<P> Clothing manufacturers were the first sewing machine customers , and used them to produce the first ready - to - wear clothing and shoes . In the 1860s consumers began purchasing them , and the machines -- ranging in price from £ 6 to £ 15 in Britain depending on features -- became very common in middle - class homes . Owners were much more likely to spend free time with their machines to make and mend clothing for their families than to visit friends , and women 's magazines and household guides such as Mrs Beeton 's offered dress patterns and instructions . A sewing machine could produce a man 's shirt in about one hour , compared to 14 1 / 2 hours by hand . </P>
<P> Clothing manufacturers were the first sewing machine customers , and used them to produce the first ready - to - wear clothing and shoes . In the 1860s consumers began purchasing them , and the machines -- ranging in price from £ 6 to £ 15 in Britain depending on features -- became very common in middle - class homes . Owners were much more likely to spend free time with their machines to make and mend clothing for their families than to visit friends , and women 's magazines and household guides such as Mrs Beeton 's offered dress patterns and instructions . A sewing machine could produce a man 's shirt in about one hour , compared to 14 1 / 2 hours by hand . </P>
when were sewing machines first used in the home
when were sewing machines first used in the home
the 1860s
the 1860s