Abstract: A sewing machine having feed control linkage spring biased in one direction and manual selector cams effecting feed control linkage settings in buttonhole stitch formation, one selector cam including a projection effecting abnormal control linkage position from which the control linkage shifts to final setting in the spring bias direction.

Abstract: A sewing machine frame and cover construction and fastening means for securing a warped cover in place over a frame opening without imparting frame distorting stresses. To obviate imparting stresses to the sewing machine frame as result of clamping a warped cover thereto, surfaces are provided at locations on the frame and cover chosen so that the surfaces engage simultaneously in spaced localized areas when the warped cover is positioned loosely over the frame opening. Fastening means located within the localized areas of engagement of these surfaces clamp the cover securely in place without disturbing the warp.

Abstract: A cam selecting drum which is loosely supported in punched out holes in the frame of a sewing machine is spring biased into stabilized indexed positions to prevent variable stitch formation, and an idler gear which is also loosely supported on said frame for engagement with a gear on said drum as well as a gear on a mode selecting dial is spring biased to provide a loose meshing relationship with the gear on the drum whereby a feeling of placement of the dial becomes evident in indexed positions of the drum.

Abstract: Vibrational movements of a spring biased lever, which is selectively positionable by a stitch length control lever and controls the operation of feed regulating mechanism in a sewing machine accordingly, are dampened by the operation of a plunger that is carried by said control lever and has a camming surface thereon to engage and lift the spring biased lever when the control lever is moved.

Abstract: A manually operable input control member is mounted in a sewing machine for linear movement into a reverse feed controlling position and for pivotal movement therefrom into a reverse feed sustaining position wherein the member is held against a spring which is provided to bias it toward an unactuated hands off position in the machine.

Abstract: A linear motor is used to jog the needle bar and gate beyond the normal jogging range in order to disable a latch and separate the needle bar from the sewing machine driving means. The linear motor is driven into this abnormal excursion beyond the usual jogging motion by supplying a known needle position signal to the servoamplifier system for the linear motor and providing a separate voltage from a regulated voltage source which is summed with the specific signal in order to provide sufficient electromotive force for jogging the sewing needle beyond the normal jogging range.

Abstract: An omni-directional thread cutter in a sewing machine including an annular groove formed in the cylindrical surface of the presser bar. The lower surface of the groove forms an acute angle with the cylindrical surface thereby forming a sharp cutting edge.

Abstract: A method for insuring that a traveling buttonhole presser foot, which is normally spring biased to an initial start position prior to movement of the traveling part thereof during the formation of a buttonhole, is located in the initial start position. As an initial step prior to the formation of the buttonhole, the sewing machine is operated for at least one stitch with the reversible feed regulating system thereof arranged to feed the work material in a direction to relax the biasing spring.

Abstract: A molded plastic guide provided in the head end mounting plate of a sewing machine receives the plastic toe of a latch carrier that is secured to a needle bar, and guides vertical reciprocatory movements of the needle bar.