Welcome to the Profiles in Sewing History series. In this collection of blog posts, Threads highlights some lesser-known individuals who made a difference in the world of fashion and sewing. You may have heard of some of these trailblazers. However, you may be unaware of others who have failed to receive the recognition they deserve. Follow along by returning to this post or to the Threads home page as we cover an unsung influencer every month.

We begin with Ann Cole Lowe, the African American seamstress who designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress. She also created gowns for many celebrities and society women in the mid-20th century.

Then it’s on to Emilie Flöge, a business-savvy designer who defied society’s norms and aimed to free women from restrictive clothing.

The next installment in the series focuses on two individuals, Hannah Wilkinson Slater and Mary Dixon Kies. The first women to receive U.S. patents, they created advancements in the sewing industry.

Sarah Boone is one of the first African American women awarded a patent. Her cutting-edge ironing board invention made a significant improvement in the sewing world. It is considered the predecessor to the modern-day ironing board.

Phyllis Latour Doyle is the British spy who used ingenuity and knitting tools to hide secret codes during World War II.

Elizabeth Keckley bought her freedom from slavery and later became First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker.

See below for all the installments in this inspirational Profiles in Sewing History series.