Abstract: A sewing machine convertible between flat bed and cylinder bed configurations and adapted to be mounted in cabinets of conventional design. The machine includes a base cabinet arranged to alternately support a lower cylinder arm flush with a cabinet top for flat work and at an elevated position above the cabinet top for tubular work. An auxiliary work supporting surface for flat work is responsive to relative movement between the machine frame and the support base such that it automatically retracts or extends during positioning of the machine frame between its flat bed and free arm operational positions. Counterbalancing means is provided to reduce manual effort of raising or lowering the machine between operational positions.

Abstract: A tensioner unit in a thread supply path for a domestic sewing machine which by its structural arrangement and location on an upper face of a machine provides a feed path across the frontal face of the machine for full visibility and accessibility of the thread without obstructing the view of the work area. The feed path through the tensioner unit is also arranged to provide a wrap of thread through the unit about a vertical axis in excess of 180 degrees to provide stable frictional engagement of the thread in the tensioner unit.