Abstract: A sewing machine apparatus including a work support assembly and a positioning assembly that cooperate in moving a workpiece edge through the sewing station of the machine. The workpiece support assembly is arranged to carry and advance the open end of the workpiece in an endless loop configuration. The positioning assembly operatively rotates wih the work support and is effective to influence the lateral placement of the workpiece edge before and during the sewing cycle.

Abstract: A device for sewing tubular material workpieces comprises a sewing machine mounted in a fixed location adjacent a workpiece holder which, for example is shaped to hold a cylindrical workpiece such as a skirt. The holder is engageable in a rotation drive which rotates the holder at a selected speed. A first setting device is connected to the holder so as to move it upwardly and downwardly in respect to the sewing machine. A second setting device is connected to the first setting device and moves it together with the holder toward and away from the sewing machine as desired. The construction includes a pedal control for regulating the speed of rotation of the workpiece and also the operational speed of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A sewing unit for withdrawing web material, of the knitted type, from a source, folding it and then seaming one side to place it in tubular form. The apparatus includes a triangle unit for folding the web material as it is received from its source and then advancing it into operative association with a tentering member about which it extends. From the tentering member the folded material is advanced to the sewing zone of a sewing machine and then advanced to a position whereat the tubular material is wound onto a take-up roll. An elongated bar member being selectively adjustable relative to positions inclined from a horizontal plane is adapted to engage and raise the lowermost portion of the folded material whereby it is caused to be displaced toward the machines line of sewing.

Abstract: Apparatus for making tubular articles formed of a length of material wound in helical form with contiguous edges of successive convolutions of the material joined with one another comprises a forming section made up of a plurality of guide rollers supported by a vertical arch-type frame so as to define a generally cylindrical configuration. Feed rollers propel a strip of material in a lengthwise direction through the arch of the frame and around the support provided by the guide rollers in a helical path with edges of successive convolutions of the helix abutting one another. As the material is thus in effect coiled into helical form, a sewing machine joins contiguous edges of successive convolutions to form a continuous tubular article.

Abstract: A web of fabric material is fed flat along a substantially horizontal table. The web is continuous and is marked and then partly cut just short of its edges while in the feeding plane. The edges of the web are then gripped, moved together, and overlapped as the web is moving, and the edges are sewn. A moving gripper pulls the web through the apparatus to an off the arm sewing machine, and a puller roll downstream of the sewing machine assists pulling of the web and maintains the seam tensioned during sewing.

Abstract: Strips of material fed from a supply roll are propelled helically around a cylindrical form with edges of adjacent convolutions of the material contiguous with one another and the contiguous edges of the material are joined together to form a tubular structure. Either before or after formation into a tubular structure the material is cut in predetermined manner into garment lengths and to provide armholes or other openings as desired. In one embodiment means is provided for joining adjacent edges of two or more narrower strips to form a wider composite strip which is then wound helically and edges of adjacent convolutions are joined to form a tubular structure. The narrower strips may be formed from wider material by continuous splitting means which is adjustable to provide different widths. An attachment for a sewing machine has inclined rollers engageable with strips of material being stitched to guide them so that their edges are contiguous as they are being stitched to an underlying tape.