<P> Singer's original design, which was the first practical sewing machine for general domestic use, incorporated the basic eye - pointed needle and lock stitch developed by Elias Howe, who won a patent - infringement suit against Singer in 1854 . </P> <P> Patent No. 8294, of August 12, 1851, introduced one of the most useful machines, and one of the most remarkable men, that have figured in the development of the sewing machine . Isaac Merritt Singer, strolling player, theater manager, inventor, and millionaire, brought into the business a new machine and novel methods of exploitation, which gave a powerful impulse to the youthful industry . The Singer improvements met the demand of the tailoring, and leather industries for a heavier and more powerful machine . </P> <P> Singer consolidated enough patents in the field to enable him to engage in mass production, and by 1860, his company was the largest manufacturer of sewing machines in the world . In 1885, Singer produced its first "vibrating shuttle" sewing machine, an improvement over contemporary transverse shuttle designs; (see bobbin drivers). Singer began to market its machines internationally in 1855 and won first prize at the Paris World's Fair . The company demonstrated the first workable electric sewing machine at the Philadelphia electric exhibition in 1889 and began mass - producing domestic electric machines in 1910 . Singer was also a marketing innovator and was a pioneer in promoting the use of installment payment plans . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th> Year </Th> <Td> 1853 </Td> <Td> 1859 </Td> <Td> 1867 </Td> <Td> 1871 </Td> <Td> 1873 </Td> <Td> 1878 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Units </Th> <Td> 810 </Td> <Td> 10,953 </Td> <Td> 43,053 </Td> <Td> 181,260 </Td> <Td> 232,444 </Td> <Td> 262,316 </Td> </Tr> </Table>

When did singer start making electric sewing machines