Abstract: A method of printing on fabric includes: (a) loading a thermoplastic material into a nozzle of an extruder, such as an extruder of a three dimensional (3D) printer; (b) positioning a substrate that includes fabric in a print area proximate to the nozzle; (c) heating the thermoplastic material in the nozzle to a temperature that is equal to or greater than a melting point temperature of the fabric; and (d) extruding the heated thermoplastic material from the nozzle as a filament onto the fabric to yield a printed pattern on the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides an embroidery frame having at least three sections. The three sections are base section, an alignment section, and a retention section. The alignment section is configured to be positioned on the base section prior to the positioning of the retention section thereon. The retention section is configured to be engaged with the alignment section such that the alignment of the retention section with the base section is determined by the alignment of the alignment section with the base section. At least one of the alignment section and the retention section is configured to be magnetically attached to the base section.

Abstract: An embroidery system including an embroidery frame assembly having an inner first frame (51) and an outer second frame (53), a portion of a planar formation to be processed being able to be clamped therebetween. The first frame (51) is connected by a bridge (61) to a radially outer secondary connector (57), and a connecting portion (63) of this bridge (61) bridges the second frame (53) when the latter is connected to the first frame (51). When combined with an embroidery module connected to a free arm sewing machine, the embroidery frame assembly enables in a simple manner the embroidering of pouch-type and tubular planar formations.

Abstract: Textile machine clamping device includes a first arm comprising a moveable blade that moves inwardly relative to a compression surface and a second arm comprising a moveable blade that moves inwardly relative to a compression surface. Each of the moveable blades defines a resilient portion that compresses against an article of clothing positioned between the respective resilient portion and compression surface of each of the first arm and the second arm. The direction of travel of each of the first arm and the second arm as each of the arms is being translated into a compressed state is towards each other. In operation, the user may engage one portion of clothing between the resilient portion and compression surface of the first arm, pull taut on the article of clothing and then engage a second portion of clothing between the resilient portion and compression surface of the second arm.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-readable instructions. The instructions, when executed, cause a processor of an embroidery pattern displaying device provided with a capturing portion and a displaying portion to perform steps. The steps include detecting a marker associated with an embroidery pattern arranged within an augmented reality space from a real image that is an image of a real space captured by the capturing portion. The steps include displaying, when the marker is detected from the real image, a pattern image indicating the embroidery pattern associated with the detected marker, superimposed on the real image with the detected marker as a reference, on the displaying portion.

Abstract: In a holding frame, a frame forming portion includes a first holding surface and the second holding surface extending in different directions crossing an area surface of an inner area defined by the frame forming portion. In a state where a holder is magnetically attached to the frame forming portion, the first holding surface and the second holding surface respectively face inner surfaces of a first holding portion and a second holding portion of the holder. The first holding surface includes a first portion connected to a first connecting portion, and a first end located opposite from the first portion. The second holding surface includes a second portion connected to the first connecting portion, and a second end located opposite from the second portion. A distance between the first end and the second end is greater than a distance between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A cap frame includes a body member including an arc-shaped curved wall extending in a particular direction, a retaining member including a clamping portion made of elastic material and first and second engagement portions disposed at end portions of the clamping portion in the particular direction, and an attaching portion. In a state where the retaining member is attached to the body member, the retaining member holds a cap between the retaining member itself and the body member. The clamping portion is elastically deformed in conformance with the curved wall and presses the cap toward the curved wall. The body member includes third and fourth engagement portions engageable with the first and second engagement portions, respectively, and first and second guide portions that define movable directions of the first and second engagement portions as first and second guide directions, respectively, and their opposite directions.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes a first frame and a second frame. The second frame holds an object to be sewn with the first frame. The second frame includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a plurality of magnets and an annular portion. The annular portion is made of magnetic material. The first member is able to be switched to one of a first position and a second position. The second member includes a plurality of plate members. The plurality of plate members are made of magnetic material. The first position is a position where some of the plurality of magnets faces the gap and a portion of two of the plate members that are adjacent across the gap. The second position is a position where some of the plurality of magnets faces a corresponding one of the plurality of plate members.

Abstract: A cap frame includes a body member including an arc-shaped curved wall extending in a particular direction, an attaching portion connected to the body member, and a retaining member including a clamping portion having a plurality of protrusions aligned along the particular direction, and a facing portion. The attaching portion is removably attachable to a moving mechanism of an embroidery machine. In a state where the retaining member is attached to the body member, the clamping portion is elastically deformed in conformance with the curved wall and presses, toward the curved wall, a cap sandwiched between the curved wall and the clamping portion. The facing portion faces the curved wall of the body member. Each protrusion extends toward the curved wall from a leading end of the facing portion in a removing direction and faces a leading end of the curved wall of the body member in the removing direction.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes a mounting portion to be mounted on a sewing machine and a frame portion. The frame portion has a first frame, a hinge portion, a second frame, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. The first frame is connected to the mounting portion. The hinge portion is connected to one end of the first frame. The second frame is connected at one end to the hinge portion such that the second frame is able to rotate with respect to the first frame. The first clamping portion is configured to clamp the first sewing object together with the first frame while the second frame is open with respect to the first frame. The second clamping portion is configured to clamp the second sewing object together with the second frame while the second frame is open with respect to the first frame.

Abstract: An embroidery frame transport device includes a guide portion, a lever, and a locking portion. The guide portion is configured to prescribe a first direction being a movement direction when the embroidery frame is removed and a second direction being a movement direction when the embroidery frame is mounted. The lever is configured to move between a first restriction position that restricts the movement in the first direction of the embroidery frame and a first release position that does not restrict the movement in the first direction of the embroidery frame. The locking portion is configured to move between a second restriction position that restricts the movement in the second direction of the embroidery frame and a second release position that does not restrict the movement in the second direction of the embroidery frame.

Abstract: Textile machine clamping device includes a first arm comprising a moveable blade that moves inwardly relative to a compression surface and a second arm comprising a moveable blade that moves inwardly relative to a compression surface. Each of the moveable blades defines a resilient portion that compresses against an article of clothing positioned between the respective resilient portion and compression surface of each of the first arm and the second arm. The direction of travel of each of the first arm and the second arm as each of the arms is being translated into a compressed state is towards each other. In operation, the user may engage one portion of clothing between the resilient portion and compression surface of the first arm, pull taut on the article of clothing and then engage a second portion of clothing between the resilient portion and compression surface of the second arm.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes a mounting portion, a first frame with a magnet, and a second frame with a main body portion and a guide portion. The mounting portion is configured to be removably mounted on a sewing machine. The main body portion includes a clamping surface. The guide portion is configured by a non-magnetic material, is provided on the clamping surface, includes an inclined surface, protrudes further than the clamping surface in a first direction intersecting the clamping surface, and guides the first frame to the clamping surface. The inclined surface is inclined in a direction opposite to the first direction the further the inclined surface extends in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and is from an outer side toward an inner side of the second frame. The second frame can clamp easily a sewing object, with the first frame, using magnetic force.

Abstract: A controller of a sewing machine obtains a rectangular frame embroidery pattern and obtains a first unit pattern to be laid out in each of four corner portions of the embroidery pattern and a second unit pattern to be repeatedly laid out in each of side portions of the embroidery pattern. The controller determines, based on the size of the embroidery pattern, the number of repeats of the second unit pattern in a target side portion. The controller generates pattern data for the embroidery pattern including the first unit pattern being laid out in each corner portion and the second unit pattern being laid out in the target side portion as many as the determined number of repeats of the second unit pattern. The controller causes the sewing machine to form the embroidery pattern on a workpiece held by an embroidery hoop based on the generated pattern data.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes a pair of a first frame and a second frame configured to clamp a sewing object, and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism is configured to switch a position of the second frame with respect to the first frame to at least three positions including a first position, a second position and a third position. The first position is a position in which the second frame is closed with respect to the first frame. The second position is a position in which, with respect to the first frame, the second frame is more open, by a first predetermined amount, than in the first position. The third position is a position in which, with respect to the first frame, the second frame is open by a second predetermined amount. The second predetermined amount is larger than the first predetermined amount.

Abstract: A frame holding device holds an embroidery frame provided with a first frame and a second frame. The second frame includes a mounting portion. The frame holding device includes a fixing portion, a base portion, an engaging portion, and a regulation portion. The base portion is connected to the fixing portion. The base portion extends in a first direction and includes a placement surface. The engaging portion is configured to engage with an engaged portion provided on the mounting portion. The regulation portion is configured to restrict the second frame from moving in a third direction by coming into contact with the mounting portion in a state in which the engaged portion and the engaging portion are engaged with each other. The third direction is a direction intersecting with the first direction and the placement surface.

Abstract: An embroidery frame transport device includes a carriage, an engagement mechanism, and a release member. The carriage is configured to detachably mount with a coupling portion of an embroidery frame. The engagement mechanism is configured to engage with the coupling portion by moving the embroidery frame in a mounting direction in a case where the coupling portion is mounted on the carriage, to restrict the embroidery frame from moving in a removing direction. The removing direction is in a direction opposite of the mounting direction. The engagement mechanism is provided on the carriage. The release member is configured to release engagement between the engagement mechanism and the coupling portion. The release member is provided on the carriage. The release member is configured to press the embroidery frame in the removing direction.

Abstract: Provided is a sewing machine that enables a user to grasp the position of an interested point that is present inside and outside a stitchwork pattern without relying upon the user's imagination. This sewing machine includes an operation screen that displays, in a screen region, a frame image and a stitchwork image, and receives a user input of an interested point within a stitchwork frame displayed in the screen region. Moreover, the stitchwork frame is horizontally moved until a needle points out a point within the stitchwork frame and corresponding to the interested point input using the operation screen.

Abstract: A system for creating a covered hat using an upper form having a top surface, a bottom edge, and side walls having an elongated cylindrical shape between the top surface and bottom edge. A stand having an upper block is inserted into the upper form against the top surface. A rigid ring insert is placed within the form and aligned with the bottom edge. A covering sheet made of a textile material having outer edges is centered over the top surface of the upper form. A rope band secures the covering sheet tightly against the upper form and is aligned with the ring insert. The outer edges are pulled downwardly to remove wrinkles, the covering sheet is stitched in place to the upper form, and the upper form is severed just above the ring for subsequent attachment to a hat lower part.

Abstract: Computerized methods and software for creating customized embroidery. Embodiments include capturing a drawing from a user in a browser window as captured vectors, receiving the captured vectors and desired stitching parameters at an embroidery engine on a server, and creating a planned pattern of stitches from the captured vectors and the desired stitching parameters. Some embodiments include returning a rendering of the planned pattern of stitches to the browser or returning rendering vectors to the browser for drawing the planned pattern of stitches in the browser for inspection by the user. The drawing can include a freehand drawing, handwriting, or a signature, drawn or written by the user in the browser window. The desired stitching parameters can include angle, width, underlay type, density, or pull compensation of the stitches. In some embodiments, width varies along a vector path, for instance, based on pressure applied by the user while drawing.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-readable instructions. The instructions, when executed, cause a processor of an embroidery pattern editing device provided with a capturing portion, a displaying portion, and an input portion to perform steps. The steps include detecting a marker associated with an embroidery pattern arranged within an augmented reality space from a real image that is an image of a real space captured by the capturing portion, displaying, when the marker is detected from the real image, a pattern image indicating the embroidery pattern associated with the detected marker, superimposed on the real image with the detected marker as a reference, on the displaying portion, receiving editing content with respect to the embroidery pattern via the input portion, and reflecting, when the editing content with respect to the embroidery pattern is received, the received editing content in the pattern image displayed on the displaying portion.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an embroidery data memory unit, a suspension timing selecting unit, and a suspension control unit. The embroidery data memory unit stores embroidery data, and accepts a planned suspension timing, a sewing suspending instruction, and a sewing resuming instruction. The suspension timing selecting unit selects a discontinuous operation that breaks the continuity of seams within the predetermined range before and after the planned suspension timing from the embroidery data. The suspension control unit maintains the deactivation of a sewing-machine motor until the suspending instruction or the resuming instruction is input when the selected discontinuous operation by the suspension timing selecting unit comes during the sewing of embroidery pattern.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image capture portion, a conveyance portion, a processor and a memory. The conveyance portion is configured to convey an object to be captured relative to the image capture portion. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes. The processes include identifying a target range that is wider than an image capture range and calculating a minimum number of times of conveyance in a first direction. The processes include setting a specified range and the relative position corresponding to the specified range, on the basis of color information of reference image data representing a reference image. The processes include controlling the image capture portion and the conveyance portion and synthesizing the plurality of generated partial image data to generate composite image data representing the whole of the target range.

Abstract: A method for processing content in an electronic device and an electronic device for doing the same are provided. The method includes acquiring content including at least one character, and performing at least one of classifying the acquired content into at least one of a plurality of categories by analyzing the acquired content or generating vector images including a vector image corresponding to the at least one character based on the acquired content and displaying at least a part of the vector images on a display functionally connected to the electronic device.

Abstract: Presented are a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for viewing. An exemplary method includes capturing, by a user equipment (UE), an image of a work piece, and accessing, by the UE, a plurality of predetermined patterns, wherein the accessing includes receiving the plurality of predetermined patterns from a quilting machine. The method further includes combining, by the UE, the captured image with one of the plurality of predetermined patterns, wherein the one of the plurality of predetermined patterns overlays the captured image.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a clamping system. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a clamping system for holding material to be sewn/embroidered by a sewing machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a processor, and a memory. The sewing portion is configured to sew a pattern on a sewing object. The memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform the processes. The processes include the acquiring reference data representing a relative positional relationship between a sewing position and an arrangement position. The sewing position is a position of the pattern sewn on the sewing object by the sewing portion. The arrangement position is a position of a decorative component arranged on the sewing object. The processes include displaying, on the basis of the acquired reference data, a mark that indicates the arrangement position corresponding to the sewing position.

Abstract: A method of operating a receiver includes a controller of the receiver determining whether a full initialization or a partial initialization of the receiver is needed; the controller adjusting alternating current (AC) characteristics and direct current (DC) characteristics of the receiver in a full initialization mode, and the controller adjusting the DC characteristics of the receiver in a partial initialization mode when the controller determines the partial initialization is needed.

Abstract: An image processing device according to the present application includes an accepting unit and a specifying unit. The accepting unit accepts image data that includes therein at least two diagrams that can be extracted as circles. The specifying unit specifies, by checking a parameter that is calculated from a pair of two circles included in the image data accepted by the accepting unit against a parameter that is calculated from a pair of two perfect circles that have previously been registered as markers that are used for image processing, the pair of the two circles included in the image data as the markers.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging fibrous polyamide flooring material. Images are formed on fibrous polyamide flooring material having vivid color and color saturations by piezoelectric digital means without going through washing process or discharging hazardous chemicals. The energy-saving and environmentally friendly method can produce high resolution product with durability and longevity.

Abstract: A sewing data generating apparatus acquires information with respect to an embroidery frame. The sewing data generating apparatus acquires an image including a base cloth mounting a sewing target and mounted on the embroidery frame, and analyzes a correspondence between acquired information with respect to the embroidery frame and the image of the embroidery frame thus acquired. The sewing data generating apparatus generates outline data for the sewing target based on the analysis result, and generates sewing data based on the outline data thus generated. The sewing data generating apparatus transmits the sewing data thus generated to a sewing machine. The sewing machine receives the sewing data from the sewing data generating apparatus. The sewing machine executes sewing for the outline of the sewing target according to the sewing data thus received. This allows an applique to be sewn at an accurate position without a need to prepare dedicated data.

Abstract: With an embroidery design connecting data generating apparatus, an image acquisition unit acquires an image of an embroidery frame mounting a cloth having a portion where an embroidery design has been sewn. A display unit displays the image of the cloth having such an embroidery-sewn portion acquired by the image acquisition unit and an image of an embroidery design to be sewn to the cloth. An embroidery design data editing unit edits the embroidery design image such that it is connected with the already-sewn embroidery design in a state in which the image of the cloth having the embroidery-sewn portion is displayed on the display unit. Such an arrangement prevents the occurrence of overlapping or gaps after embroidery designs are sewn even if accumulated shrinkage occurs in the sewing operation, or slight alignment errors occur in position or rotation when the cloth is mounted on the embroidery frame.

Abstract: Information with respect to an embroidery frame and information with respect to a mark alignment region are acquired. The mark alignment region is displayed for guiding multiple marks that are provided to an embroidery frame in order to define an embroidery region in the embroidery frame. When the multiple marks thus displayed are all positioned within the mark alignment region, an image of the embroidery region is acquired. Image analysis is performed based on the information with respect to the embroidery frame thus acquired and the information with respect to the multiple corresponding marks within the acquired image. Subsequently, the embroidery region within the embroidery frame is determined based on the analysis result. This allows the embroidery region to be detected with high precision in a simple manner.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes an inner frame, an outer frame, an elastic member, and an attachment member. The inner frame is formed in a ring shape. The outer frame is formed in a ring shape and is configured to be fitted onto an outside of the inner frame. The elastic member is arranged on at least one of an outer peripheral surface of the inner frame and an inner peripheral surface of the outer frame. The attachment member detachably attaches the elastic member to one of the inner frame and the outer frame.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine includes a storage device storing coordinate data of an embroidery pattern; an X-Y moving mechanism that moves an embroidery frame in X- and Y-directions based on the coordinate data; a display device that displays the embroidery pattern; a transparent touchscreen; a touch point detector that detects a position of touch on the touchscreen; a coordinate data extracting unit that extracts coordinate data within a certain distance from the detected position of touch; a coordinate data selecting unit that selects a coordinate data candidate from the extracted coordinate data; a candidate list display unit that displays a list of a needle position candidate based on the selected coordinate data; and a coordinate data supplying unit that supplies, when any needle position is specified, the X-Y moving mechanism with coordinate data of the specified needle position and moves the embroidery frame to the needle position.

Abstract: A sewing data generating unit acquires embroidery frame information and a mark alignment region displayed on a display unit for guiding multiple marks that define an embroidery region of the embroidery frame. When the marks are all positioned within the mark alignment region displayed on the display unit, the sewing data generating apparatus acquires an image of the embroidery frame and a sewing target mounted on a base cloth mounted on the embroidery frame. The sewing data generating apparatus performs image analysis based on a correspondence between the acquired information with respect to the embroidery frame and the marks in the acquired image, so as to determine the embroidery region of the embroidery frame. The sewing data generating apparatus generates outline data for the sewing target based on the determined embroidery region. This allows an applique to be sewn at an accurate position without a need to prepare dedicated data.

Abstract: When marks all align with a mark alignment region in an image, an image is acquired for an embroidery frame and embroidery design sewn to a portion of a cloth mounted on the frame. Image analysis is performed based on correspondence between acquired information for the embroidery frame and for the marks. The embroidery region of the embroidery frame is determined based on analysis results. Acquired images of the cloth having the embroidery design portion and an embroidery design to be sewn to it are displayed. The embroidery design image to be sewn is edited to connect it to the image of the embroidery design already sewn to the portion in the displayed image. This prevents the occurrence of overlapping or gaps between embroidery design units even if accumulated shrinkage occurs in sewing, or slight alignment errors occur in position or rotation when cloth is mounted on the embroidery frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sewing machine for identifying the embroidery frame correctly by using the existing mechanism and embroidery frame. A photography unit photographs an attached embroidery frame from a height direction, an embroidery frame transfer unit moves the embroidery frame from a specific location within a region surrounded by the embroidery frame until the photography unit photographs an image of the embroidery frame corresponding to one of the plurality of embroidery frame images registered in the database, a calculation unit calculates a size of the embroidery frame based on a moving distance of the embroidery frame moved by the embroidery frame transfer unit, and an embroidery frame identification unit identifies the embroidery frame based on the size of the calculated embroidery frame.

Abstract: A holder member includes a planar portion, a mounting portion, a color reference member, and an affixing device. The planar portion has a surface that is planar. The mounting portion supports the planar portion. The mounting portion is also configured to be removably mounted on an embroidery frame moving mechanism of a sewing machine. The color reference member is provided on the planar portion. The color reference member also shows a color that serves as a reference. The affixing device is configured to fix in place an object that has been placed on the planar portion.

Abstract: An embroidery frame for a garment that is configured to retain the garment in a repeatable position relative to an embroidery machine. The embroidery frame includes a base and the clamp plate. The clamp plate is spaced away from the base and is configured such that a garment can be retained between the clamp plate and the base. Markings are defined by the clamp plate such that the markings are in a predetermined location relative to the base.

Abstract: This invention outlines a novel method for capturing the “state” of an intended design on an apparel pattern, and subsequently transforming that “state” to a new style or size and then applying that modified “state” to automatically recreate the original design, but for the new style or size. This invention captures the “state” of a design as a mathematical function, rather than the design itself and then applies a series of transformations to that “state” to map it to a new style. The system and method enables designers to seamlessly extrapolate designs across apparels and accessories of various sizes and styles. The automated system and method obviates the need for creating individual designs for each style or size, while ensuring that the transformed designs retain their visual characteristics even upon extrapolation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sewing machine, specifically a long-armed stitcher. The present invention includes a computer device that may store pantograph patterns therein. The data including the pantograph patterns may be sent to projection units associated with the sewing machine head of the long-armed stitcher. The projection units use projection elements to project the pantograph patterns on the fabric to be stitched, allowing an operator of the stitcher to trace the projected pattern with a needle associated with the sewing machine head. Measurement devices associated with the sewing machine head determine head movement and alter the projected pattern accordingly such that the needle of the sewing head may continue to follow the pantograph pattern despite the head having moved in order to trace the pattern.

Abstract: The sewing machine includes an image capturing portion, a processor, and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform operations of: setting a specified range within the image capture enabled range based on a first image, acquiring a plurality of partial images, and creating a composite image by combining the acquired plurality of the partial images.

Abstract: A clamp fixture for supporting a baseball type cap of the type having a crown portion and a brim portion that extends outwardly from the crown on an embroidery machine includes a brim band having a curvilplanar configuration to resiliently urge the bill of a cap out of the path of a embroidery machine head, and allows embroidery on the lower portion of the crown portion, adjacent to the brim portion.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, an image capturing portion, a first memory, a processor, and a second memory. The sewing portion is configured to sew an embroidery pattern on a sewing workpiece. The image capturing portion is configured to capture an image. The first memory is configured to store embroidery pattern data, editing parameters, and first feature information. The second memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automatically generating embroidery designs. A described method includes identifying vertices in a set of chain-code points defining an edge of a first object to be embroidered; filtering the vertices by: determining whether a height of a first triangle defined by a first one of the vertices and ones of the vertices that neighbor the first one of the vertices is at least a threshold; and when the height is less than the threshold, eliminating the first one of the vertices from the vertices; and generating embroidery data based on the filtered vertices.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a bed, an irradiating portion configured to irradiate laser light onto a specific position on the bed, an image capturing portion configured to capture an image of an area including the specific position and to generate captured image data, a processor, and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include causing the irradiating portion to intermittently irradiate the laser light onto the specific position, acquiring the captured image data by causing the image capturing portion to capture an image of the area in synchronization with irradiation on the specific position, and identifying irradiated coordinates based on the captured image data. The irradiated coordinates are coordinates, in the captured image, of an irradiated position. The irradiated position is a position, in the area, onto which the laser light is irradiated.

Abstract: A embroidery clamp for thick fabric includes a movable clamping window support that is pivotally connected to a frame and extends around a pivotal axis. An actuating system applies a force to the end of the clamping window support and rotates the support around to pivotal axis to move clamping windows together. The clamping window supports have resilient properties and are configured for flexure.

Abstract: A sewing direction control apparatus for sewing machine, comprising: a base plate, a circular ring-shaped transmission element dispose on the base plate and a driving element with a driving unit. During sewing, the driving unit drives the transmission element, rotating a sewing product placed at the center of the transmission element with the driving element, thereby controlling the sewing direction of the sewing product, and thus improving the sewing accuracy. The direction control apparatus has low cost, and is suitable for various types of automatic sewing machines.

Abstract: A workpiece holding frame includes: a main body having a frame side; and a holding piece directly attracted by magnetic force towards the frame side. A sheet-like workpiece is sandwiched and held between the frame side and the holding piece to make the workpiece stretched taut at a lower surface of the holding frame. The workpiece is subjected to selectively both of printing and embroidery processes without having to change the resulting stretched-taut state. The holding piece has a groove for accommodating therein a permanent magnet. The frame side includes a flat portion and a rib extending perpendicularly along an inner edge thereof, and the holding piece is disposed so as to be accommodated in a space of the frame side which is formed by the flat portion and the rib. The workpiece is bent in contact with an end edge of the rib to be is stretched taut.