Abstract: A sewing installation for the production of a piped pocket opening in a cloth workpiece comprises two cutting units each with a corner cutting knife, which have two knives each. For the production of straight or diagonal corner cuts, one knife of a corner cutting knife is pivotally adjustable about an axis in the direction of the incision which substantially constitutes the pocket opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for making a piped opening in a garment are disclosed. Two collinear cuts are made in the piping strip at a preparation station. The cut piping strip is then transferred to a sewing machine table where the piping is laid onto a piece of fabric. Then, the incision for making the garment opening is cut through both the piping strip and fabric. The piping strip is then folded through the incision and the two collinear cuts in the piping cooperate to prevent bulges from forming in the ultimately formed piped opening in the garment.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a fabric strip 12 from a deposit station 10 to a support base 16 includes a plate 24 having a stop ledge 28 abutting an end of the fabric strip 12. A bar 34 projects through an opening 30 in plate 24 to create a fold in the fabric strip 12. A thin plate 66 retracts against a ledge 52 to grasp the fabric strip 12. Then, the transfer clamp 14 is rotated into a position such that the plate 66 lies flush with the support base 16. The transfer clamp releases the folded fabric strip 12 in a position where it is then fed into the sewing machine 22 together with the fabric piece 18 when they are sewn together.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for lifting flexible flat workpieces such as fabric from a support surface. The machine includes a needle holder onto which a circular needle is mounted. The leading edge of the needle holder initially extends through a slit in the housing to push down on the workpiece when the machine is first placed thereon to prevent folds from occurring in the slit. Thereafter, the needle holder is rotated so that the circular needle perforates the top workpiece whereby the machine can be raised to lift the workpiece and move it to a desired location. When the needle holder returns to its rest position the needle is pulled out of the workpiece allowing it to fall from the grasp of the machine.

Abstract: A sewing machine incorporates a device for transferring a flap to be sewed from a receiving station to a sewing station, the device comprising a clamp with powered jaws, which device can be moved pivotally between the receiving and sewing stations.