Abstract: An improved chain stitch sewing machine that includes a stitch skip mechanism that is activated by the sewing machine operator such that the operator may cause the sewing machine to skip stitches as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for forming on a work piece a line of stitching substantially free from puckering by placing a stitch-engaging element of a width less than the length of a stitch to project across the line of stitching at the sewing position. The stitch-engaging element comprises a plurality of flexible filamentary elements arranged side by side in close juxtaposition and an endless row of stitching-engaging elements movable in a direction longitudinally of the row of stitch-engaging elements and positioned so that a portion of the row of stitching-engaging elements projects across the line of stitching at the sewing position. The flexible filamentary elements project radially from the periphery of a disc to form an endless row of stitch-engaging elements.