Abstract: A trimming apparatus adapted to be used with a sewing machine in order to form a hem is provided. The trimming apparatus includes a support member upon which the edge of a garment can be fed which is positioned upstream from the stitching needles of the sewing machine. A folder is attached to the trimming apparatus which is capable of folding the edge of the garment over an end of the support member such that the edge is in alignment with the stitching needles as the garment is fed along the support member. A stationary blade is mounted below and adjacent the end of the support member and is also aligned with the stitching needles. In addition, a rotatable blade is positioned adjacent to the stationary blade so as to cooperate with the stationary blade in a manner in which a predetermined portion of the edge is trimmed as the edge is folded.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for severing the needle and looper threads of a chain stitch formed by a sewing machine having an in-line looper system. The sewing machine has a needle plate and a needle carrying the needle thread through the material and the needle plate to form a needle loop of needle thread therebelow that has a needle side running to the needle. The apparatus comprises a stationary knife, a spring positioned below the stationary knife and biased in a direction toward the stationary knife, and a movable knife slidably mounted between the stationary knife and the spring which yieldingly urges the movable knife thereagainst. The movable knife has one penetrating end with a pair of axially offset barbs, a lagging barb and a leading barb closer to the penetrating end of the movable knife than the lagging barb. These three elements cooperate to hook and sever the needle side of the needle loop and the looper thread below the needle plate and prepare the looper thread for the next stitch.