in 1790, the english inventor thomas saint invented the first sewing machine design, but he did not successfully advertise or market his invention. his machine was meant to be used on leather and canvas material. it is likely that saint had a working model but there is no evidence of one; he was a skilled cabinet maker and his device included many practically functional features: an overhanging arm, a feed mechanism (adequate for short lengths of leather), a vertical needle bar, and a looper.