The Essex Miniature Sewing Machine

This Essex MK1 sewing machine was manufactured between 1946 and 1956 by the Essex Engineering Works in London, England. After the Second World War, there was a shortage of full sized sewing machines, with waiting lists for models. In 1946, recognizing this shortfall in the market, the Essex Miniature Sewing Machine was born and the Essex MK1 went into production. The machine works and produces a simple single thread chain stitch, using only one thread source i.e. no bobbin or shuttle mechanism. It was never marketed as a child's machine, although many children in the post war years received them as presents. It was a proper small sewing machine that was easy to operate and gave an excellent stitching finish. This model has been used; it demonstrates some scuffing and wear.