How Helen Augusta Blanchard Revolutionized the Textile Industry

Helen Augusta Blanchard was born on October 25, 1840, to a wealthy Portland family. Women of Helen Augusta Blanchard’s generation, who lived in the late nineteenth century, were pioneers in pursuing careers and pursuing their aspirations outside the house since few women had the option to do so at the time. Helen was clever and imaginative and she was instrumental in the revolutionization of the sewing business. Helen’s 28 inventions resulted in significant savings in both money and time in industrial companies.

She Was a Bright Child

Helen Blanchard was born into a family of six children, and she showed early signs of inventiveness. There is little information on Blanchard’s background, however, it seems improbable that she obtained technical training or higher schooling throughout her childhood. Actual training as an engineer for her was obviously not a part of the picture.

Slumping and Soaring

Blanchard’s family was forced to abandon their house in 1866 as a result of a widespread economic crisis. After her father died, her family was left in a state of financial ruin. As a result, Helen responded to the challenge and embarked on a promising career as an innovator in the rapidly developing automated sewing sector. In 1873, Helen invented the zig-zag stitch sewing machine, which seals the margins of a seam and makes garments more durable. Helen is most known for this innovation. Even after she retired from the sewing industry, she kept working on improvements to sewing needles and machines. She was awarded 22 patents in the process. Other gadgets that were distantly connected to the sewing business, such as a pencil sharpener and surgical needles, were also developed by Helen.

With the founding of the Blanchard Over-Seam Company of Philadelphia in 1881, Helen established a new industry. A successful business venture enabled her to repurchase her family’s house, cementing her place among history’s most notable female innovators. She retired from the firm after a short period. In her later years, Helen realized that her mechanical creations were displacing employees who were no longer required. For the remainder of her life, she dedicated herself to charity work to assist these ladies.