Abstract: An automatic sewing machine system for sewing a small workpiece to a larger workpiece by moving the sewing head and needle along an extended predetermined path while the workpieces remain stationary. Also provided is a method for using this system. The larger workpiece is positioned on a rotating work plate before the smaller workpiece is loaded in folding apparatus that folds and positions the smaller workpiece in a predetermined position on the larger workpiece. A clamp mechanism secures the workpieces to the work plate before the work plate is rotated under the sewing head and locked in a stationary position. The sewing head is mounted on a programmable computer controlled extended travel X-Y carriage allowing programmable and automatic control of the seam pattern and the rate at which the sewing head traverses the seam pattern.