It also gives you six size options to make buttonholes in a single step: simply place the button in the buttonhole presser foot and the machine sews a perfect sized buttonhole for it.

Blanchard, Helen A. Description Sewing Machine Patent model, Improvement in Sewing Machines, 1873. Helen A. Blanchard, of Boston, Massachusetts. Patent No. 141987 Issued August 19, 1873. This patent ...

Sure, today you could probably make a robot that sews like a human does, but sewing machines have been around for a very long time.