Abstract: A method for drawing the free end of the needle thread from the upper workpiece surface to the lower workpiece surface when sewing the first stitch of a seam to be produced by a sewing machine having a reciprocable needle, which carries the needle thread drawn from a spool by means of a thread lever, at least one presser foot lowerable upon and liftable from the workpiece, and a rotatingly drivable hook, the point of which seizes and withdraws the needle thread for the stitch formation. In order to safely and automatically prevent the thread end of the needle thread from being clamped between the presser foot and the workpiece, the needle thread is held between the needle and the thread take-up lever while the needle thread loop is withdrawn by the hook beak, so that the thread end is drawn through the workpiece by the hook beak.

Abstract: A thread cutting device for a double lockstitch sewing machine is provided with a rotatably driven hook including a hook beak for seizing a needle thread loop. In order to assure a safe pickup, the thread catcher performs an operating movement in a tilt direction oppositely directed with respect to the direction of rotation of the hook. Furthermore, the thread catcher is operable if the hook point has passed the stitch hole for a range of about 90.degree. considered in the direction of rotation of the hook.