Abstract: Embroidering machine with a needle drive mechanism for color changeover, where each of a number of embroidering stations has a number of needles, one needle rod being working, i.e., engageable by a drive bar, all others being non-working and retained by a retaining bar, which also deflects the latch levers of these needle rods and which has a gap in the working plane for the working needle rod. In that gap is also arranged a solenoid controlled pivotable control pawl which, in its normal position, does not touch the working needle rod, and which, in its actuated position, bridges the gap of the retaining bar, thereby retaining the working needle and disengaging its latch lever from the drive bar. The needle bar, which carries all the needle rods, can then shift the needle rods into and out of the retaining bar gap.