Historically, sailmaking was a labor-intensive craft performed largely by hand. Craftsmen used needles and thread, stitching together pieces of fabric to create sails that were strong enough to withstand harsh marine conditions. However, the advent of the sailmaker sewing machine revolutionized this process. In the late 19th century, innovations in sewing technology made it possible to automate and refine many aspects of sail construction. The industrial sewing machine provided sailmakers with greater efficiency, precision, and the ability to produce larger sails quickly.

Moreover, the programmability of CNC machines offers designers the flexibility to modify designs easily. In the past, changing a sewing pattern required significant manual labor and reconfiguration, often resulting in wasted materials and time. With CNC technology, designers can rapidly adjust parameters and experiment with new styles without the need for extensive manual input. This adaptability leads to quicker turnaround times on new collections, enhancing a brand's agility in responding to fashion trends.