Abstract: A method and apparatus for stitching a label to material in which the material and label are joined face side down rather than face side up. The label is held face side down with a clamp and a panel is held over the label by a clamp. The label and panel are joined by a sewing machine. Further, a mechanism is provided for activating a thread knife of the sewing machine at such a time that the bobbin thread only is cut. A masking mechanism is provided for masking electronic signals of the sewing machine that would otherwise cause the machine to reset at a normal needle height, so that a sewing operation can be stopped with a needle at a maximum clearance position. Pneumatic cylinders and linkage are provided for raising the needle and presser foot at the end of a stitching operation.