Abstract: A lockstitch sewing machine is provided with a thread handling device comprising opposing lengths of cloth that receive and frictionally engage thread therebetween to maintain the takeup of the machine thread and impose restraint upon the descent of the thread when the takeup is moved downwardly from a stitch setting position.

Abstract: A hand operated sewing machine with opposing loop seizing points for forming chain stitches. A work feeding plate reciprocates with a plate member about a pivot. A flexible upstanding portion at one end of an arm is biassed by the moving plate member causing the other arm end to bias a cam affixed to the loop seizing points. This bias determines the cam path taken by a drive pin that provides motion to the loop seizing points.

Abstract: A button sewing machine is provided on a fabric and button positioning plate with a thread supporting tongue to extend longitudinally in a needle hole into engagement with the underside of fabric and enable thread to be sewn under and across the tongue to prevent the fabric from slipping on the plate during a button sewing operation.

Abstract: A hand operable chain stitch sewing machine including a pivoted cam and looper assembly with a limited axial position has the looper mounted on the cam so as to deflect axially away from the cam when engaged by the needle of the machine and leave the cam in its limited position wherein cam tracks and a gate therefor are disposed for cooperation with an actuator for the pivoted assembly and a gate spring respectively.

Abstract: A hanging bobbin case in a sewing machine having a horizontal axis rotating hook is disclosed. The weight of the bobbin case is vertically supported by a finger portion of a bracket which is hingeably attached to the machine frame for easy removal of the bobbin. Projections formed in the bracket limit sideways movement of the bobbin case for preventing contact with the interior walls of the hook.

Abstract: A pivotally movable cam having a double pointed looper thereon for seizing thread loops on one side of a sewing needle is formed with raised surfaces to engage the thread on the opposite side of the needle and thereby position the thread loops for looper point seizure.

Abstract: A novel chain stitch sewing mechanism is disclosed in which thread loops which are retained for enchainment with thread loops introduced by subsequent needle penetration are released only in response to the action of the thread seized and manipulated during said subsequent needle penetration. A chain stitch conversion device for a conventional lock stitch sewing machine operating on this principle is disclosed. Also disclosed is a novel combination of a chain stitch forming mechanism with a sewing machine skip stitch mechanism.

Abstract: A bobbin thread control comprising a bobbin thread pull-off, carried by a rotating lockstitch looptaker to pull bobbin thread from a bobbin after the previous stitch has been set and having a retraction element variable in its rotational position on the looptaker for enabling selective retraction of bobbin thread from the setting stitch.

Abstract: A throat plate having means attached thereto for preventing the work limb in a loop of thread from being drawn up through the material being sewn by the take-up limb due to friction therebetween causing a loose stitch known as a halo.

Abstract: A hem securing method utilizing a narrow bight bar tack in which the bobbin thread appears on the outer face of the hemmed article. The hem is folded and needle penetrations take place from the inner side to draw a bobbin thread selected for a color match and without regard to stitch ability. A sequence of stitches is selected for the bar tack to enhance lock up of the threads so as to permit close trimming of the bar tack with lessened likelihood of unraveling.

Abstract: A bobbin thread tensioning device on a bobbin case is provided with a pair of bobbin thread accepting members, one of which is biased toward the other by an adjustable spring. The thread accepting members are disposed relative to each other and with respect to a rotatable hook to assure seizure of the bobbin thread by the hook beak.

Abstract: A throat plate having means attached thereto for preventing the work limb in a loop of thread from being drawn up through the material being sewn by the takeup limb due to friction therebetween causing a loose stitch known as a halo.

Abstract: A throat plate having means attached thereto for preventing the work limb in a loop of thread from being drawn up through the material being sewn by the take-up limb due to friction therebetween causing a loose stitch known as a halo.

Abstract: In a lockstitch sewing machine, a bobbin thread replenishing mechanism for selectively rotating the bobbin to wind replenishment thread thereon from a needle by means of a spindle selectively engaging the bobbin for rotating the bobbin with the machine looptaker wherein a slip clutch provided with an elongated slot is positioned around a flattened end portion of the spindle generally within a central aperture of a bobbin thread control cam. The slip clutch has an enlarged lower flange which rests on the looptaker base and rubs against the thread control cam so that by this arrangement the spindle will be driven with the looptaker by way of friction coupling of the slip clutch between the looptaker and the thread control cam. Should sufficient resistance of the turning of the spindle arise, the looptaker and thread control cam turn freely relative the slip clutch thereby preventing overwinding of the bobbin.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein positioning of the needle is controlled by an actuator mechanism responsive to digital stitch pattern signals applied thereto. The actuator mechanism includes four solenoids selectively energized by the digital stitch pattern signals. The four solenoids are chosen to have particular binary-related axial displacements and are mounted in such a manner that a doubly pivoted lever driven by the solenoids provides a displacement at one end thereof which is additive of the selected solenoid energization. This one end of the lever shifts a bar that has an opening into which the periphery of a first cam extends. This first cam is axially free on the arm shaft of the sewing machine but is keyed to rotate with it. A yoke spans the cam and is restrained from rotating, but is moved axially by the cam. The yoke is operatively connected to laterally position the needle bar.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to needle guards for rotary loop takers in sewing machines and has its purpose prevention of interference between the needle and the loop seizing beak of the rotary loop taker during the sewing operation. A needle guard is provided which takes the form of a rib member formed in the bottom wall of the rotary loop taker which rib member is spaced from the vertical side wall of the cup-shaped rotary loop taker. The rib member is relatively thin and may be said to be resilient. Means are provided for biasing the rib member toward and away from the vertical side wall of the rotary loop taker in order that the rib member may be adjusted relative to the reciprocating path of the needle so that the needle will be deflected away from the loop seizing beak of the rotary loop taker upon penetration of the fabric by said needle and thereby prevent a scoring of the loop seizing beak or a breakage of the needle.

Abstract: A latch needle is disclosed with a sliding bolt of unique construction which is easily manufacturable and which serves with particular effectiveness in accordance with this invention in carrying out blindstitch sewing.

Abstract: A method of sewing a blindstitch hem is disclosed in which the plain hem fold in a garment is introduced wrong side up to a sewing machine of the type having a loop taker moving on a vertical axis located in front of the stitching point and with a thread carrying needle and a latch needle arranged side-by-side laterally of the line of feed of the sewing machine. Sewing machine fittings are disclosed which serve particularly advantageously in producing the blindstitch hem of this invention, including a throat plate fitted with a thread manipulating device for assisting in the concatenation of thread from the thread carrying needle of the latch needle on each stitch, and a latch needle which is easily manufacturable and serves with particular effectiveness in carrying out the method of this invention.