Abstract: Apparatus for producing underlying stitch sewing data used by a sewing machine for forming underlying stitches, over which the sewing machine forms embroidery stitches to provide an embroidery.

Abstract: A detection of a broken embroidering thread is repeated several times, and an erroneous detection is prevented by repeatedly detecting an actual breaking. An embroidering operation is re-started from a position a few stitches apart from the thread breaking position, so that a sightly embroidering continuation may be formed. When a first breaking is detected, reading-out of new embroidering data is stopped, and the repeated detections at several times are made by moving a needle vertically at the same position or a slightly displaced position.

Abstract: An attachment structure for detachably attaching a workpiece holder to a movable body used in embroidery stitching in a sewing machine. The movable body is movable in a horizontal plane in synchronism with a reciprocating motion of a sewing needle in order to move the workpiece relative to the needle. The workpiece is supported on the workpiece holder held by the movable body. The attachment structure includes pair of pins disposed at one of the workpiece holder and the movable body, pair of engaging grooves engageable with the pins and formed at remaining one of the movable body and the workpiece holder, projecting body disposed at one of the workpiece holder and the movable body, and resilient member engageable with the projecting body and disposed at remaining one of the movable body and the workpiece holder.

Abstract: An embroidering machine comprised of a common electronic sewing machine having a first controller and an embroidering unit detachably connected to the electronic sewing machine. The operating speed of a main motor of the electronic sewing machine is controlled according to a feed by which an embroidery frame holding a workpiece is moved when forming a stitch of an embroidery pattern. The embroidering unit has a second controller which generates a speed control signal relevant to the feed by which the embroidery frame is moved to form a stitch, the speed control signal is applied through a signal line and a connector to the first controller of the electronic sewing machine, and the first controller controls the operating speed of the main motor according to the speed control signal.

Abstract: An embroidery data producing apparatus for an embroidery machine which forms embroidery stitches, based on the embroidery data having information about stitch positions comprises a CPU, RAM and ROM. The RAM has a pattern data memory for storing pattern data which represents outlines of a pattern where embroidery will be given, and a embroidery data memory for storing the made embroidery data. The CPU reads the pattern data stored in an external memory device and stores the pattern data in the pattern data memory. The CPU stores the inclination angle input through the keyboard by an operator in the RAM. The CPU sets a pair of facing outlines which extend to a predetermined embroidery executing direction based on the pattern data stored in the pattern data memory. The CPU sets stitch positions on the first outline of a pair of the outlines according to a predetermined thread density.

Abstract: A base frame driving device of an embroidering machine includes a shaft, a holder mounted on the shaft so as to be movable therealong, a connecting portion mounted rotatably on the holder, a base frame mounted on the connecting portion for holding a work piece to be embroidered, a motor mounted to the holder and operatively connected to the base frame for rotation thereof about the shaft and, a controller for controlling the motor in order that the initial position of the base frame relative to the holder is fixed when operation of the embroidering machine is initiated.

Abstract: An embroidery machine includes a sewing head, a rotary ring rotatable around an axis and movable relative to the sewing head, and a work support frame for supporting a work to be embroidered. A lever is pivotaly supported by the rotary ring. An engaging member is mounted on one end of the lever for engagement with an engaging hole formed on the work support frame so as to fix the work support frame in position relative to the rotary ring. A biasing member biases the lever in a direction in which the engaging member engages with the engaging hole.

Abstract: An embroidering system comprises plural embroidering machines, a display, an input, a register memory for storing plural embroidering patterns, image data and embroidering data which includes data for characters of several languages having different character symbols in the same phonetic sound, and a main control. When an operator selects a desired language, the main control reads the image data which corresponds to the selected language from the register memory. When an operator selects a key on the keyboard, the main control checks a phonetic sound of that key to determine whether such phonetic sound corresponds to more than one character. If there is more than one character, the main control reads image data corresponding to all of the characters which have the same phonetic sound and displays all of the image data. An operator selects a desired character from the displayed characters.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing embroidery data necessary for a sewing machine to form an embroidery in an area by filling the embroidery area with stitches, including a storing device storing outline data representing an outline of an embroidery area which outline includes a curved line portion, the outline data including curved line data defining the curved line portion, the curved line data including data indicative of a characteristic of the curved line portion, and a producing device producing the embroidery data by utilizing the outline data. The apparatus may further include a modifying device modifying the outline data and thereby transforming the outline. In this case, the producing device produces, by utilizing the modified outline data representing the transformed outline, embroidery data necessary to form an embroidery inside the transformed outline.

Abstract: A cloth spreading frame is joined to a driving frame so that the cloth spreading frame projects horizontally therefrom. This cloth spreading frame is supported at the free end portion thereof on a leg which can be moved horizontally therewith. Accordingly, even when the cloth spreading frame is formed to a large size so that a cloth having a large region to be embroidered can be set thereon, and, moreover, even when the cloth spreading frame is formed with material of a large diameter and a large thickness so that the cloth spreading frame can follow up a movement of a driving frame without being vibrated laterally, the lowering of the free end portion of the cloth spreading frame can be prevented, so that the embroidering of a cloth can be done properly.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is used to clamp the fabric to be embroidered in mechanical and manual embroidery.In embroidery hoops with an outer contour deviating from the circular shape, the task is to achieve uniform distribution of the contact pressures over the entire clamped surface between the inner hoop and the outer hoop. This task is accomplished by designing the shape of the cross section of the sections of the inner hoop between two axes such that the bending stiffness is essentially constant over the entire circumference of the inner hoop and the extension stiffness decreases continuously between two axes such that it reaches a minimum in the area of the smallest radius of curvature. The cross-sectional shape of the sections of the outer hoop between two axes is designed such that the extension stiffness between two axes changes in the direction opposite the change occurring in the inner frame.

Abstract: Stitching data for embroidery patterns and identification data are stored in ROM of the embroidery ROM card. Stitching data for stitching patterns except embroidery patterns, such as figure patterns or point marks, are stored in ROM of another ROM card. If the card key is operated, it is determined whether the embroidery device is installed on the sewing machine or not, whether a ROM card is installed in the sewing machine or not, and whether the installed ROM card is a ROM card for embroidery or not. If at least either one of the embroidery device or a ROM card is not installed on the sewing machine, or the installed ROM card is not a ROM card for embroidery, warning is given to an operator.

Abstract: Embroidery data for an embroidery machine is prepared by storing original outline data defining an embroidery area to be filled with stitches as a set of a plurality of closed outlines. The original outline data is modified into a single closed outline. Needle position relating data is then produced from the modified outline data to enable the embroidery area to be filled with stitches.

Abstract: Stitch data of partial patterns constituting a continuous pattern are stored in a memory in the sewing order with each partial pattern separated from the next. When a trouble occurs, such as a break of the needle thread or the consumption of the bobbin thread, or the user depresses a start/stop switch during sewing of the continuous pattern, the sewing machine is stopped. When the user corrects the trouble and subsequently operates a head search key, sewing is resumed, in response to a starting instruction, from the head of the partial pattern at which the sewing was interrupted.

Abstract: Stitch data of a plurality of partial patterns constituting a continuous pattern are stored in a predetermined order in a memory. The continuous pattern is sewn by changing the needle thread for each partial pattern. When it is desired to start sewing from a desired position, a head search key is operated to change a pointer P and store a head address of a partial pattern designated by the pointer P into another pointer I and a help key is depressed to cause a help screen to be displayed. An advancing key can then be operated and a stitch number key or keys operated to input a desired number of stitches to advance or retreat. Consequently, the address of the pointer I is displaced by the thus set number of stitch distances in the advancing direction or the retreating direction. When the help screen is the cancelled and a start switch is operated, sewing is started from the needle position indicated by the address of the pointer I.

Abstract: Sewing apparatus utilizes a conventional multi-head sewing machine for embroidering or stitching and includes a single rail pantograph with a double ended electric motor and ribbed drive end and support arm. A multi-purpose holding bracket allows the operator to quickly change from embroidering tubular goods such as sweatshirts to baseball caps or other circular type goods without tools by the use of an easily releasable hoop support boom. An embroidery hoop assembly provides ears which can be easily and securely positioned on the hoop support boom for secure holding thereto during high speed embroidering operations. The ribs on the drive end of the pantograph prevent warping of the end during the high speed operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing embroidery data utilized by a sewing machine for forming zigzag stitches, including a first and a second memories for storing point data indicative of positions of a series of points and a width of zigzag stitches. The apparatus further includes a producing device for, by utilizing the point data and the width data, determining a first and a second virtual line for each of line segments each of which connects between a corresponding one of pairs of adjacent two points out of the series of points, such that the first and second virtual lines are parallel to the each line segment and are spaced apart from each other by the width, and producing block data representative of a trapezoid bounded by a first and a second base parallel to each other and a first and a second leg which are not parallel to each other.

Abstract: A fabric hold-down device is disclosed herein having a base frame provided with a continuous side wall defining a central open area adapted to receive a fabric work piece having edge marginal regions overhanging the frame side wall. A first resilient retention device is employed having a yieldable biased arm carried on a stationary member so as to be insertably disposed into the frame against the fabric edge marginal region to bear against the inner surface of opposite side portions of the side wall. A second resilient retention device is similar to the first retention device which is insertably disposed in the central area to bear against opposite end portions of the side wall to retain the fabric work piece in a taut condition preparatory for subsequent sewing or embroidery procedures.

Abstract: When a desired stitch pattern is selected by the operator, stitch pattern data representing the desired stitch pattern and image data representing the image of the stitch pattern to be projected on a workpiece are stored temporarily in a RAM. When the push button of a frame shifting switch is depressed, an embroidery frame holding the workpiece is shifted from a stitching area to an image projecting area. The image of the stitch pattern can be projected without being obstructed by the needle bar, the needle and the presser foot on the workpiece held by the embroidery frame placed in the image projecting area, so that the operator is able to confirm the stitch pattern to be formed easily and correctly. A projector projects the full-sized image of the stitch pattern on the basis of the image data read from the RAM on the workpiece held by the embroidery frame.

Abstract: An embroidering machine comprises a stationary shaft, a sleeve slidably mounted on the stationary shaft, a frame device rotatably mounted on the sleeve and holding a cylindrical portion of a work to be stitched with embroidery, a holder secured to the sleeve, a motor for swinging the frame device and a driving device for moving the holder along the stationary shaft.

Abstract: An automatic sewing machine having a needle-bar drive device for reciprocating a needle bar carrying a needle, a feed device for producing a relative movement between the needle bar and a work fabric, a feed control device for controlling the feed device according to stitch data indicative of needle positions, and a needle-bar jump device for disconnecting the needle bar from the needle-bar drive device and for holding the needle bar at a predetermined position above the fabric.

Abstract: A combination embroidery/screen printing apparatus and method comprises an inner hoop cooperating with an outer hoop for clamping and planarly confining a selected area of a textile substrate as a reproduction of a selected pattern is formed thereon, a framed screen for forming selected first portions of the reproduction on the selected substrate area by screen printing, a stitching machine for forming selected second portions of the reproduction on the selected substrate area by automated stitching, and an alignment mechanism including an alignment template for obtaining close registration between the printed first portions and the stitched second portions of the reproduction. The framed screen and the alignment template are shaped and dimensioned such that each can be snugly slidably removably inserted in the inner hoop. A removable target disk in conjunction with the alignment template provides alignment of the substrate relative to the clamping hoops.

Abstract: A device for use in the process of embroidering fabric which has a generally rectangular appearance and is comprised principally of two elements, a bottom or base section and a corresponding and coincidentally alignable top section. Applied to the mating surfaces of each section are means to magnetically affix and secure the two sections together to ensure that the material held tightly in between provides a taut and flat surface suitable for embroidering. The device of the present invention also allows for the proper adjustment of the portions of the fabric overhanging the borders of the frame and is instrumental in avoiding the potential for distortion and the indelible marks that would otherwise appear on the fabric as a result of the embroidery operation.

Abstract: A device for zone-by-zone tensioning of a flat material, especially an embroidery hoop. According to one possible solution, tensioning and clamping are brought about by a change in the circumferential length of a tensioning member that can be filled, by a gas or a fluid and another solution brings this about by twisting a tensioning member. To generate a strong tensioning force in the material, it is proposed in the first solution that the tensioning member be designed as a crease-free tube with a body. By selecting a cord angle of the body, tensioning can be achieved by increasing or decreasing the pressure and by increasing or decreasing the circumferential length. According to another solution, the tensioning member is designed as a torsion body that can be twisted in itself, preferably as a reinforced hollow body, which may also form a closed ring. To increase the tensioning force without unduly stressing the material, the device is designed with a rigid outer ring and a twistable inner ring.

Abstract: An automatic embroidering machine comprising a control apparatus which compares a limit line of movement of an embroidering frame to be used prior to starting embrodeiry with a range of a row of selected and stored embroidering letter, nullifies improper operation keys, and indicates by figures appropriate operations of the operation keys.

Abstract: An automatic quilting machine for use in stitching individual selected patterns into a large fabric such as a bedspread or quilt. The bedspread or quilt is stretched on a large metal frame which is mounted on a table which can be moved in the X-direction, the Y-direction, or any X-Y combination direction through a process controller. The precise location of a sewing machine needle and fabric is illuminated and a color video camera which is mounted on a cross beam holding a sewing machine head is also focused on this location. The color video camera is connected through a preprocessor and a frame grabber to a process controller. A pattern creation means is also connected to the preprocessor and through the frame grabber to the process controller. The process controller includes a Machine Vision - R program which takes the pattern created by the pattern creation means and converts it into a pixel. The pixel is then mapped on a grid to determine the locations where the pattern is to duplicated.

Abstract: Control data such as data designating the order of changing color of thread, conversion parameter designating reducing or enlarging of an embroidery design and data designating the number of repetition of the same design are set to desired states and these control data are stored in a memory in correspondence to storage of stitch data of a desired embroidery design. Further, for editing the embroidery design, running of the embroidering machine can be temporarily stopped at a desired stitch during running for actual embroidering operation to change the operation mode to an embroidery design data editing mode while confirming an actually embroidered design pattern. During this temporary stopping, data editing processing such as changing, deletion or insertion of stitch data at the desired stitch is executed.

Abstract: In this invention, a first memory means stores outline data of an embroidery pattern to embroider. Based on the outline data and a predetermined stitch-forming direction, a first computing means divides the outline of the embroidery pattern into multiple closed areas by a segment extending parallel with the stitch-forming direction and computes outline data of the divided closed areas. Subsequently, based on the closed-area outline data computed by the first computing means and the stitch-forming direction, a second computing means computes needle location data or block data that is related to needle location. The needle location data or the block data is stored in a second memory means. Each of the closed areas is thus embroidered in the stitch-forming direction. By providing the closed-area outline data, the needle location data or the block data can automatically be prepared.

Abstract: Control data such as data designating the order of changing color of thread, conversion parameter data designating reducing or enlarging of an embroidery design and data designating the number of repetition of the same design are set to desired states and these control data are stored in a memory in correspondence to storage of stitch data of a desired embroidery design. By designating a desired embroidery design when this embroidery design should be embroidered, the control data stored in correspondence to this design are read from the memory and controlling of the embroidering operation and changing of stitch data are made in accordance with the read out data. When stitch data of an embroidery design is input from an external memory device to an internal memory device, stitch data of plural embroidery designs can be combined into stitch data of a single embroidery design and this combined stitch data can be stored in the internal memory device.

Abstract: A switching device is provided for a sewing machine for switching operation of the sewing machine from a zigzag stitching to embroidering or vice versa. The switching device comprises a rotatable disc fixedly mounted on an output shaft of a stepping motor and a sliding member that movably connects one end of a transmission rod via a pin, the other end of which is connected to a needle bar supporter or a fabric feed device, with the rotatable disc so that the one end of the transmission rod is movable between a first position on the rotatable disc which coincides with the center of rotation of the rotatable disc, and a second position on the rotatable disc which is spaced apart from the center of rotation of the rotatable disc.

Abstract: A device for switching between normal and embroidering stitching comprises X-directional and Y-directional drive control devices for controlling movement of the embroidering stitching device in X- and Y-directions, respectively, and two stepping motors for driving a needle bar control device or the X-directional drive control device, and a feed control device or the Y-directional drive control device, respectively. Two switching elements alternatively connect the first stepping motor with either of the needle bar control device or the X-directional drive control device, and the second stepping motor with either of the feed control device or the Y-directional drive control device, respectively, to provide for normal and embroidering stitchings, respectively.

Abstract: An automatic embroidering machine comprising a stitch forming unit including a vertically reciprocating needle, an embroidering frame for supporting a fabric to be stitched, a drive for effecting X-Y movement of the embroidering frame in accordance with vertical reciprocal movement of the needle, a first control unit for coordinating codes for embroidering patterns of the same color in sequence by comparing color changing codes included in embroidering data, and a second control unit for moving the embroidering frame to a coordinate with a color changing code of a different color to form patterns of different colors.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a sewing machine with a textile fabric with opposite side hems. The sewing machine has a needle assembly and a bobbin assembly which are vertically aligned with each other to sew a textile fabric placed at a position between the needle and bobbin assemblies. The feeding apparatus is designed to set and withdraw the fabric into and from said position.

Abstract: An embroidering machine with a mounting device for individual embroidery hoops is provided with a design in which each individual embroidery hoop is always mounted with the same holding force and is always brought into the correct position for the start of the embroidery process. To ensure the three-point mounting of the individual embroidery hoop, which consists of an inner hoop and an outer hoop surrounding it, with the fabric to be embroidered located between them, the mounting device comprises two opposite holders, one of which has two contact surfaces enclosing an angle for fitted support surfaces of the outer hoop, and the other holder having a bow spring with a depression for a projection arranged on the outer hoop on the bisector of the angle enclosed between the contact surfaces.

Abstract: An embroidering device for a sewing machine includes an embroidering frame and a first driving member to be connected with the feed dog of the sewing machine for driving the embroidering frame in a direction transverse to lateral swinging and vertical reciprocating directions of a needle bar of the sewing machine. A second driving member is connected with the needle bar support for driving the embroidering frame in the lateral swinging direction of the needle bar.

Abstract: In an automatic sewing machine in which a cloth retainer is moved according to a pattern stored in a memory to embroider the pattern, its X-Y table device includes: a guide rail, having a plurality of rail surfaces high in flatness, which is provided on a movable stand coupled to the cloth retainer, thus forming one unit high in rigidity together with a supporting piece; and a guide block engaged with the guide rail, whereby the device can be smoothly and stably moved, and it is less vibrated horizontally, and shows a high mechanical strength when deflected.

Abstract: An original picture pattern to be produced with an embroidering machine may be seen through a transparent touch panel of an input device detachably connected to the embroidering machine. By simply tracing the coutour lines of the pattern with a stylus pen, the coordinates of substantially continuous points of the pattern may be inputted. A series of the coordinate data thus inputted is converted to another series of the coordinate data representing actual stitch points of a pattern to be produced on the fabric as a boldfaced duplicate of the original picture. Each line of the pattern may be boldfaced with zigzag stitches extending over a selectable amplitude or with multiplicated straightaway stitches formed by a repeated straight line producing operation.

Abstract: An embroidery pantograph assembly comprises first and second movable plates driven in mutually perpendicular directions by a pair of stepping motors and a workpiece holding assembly mounted on the second movable plate and driven thereon in mutually perpendicular directions by third and fourth stepping motors. The first and second plates are moved over relatively large distances by the first and second stepping motors while the workpiece holding assembly is movable over relatively small distances on the second movable plate by the third and fourth stepping motors to effect fine embroidery on a small operating scale.

Abstract: Control data such as data designating the order of changing color of thread, conversion parameter designating reducing or enlarging of an embroidery design and data designating the number of repetitions of the same design are set to desired states and these control data are stored in a memory in correspondence to storage of stitch data of a desired embroidery design. By designating a desired embroidery design when this embroidery design should be embroidered, the control data sorted in correspondence to this design are read from the memory and controlling of the embroidering operation and changing of stitch data are made in accordance with the read out data. When stitch data of an embroidery design is input from an external memory device to an internal memory device, stitch data of plural embroidery designs can be combined into stitch data of a single embroidery design and this combined stitch data can be stored in the internal memory device.

Abstract: A detachable attachment for mounting on an embroidery machine with a computer controlled X-Y guidance system for the embroidery frame has a support which is mounted on the transverse rail, an axle having its axis in the Y-axis and an arcuate frame element rotatably supported thereon and provided with an aperture above the embroidery station. A drive motor on the support rotates the frame element in either direction of rotation, and a connection is provided to the computer control. A clamping element is releasably engaged on the frame element to clamp the workpiece thereon. In operation, the computer control moves the rail and the attachment in the Y-axis relative to the embroidery station, and the motor of the attachment effects rotation of the frame element about that axis.

Abstract: An embroidering machine is provided with a display section which is retractable within a machine housing and can be pulled to an operational position when in use for select/input operation. Several kinds of select/input operation can be made with a single display means, by suitably changing and selecting the display mode. Select/input operation is made by plotting an appropriate portion seen in the display, reducing to a great extent erroneous operation with a visual support.

Abstract: Framing hoop apparatus for use in sewing and embroidering includes a pair of engagable hoops. The inner hoop includes opposingly, outwardly extending flanges having ramp portions and ports for engaging spring-loaded plunger spheres of a hoop receiver. The hoop receiver includes a divider which is "T-shaped" and forms two compartments. The spring-loaded plunger spheres of the receiver are adjustably urged downwardly whereby the spheres will engage the receiving ports of inserted framing hoops to releasably hold them within the receiver during sewing.

Abstract: The outline of a pattern is read out by an input device of a digitizing image scanner where embroidering data for a zigzag embroidering, a lower thread embroidering, or a cross-stitch embroidering are selectively and automatically prepared. The embroidering data and the embroidering sequence for different patterns can be made very easily and rapidly. In cooperation with a computerized sewing machine, the device makes it possible to carry out a wide range of embroidering.

Abstract: A profile stitcher capable of stitching both curved or cornered portions of a stitch path with the same stitch pitch as straight portions by controlling the speed of a sewing motor or a roller motor which conducts a profiled frame combination with workpieces clamped therebetween. A photo sensor sends signals to one of the controlling motors to change motor speed when receiving light reflected from a reflective seal on the frame. This seal indicates a curved or cornered portion of a stitch line.

Abstract: A rectangular molded plastic body includes three heart-shaped clamping portions each of which defines an opening and has resilient inwardly extending arcuate portions terminating in ends spaced from one another. Each arcuate portion carries L-shaped members with upwardly extending conical portions. The outer end of one arcuate portion of each clamping portion has a sloping cam surface thereon which joins with a downwardly facing locking surface, and a handle is also formed on this outer end. Three clamping members are pivotally connected to the body by hinges and are pivotable into and out of the openings of the clamping portions. The clamping members engage the cam surfaces as they pivot into clamping position and are locked in place by the locking surfaces. The clamping members are released by pulling on the handles.

Abstract: An embroidery data processing system controls an automatic sewing machine to produce an embroidery design having a blurred side or blurred boundary line between adjacent blocks which make up the embroidery design.

Abstract: In an automatic embroidering machine generally, stitch data for realizing an embroidering operation corresponding to a desired embroidery design is stored in a stitch data memory, the stitch data is read from this memory and the embroidering operation is executed in accordance with the read out stitch data. The stitch data includes data representing X, Y moving amounts of an embroidery frame for each stitch. In the embroidering machine according to the present invention, graphic pattern data of a desired embroidery design stored in this stitch data memory is supplied and displayed by a display device. Thus, display of the embroidery design for confirmation can be readily made without actually performing the embroidering operation. Besides, frame graphic pattern data for graphically displaying the shape of an embroidery frame is supplied and displayed by the display device.

Abstract: An automatic quilting machine for use in stitching individual selected patterns into a large fabric such as a bedspread or quilt. The bedspread or quilt is stretched on a large metal frame which is mounted on a table which can be moved in the X-direction, the Y-direction, or any X-Y combination direction. The sewing machine head is mounted on a cross beam which is aligned at the approximate center point of the metal frame on which the fabric is stretched. The needle of the sewing machine head can stitch a pattern into any location in the fabric and the metal frame is moved in any direction relative to the fixed sewing machine head in order to bring the desired stitch location on the fabric into alignment with the sewing machine head. The pattern can be created through reading by a scanner which then converts the pattern into machine readable language which is stored in a process controller.

Abstract: An embroidering machine which comprises a device for adjusting a size of a selected pattern, a device for storing the adjusted size, and an arrangement for storing upper and lower critical sizes of the selected pattern. The embroidering machine according to the invention further comprises a discriminating device for determining if the adjusted size of the selected pattern is larger or smaller than the upper or lower critical size of the selected pattern. There is further provided a control unit which, in response to determination that the adjusted size of the selected pattern is larger or smaller than the upper critical size of the selected pattern or larger or smaller than the lower critical size of the selected pattern, calculates data for controlling the positions of a fabric holding frame carrying a cloth to be embroidered with respect to a vertically reciprocating needle.

Abstract: With respect to an embroidery material such as spangle which is consumed at predetermined stitches, stitch number data corresponding to a desired consumption amount of the embroidery material is previously set and the number of stitches at which the embroidery material has been supplied is counted. Whether the desired consumption amount of the embroidery material has been consumed or not is detected and the embroidering operation is controlled in accordance with the detected result. For automatically setting an embroidery start position always at a desired position in accordance with an embroidery design, the desired embroidery start position is set and stored as absolute coordinate data in correspondence to the embroidery design and positioning control is made so as to bring the embroidery frame automatically to the embroidery start position at the time of starting the embroidering operation. Various operations of the embroidering machine can be controlled by a remote control.