Margaret E. Knight

inventor · women in science · machines · paper bags

Started inventing young. Margaret Knight began inventing as a child, even making a safety device for textile mills before she was a teenager. Her curiosity and creativity never stopped growing.

Invented the paper bag machine. In 1870, Knight invented a machine that could fold and glue paper into flat-bottomed bags, just like the grocery bags people use today. This invention changed how stores could package and sell items.

Built her own company. Knight founded the Eastern Paper Bag Company so she could manufacture her invention and bring it to the world. She turned her idea into a real business that made a difference.

Dozens of patents to her name. Throughout her life, Knight received patents for many different inventions in various fields, not just paper bags. She was a truly prolific innovator with restless creative energy.

Symbol of women's power. Knight became famous as one of the most celebrated woman inventor of the 1800s, showing that women could be brilliant engineers and business owners. Her success inspired others to believe in themselves.