Human Sewing Machine

Sewing machines are genius. Absolute marvels, without which we would definitely not be dressed as well as we are now (unless very, very rich.) How do they work? I often get asked this by students, and I just shrug and say, "Nobody knows!"

But then I found this wonderfully instructive video from The Secret Life of Machines, using people and giant props to mimic the workings of a sewing machine.

Clip from The Secret Life of the Sewing Machine (1988)

The processes are not simple, but you can see how each piece moves in concert with the other. It is a true marvel! Sewing in 2025 is much easier with new conveniences like automatic needle threaders and computers that beep at you when you've forgotten to put the foot down.

Here it is, in a simple-to-understand gif showing the needle going down into the bobbin casing, and how the top and bottom thread come together to make a stitch. Modernity!

Sign up for a Hand Sewing or Machine Sewing lesson today with Jumbo Jibbles and experience it for yourself. No need to own your own machine-- try one of mine, choose from a modern computerized machine or a tried-and-true metal monster from the 70s. It's cool to use tools.