Initially, sewing machines were made for clothing factory production lines, allowing clothing to be uniformly mass-produced. It was the French tailor Barthelemy Thimonnier who invented the first working sewing machine in 1830 for use in his clothing factory.

This original machine used just a thread and a hook needle for a chain stitch. His factory was burned down and he was nearly killed by an angry mob of French tailors who feared their machines would put them out of work. A few years later, in America, Walter Hunt shared the same fears and left the job to patent his own version of a straight-stitch sewing machine. Fears were unfounded as industrial sewing machines created multiple job opportunities around the world.

Modern garment factories incorporate the same mass production techniques as other industries, with each workstation completing a part of the overall job. Industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function, such as embroidery. In a production line, machines with different functions are operated to complete garments. Marketing to individuals did not begin until 1889, allowing women the means to create clothing for their family without laborious manual sewing. The domestic sewing machine used in the home is made to perform many tasks, from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and creating buttonholes, as well as sewing buttons on the garment.

Industrial sewing machines, like their domestic counterparts for the home, were created to simplify and speed up otherwise labor-intensive manual sewing. The home sewing machine is built to perform many tasks, from sewing straight or zigzag stitches and creating buttonholes, as well as sewing buttons on the garment. Sewing machines were adapted for use in industrial settings, allowing clothing to be uniformly mass-produced. Industrial sewing machines are generally designed to perform a specific sewing function, such as embroidering or applying buttonholes. Companies around the world manufacture industrial sewing machines with very basic features as well as high-end computer-operated models.

A variety of machines with different functions are operated to complete garments on a production line. Some examples would be a Bag Closer sewing machine used to sew a single thread chain stitch, a high speed single sewer used to sew seams, and twin needle machines used to add topseam details to items such as jeans.

Walking foot machines are invaluable for quilting and overcoat sewing as they keep the fabric moving without bunching up for smoother, faster production. Overlocker overlock sewing machines, which are also available in smaller home versions, create the whipped V-stitch along the edge of a seam on T-shirts and other stretch fabrics.