Étienne’s production relies on a collection of meticulously restored vintage sewing machines, each chosen for its unique stitch characteristics that contribute to the historically accurate construction of every garment. These machines, some dating back nearly a century, were originally designed for industrial and workwear applications, ensuring durability and precision that modern equipment often cannot replicate.One of the key machines in the atelier is the Singer 31K20, a straight-stitch industrial sewing machine with an oscillating shuttle mechanism. This design provides a smooth yet slightly irregular stitch, reminiscent of early workwear construction. Its ability to handle heavyweight fabrics makes it ideal for topstitching denim with an authentic vintage appearance.
Another essential machine is the Singer 112W140, a twin-needle, dual-bobbin machine that creates parallel stitch lines with remarkable precision. Originally developed for high-strength seams in workwear, this machine is crucial for producing reinforced stitching on jeans and jackets, mimicking the durable double-stitched seams found in garments from the 1920s to 1950s.
The Singer 16-141 is a walking foot machine, allowing for even feeding of thick materials like selvedge denim and leather. This feature ensures that layers of fabric move in unison, preventing puckering or misalignment, making it a staple for heavy-duty workwear-style construction.
Maintaining these machines is a labour-intensive process, requiring constant sourcing of rare parts, fine-tuning, and knowledge of vintage mechanics. Each stitch, seam, and detail in an Étienne garment is a result of these historically significant machines, ensuring that every piece not only looks like a true vintage workwear relic but is built to last like one.
