Abstract: A quilting machine sewing head navigator useful in generating directional travel in the sewing head of a quilting machine in relation to a stitchable material.

Abstract: A quilting tool for use with commercial quilting machines with a base, a pair of handles and a narrow strip of the hook portion of hook and loop type fastener. The base is planar and rectilinear and has a plurality of spaced apart grooves that are defined on the bottom surface. The first grooves on each long edge of the base are spaced one quarter of an inch from the long edge. The second grooves from each edge are spaced one half of an inch from the first grooves. The two medial grooves are spaced apart one inch. The handles are dowel-like and extend upwardly from the top of the base and are spaced apart from each other by approximately two and three quarter inches. The hook strip portion adhesively attached between the grooves on the underside of the base and aligned to be directly under the handles.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a quilt blank, a quilt kit including a quilt blank and method of making a quilt using a quilt blank. The disclosure describes a quilt blank including a partially completed quilt having a quilt top, backing and batting material interposed between the quilt top and the backing, all of which are secured together via a sewing or quilting pattern. The quilt top of the quilt blank includes at least one predetermined blank portion sized to receive a fabric swatch or other material selected by a user. Alternatively, the quilt blank may simply be a quilt top having a predetermined blank area to be filled with a fabric swatch or other material. The disclosure also describes a quilt kit including a quilt blank and a method of making a quilt using a quilt blank.

Abstract: A quilting device secured to fabric rollers of a sewing table. The quilting device has a crossbar adjustably attached to the rollers. A base having a rotatable baseplate is attached to the crossbar, the rotatable baseplate having a periphery with a plurality of notches. A spiro attachment connected to the baseplate wherein the spiro attachment has a plate having internal teeth. The quilting device connected to a sewing machine by way of a stylus arm such that the quilting device controls the movement of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A quilting machine has at least one needle and looper set for forming chain-stitched patterns on a thick multilayered material such as a mattress ticking, preferably a panel of the continuous web clamped stationary on a frame. The stitch forming elements are mounted on separate heads that move independently transversely relative to the panel on a bridge that moves longitudinally relative to the panel. The bridge is longitudinally moved by a servo and the heads are transversely moved on the bridge by separate linear servos. The needle and looper are each driven by a linear servo having an armature to which the element is directly fixed to reciprocate without intervening mechanical linkage assemblies. A controller drives the servos to chain-stitch patterns, differentially move the heads transversely to account for transverse needle deflection and to phase the needle and looper to compensate for longitudinal needle deflection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and computer program product for quilting and embroidering fabric. The method comprises securing a quilt sandwich of top layer fabric, batting and backing fabric in an embroidery hoop and attaching said embroidery hoop to an embroidery machine. The user retrieves a digitized embroidery file that is fed into the embroidery machine. The digitized file instructs the embroidery machine to stitch the quilt layers together according to a predetermined stippling pattern and to stitch an outline for an appliqué. After an appliqué fabric is placed over the outline, the digitized file sews a tackdown stitch, after which appliqué enhancements or additional layers of appliqué may also be stitched. The quilt is then removed from the embroidery hoop and the appliqué and quilt are trimmed.

Abstract: In a structure with two oppositely positioned sides, a unibody support apparatus includes a first preformed side support in the approximate form of a “C” and a second preformed side support in the approximate form of a “C”. A side support connector is connected with the first preformed side support and with the second preformed side support such that the side support connector is suspended between and by the first preformed side support and the second preformed side support. And at least one adjustable leg support, connected with the first preformed side support and the second preformed side support, is provided such that the height of the unibody support apparatus may be raised and lowered.

Abstract: Forward and backward movement apparatus for main body of sewing machine according to this invention comprises, in sewing machine comprising Main Body movable forward and backward and supported on both sides of a Base and Heads movable left and right and supported on the Main Body; Frame mounted on the Base; Timing Gears installed in the front and rear Fixed Frame of the Frame in multiple rows; Connecting Shat which connects Timing Gears beneath Front Fixed Frame; Forward and Backward Movement Frames is movable forward and backward on the Frame and connected to the Main Body; Rollers are installed in the Forward and Backward Movement Frames in multiple rows to correspond to the Timing Gears; Timing Belt which zigzags through Timing Gear and Roller and Timing Gear and Roller, and both ends of which are connected to the top of Front and Rear Fixed Frames; and electric motor which drives the Connecting Shat in forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A chain-stitch multi-needle quilting machine and method provide for driving needles and loopers independently or out of phase, particularly during the starting of stitching sequences. Separate drive motors drive needles separately from their loopers. Alternatively, a single motor drives needles and loopers linked through a differential drive or variably-controllable linkage. At the beginning of a stitch sequence, needles and loopers are separately driven in a split start manner by which stitches can be reliably formed by advancing the loopers ahead of the needles so the looper enters a needle thread loop before the needle enters a looper thread loop. Then the needle and looper can be brought into phase later in the first stitch cycle. The split drive can solve other stitch or thread control problems.

Abstract: A device for attaching a fabric layer of a quilt to a leader that, in turn, attaches to a rail on a quilting machine so that the quilt may be pulled allowing the quilting machine to stitch the entire quilt.

Abstract: Combination quilted patterns of which at least one component pattern is continuous are sewn on a multi-layered web of material with the sewing heads on one bridge as the material is advanced longitudinally. The bridge might or might not also move longitudinally. Simultaneously, different patterns, either continuous or discontinuous, are sewn with another independently moveable bridge. The continuous patterns extend substantially the lengths of quilted panels on a web, and may extend without thread cuts or tacks along the web across the lengths of more than one panel. One pattern can be changed while the other pattern continues along the web. New patterns, intermediate quilted products and methods for quilting them are provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for sewing, embroidering, quilting and/or the like. In one example, the present invention may be applied (e.g., as a machine and/or method) to a multi-needle machine or method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and inexpensive method for producing a mattress panel or quilt having corners which deviate from an orthogonal pattern. The method renders a material having two stitched seams between two sewn products that are arranged adjacently. The two stitched seams are created by a sewing device, which moves transversely to the conveying direction of the material. The material is cut between said seams by a sewing unit, located within the sewing device. Prior to or during the stitching of the seams, another device removes a sub-area comprising both sewn products, resulting in a mattress panel or quilt with corners deviating from an orthogonal pattern.

Abstract: A system for quilting fabric materials includes a quilter unit having a reciprocating needle bar with a series of needles spaced therealong and carrying a series of threads for forming quilted patterns in fabric materials passing below the needles. The quilted fabric materials then can be collected on a supply roll or fed to a panel cutter downstream from the quilter unit. The panel cutter can include a panel cutting blade for cutting the quilted material in different panel lengths or sizes, as well as a series of slitting blades that can be moved into engagement with the quilted material for forming strips of the quilted material in desired widths.

Abstract: A template and a method guide a cutting tool during cutting of a quilt block having a selected one of at least two alternate kaleidoscope patterns from a quilting blank having a given pattern of sections seamed together along seam lines intersecting at a common seam origin. The template provides right angle corners and obtuse angle corners for accommodating the alternate kaleidoscope patterns, and includes cutting guides and registration indicators which when registered with seam lines of the quilting blank locate one or more of the cutting guides for cutting one or more segments of the border of a selected kaleidoscope pattern. Indexing of the template and the quilting blank relative to one another relocates the cutting guides for cutting further segments of the border to complete the selected kaleidoscope pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for feeding and slitting mattress covers, quilts and other soft goods supported on a table. The apparatus has a first slitting wheel rotatable by a motor. A second slitting wheel is rotatable by the motor and contacts the first slitting wheel to provide a cutting action. The apparatus further includes a conveyor operable by the motor for conveying the soft goods past the slitting wheels, and a compression assembly having an actuator, a gear housing, and powered wheels for compressing the soft goods and holding the soft goods against the conveyor to preventing slippage or twisting.

Abstract: An insulating product and method for its creation involving inner valves designed to impede the flow of insulating materials between compartments formed by the inner valves. This allows for creating vertical baffles in addition to the typical horizontal baffles.

Abstract: A quilting machine including a roller frame (5) to support at least one pair of rollers (1,2,3), adapted to support quilting, the rotation of the rollers (1,2,3) allowing the fabric to move towards and away from the arm of a sewing machine, a sliding track (7,8) adapted to support the sewing machine and allow its movement in the plane of the roller axes, a pivoting element (14) to enable the roller frame (5) to pivot about an axis parallel to the roller axes so the fabric may be kept at a constant distance from the sewing machine as the diameter of the rolled fabric changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a large sewn product, such as a mattress panel or a quilt, having two stitched seams created by a sewing device, moving transversely to the direction of feed, between two adjacently arranged sewn products. The material between said seams is subsequently cut by the sewing unit, located within the sewing device. The apparatus comprises a conveyor mechanism, a sewing device consisting of a sewing unit with at least two needles, a gripper box with grippers allocated to said needles, a tape-like element, a cutting element, and a storage mechanism. By guiding the sewing unit along a first guide means, and by guiding the gripper box along a second guide means, and synchronizing both, material can be cut and sewn on the rim without tension, thereby improving current methods by avoiding sewing inaccuracies and eliminating their subsequent remedies.

Abstract: A multi-needle chain-stitch quilting machine and method of operation thereof are provided that imparts relative motion between the needles and the material that is controlled so as to pull needle thread tails from the needle side of the quilted material. The feature of controlling thread tails may be optional to provide selection of either a high speed mode of operation without thread tail control or a quality mode of operation with reduction or removal of needle thread tails from the face of the quilted material. Thread trimmers may be included at each needle location on the looper side of the material to cut both needle and looper threads.

Abstract: Panel quilting machines having an in-line splicing tool capable of splicing a new supply of fabric into a web of material being provided to a panel quilting machine while allowing for continuous operation of the panel quilting machine. The systems and methods described herein include, in certain embodiments, an in-line accumulator for creating a temporary in-line supply of material for use by the panel quilting machine while an exhausted supply of material is replaced with a new supply of material.

Abstract: In a quilting system, a support and cassette apparatus includes a support with a cassette movably connected with the support such that the cassette captures the support within the cassette. A carriage is attached to the cassette.

Abstract: A computer-controlled quilting machine uses a hand held stylus to create the patterns which are sewn into a quilt. The machine can quilt in real time, following the movement of the stylus as a user traces any desired object or design. The machine allows a user to easily sew a desired pattern into a quilt, and also provides greater access to quilting to those persons who are unable to operate other types of quilting machines, while retaining much of the appeal of hand quilting.

Abstract: A system for supporting a quilt to lay quilting lines is provided. A frame is configured to support a sewing machine. First and second are rollers mounted on said frame, and configured to hold quilting layers on a substantially horizontal path between said first and second rollers. A platform is mounted on said frame, the platform having tracks, a top of the platform being below said substantially horizontal path. A moveable support table is mounted on the tracks. A top of the moveable support table is less than approximately one inch below said substantially horizontal path. The moveable support table supports a quilt during the application of quilting lines thereto.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a quilt blank, a quilt kit including a quilt blank and method of making a quilt using a quilt blank. The disclosure describes a quilt blank including a partially completed quilt having a quilt top, backing and batting material interposed between the quilt top and the backing, all of which are secured together via a sewing or quilting pattern. The quilt top of the quilt blank includes at least one predetermined blank portion sized to receive a fabric swatch or other material selected by a user. Alternatively, the quilt blank may simply be a quilt top having a predetermined blank area to be filled with a fabric swatch or other material. The disclosure also describes a quilt kit including a quilt blank and a method of making a quilt using a quilt blank.

Abstract: A process for producing a camouflage material having a three-dimensional surface contour comprises providing a plurality of parallel strips of thermoplastic camouflage material having irregular side edges and positioning the strips, preferably with overlapping edges, on an underlying substrate in a multiple head bonding machine, such as a quilting machine, that simultaneously bonds a number of strips of material to the substrate in parallel fashion. Prior to bonding the strips to the substrate, the strips are spaced apart from the substrate and freely suspended. While freely suspended, a series of hot gas pulses (typically hot air) are delivered at spaced, discreet locations along the longitudinal outer surface of the strips of camouflage fabric. The temperature and duration of the air pulses are such that the hot pulses form shallow, cup-shaped depressions in the camouflage fabric, causing the camouflage fabric to spring away from the plane of the substrate at intermittent intervals along its length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sewing product (20,21), particularly a mattress panel, a quilt or the like, preferably from several sewing product layers that are to be stitched together, as a section of a sewing product material (11), in which method said sewing product material (11) is, by means of a sewing device (1) that is movable transversely to the conveying direction, provided with at least two stitched seams (19) between two sewing products (20, 21) which are arranged adjacent to each other in the sewing product material (11), and in which the sewing product material is subsequently cut between these two stitched seams (19), said sewing device (1) including a sewing unit (3) with needles (18) and a gripper box (8) with grippers allocated to said needles (18), and a tape-like sewing element (14) being sewed to the sewing product material (11) in the area of the stitched seams (19).

Abstract: A quilting table (20) includes a frame (22) having box channel rails (50, 52), a first carriage (212), moveable relative to a longitudinal dimension (30) of the frame (22), having wheels (224) engaged with the box channel rails (50, 52), and a second carriage (214), moveable relative to a transverse dimension (32) of the frame (22), supporting a sewing machine (34). A fabric support system (24) includes three fabric payout bars (128, 130, 132) and a take-up bar (134). Compressive force is utilized between the bars (128, 130, 132, 134) and their supports (120, 122) for fabric tensioning. The bars have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and indicia (190) for facilitating fabric placement. An overhead shelf (28) extends across dimension (30) of the frame (22) so that an operator on a needle side (51) of the quilting table (20) can currently view a quilting guide (268) and the fabric (206).

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of sewing while a workpiece cloth is moved by a manual operation includes a needlebar having a lower end to which a sewing needle is attached, a needlebar driving mechanism vertically driving the needlebar via a main shaft, a presser foot pressing the workpiece cloth, an imaging device imaging at least an area of the workpiece cloth near to the sewing needle, a movement amount operating device obtaining by operation a movement amount of the workpiece cloth based on image data supplied from the imaging device, a setting device setting a stitch pitch on the workpiece cloth, a comparing device comparing the obtained movement amount of the workpiece cloth and the set stitch pitch, a cloth movement limiter limiting movement of the workpiece cloth by the manual operation, and a control device controlling the cloth movement limiter according to a result of comparison.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies the process of placing quilt ties in the quilt during the quilt making process. The quilt tie device contains a plurality of openings that identify locations in the quilt for quilt ties. A quilt maker places the quilt tie device over a top layer of the quilt. The quilt tie device is positioned such that the openings in the device are at locations on the quilt where the maker desires to place quilt ties. The quilt maker performs the quilt tie operation by tying a quilt tie in the quilt layer at each location in the quilt that indicated by an opening in the quilt tie device.

Abstract: A sewing and quilting device called a SEW EASY GUIDE. This device features an essentially rectangular strip of thin, clear, and flexible plastic material with markings, the strip having a top surface, a length, and a width, and the device having a needle aperture and a means to attach the device directly to a sewing machine, such as an adhesive surface on the device. This guide device enables the user to operate a sewing machine with the guide on the topside of the fabric and to see visibly the guide markings while traversing across the fabric with the sewing machine.

Abstract: An improved computerized hand-guided quilting device has a quilting table (100) with a translation device (20). The translation device has a cross carriage (30) movable longitudinally atop the table or frame, and a sewing carriage (50) movable transversely atop the cross carriage. These translations allow X-Y movement of a sewing head (56) fixedly positioned on the sewing carriage. Automatic translation of the cross carriage is accomplished when an actuator (174) mounted on the cross carriage is placed into an operative contact that effects the translation, and manual translation is effected by disengaging the operative contact, using a selective engaging/disengaging means (176). Similarly, automatic translation of the sewing carriage is accomplished when an actuator (74) mounted on the sewing carriage is placed into an operative contact that effects the translation, but manual translation is effected by disengaging the operative contact, using a selective engaging/disengaging means (76).

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric block that depicts an eight-point star by using only square-shaped and rectangular-shaped pieces of fabric. A square-shaped piece of fabric is sewn to a first rectangular-shaped piece of fabric and this combination is sewn to a second rectangular shaped piece of fabric to form a square-shaped fabric segment that is sewn to a second square-shaped fabric segment to form a square-shaped quarter portion depicting two points of the star. The four square-shaped quarter portions are sewn together resulting in a square-shaped fabric block depicting an eight-point star. This method overcomes the challenges and difficulties encountered when attempting to make an eight-point star design from diamond, triangle, and square geometric shapes.

Abstract: A quilting machine has at least one needle and looper set for forming chain-stitched patterns on a thick multilayered material such as a mattress ticking, preferably a panel of the continuous web clamped stationary on a frame. The stitch forming elements are mounted on separate heads that move independently transversely relative to the panel on a bridge that moves longitudinally relative to the panel. The bridge is longitudinally moved by a servo and the heads are transversely moved on the bridge by separate linear servos. The needle and looper are each driven by a linear servo having an armature to which the element is directly fixed to reciprocate without intervening mechanical linkage assemblies. A controller drives the servos to chain-stitch patterns, differentially move the heads transversely to account for transverse needle deflection and to phase the needle and looper to compensate for longitudinal needle deflection.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (10) and method in which provided bridges (21,22) are provided having selectively operable stitching element pairs (90). Either the material or the bridges or both may be moved relative to the frame. Control schemes are provided to quilt continuous patterns, discrete patterns, linked multiple patterns, 360 degree patterns, closely spaced patterns. A plurality of small presser feet (158) are provided, each for one or more needles (132), with a wide spacing for material passage between the needle and looper plates. Combinations of intermittent and continuous feed and feed transition are employed during tack sequence sewing and other direction reversals in sewing, as well as double needle guards and thread deflection.

Abstract: Process for antiquing a quilt and resulting product includes providing a first fabric panel containing at least some of a first selected fiber, a second fabric panel containing at least some of a second selected fiber and a batting panel containing at least some of a third selected fiber. At least the first panel and its fiber is colored and susceptible to damage by washing. The three panels are layered and stitched together using thread of a fourth selected fiber and along a pattern to form a whole cloth quilt or fabric therefore can be used as is or as material for another product. Washing the quilt in a wet bath and with heat and agitation causes at least the first fabric panel to wear and fade and the quilt is then dried and has the antiqued appearance.

Abstract: A fusible quilt batt. The fusible batt includes a non-woven fibrous web and a heat sealable and releasable adhesive. The adhesive is coated on the outer surface of the web and insinuates between the fibers of the web internally. The adhesive thus binds the fibers of the web and provides a tackiness sufficient to allow the web to be applied to a backing material at an elevated temperature and removed from the backing at room temperature or an elevated temperature. After removal of the web from the backing material it may be reapplied to a backing material at an elevated temperature. The attachment, removal and reattachment process is repeatable.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (10) and method are provided, in most embodiments of which needles (132) reciprocate horizontally through material (12) supported in a vertical quilting plane (16). Two or more bridges (21,22) are provided having separate motion control. Each bridge (21,22) has a row of selectively operable stitching element pairs (90), which may be fixed to or transversely moveable on the bridges (21,22). Either the material or the bridges may be moved relative to the frame. The bridges (21,22) each move transversely and vertically with the stitching elements (90) on each bridge can operate at different speeds. Each of the needle drives (25) and, in some embodiments the looper drives (26), can be selectively activated and deactivated. Control schemes are provided to quilt continuous patterns, discrete patterns, linked multiple patterns, 360 degree patterns, closely spaced patterns. A plurality of small presser feet (158) are provided, each for one or more needles (132).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming flanged quilted panels from an infed web of quilted material (18) has a panel cutter (14) which receives the web of quilted material (18) and severs it into discrete quilted panels (16). A flanger (34) integrated with the panel cutter (14) has a table (40) which supports individual panels in a fixed position while a trimming and sewing head (60) is moved around the perimeter of the panel to trim the panel to a desired size and to stitch a flange near the trimmed edge. Because the panel is trimmed prior to stitching, precise alignment of the panel on the table is not required. The flanger (34) may further include a cutting head (72) which is movable relative to the table (40) and enables the flanger (34) to cut very thick quilted material without the need for precise holding and guiding of the material.

Abstract: A device for applying an embroidery material onto a textile fabric including a device for feeding the textile material; an upper sewing organ having a needle bearing bar and a plurality of needles; a lower sewing organ selected from the group consisting of shuttles, rotary crochets and moving hooks cooperating with the upper organ. At least one pressure plate for compressing the material and having embroidery devices thereon and a drive for providing rotational motion to the embroidery devices, wherein the drive device includes a hole for each needle to pass through and a second hole for the embroidery material to pass through, and wherein the rotational motion is in a single direction so as to direct the second hole in a position that is in front of the needle to obtain stitches on the textile fabric and to fix the embroidery material.

Abstract: A quilting table (20) includes a frame (22) having box channel rails (50, 52), a first carriage (212), moveable relative to a longitudinal dimension (30) of the frame (22), having wheels (224) engaged with the box channel rails (50, 52), and a second carriage (214), moveable relative to a transverse dimension (32) of the frame (22), supporting a sewing machine (34). A fabric support system (24) includes three fabric payout bars (128, 130, 132) and a take-up bar (134). Compressive force is utilized between the bars (128, 130, 132, 134) and their supports (120, 122) for fabric tensioning. The bars have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and indicia (190) for facilitating fabric placement. An overhead shelf (28) extends across dimension (30) of the frame (22) so that an operator on a needle side (51) of the quilting table (20) can currently view a quilting guide (268) and the fabric (206).

Abstract: A pattern making jig for a quilting machine of the type having a sewing machine moveably mounted on a table includes a pair of jig rails securable to the table and a jig body selectively moveable along the jig rails. A stationary gear is fixedly connected to the jig body. A pinion gear carrier rotatably connected to the jig body carries a pinion gear which is engageable with the stationary gear for orbital movement thereabout. The pinion gear carrier is adjustable to accommodate pinion gears of various sizes. A stylus wheel operably connected to the pinion gear has a plurality of stylus receivers formed therein. A stylus secured to the sewing machine is receivable in any one of the stylus receivers in the stylus wheel.

Abstract: A textile fabric comprising a plurality of pieces of fabric material cut into strips, which are then placed adjacent to one another and interlaced. The interlaced strips are situated transverse of one another and allow for overlapping edges. Recessed from these edges along a generally parallel line are rows of stitching employed to join the pieces of fabric. The result enables the appearance of a simulated patchwork design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain stitch multi-needle guilting machine with stitch-forming quilting elements and a method for creating a pattern in a guilting material. The elements of the quilting machine are comprised of at least one needle bar with attached needles and at least one looper shaft with attached loopers. Each of the needles and the loopers have a corresponding needle thread and looper thread associated therewith, form quilting element pairs, and are driven to build chain stitches in a quilting material. At least one of the needles is adjustable between two positions and participates in the quilting procedure in a first position and does not prick into the quilting material in the second position during the quilting procedure. The quilting machine can be made to have a device to knot the needle thread with the looper thread, or a device to cut the looper thread, or both.

Abstract: A guide for making non-linear patterns using a long arm quilting machine is used to form a variety of different non-linear stitching patterns in a quilt or other workpiece. The mechanism includes a crossmember which locks adjustably between the fixed tracks of a conventional quilting machine bed or table, and an arm adjustably secured to the crossmember. The arm is slotted to provide both radial and linear adjustment relative to the crossmember. The guide attachment end of the arm provides for the selective attachment of any of a series of different templates thereto. The templates include guide slots or passages therein, with a guide pin or stylus engaging the template slots or passages. The stylus is in turn affixed to the sewing machine, causing the machine to form a stitching pattern according to the specific pattern of the selected template as the stylus travels in the selected slot or passage.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for free form sewing in which the workpiece is being sewn on a sewing machine having a plastic sheet or panel secured to the sewing machine work surface which has a coefficient of friction in any of several ranges which are all considered to be low friction coefficients. Depending upon the plastic material used, the coefficient of friction of any particular material may be in the range of 0.02 to 0.20, or in smaller ranges of coefficients of friction. The objective in using the method or mechanism is to permit the workpiece being sewn by free form sewing to be moved more easily with less frictional resistance by the hands of the sewing machine operator. Various plastics usable include various types of Teflon.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (10) and method are provided, in most embodiments of which needles (132) reciprocate horizontally through material (12) supported in a vertical quilting plane (16). Two or more bridges (21,22) are provided having separate motion control. Each bridge (21,22) has a row of selectively operable stitching element pairs (90), which may be fixed to or transversely moveable on the bridges (21,22). Either the material or the bridges may be moved relative to the frame. The bridges (21,22) each move transversely and vertically with the stitching elements (90) on each bridge can operate at different speeds. Each of the needle drives (25) and, in some embodiments the looper drives (26), can be selectively activated and deactivated. Control schemes are provided to quilt continuous patterns, discrete patterns, linked multiple patterns, 360 degree patterns, closely spaced patterns. A plurality of small presser feet (158) are provided, each for one or more needles (132).

Abstract: A design board of the present invention includes a base sheet having at least one substantially flat surface and a contact surface member substantially the same size as the base sheet and coupled to the substantially flat surface. The design board of the present invention is capable of holding fabric in position on the contact surface member to aid in design and organization of fabric projects. The present invention also includes a method of using the design boards for quilting and a kit for storing several design boards to aid in organizing fabric projects.

Abstract: The order in which panels 13 are to be quilted, the amount of quilting-induced shrinkage, and the amount of crop between adjacent panels 13 are stored in a machine readable file 13 for use in operating a print line 10. Such information 13 is printed or otherwise placed on the material 11 at the print line 10 so as to be readable by a sensor 22 at a quilting station, where the information 13 is read and used to control the quilter 21. Panels 15 are quilted according to a schedule and in batches in the most efficient manner, and panels are cut according to information read from records on the material. Shrinkage is compensated for and appropriate crops are made between panels. The printing line prints series of panels on a web 11 in rolls 14 that can be fed, last-printed panel first, into the quilter.

Abstract: A modular material supply system for an automated quilting machine having a variety of fill material supply devices, a cover material tick magazine, a fill laminator, and optionally a digital printer. The system is capable of selecting the desired cover and fill materials and supplying them continuously to a laminator to form a layered material, which is then fed to the quilting machine. The flexibility of the modular system reduces the need for system downtime to changeover component materials for producing different quilted products.