The needles are ‘stuck’ into cloth strips prior to being put into packets. This process was originally done by hand, but later a machine did the job.

1) A ‘Schumag’ Automatic Cloth Sticking machine, operated by Barbara Young. 1946

2) A close-up view of a ‘Schumag’ Automatic Cloth Sticking machine. 1946

3) A ‘Schumag’ Automatic Cloth Sticking machine, operated by Elsie Shaw. 1946

4) The Auto Sticking shop, equipped with a battery of ‘Schumag’ Automatic Cloth Sticking machines and a Pin Sticking machine. Shown are Mrs M Paczkiowska, Graham Ladbury, Mrs F Jones, Mrs B Miles and Miss B Walters. 1950

5) Graham Ladbury looked after the running of the Automatic Sticking machines and Needle Grinding machines. He is seen standing behind one of the latter, which was built by Schumag and supplied between 1927 and 1930. 1950

6) Margaret Humphries shown sticking needles into flannel strips, by hand. 1954

7) A ‘Schumag’ Automatic Cloth Sticking machine, operated by Ann Flynn. 1954