Manufacturer History

Discover the history of Sewing Machine brands below, sold by Hampshire Sewing Machines, Fareham. Free Customer Parking.

Sewing machine specialists with over 40 years experience.

Juki History

Juki Corporation is well known as a global leader in manufacturing of industrial sewing machines. But actually the first machine produced by JUKI  was a household sewing machine.

Juki started the home sewing machine business in 1945. The first home machine was manufactured in 1947 and was marketed in Japan and other countries around the globe. Although Juki grew to become an industrial sewing machine giant, the original sewing machines produced were home machines.

In 1953 Juki began the sale of industrial sewing machines. JUKI was always working to deliver the best and most sophisticated machines. Juki research and development, placed the company in the forefront of the global needle trade markets. With the development of electronic functions and motors, the path was paved for advances in labour saving devices providing increased productivity, as well as operator comfort and safety.

All new solutions in machines tested with success in the demanding industrial field were adopted by JUKI for household machines. Juki’s revolutionary advancements in home technology include the development of the first rotary needle thread take-up system in l954, the first automatic thread trimmer and auto needle threader in l978, and the first auto thread tension system in 1985. These breakthroughs in home sewing brought about the progression of new HZL Models at that time.

In 1976 the first Juki home overlock machines were manufactured with industrial serger technology. When released to the American market, these machines were considered a major breakthrough in home sewing capabilities and became quite famous in the market. Home dealers and industrial distributors alike were delighted with the performance and durability of the new Juki Lock MO-100 Series. Many home sewers still inquire about accessories for the MO-100 because they still own their original serger today!

In 1981 Juki Corporation received the prestigious Deming Prize for quality control in the manufacture of industrial sewing machines. Through the years Juki was also involved in the manufacture of electronic assembly and testing equipment, as well as computer peripherals. In 2001 Juki’s commitment to sewing quality and advanced electronic technology then laid the foundation for the development of the HZL home computerized models.

The MO 700 series is the latest in serger stitch technology and reflect the famous Juki durability and reliability. The MO 735 (2/3/4/5 thread) has a large variety of stitch capabilities including chainstitch, coverstitch and 5-thread safety stitch. The MO 734 (2/3/4 thread) has differential feed and an auto needle threader in addition to its wonderful stitch formation. In addition, the tried and true MO-600 Series Pearl and Garnet Lines, first available in 1989, are still the most economical sergers on the market today.

Many quilters will remember when the first TL98 made its debut in 1998. This single needle lockstitch machine with automatic thread trimming, an extended sewing arm and high sewing speed was the first industrial type unit available to the home sewer. The machine’s popularity grew not only with quilters but with dress makers, designers and decorators alike. The latest Juki model TL-98P for quilting and straight stitching has a growing reputation as the highest quality machine in its class on the market today. Now available with two new quilting feet, the TL-98P also offers an auto needle threader, foot pedal control, and knee lifter lever.

Juki, the leader in global industrial sewing now brings you a home line you can trust to perform with the perfection of their commercial machines. There is a Juki machine for every generation of sewers! 

The Founding of New Home

In 1860, William Barker and Andrew J. Clark began producing the "New England Single Thread Hand Sewing Machine" in Orange, Massachusetts. Over the next 20 years, the New England machine and the "Home Shuttle" were their two most significant products. In 1882, the company reformed under the name New Home (a combination of the labels New England and Home Shuttle), and it continued to operate under that name for the better part of a century. In 1960, ninety-three years after Barker and Clark first collaborated, New Home and the "New Home" brand were purchased by the Janome Sewing Machine Company of Tokyo, Japan.

For a more in-depth article on the early history of the company, visit The International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society and access the piece called “The Men Behind New Home”.

Janome History

In Japanese, the word Janome (pronounced Ja-NO-me) means "eye of the snake." The company earned the name in the 1920s when founder Yosaku Ose, a pioneer in Japanese sewing manufacturing, began to use a round metal bobbin system instead of the traditional long shuttle. The Japanese thought the new round bobbin looked like a snake's eye, and from the innovative design, a name was born.

Janome has been leading the industry with such innovation ever since. The company now has sewing divisions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand as well as agents in Africa, Central and South America and throughout the Pacific Rim of Asia. The company's manufacturing prowess has also made it a world-leader in the production of high precision robots.

In 1979, Janome technology introduced the world's first programmable, computer sewing machine - the MEMORY 7. Today, our Memory Craft computer models consistently stand out in the industry for their ease of use and precise stitch results. Take a look at our Memory Craft 11000 Special Edition and our newest embroidery software products.

Elna History

The Elna trademark has earned a significant place in the sewing industry as a result of numerous ground-breaking innovations which have placed Elna products in a class of their own.

Elna sewing machines have been around since 1940 with the launch of the Elna # 1, the first compact, portable, electric sewing machine with a free arm (when unfolded, its metal carrying case formed a sewing table). The Elna # 1 was green in color, breaking away from the traditional black, an innovation in itself for the time. The machine was a resounding success and so began Elna's commitment to the home sewing industry.

The Elna Supermatic was introduced in 1952 featuring zigzag stitches and interchangeable cams, designed to produce different stitch patterns.

In 1968, the Elna Lotus was launched, a compact sewing machine with a unique design. Today you can find the Elna Lotus in the Design Collection of New York's Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

To stay consistent with its strategy to remain at the forefront of technology, Elna launched the first home ironing machine in 1973. The Elnapress met with tremendous success as it introduced to the world a new way to perform an age old task, innovating the way people iron. The Elnapress was truly the first ironing press designed for the home.