International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society

Fostering the collecting of, and research into, sewing machines.

Essex Sewing Machine Company

Essex Miniature Machine

Chain Stitch,
hand & electric

Post War British Success Story

Born from post-war innovation, the Essex Sewing Machine Company transformed wartime engineering expertise into affordable miniature chain stitch machines that sold over 150,000 units between 1946-1956, providing essential sewing capabilities to British households during times of scarcity.

Essex Chain Stitch Manual

Essex miniature sewing machine instruction book (hand & electric). Undated (c. 1960), 12 pages. An inexpensive functional, lightweight, chainstitch machine unfairly described as a toy. Made in Wanstead, UK.

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