Using a treadle. (a lever worked by the foot that imparts motion to a machine.)
Before sewing machines people sewed by hand.
They were powered by handANS 2 -Many early sewing machines were powered by foot. Your feet worked back and forward on a 'treadle' at the base of the machine.
rotation, pedal power.
From 1900-1936
The difference between a modern day sewing machine and an olden day sewing machine is the modern day sewing machines are powered by electric and not done by hand.
The early machines were very similar to the standard machines today, but they were not electric, and used a treadle or crank for power. The biggest change in modern machines is the electronic, programmable that uses cams.
Same thing used today. Mostly small electric motors.
Just like they do now, except foot powered. Flywheel connected to paddles, band of leather connected to drive shaft. The bobbins and internals have changed minimally.
Juki and Brother make sewing machines that are good.
Sewing machines are very heavy. As such, there is no such thing as a portable sewing machine.
Yes, new sewing machines come with instructions.
The Phaff sewing machines are made in Germany, Europe.