Abstract: In a needle bar transfer device for a multi-needle sewing machine, a depressing member is secured to a needle bar descending lever for aligning entire needle bars in an equal height at the time of transferring the needle bars, while a needle bar holding member is extended from the needle bar descending lever. Holding portions which are engageable with recessed portions provided at the upper ends of inoperative needle bars and an escape portion which receives an operative needle bar in an interference preventing manner are provided in the needle bar holding member.

Abstract: In a multiple needle sewing machine having a plurality of needle bars and a block member to which they are moveably mounted, a lever device can be located at any one of a plurality of positions corresponding to that of a specific needle bar. During transfer of the lever from one position to another, the block member is moved across the feeding line of a workpiece to be sewn and another needle bar corresponding to another lever position is brought into operative connection with a crank.

Abstract: A sewing machine provided with three selectively operable needle bars and a take-up lever mounted for vertical oscillating movement is provided with a selectively operatable thread clamping device for selectively clamping any two of the three threads associated with the respective needle bars in a stationary position while permitting the third thread to follow the oscillating movement of the take-up lever during reciprocation of the selected needle bar. The thread clamping device is comprised of two flexible plates disposed between two stationary plates secured to the sewing machine arm. The four plates are provided with vertically aligned slots to accomodate the oscillating movement of the take-up lever.

Abstract: A thread trimming device comprises a first ratchet disposed on a first shaft having a first partial gear, a first cam surface, a first radial projection, and blank surfaces on its periphery. A second ratchet disposed on a second shaft has a second partial gear, a second radial projection, and a second cam surface on its periphery. A stationary blade is secured to a framework. A pivotably movable blade is connected to the second shaft. A solenoid moves the second ratchet along the second shaft such that, upon actuation of the solenoid, the toothed portion of the first and second partial gears are engaged with each other to rotate the movable blade to an operable position relative to the stationary blade. Thereafter the first cam surface comes into contact with the second partial gear to slowly rotate the movable blade to cooperate with the stationary blade to perform the thread trimming operation.

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided with a needle thread cutting device for severing the free end of the needle thread extending through the eye of the needle at the beginning of a sewing operation to prevent entanglement of the free end with the stitches being formed. A cutter element is mounted for oscillating movement in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the presser foot. The lower end of the cutter element is provided with a transverse leg extending across the upper surface of the presser foot in close proximity thereto rearwardly of the needle. The transverse leg portion is provided with a cutting edge on the side thereof remote from the needle.