Abstract: A system for calibrating one or more optical sensors on a sewing machine includes one or more optical sensors and one or more processors of the sewing machine. The optical sensors are arranged to collect data from one or more features of one or more predefined regions. The processors are for processing the data and are configured to: receive the data; detect and recognize the one or more features of the one or more predetermined regions from the data; calculate one or more accuracy indicators of the one or more features from the data as compared to a known feature; compare the value of the one or more accuracy indicators to one or more indicator thresholds; and adjust a parameter of at least one of the optical sensors based on the comparison between the one or more accuracy indicators and the one or more indicator thresholds.

Abstract: Sewing workpiece holders for sewing machines and associated methods are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a sewing workpiece holder includes a first frame that defines an opening. A second frame defines an opening. The second frame is configured to attach to the first frame and to hold a sewing workpiece therebetween. The openings of the first frame and the second frame substantially align when the second frame is attached to the first frame such that a portion of the sewing workpiece is exposed within the aligned openings when the sewing workpiece is held. A first bracket is attached to a first side of the first frame or the second frame. The first bracket is attachable to the sewing embroidery machine. A second bracket is attached to a second side of the first frame or the second frame. The second bracket is attachable to the sewing embroidery machine.

Abstract: Sewing machine ankle assemblies having a resilient member for attaching a presser foot are disclosed. According to an aspect, a sewing machine ankle assembly includes an ankle comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines at least one structure configured to receive an attachment mechanism of the presser foot. The sewing machine ankle assembly also includes a resilient member comprising an upper end and an opposing lower end. The upper end is attached to the upper portion of the ankle. The lower end is positioned beneath a portion of the attachment mechanism of the presser foot when the attachment mechanism is received by the at least one structure of the ankle such that the lower portion of the resilient member exerts a force on the portion of the attachment mechanism in a direction towards the at least one structure of the ankle.

Abstract: An exemplary sewing machine includes a sewing head, a needle bar holding a needle, a motor for moving the needle during a sewing operation, a user interface, a data gathering device, a data storage device, and a processor. The data gathering device gathers data related to at least one of the sewing machine, an environment surrounding the sewing machine, a sewing material, the sewing operation performed by the sewing machine, and one or more interactions of a user with the sewing machine. The data storage device stores gathered data and data related to a neural network. The processor processes the gathered data through the neural network to generate processed data. Based on the processed data, the processor controls at least one of the user interface, the data storage device, and the motor.

Abstract: A method for calibrating one or more optical sensors on a sewing machine, including collecting data of one or more features of one or more predefined regions associated with the sewing machine, processing the data through one or more neural networks, wherein the one or more neural networks detect and recognize the one or more features of the one or more predetermined regions from the data, calculating one or more accuracy indicators of the one or more features from the data as compared to one or more trained features from the one or more neural networks, comparing the value of the one or more accuracy indicators to one or more indicator thresholds and adjusting one or more parameters of one or more optical sensors based on the comparison between the one or more accuracy indicators and the one or more indicator thresholds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactive guidance of sewing activities are described herein. Many sewing activities such as threading media, conducting general machine maintenance, and sewing using a pattern can be difficult and may require multiple steps to be performed correctly. Through the use of augmented reality (AR), the technologies disclosed herein provide interactive guidance to a user in order to perform one or more sewing activities. The performance of these activities is further enhanced using sensor feedback which can reduce common errors associated with each activity.

Abstract: Apparatuses including support and accessory arms for positioning a sewing machine accessory are disclosed. According to an aspect, an apparatus for positioning a sewing machine accessory includes a support arm. The support arm is configured for attachment to a sewing machine and comprises a first coupling component. The first coupling component comprises a first magnetic component. The apparatus also includes an accessory arm configured for attachment of a sewing machine accessory. The accessory arm comprises a second coupling component. The first coupling component and the second coupling component are configured for attachment together. The second coupling component comprises a second magnetic component that is attracted to the first magnetic component for urging the second coupling component towards the first coupling component when the first and second coupling components are attached together.

Abstract: An exemplary embroidery accessory for a sewing machine includes a spool that is rotatable around a first vertical axis, a support rotatably attached to the sewing machine and to the spool, a sewing guide, and a mechanism for rotating the support around a second vertical axis of rotation. The spool receives and dispenses a length of embroidery material and is supported above a sewing bed of the sewing machine by the support. The sewing guide has a needle opening configured to receive a needle of the sewing machine and to guide the embroidery material toward the needle.

Abstract: A method for calibrating one or more optical sensors on a sewing machine, including collecting data of one or more features of one or more predefined regions associated with the sewing machine, processing the data through one or more neural networks, wherein the one or more neural networks detect and recognize the one or more features of the one or more predetermined regions from the data, calculating one or more accuracy indicators of the one or more features from the data as compared to one or more trained features from the one or more neural networks, comparing the value of the one or more accuracy indicators to one or more indicator thresholds and adjusting one or more parameters of one or more optical sensors based on the comparison between the one or more accuracy indicators and the one or more indicator thresholds.

Abstract: An exemplary embroidery accessory for a sewing machine includes a spool that is rotatable around a first vertical axis, a support rotatably attached to the sewing machine and to the spool, a sewing guide, and a mechanism for rotating the support around a second vertical axis of rotation. The spool receives and dispenses a length of embroidery material and is supported above a sewing bed of the sewing machine by the support. The sewing guide has a needle opening configured to receive a needle of the sewing machine and to guide the embroidery material toward the needle.

Abstract: An exemplary embroidery accessory for a sewing machine includes a spool, a support, and a mechanism for rotating the support. The spool receives a length of embroidery material and dispenses the material as it rotates about a first axis of rotation. The support is rotatably attached to both the attachment portion and to the spool. The support includes a sewing guide with an opening for a needle of the sewing machine and a dispensing guide near the spool for guiding the embroidery material from the spool to the sewing guide. The mechanism rotates the support about a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: An exemplary embroidery accessory for a sewing machine includes a stationary support attached to the sewing machine and a rotating support rotatably attached to the stationary support. A drive mechanism rotates the rotating support relative to the stationary support and a spool supported by the rotating support receives and dispenses a length of embroidery material. The removable guide is removably attached to the rotating support and includes a sewing guide with a needle opening for receiving a needle of the sewing machine, and at least one guide for guiding the length of embroidery material from the spool to the sewing guide.

Abstract: An exemplary embroidery accessory for a sewing machine includes a stationary support attached to the sewing machine and a rotating support rotatably attached to the stationary support. A drive mechanism rotates the rotating support relative to the stationary support and a spool supported by the rotating support receives and dispenses a length of embroidery material. The removable guide is removably attached to the rotating support and includes a sewing guide with a needle opening for receiving a needle of the sewing machine, and at least one guide for guiding the length of embroidery material from the spool to the sewing guide.

Abstract: An exemplary embroidery accessory for a sewing machine includes a spool, a support, and a mechanism for rotating the support. The spool receives a length of embroidery material and dispenses the material as it rotates about a first axis of rotation. The support is rotatably attached to both the attachment portion and to the spool. The support includes a sewing guide with an opening for a needle of the sewing machine and a dispensing guide near the spool for guiding the embroidery material from the spool to the sewing guide. The mechanism rotates the support about a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A variable timing system for a sewing machine is provided comprising a shuttle hook having a hook tip, a first helical gear mounted on the shuttle hook, a lower shaft configured to rotate the shuttle hook in synchronization with a needle bar, and a second helical gear mounted on the lower shaft and capable of engaging with the first helical gear. In accordance with embodiments, at least one of the helical gears is axially movable. The variable timing system may comprise a control device configured to generate a control signal representative of a current sewing situation. A drive force mechanism may receive the control signal and in response, transmit axial movement to the axially moveable helical gear to move the gear into proper position relative to a threaded needle of the sewing machine.