TuffSew was founded in 2003 by a father-son duo from the San Francisco Bay Area (Tom Sr. and Tom Jr). Before TuffSew was created, Tom Sr. owned a retail sewing machine shop for over 25 years — selling and repairing sewing machines locally.

Tom Sr. was introduced to the sewing machine industry as a child by his father, Basilio. Basilio immigrated to the USA from Italy in the early 1940’s to become a US citizen — with one stipulation, he was required to enlist in World War 2. Being a remarkable handyman, Basilio was selected for the job of Warcraft Airplane Technician.

When Basilio was released from World War 2, he decided to use his technical and entrepreneurial skills to open up a Singer sewing machine franchise — where he became a lifelong sewing machine sales and repairman.

Once Tom Sr. was of working age in the 1970’s, Basilio included Tom Sr. into the family business. Below is one of the few remaining photos of Basilio teaching Tom Sr. (as a youngster) how to sew in 1961. 

In early 2003, Tom Sr. payed it forward & asked Tom Jr. if wanted to join the family retail business. Being a busy college student, Tom Jr. declined the offer but continued to put in part time work at the family business. 

Just a few months later, the two Tom’s uncovered a big need in the sewing market for a “walking foot” style sewing machine — a machine that could handle thicker sewing applications (when compared to your every day household machine). Soon thereafter, TuffSew machines were born. 

Although TuffSew began in 2003, we believe it’s the result of 3 generations of sewing machine innovators.