Abstract: A perimeter sewing system for manufacture of a self-inflating vehicle air bag includes: a base structure and a rotatable lower platter mounted in said base structure. A rotatable upper platter is mounted to a support arm attached to said base. The lower platter and the upper platter have a common axis of rotation. A primary motor is also included. A sewing machine is positioned for perimeter sewing of fabric placed on the lower platter. The sewing machine is mechanically synchronized with the primary motor. Drive structure is provided for driving the lower platter at a user-variable rotational speed which is synchronized with the said primary motor. This drive structure includes a forward/reverse transmission. A sensor means is provided for detecting a position of said lower platter. A processor receives inputs from a control panel and the sensor to control the primary motor, the platter reverse motor, and the forward/reverse transmission means.