As a product, sewing machines have been around for only the last century and a half but they are commonly used in factories and homes throughout the world.  While this may not seem like a long time, you should think about how long other electronic and mechanical devices have been around and you’ll understand that this may be one of the oldest examples of technology innovating society and industry, particularly in industrialized nations.  Merrow Sewing Machines have been around for much of this time and seem to be keeping pace with progress.

Merrow Sewing Machines:  A Brief History

The Merrow Machine Company began manufacturing machines in 1838 just outside of Hartford, CT.  Originally founded by J. Makens Merrow, the Merrow Company started out as a gunpowder manufacturer but built a knitting mill in 1837 (when the powder mill was destroyed by an explosion) and soon after developed into a company that built and marketed sewing machines.  Because of their popularity, they abandoned all other projects and began working exclusively on Merrow Sewing Machines as the base of their business.

Merrow Sewing Machines:  In The Beginning

The Merrow knitting mills produced goods made from native wool that was sorted, scoured, dyed, picked, carded, and spun into yarn that was then knitted into new hosiery.  Of course, these products were sold and distributed by commission merchants who brought their two-horse wagons all over the Eastern Seaboard.  In particular, merchants would bring his goods through New England and particularly New York.  As business increased, Merrow began developing more machines to handle the demand.

The first Merrow Sewing Machines used an “overlock” system; a system which has now become synonymous with this brand of sewing machine.  Early on, “crochet machines” were invented to finish the tops around men’s socks, which was usually always done by hand.  Merrow Sewing Machines were awarded many patents under Merrow’s direction while he directed the company prior to 1876.

Merrow Sewing Machines’ Continued Success

Between 1893 and 1932 the “Merrow Machine Company” greatly influenced the whole of the textile industry.  No other company, or industry for that matter, was able to produce so much technological innovation as quickly as Merrow did with Merrow Sewing Machines.  Of course, this tradition continues even now, long after his death in 1947.  Today, the company is still family-owned, though operated by Joseph M. Merrows’ great great nephews Charlie and Owen Merrow.  They continue to invent, develop, and produce many different models of Merrow Sewing Machines and are still the oldest and longest-running manufacturer of sewing machines in America.

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