The awesome invention of the sewing machine has inspired creativity for over 150 years.

The first sewing machine was official invented when Elias Howe filed his patent in 1846. His machine required physical energy from the user to make the machine work. The user would either turn a hand crank or pump a treadle device with his or her feet. We might say it ran be human power.

As long as foot or hand power was used, the mechanical drive of the sewing machine consisted solely of directing the kinetic energy through wheels, belts, gears, and levers.

Electrical motors were eventually introduced, but doing so required a new wave of invention. The mechanical devices previously used were replaced by the electrical motor. It was necessary to convert the electrical energy from the motor to mechanical energy within the sewing machine. The result was the use of a belt to transfer the power to the upper shaft of the sewing machine.

Another revolution launched when the electric motor replaced the treadle or hand crank. Sewing quickly became faster, more reliable, and easier. The electric motor could run for hours without ever growing weary. It was common for existing machines to be retrofitted for use with electric motors. Treadle and hand cranks were removed and motors connected via a belt drive. Electricity was transformed into mechanical power.

The electrical motors are AC motors which means they operate on standard Alternating Current from your home outlet. The term alternating describes the flow of electricity first in one direction and then in the other cycling back and forth. This electricity in the United States uses 120 volts and cycles 60 times a second. Electricity inside the motor creates a magnetic flux between coil windings and the motor core. As the voltage cycles, it causes the motor shaft to turn. Thus electric energy is converted to mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then transferred to the sewing machine by a belt or gear drive mechanism.

Today there are two different types of motors used in sewing machines. One is AC and the other is DC. While the flow of electricity must always operate in a continuous loop or circuit, that loop is constantly flipping back and forth with Alternating Current. That loop continues to flow in only one continuous direction positive to negative with Direct Current. Transformers are used to convert one to the other. Electric motors come in two types AC and DC. In both cases the electricity used to run the motor must operate in a continuous unbroken circuit or loop. If the flow of electricity in the circuit flows in one direction and then in the opposite direction, it is called alternating current. If the flow is in only one direction within the loop, it is DC or direct current. Use of a transformer can convert AC to DC or the reverse.

Machines that depend on the use of AC motors, levers, gears, and associated mechanical devices are known as mechanical sewing machines. For many years this was the only kind of sewing machine. Today most low end sewing machines and many commercial sewing machines continue to use AC motors.

More modern sewing machines including the most advanced computerized sewing machines have introduced the use of DC motors. Electronic circuits and integrated circuits are used to convert AC electricity into DC electricity. It then uses DC motors to directly control stitch functions and machine operations. This advance has enabled the modern sewing machine to achieve convenience and stitch capabilities never dreamed of before.

The power system of your sewing machine really does matter. It matters if you are looking to buy a new machine. It matters when you understand what you are using. It matters if your are repairing sewing machines.