Abstract: Identification elements for identifying the size, shape, and kind of embroidery frame (37) are installed on the embroidery frame (37) for a sewing or embroidery machine with an embroidery module (33). Furthermore, at least one reference cam (44) is provided on the embroidery frame (37), and by means thereof the precise position of the embroidery frame (37) relative to the embroidery module (33), and thus also relative to the needle (27), can be derived. By a comparison of the actual position of the embroidery frame (37) with the desired position, a fault can be detected and a new positioning of the embroidery frame (37) can be performed in the case, for example, that switching steps of the drive element in the embroidery module (33) have been lost.