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.