Abstract: The present invention aims to speed up of processing necessary at the time of switching between different sewing operation modes. Sewing data supply means supplies sewing data having mixed therein data indicative of different sewing operation modes. The sewing machine sews, based on the sewing data, a string-shaped material to a workpiece with different sewing operation modes mixed. A control device for the sewing machine includes a quick shift process means that controls, at a boundary between the different sewing operation modes and depending on a difference between the sewing operation modes immediately preceding and succeeding the boundary, whether to execute a process for shifting to the succeeding sewing operation mode while keeping a main shaft of the sewing machine rotating (rapid process) or to execute the process for shifting to the succeeding sewing operation mode after temporarily stopping the rotation of the main shaft (normal shift process).

Abstract: A device for fastening a gripper on a gripper shaft of a textile machine, in particular a sewing machine, preferably a multi-needle sewing machine, with a support element for the gripper is described. The support element for the gripper is connected to a holder or the gripper shaft via a connecting element in such a way that the support element for the gripper is detachable from the holder or the gripper shaft. The connecting element is designed as a toggle screw or locking mechanism such that the toggle screw rotatably engages through a bore in the support element into a corresponding opening in the holder or the gripper shaft, engaging behind an abutment, or the locking mechanism is designed as a positive connection between the support element and the holder.

Abstract: An independent presser foot drive mechanism and an embroidery machine includes a machine head, a needle bar drive mechanism mounted on the machine head, a needle bar drive block provided on a corresponding guide rod and movable up and down. The presser foot drive block further includes a presser foot drive motor that independently drives a presser foot, and a presser foot link assembly that connects the presser foot drive motor with the presser foot drive block to complete driving of the presser foot. The presser foot can be independently driven to move by providing the independent presser foot drive motor and the presser foot link assembly. According to corresponding embroidery processes, the presser foot can independently complete more complicated actions under the driving of the drive motor.

Abstract: Implementations of a pattern practicing apparatus for longarm quilting machines are provided. In some implementations, the pattern practicing apparatus comprises a base, a first handle, and a second handle. In some implementations, a method for using the pattern practicing apparatus comprises positioning the pattern practicing apparatus on top of a piece of paper or other surface, inserting a writing instrument tip into an opening through the base of the pattern practicing apparatus, holding the handles of the pattern practicing apparatus, and moving the pattern practicing apparatus by the handles across the paper to simulate using a longarm quilting machine free-hand.

Abstract: A cloth clamping device includes a clamping mechanism that comes into contact with a cloth and an up-and-down movement mechanism that moves the clamping mechanism up and down. The clamping mechanism includes a support portion, a leg portion, a foot portion, and a clamping portion. The clamping portion has a leading end portion facing the foot portion in a sideway direction and a base end portion being pivotally supported by the support portion. When the leg portion is lowered with respect to the support portion, the leading end portion pivots downward and is positioned in a sideway direction with respect to the foot portion, and when the leg portion is raised with respect to the support portion, the clamping portion comes into contact with the upper surface of the cloth and the leading end portion is positioned above the foot portion, and the clamping mechanism draw up the cloth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing bedding products by remotely directing the operation of a bedding machine are provided. Embodiments include a system and a method for wirelessly controlling a bedding machine via a remote human machine interface on a mobile device. In some embodiments, the remote human machine interface is configured to provide notifications and alerts and to receive user input to remotely facilitate the operation and maintenance of a bedding machine.

Abstract: A numerical controller performs cross-rail axis control that distributes moving amount to a first and second axes based on a command to a virtual axis. If a block of a program that is read out contains a fast feed command to the virtual axis for moving a tool to a cutting feed start point, the numerical controller distributes a moving amount commanded by the fast feed command to the first axis and the second axis. Further, the moving amount commanded by the fast feed command is distributed to the first axis and the second axis so that movement of the virtual axis commanded by a cutting feed command that follows the fast feed command in the program can be achieved by movement of only the first axis.

Abstract: A quilting device (1) comprises a processing unit (5) which is mounted on a frame (3) so as to be manually displaceable in two movement directions (M1, M2) by an operator. A detection device (29) having sensors (27) detects the guiding force which is exerted in these movement directions (M1, M2) by the operator. A controller device (35) controls or regulates, respectively, auxiliary motors (33a, 33b) which support the guiding force, so as to depend on the detected guiding force.

Abstract: A servo control apparatus includes a speed command generation unit, a torque command generation unit, a speed detection unit, a speed control loop, a speed control loop gain setting unit, a sinusoidal disturbance input unit which applies a sinusoidal sweep to the speed control loop, a frequency characteristic calculation unit which estimates the gain and phase of a speed control loop input/output signal from output of the speed control loop when a sine wave is input to the speed control loop, a reference characteristic generation unit which generates frequency characteristics for a feed axis, and a gain adjusting unit which adjusts the speed control loop gain. The gain adjusting unit uses the reference frequency characteristics and actually measured frequency characteristics to calculate an evaluation function value for each frequency sweep, and adjusts online the speed control loop gain to achieve a desired evaluation function value.

Abstract: A fabric hammock provides storage for feeding a batting layer into a quilting frame. Compared to a conventional supply roll wound onto a roller, the hammock is easily loaded and automatically maintains constant low tension while feeding the batting material to the quilting frame. Compared to a conventional arrangement allowing the batting material to hang down to the floor, the hammock keeps the batting material off the floor and out from underfoot.

Abstract: Presented are a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for braking. The apparatus includes a plurality of rails, the plurality of rails comprising an x-axis rail and a y-axis rail, and a sewing head, the sewing head moveable along the plurality of rails. The apparatus further includes a first brake, the first brake affixed to the sewing head relative to the x-axis rail and able to selectively engage the x-axis rail, the first brake operable between an open position and a closed position, the open position allowing movement of the sewing head along the x-axis rail, the closed position substantially preventing movement of the sewing head along the x-axis rail. The apparatus further includes a second brake, the second brake affixed to the sewing head relative to the y-axis rail and able to selectively engage the y-axis rail.

Abstract: A hoop frame unit having a frame support structure, a hoop frame assembly, and a machine carriage assembly. The hoop frame assembly has a front fabric retainer, a rear fabric retainer, a first end retainer, and a second end retainer. Retainer clips mate with retainer seats on each of the retainers to secure fabric zones of quilt cores in place for machine sewing. The machine carriage assembly is supported by a front carriage track and a rear carriage track which are affixed on opposing ends to the frame support structure. The machine carriage assembly incorporates a lateral carriage element for carriage lateral movement, and a pair of longitudinal tracks on the lateral carriage element to provide for machine longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: A take-up rail assembly including a fixed idler rail and a longitudinally movable take-up rail. The fixed idler rail is attached to a quilting frame or other sewing frame and the position of the fixed idler rail may be longitudinally and vertically adjustable with respect to the sewing frame. The take-up rail is movably attached to the sewing frame and a take-up rail control mechanism moves the take up rail longitudinally forward and rearward with respect to the fixed idler rail as the sewing machine moves with respect to the sewing frame, thus providing full utilization of the throat length of the sewing machine.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer-type comforter having at least three fabrics as first to third fabrics. A first raw material is interposed between the first fabric and the second fabric. A second raw material is interposed between the second fabric and the third fabric. The first fabric and the second fabric are joined by a baffle-box quilting. The second fabric and the third fabric are joined by a sewn-through quilting. The baffle-box quilting and the sewn-through quilting are different in arrangement. A baffle of the baffle-box quilting formed on the second fabric is sewn to the second fabric by the sewn-through quilting and then cut to stand up from the second fabric.

Abstract: A spool of thread holder and threading device for holding a plurality of spools of thread, made up of a frame and a plurality of spool thread holders, said spool thread holders further comprising a rod, a base and a wing. The wing attaches to the rod along the axial length of said rod and the rod extends from the base. Each of the individual spool thread holders comprising the multiple spool thread holder, allows receipt of a spool of thread and the wing maintains the spool of thread adjacent the base. The frame is configured for attachment to a quilting machine to allow thread to unspool from each non-rotating spool of thread during operation under substantially equal tension.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: A digitizer is operably coupled to a quilting machine controller, wherein an operator can input free hand or traced patterns for regulating operation of a sewing head. The digitizer can be an X-Y encoder wherein the encoder includes a transparent or translucent sensing zone which provides for the operator to input a pattern while simultaneously viewing a portion of a textile, which can itself include a pattern.

Abstract: A method for creating a quilt block includes securing a backing in an embroidery hoop and attaching the embroidery hoop to an embroidery machine. A block selection is provided to the embroidery machine. The block includes one or more pieces that form the block. Selection of the block also includes a set of instructions for sewing the pieces together to form the block. A placement pattern is sewed on the backing according to the instructions. Each piece of the block is placed on a corresponding portion of the placement pattern. The pieces are then sewed to the backing to form the block.

Abstract: A blanket in the form of a patchwork quilt and a method of creation is provided. The quilt comprises a plurality of patchwork squares that are cut from a variety of cloth pieces. A plurality of fabric strips is cut to form the border of the patchwork square, whereby each strip comprises a heat-activated, dual-sided adhesive. The outer edges of the plurality of fabric strips are then sewn around the perimeter of the patchwork square, while the inner edge remains unsecured to the square. A keepsake may be inserted within the inner perimeter of the border, thereafter a user may secure the keepsake within the border by applying a heat source to the border.

Abstract: An alternate quilting method and an apparatus manufactured by applying the alternate quilting method. Multiple layers may be arranged in layer sets, the layers of each layer set may be quilt-stitched to each other, and as a result, stitches may be formed. A space between the layers of each layer set may be filled with a thermal insulation material. The layer sets may be offset with respect to each other, in order for the stitches of one layer set to be blocked by the area of another layer set abundant with the insulation material, the objective of which may be to block flow of cold air through the alternate quilting construction.

Abstract: An improved quilting machine, with a housing made by a C-shaped frame that has upper and lower arms, wherein the needle structure at the front end of the upper arm have conventional design (as used in commercial sewing machines) and the bobbin is placed to an elevated height by providing an upwardly extended end portion of the lower arm, wherein an offset shaft transmission means is be provided in the upwardly extended portion that acts as a power transmission towards the bobbin driving axle from the lower driving axle extending in the lower arm, wherein the upper and lower driving axles comprise of hollow drive shafts connected via flexible coupling means to half-shafts mounted on plates that are integral parts of the C-frame by dual ball bearing mounts.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine is provided with a common drive that drives the needles and loopers. It may also drive the presser foot assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, a drive motor drives a rotating drive shaft. The drive shaft has an off-center drive assembly connected to it that rocks a needle rocker shaft as well as looper rocker shafts, and also a presser foot shaft. The off-center drive includes a pair of eccentrics on the drive shaft at each side of the machine. Each eccentric oscillates a linkage plate that is fixed to a shaft such as the needle rocker shaft and is also linked to the looper rocker shafts and the presser foot shaft. The eccentric thereby reciprocates the needles and oscillates the loopers, as well as reciprocates the presser foot plate, in permanent synchronization.

Abstract: A take-up rail assembly including a fixed idler rail and a longitudinally movable take-up rail. The fixed idler rail is attached to a quilting frame or other sewing frame and the position of the fixed idler rail may be longitudinally and vertically adjustable with respect to the sewing frame. The take-up rail is movably attached to the sewing frame and a take-up rail control mechanism moves the take up rail longitudinally forward and rearward with respect to the fixed idler rail as the sewing machine moves with respect to the sewing frame, thus providing full utilization of the throat length of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated assisted sewing of an oversized, digitized sewing pattern, using a fabric retention mechanism and an automated sewing machine positioning mechanism. The sewing machine positioning mechanism is controlled by an actuator and provides for two dimensional positioning of a sewing machine with respect to the fabric retention mechanism. The oversized sewing pattern is segmented into pattern segments and the pattern segments are sewed sequentially in accordance with a selected order, with the fabric being repositioned after each segment is sewed. Cut points for pattern lines on the border of each pattern segment are matched by start points on the adjacent border of a subsequently sewed, adjacent pattern segment. A pattern program adjusts the pattern lines of each subsequently sewed segment to provide for continuity and alignment of the pattern lines which cross the borders between pattern segments.

Abstract: A quilt fabrication and display device and kit of parts for producing the display device. The device includes upper and lower stretcher rails separated from one another by use of a pair of rail support members, the upper stretcher rails and lower stretcher rails being substantially parallel to one another and the rail support members being substantially parallel to one another and substantially orthogonal to the upper and lower stretcher rails. The upper and lower stretcher rails and the rail support members are of two subparts and the kit includes fasteners for selectively connecting the subparts for assembly and disassembly of the device. A set of four butterfly wing extenders are provided each extender selectively attachable to the upper stretcher rails and lower stretcher rails such that when assembled, two of the butterfly wing extenders extend above the upper stretcher rails and two of the butterfly wing extenders extend below the lower stretcher rails.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a quilt blank, a quilt kit including a quilt blank and method of making a quilt using a quilt blank. The disclosure describes a quilt blank including a partially completed quilt having a quilt top, backing and batting material interposed between the quilt top and the backing, all of which are secured together via a sewing or quilting pattern. The quilt top of the quilt blank includes at least one predetermined blank portion sized to receive a fabric swatch or other material selected by a user. Alternatively, the quilt blank may simply be a quilt top having a predetermined blank area to be filled with a fabric swatch or other material. The disclosure also describes a quilt kit including a quilt blank and a method of making a quilt using a quilt blank.

Abstract: An improved quilting machine, with a housing made by a C-shaped frame that has upper and lower arms, wherein the needle structure at the front end of the upper arm have conventional design (as used in commercial sewing machines) and the bobbin is placed to an elevated height by providing an upwardly extended end portion of the lower arm, wherein an offset shaft transmission means is be provided in the upwardly extended portion that acts as a power transmission towards the bobbin driving axle from the lower driving axle extending in the lower arm, wherein the upper and lower driving axles comprise of hollow drive shafts connected via flexible coupling means to half-shafts mounted on plates that are integral parts of the C-frame by dual ball bearing mounts.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (20) is provided with a tape or ribbon guide (30) that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip (32) is fed against a facing layer (11a) of a wide multi-layered material (24) as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine (20), series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape (32) and layers of the multi-layered material (24) together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape (32) to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover.

Abstract: A method for joining pieces of material includes providing a base unit of material having at least two sides meeting at a first corner, measuring along each of the two sides an equal distance from the first corner and marking each end point on a backside of the base unit, marking a sewing line on the backside of the base unit between the two end points, providing a triangular piece of material having two sides of equal length meeting at a second corner, placing the triangular piece under the base unit with the second corner pointing away from the first corner and a hypotenuse connecting the two sides of the triangular piece substantially parallel to and offset from the sewing line by a second predetermined distance toward the first corner, and sewing the base unit and the triangular piece together along the sewing line to form a seam.

Abstract: Templates that are used to create several connected overlapping scallops made from fabric, as well as methods for making and using such templates, are described. The templates described have a plurality of evenly spaced, alternating arcs formed or cut in opposite, parallel edges of a substrate, resulting in evenly spaced, alternating semicircular tabs located on the opposite, parallel edges of the substrate. In some embodiments, the template is a die that produces cut fabric in the shape of the template. The template may be used to cut or mark material into connected semicircular arcs that may be sewn and folded to make connected scallops that may be overlapping. The resulting scallops are of uniform size and spacing, and are connected.

Abstract: A quilting machine sewing head navigator useful in generating directional travel in the sewing head of a quilting machine in relation to a stitchable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and computer program product for quilting and embroidering fabric. The method comprises securing a quilt sandwich of top layer fabric, batting and backing fabric in an embroidery hoop and attaching said embroidery hoop to an embroidery machine. The user retrieves a digitized embroidery file that is fed into the embroidery machine. The digitized file instructs the embroidery machine to stitch the quilt layers together according to a predetermined stippling pattern and to stitch an outline for an appliqué. After an appliqué fabric is placed over the outline, the digitized file sews a tackdown stitch, after which appliqué enhancements or additional layers of appliqué may also be stitched. The quilt is then removed from the embroidery hoop and the appliqué and quilt are trimmed.

Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine is provided with a common drive that drives the needles and loopers. It may also drive the presser foot assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, a drive motor drives a rotating drive shaft. The drive shaft has an off-center drive assembly connected to it that rocks a needle rocker shaft as well as looper rocker shafts, and also a presser foot shaft. The off-center drive includes a pair of eccentrics on the drive shaft at each side of the machine. Each eccentric oscillates a linkage plate that is fixed to a shaft such as the needle rocker shaft and is also linked to the looper rocker shafts and the presser foot shaft. The eccentric thereby reciprocates the needles and oscillates the loopers, as well as reciprocates the presser foot plate, in permanent synchronization.

Abstract: A sewing template and associated method to aid in the production of components for a quilt are provided. The sewing template may include a needle position indicator and a center guide line passing through the needle position indicator. The sewing template may be constructed from a material that is operable to cling to a work surface, such as an acrylic sewing table. The sewing template may include color-coded regions to assist a quilter in producing components with various patterns. The sewing template may further include features to assist in initially aligning the template with a sewing machine and/or a sewing work surface.

Abstract: Forward and backward movement apparatus for main body of sewing machine according to this invention comprises, in sewing machine comprising Main Body movable forward and backward and supported on both sides of a Base and Heads movable left and right and supported on the Main Body; Frame mounted on the Base; Timing Gears installed in the front and rear Fixed Frame of the Frame in multiple rows; Connecting Shat which connects Timing Gears beneath Front Fixed Frame; Forward and Backward Movement Frames is movable forward and backward on the Frame and connected to the Main Body; Rollers are installed in the Forward and Backward Movement Frames in multiple rows to correspond to the Timing Gears; Timing Belt which zigzags through Timing Gear and Roller and Timing Gear and Roller, and both ends of which are connected to the top of Front and Rear Fixed Frames; and electric motor which drives the Connecting Shat in forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate the instruction of quilting techniques includes a background pattern and a stitching pattern printed on a fabric panel. The fabric panel may be a length of fabric configured to receive inks which define the background pattern and the stitching pattern. The background pattern may be a plurality of geometric shape arranged to simulate one or more quilted fabric designs such as those designs found on a typical quilted fabric. The stitching pattern includes at least one quilting stitching design which defines a guideline for stitching the stitching pattern. The apparatus also includes at least one instructional mark printed on the fabric panel. The instructional mark defines a quilting instruction which guides a user in stitching the stitching pattern.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a natural fiber stripe-quilted fabric having protruded wrinkle patterns on its surface is disclosed, in which a quilting machine is installed by fixing a sewing machine support member in a diagonal direction at 70˜85° with respect to a running direction of a quilted fabric on an upper plate 50a, and a motor-driven sewing machine is installed in a support structure at a constant interval, and a sewing machine needle 52a is downwardly disposed at an interval of 3˜4 cm, and a sewing guide plate 52b is installed along with a certain space between a lower side of the support member 51 and an upper plate of a quilting machine for allowing a quilting fabric A to pass through, and a guide hole 52c is formed so that a sewing machine needle can pass from an upper side to a lower side, and a under thread supply apparatus 52d is installed in a lower side.

Abstract: In a position control apparatus that drives a feed-axis with a servomotor of a machine tool, the machine tool may be quickly accelerated or decelerated in a state where a machine structural member that supports and fixes a structural member including a driving system has a lower rigidity, or in a state where an element having a lower rigidity is present beyond a load position where the detection by a linear scale is performed. In such cases, a generated deflection may induce a displacement in a mechanical system. A relative locus error may be generated between a workpiece to be processed and a front end portion of the tool. Further, a mechanism rigidity generally changes according to a machine posture. The generated deflection amount changes in magnitude. The present embodiment estimates and compensates a displacement amount of the front end portion of the tool that may be caused by the deflection of the mechanical system.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a natural fiber stripe-quilted fabric having protruded wrinkle patterns on its surface is disclosed, in which a quilting machine is installed by fixing a sewing machine support member in a diagonal direction at 70˜85° with respect to a running direction of a quilted fabric on an upper plate 50a, and a motor-driven sewing machine is installed in a support structure at a constant interval, and a sewing machine needle 52a is downwardly disposed at an interval of 3˜4 cm, and a sewing guide plate 52b is installed along with a certain space between a lower side of the support member 51 and an upper plate of a quilting machine for allowing a quilting fabric A to pass through, and a guide hole 52c is formed so that a sewing machine needle can pass from an upper side to a lower side, and a under thread supply apparatus 52d is installed in a lower side.

Abstract: A series of pattern indicia are detachably affixable to multiple blocks of fabric in accordance with a formatting sequence that encodes an overall decorative pattern of a patchwork quilt top. A method of piecing the blocks to form the quilt top uses the pattern indicia to keep track of the position of each block in the decorative pattern, so that the pattern layout may be disassembled to facilitate sewing the blocks together.

Abstract: A bedding cover treated with a pesticide. The cover repels or kills pests such as bedbugs, dust mites, ticks, fleas, and other pests for use in bedrooms, hotels, motels, pet beds, and the like. The cover is preferably waterproof and disposable. Also a quilted material for controlling pests, and methods of manufacture thereof. The material encloses and controllably releases a pesticide only to desired locations. The material may be formed into many uses, such as a bedding cover, a bag insert, a luggage liner, a container liner, or a tape.

Abstract: A quilting tool for use with commercial quilting machines with a base, a pair of handles and a narrow strip of the hook portion of hook and loop type fastener. The base is planar and rectilinear and has a plurality of spaced apart grooves that are defined on the bottom surface. The first grooves on each long edge of the base are spaced one quarter of an inch from the long edge. The second grooves from each edge are spaced one half of an inch from the first grooves. The two medial grooves are spaced apart one inch. The handles are dowel-like and extend upwardly from the top of the base and are spaced apart from each other by approximately two and three quarter inches. The hook strip portion adhesively attached between the grooves on the underside of the base and aligned to be directly under the handles.

Abstract: A multi-needle chain-stitch quilting machine and method of operation thereof are provided that imparts relative motion between the needles and the material that is controlled so as to pull needle thread tails from the needle side of the quilted material. The feature of controlling thread tails may be optional to provide selection of either a high speed mode of operation without thread tail control or a quality mode of operation with reduction or removal of needle thread tails from the face of the quilted material. Thread trimmers may be included at each needle location on the looper side of the material to cut both needle and looper threads.

Abstract: A moor or anchor (10) for pins (12), needles, or other sewing implements, comprising a moor or anchor having a first end and a second end, the first (14) and the second end (16) are connected by a central portion (30) which may be curved (18), whereby the moor or anchor (10) can be positioned on a surface (20) and receive a pin (12), needle, or other sewing implement to anchor apiece of fabric (19) to the surface. The surface (20) may be fabric, cloth, vinyl, plastic, or any other flexible material. The moor or anchor (10) may be configured in various shapes and include curved portions (18) and planar surfaces (26). A method for using the moor to secure and position pins and other sewing implements to surfaces such as fabric or other flexible material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Panel quilting machines having an in-line splicing tool capable of splicing a new supply of fabric into a web of material being provided to a panel quilting machine while allowing for continuous operation of the panel quilting machine. The systems and methods described herein include, in certain embodiments, an in-line accumulator for creating a temporary in-line supply of material for use by the panel quilting machine while an exhausted supply of material is replaced with a new supply of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple needle sewing machine for sewing large-area sewing material (28) which consists of several layers, at least two layers (6, 15, 21), whereof one layer (15) at least is formed of an elastic material, which multiple needle sewing machine comprises a sewing unit, a supply device for the layers to be sewn together (6, 15, 21), a storage device for withdrawing and storing the sewn layers (6, 15, 21) from the sewing unit, as well as a device which is arranged upstream of the sewing unit and by which the layer (15) made of an elastic material is supplied to the sewing unit in a non-stretched condition or tendentiously in the region of the device in a tendentiously compressed condition, together with said one or said further layers (6, 21), while retaining the compression.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a quilt blank, a quilt kit including a quilt blank and method of making a quilt using a quilt blank. The disclosure describes a quilt blank including a partially completed quilt having a quilt top, backing and batting material interposed between the quilt top and the backing, all of which are secured together via a sewing or quilting pattern. The quilt top of the quilt blank includes at least one predetermined blank portion sized to receive a fabric swatch or other material selected by a user. Alternatively, the quilt blank may simply be a quilt top having a predetermined blank area to be filled with a fabric swatch or other material. The disclosure also describes a quilt kit including a quilt blank and a method of making a quilt using a quilt blank.

Abstract: A multi-needle chain-stitch quilting machine and method of operation thereof are provided that imparts relative motion between the needles and the material that is controlled so as to pull needle thread tails from the needle side of the quilted material. The feature of controlling thread tails may be optional to provide selection of either a high speed mode of operation without thread tail control or a quality mode of operation with reduction or removal of needle thread tails from the face of the quilted material. Thread trimmers may be included at each needle location on the looper side of the material to cut both needle and looper threads.