Abstract: A device in a domestic sewing machine for automatically sewing a buttonhole pattern in four successive stages comprising, in order, lock stitches at one end, stitches to one side, lock stitches at the other end, and finally stitches at the other side. Only a single manual step, that of presetting an adjustable element to program the desired length of the buttonhole, is required of the operator to condition the machine. The device includes a set of cams for controlling needle amplitude, lateral position or base line, and direction and rate of feed. The cams are rotationally driven by a pair of ratchet wheels in timed relation to the formation of stitches. Means are provided to alternately establish and interrupt the drive to the ratchet wheels, and therefore the cams, at certain times in the sequence to effect appropriate changes in the sewing pattern.

Abstract: A sewing machine convertible between flat bed and cylinder bed configurations and adapted to be mounted in cabinets of conventional design. The machine includes a base cabinet arranged to alternately support a lower cylinder arm flush with a cabinet top for flat work and at an elevated position above the cabinet top for tubular work. An auxiliary work supporting surface for flat work is responsive to relative movement between the machine frame and the support base such that it automatically retracts or extends during positioning of the machine frame between its flat bed and free arm operational positions. Counterbalancing means is provided to reduce manual effort of raising or lowering the machine between operational positions.

Abstract: A device in a domestic sewing machine for semiautomatic sewing of buttonholes which comprises a bank of cams for controlling lateral needle oscillation, needle position or base line, and work feed. The cams are manually set in two successive steps, each followed by sewing of one end of the buttonhole and then one side of the buttonhole. The cams, as well as a ratchet wheel, are fixed to a common shaft to enable the ratchet wheel to rotationally displace the cams and thereby effect a change in the sewing pattern from end stitching to side stitching after formation of a fixed number of end stitches.

Abstract: A bed in a sewing machine having a fixed free arm and auxiliary bed plate means pivotally supported on the free arm between a retracted position to provide minimum girth around the free arm and an extended position which augments the work supporting area of the free arm. Releasable locking means maintain the auxiliary bed means in either of its positions and biasing means urges the auxiliary bed means from the retracted position towards the extended position.

Abstract: A tensioner unit in a thread supply path for a domestic sewing machine which by its structural arrangement and location on an upper face of a machine provides a feed path across the frontal face of the machine for full visibility and accessibility of the thread without obstructing the view of the work area. The feed path through the tensioner unit is also arranged to provide a wrap of thread through the unit about a vertical axis in excess of 180 degrees to provide stable frictional engagement of the thread in the tensioner unit.