Abstract: A sewing apparatus for use on a quilting machine having an intermittent tension mechanism and a hopping presser foot mechanism cooperating with eccentric cams located on the main drive shaft of the sewing apparatus.The intermittent tension mechanism includes an eccentric cam having an outer surface adapted to abut a cam follower which engages thread holding tension disks that are biased together by action of a spring. Pressure between the disks is increased during the final tightening of the stitch due to the reciprocating motion of the cam follower.The hopping presser foot mechanism includes a rocking bar pivotally connected at one end to a reciprocating arm and slidingly and pivotally connected at the other end to a presser foot bar. A ball and race mechanism pivotally connects the rocking bar with the reciprocating arm. The arm reciprocates due to action of the eccentric cam.