Abstract: A method of stitching one work piece to another or for stitching a decorative stitch line along a work piece. In one embodiment the method includes providing a first work piece having a first edge along which a stitch is to be made and providing a template having an edge that corresponds generally to at least a portion the first edge of the first work piece. The template is made from a material having a color selected to contrast with a color of the first work piece. The first work piece is then placed against the template so that the work piece's first edge abuts at least a portion of the edge of the template. Next, a computer-controlled sewing machine that has a machine-vision capability is used to stitch along a path that corresponds generally to a boundary between the first edge of the first work piece and the edge of the template. If necessary or appropriate, the computer-controlled sewing machine can adjust its stitching path in response to detecting the template.

Abstract: A method of stitching one work piece to another or for stitching a decorative stitch line along a work piece. In one embodiment the method includes providing a first work piece having a first edge along which a stitch is to be made and providing a template having an edge that corresponds generally to at least a portion the first edge of the first work piece. The template is made from a material having a color selected to contrast with a color of the first work piece. The first work piece is then placed against the template so that the work piece's first edge abuts at least a portion of the edge of the template. Next, a computer-controlled sewing machine that has a machine-vision capability is used to stitch along a path that corresponds generally to a boundary between the first edge of the first work piece and the edge of the template. If necessary or appropriate, the computer-controlled sewing machine can adjust its stitching path in response to detecting the template.

Abstract: A method for stitching one work piece to another or for stitching a decorative stitch line along a work piece. In one embodiment, the method includes first arranging a stencil over at least a portion of a work piece to be stitched where the stencil is cut from a material having a color selected to contrast with a color of the work piece. Next, a computer-controlled sewing apparatus having a machine-vision capability is used to stitch along a path that corresponds generally to an outer edge of the stencil. If necessary, the computer-controlled sewing apparatus can adjust its stitching path in response to detecting the stencil. Then, after stitching is completed, the stencil is removed from the work piece.

Abstract: A method for stitching one work piece to another or for stitching a decorative stitch line along a work piece. In one embodiment, the method includes plotting a line on a first work piece, arranging the first work piece so that at least a portion of the first work piece overlies or abuts at least a portion of a second work piece, and then stitching the first work piece to the second work piece along the plotted line with a computer controlled sewing apparatus having a machine vision system to facilitate stitching along the plotted line. In some embodiments the first and second work pieces are portions of a shoe. Also, in some embodiments the line is plotted on the first work piece in ultraviolet ink.