Singer Machine No. 115-1 Rotary Hook

Mechanism of Machine No. 115-1

The use of a continuous rotating hook for the lower thread in making the lock stitch was the invention of Allen B. Wilson, who was one of the most ingenious inventors in the sewing machine field of his day.

His patent of Nov. 12, 1850, covered the invention of the moving feed-bar, having teeth projecting up through the horizontal cloth-plate on the bed of the machine, in conjunction with a presser-foot coming down on the material to be sewed, thus presenting it for action by the feed bar.

His patents of Aug. 12, 1851 and June 15, 1852, for an improved feeding device, and for a revolving hook for passing the upper thread around the bobbin containing the under thread, gave to the world a feed that admits the sewing of a curved seam, while the revolving hook is a marvellous piece of ingenuity and mechanical skill. The essential principles of his inventions are used in all of the rotary hook machines of to-day.