Abstract: A clamping device and method for a conventional sewing or embroidery machine has a pair of movable arms. Each of the arms includes a fixed section and a movable section for receiving material or item to be embroidered therebetween. A manual lever allows the movable arm to be raised for insertion of the material and a scale on the arm allows the depth of insertion to be easily determined for accurate insertion. Each arm is movable along a slotted mounting plate affixed to the sewing machine proximate the sewing head. The clamping device provides uniform, taut material for accurate, smooth embroidering.

Abstract: A cap frame drive assembly and method provides for a quick and easy setup for embroidering, sewing or stitching on curved articles such as baseball caps. The preferred form of the cap frame drive assembly utilizes a pair of cam mechanisms to affix the drive frame to the pantograph while a conventional belt attached to a rotational drive platform affixed to the pantograph rotates the drive cylinder during sewing.

Abstract: A sewing frame and drive system is provided for use generally on commercial sewing/embroidery machines. The invention provides a sewing frame which is releasably attached to the sewing machine through a drive system for use with curved articles such as baseball caps. The drive system allows the sewing frame to laterally move and to rotate approximately 300.degree. whereby substantial embroidering can be conducted on the sides as well as the front of the cap. The sewing frame includes clips which tension the soft fabric of the hats against a biasly mounted clip base.

Abstract: An embroidery hoop press and method of operation permit the user to frame large areas of thick fabric between inner and outer embroidery hoops by the use of relatively little pressure. The mechanical press includes an upper platen for retaining the inner fabric hoop which is movable in an arcuate path downwardly to allow the hoops to initially contact an angle of approximately 10.degree.. With continued downward force the press gradually causes the inner and outer fabric hoops to fully engage as the lower platen simultaneously pivots. A dampener attached to the upper platen allows the operator to quickly release the handle without injury or vibration.

Abstract: A fabric holder and method for maintaining fabric or other flexible planar members in a taut manner for sewing, stitching or embroidering thereon. The fabric is stretched across a portal frame in which the frame sides each have a base with an upward wave-like crest projection. A clamp receptacle receives the projection and fabric thereon to maintain the fabric sandwiched tightly in place. As stresses are applied to the fabric during sewing, the clamp exhibits the ability to rotate outwardly thereby applying a greater gripping force to the fabric to maintain it in place on the frame. After the sewing operation is completed, the clamps can be easily removed for fabric replacement by manually rotating them inwardly, toward the center of the fabric and thereafter lifting the clamp and fabric from the projection.

Abstract: A framing jig is provided to insure accurate., consistent hoop framing of garments such as t-shirts, jackets, pants or other items for subsequent embroidering. The framing jig is especially useful in high production shops which require rapid hoop framing of a large number of similarly sized items. The framing jig includes a removable insert having a plurality of apertures for receiving variously sized exterior embroidery hoops and also includes adjustable side and top base extensions for quick changes to accommodate different size garments. The insert can be removed, rotated and replaced in a matter of seconds in the base for the most accurate and desired framing area possible. In addition, an adjustable collar slide permits the easy centering of the garment on the jig.

Abstract: An embroidery hoop set holder is provided which will double or even more greatly increase the embroidering capacity of an embroidering machine as it provides for a continuous, non-stop operation. The hoop set holder will receive a pair of hoop sets for two garments or the like to allow the sewing head to complete embroidering on one garment while the second garment is being loaded or off-loaded to allow continuous operation and increase production.