Abstract: Sewing machines of the type having electronic pattern control means are provided with circuitry which upon the selection of any pattern by the pattern selector means causes the needle to initially go to a central position and the first stitch formed to be a straight stitch in every case.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed wherein the positioning of the work feeding mechanism and the needle are controlled by respective stepping motors. The angular orientation of each stepping motor shaft determines the positioning of its respective mechanism. An array of sensing elements are utilized to define angular sectors within which the stepping motor shaft is deployed. The number of angular sectors is less than the total number of discrete angular orientations which may be assumed by the stepping motor shaft. The precise angular orientation of the stepping motor shaft is determined by combining information as to which angular sector the stepping motor shaft is in with information as to which set, or phase, of stepping motor coils is energized.