Abstract: A fabric feed-on apparatus for a linking machine having a rotatable dial of points, the device including a fabric push-on device operable to push fabric onto and down the shanks of the points during rotation of the dial of points, and a fabric uncurling device movably mounted for movement between an operative position and an inoperative position, the uncurling device in said operative position being located adjacent to and upstream of the push-on device so as to be able to guide and uncurl fabric edges to the push-on device during rotation of the dial of points to thereby cause the fabric edges to be impaled on the points, the uncurling device in said inoperative position being located at a remote stowed location so as to provide clear access to the dial of points.

Abstract: In the production of knitted garments especially pullovers, cardigans and sweaters it is frequently desired to add a knitted strip of material to the garment to define a neck opening. With this invention a first piece of fabric such as the strip is impaled on the points of a linking machine, the second piece of fabric such as the garment is then impaled on the points and the other marginal edge of the strip folded over the second piece of fabric and with said marginal edge abutting the points the two pieces of fabric are sewn together. When the strip has one marginal edge formed as a welt edge it is that edge which is impaled on the points.

Abstract: A fabric guide device for a linking machine having a rotatable circle of radially extending points. The device guides fabrics, which are to be joined by a chain stitch, onto the points so that the fabric edges are located at a predetermined height relative to the points. The device includes at least one pair of opposed guide surfaces for engaging slidingly opposite sides of a fabric adjacent an edge thereof. Adjustable reference surfaces locate selectively the height of the fabric edges relative to the points. The device is particularly useful in the joining together of patterned fabrics. It permits fabrics which are to be joined to be held in correct pattern position relative to each other, so that adjacent parts of the pattern are impaled upon the same points. When the seam is made, the pattern shows a correct join.

Abstract: A linking machine having a rotatable dial mounting a plurality of radially extending points on which two contiguous fabrics to be joined together are impaled. The sewing linking is provided with at least two needles, with one or more needles operating from opposite sides of the fabrics. One or more needles are located exteriorly of the dial, and each cooperates with a thread guide located interiorly of the dial to form a thread into a chain of stitches. One or more needles are located interiorly of the dial, and each cooperates with a thread guide located exteriorly of the dial to form a thread into a separate chain of stitches. In one form of the invention, the machine has a pair of reciprocal linking needles disposed on opposite sides of the fabrics to be joined, and each needle forms a simple single thread stitch chain.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a rotatable inner disc, on which is supported a needle and a thread guide for rotation with the disc, and a rotatable outer ring mounting a plurality of radially extending points on which fabrics to be joined together are impaled. The inner disc and outer ring are generally co-planar, and are rotatable, both in unison and relative to each other, about a common axis. The disc and ring are rotatable together manually to a selected work location, at which exposed points are presented to an operator for impalement of fabrics to be joined together. The exposed points remain stationary at such location during fabric impalement. While the outer ring is stationary for impalement of fresh fabric pieces, the inner disc, supporting the needle and thread guide, rotates relative to the ring of points, whereby fabrics previously impaled on the points are sewn together.

Abstract: A linking machine is provided having a plurality of extending points onto which pieces of fabric to be joined are threaded. The linking machine consists of a linking station, a cutting station, and an over-sew station. The linking station has one needle and may have a pair of needles which operate to link pieces of fabric together by a single thread chain stitch, thereafter, the fabric which has heretofore been threaded on points of the dial is presented to a cutter at the cutting station which removes surplus fabric on the exposed fabric side of the linking thread whereupon the fabric remaining on the points is presented to the over-sew station having a needle which pierces the fabric then withdraws then returns over the edge of the fabric, each time being wrapped with the thread by thread guides whereupon an over-sew stitch over the edge of the fabric is formed.

Abstract: A method of using linking machines is described wherein a linking machine having a pair of needles operating on fabric impaled onto radially extending points around the dial of a linking machine is used so that the first needle to operate on the fabric is adapted to engage the fabric between adjacent points and slightly above while the second of the said needles is adapted to engage the loops of fabric impaled on said points.

Abstract: A work station comprising at least two sewing machines, or machines similar thereto for joining together separate pieces of fabric, and a horizontal work surface on which each machine is mounted with capacity for rotation about a vertical axis. The horizontal work surface and the machines are disposed relative to each other so that one person is enabled to operate all of the machines at the work station. The work surface may be of L-shaped configuration, with a sewing machine mounted rotatably on each limb of the L. Each machine may be provided with a vertical shaft having a foot engaging plate to permit rotation of the machines from beneath the horizontal work surface.

Abstract: Mounting means for a sewing machine, or a similar machine for joining together pieces of fabric, having a horizontal work surface by which the machine is supported with capacity for rotation about a vertical axis. The machine is mounted within an aperture formed in the horizontal surface, and supported by bearings. A vertical shaft, located below the work surface, is connected to the machine and provided with a disc, whereby the machine is rotatable from beneath the work surface. Shelves and compartments are located beneath the work surface for storage of materials and for housing the control circuitry for the machine. The invention eliminates the customary stand on which such machines are mounted, and the many disadvantages attendant thereto.

Abstract: An imperforate needle for use with a textile machine has a shank and a cut-out provided with a latch capable of opening and closing the cut-out without extending beyond the contour of the needle.