Abstract: The thread take-off device of the sewing machine is arranged between the needle thread reservoir and the thread tightener. This device is provided to prevent the direct take-off of the thread by the take-up lever from the storage spool by providing, in front of the tightener, an appropriate thread reserve without requiring any change in the path along which the thread is traveling. The take-off device comprises a lever oscillating synchronously with the take-up lever at right angles to the thread path. A lever portion, located in the rest position of the take-off lever, approximately at right angles to the thread and directly beside the latter, intersects with each downward movement of the take-up lever control arm, the travel path of the thread, whereby a thread reserve is pulled off from the spool. The return of the take-off lever is effected by a spring.