through the eye of the nee
die. The shuttle is about an inch snd a
half in length, and carries a small spool,
the thread passing out at q small hole on
the upper side. The machine is operated
by small pedal precisely on the principle
of the oldfashioned fax wheel. Having
arranged the thread according to the above
directions you are prepared for work. Just
below the needle there is feed wheel
which carries the cloth. On this the cloth
is laid and there kept moderately pressed
by means Of spiral spring. When the
machine is set in motion the needle moves
downward carrying the thread (Which pas
ses through the eve about half an inch
the bottom Of the groove in which the shut
tie moves. There the needle stops for a
moment and by a singular and most inge-
NOUS action gives little "twitch' which
makes loop in the thread of the needle.
The moment this loop is made the shuttle
rushes almost with tightening speed through
the loop. Thus the thread in the needle
catches the thread in the shuttle and draws
it up 20 The centre of the cloth, making a
sort of double stitch. Thus every stitch is
made with certainty, regularity, strength
and beauty which no human hand could
give it. BY means of small thumb screw
the stitch may in moment be changed
from the finest possible stitch to quarter
of an inch in length. 1t may also be made
as tightly or loosely as you please. You
may sew seams of any shape you wish
When prepared for work, which may be
done at any time In from three to five min
ates, it may be put in operation, or put a
side as quickly and conveniently as lady
usually takes up or lays dow her sewing.
We have had this machine nearly four
months, and so far our experience with 1t
has been in the highest degree satisfactory,
At first, indeed, having no instructor,
found some difficulty in adjusting the nee
die, arranging the thread and other little
things so as to make the machine operate
to my entire satisfaction. But little per-
severance soon taught me that whatever
defect there was in the sewing was not the
result of any defect in the machine, but of
want of experience and skill, or of prop
er attention to the directions in myself
The machine will do the wo;k of from six
to ten persons. 1t will do nearly all the
sewing, indeed | may say all the sewing,
usually needed by families, except putting
on the buttons and making the button
holes. My wife has learned to operate it
with ease and skill land says she would not
exchange it for the best seamstress she ev-
er saw. According to the best calculation |
have made, kept in operationat moderate
rate all day. say 8 hours, it will make a
seam 500 yards long. My wife has made
several pair of handsome pants between
seven and ten o'clock at mig ht, and says If
she had one or two others to do the bast-
ing, pressing, making button holes and put
ting on buttons, she could make a pair ev-
cry half hour.
The machine is of course made on the
most strictly mathematical principles. The
same wheel operating both the needle and
the shuttle, these two parts must act in the
most beautiful and unvarying harmony
These cannot fail to act rightly unless the
large wheel which moves them be broken,
which cannot be done by operating. The
only things which seem to me possible to
6StO" VI oiuOi dlc tue Illtle IfiCtlOn WheeIS
spoken OF above. And yet must say that
i do not see how they can get out Of order
if the machine be kept properly oiled But
even if they should by any means be bro
ken they are so simple and small that any
one who has little mechanical skill can
easily make them, or they may be sent by
mail from the factory where the machines
are made.
There are many other things | would like
to tell YOU about this machine. But | have
already taxed your patience to much
greater length, no doubt, than you antici-
pated. Should you ever find 1t convenient
to call and see me it will give me great
pleasure to show its operation and explain
IT more infinitely and satisfactorily than |
or any one possibly can on paper.
In conclusion, let me say, that should
you decide to purchase one of these ma
chimes it will give me pleasure 10 put YOU
in the way of getting one and give YOU anv
instruction you may need in using it.
With the most sincere regard,
am your friend, &C.
r. T. CAsTLEMAN.