Abstract: A garment folding apparatus includes a planar center panel having a length and a width, the width being less than the length. The center panel is configured to fold in a lengthwise direction. The apparatus further includes a planar left side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel. The apparatus further includes a planar right side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel on a side opposite to the left side panel. The left side panel and the right side panel each comprise raised handle portions on an outer edge thereof. When the left side panel and the right side panel are folded onto the center panel, the handle portions fit into corresponding notches formed in side edges of the second portion of the center panel and corresponding notches formed in inner side edges of the left side panel and the right side panel.

Abstract: A handicraft tool includes a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion. The first end and the second end are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the handicraft tool. The intermediate portion is positioned between the first end and the second end. The intermediate portion is in the form of a bar having a cross section that is uniform along the longitudinal direction. At least the surface of the intermediate portion is made of a thermosetting elastomer.

Abstract: A garment folding apparatus includes a planar center panel having a length and a width, the width being less than the length. The center panel is configured to fold in a lengthwise direction. The apparatus further includes a planar left side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel. The apparatus further includes a planar right side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel on a side opposite to the left side panel. The left side panel and the right side panel each comprise raised handle portions on an outer edge thereof. When the left side panel and the right side panel are folded onto the center panel, the handle portions fit into corresponding notches formed in side edges of the second portion of the center panel and corresponding notches formed in inner side edges of the left side panel and the right side panel.

Abstract: A machine for forming and ironing folds in cloth has a plate frame on which are fixed a support and pressure system, a template on which the cloth is put, a moving system for moving a blocking plate which blocks the cloth, a guide system for guiding a folding element which folds outer edges of the cloth and an ironing plate. The guide system has a guide profile and a translating arm which is translated in a longitudinal direction and has a roller and a folding element. The arm is under pressure towards the guide profile so that the roller beats and slides along the edge of the guide profile. In this way, the folding element follows the movement of the arm according to the guide profile and moves in the longitudinal direction and a transversal direction.

Abstract: A machine for forming and ironing folds in cloth has a plate frame on which are fixed a support and pressure system, a template on which the cloth is put, a moving system for moving a blocking plate which blocks the cloth, a guide system for guiding a folding element which folds outer edges of the cloth and an ironing plate. The guide system has a guide profile and a translating arm which is translated in a longitudinal direction and has a roller and a folding element. The arm is under pressure towards the guide profile so that the roller beats and slides along the edge of the guide profile. In this way, the folding element follows the movement of the arm according to the guide profile and moves in the longitudinal direction and a transversal direction.

Abstract: A handicraft assisting tool for folding a fabric into a configuration having rotational symmetry is provided. The handicraft assisting tool includes a flexible sheet body adhered to the fabric and a folding facilitator formed at the sheet body. The folding facilitator facilitates an operation of folding an overlapped product, which is obtained by adhering the fabric to the sheet body, along a predetermined folding line. The folding facilitator includes, for example, a plurality of slits disposed along the predetermined folding line.

Abstract: A handicraft assisting tool is used for stitching a fabric having a first face and second face into a pouch. This handicraft assisting tool has a first plate and a second plate that collaborates with the first plate. The first plate has a plurality of rhombic unit pieces of the same size arranged in a row, and an inner face abutting on the first face of the fabric. The second plate has a plurality of rhombic unit pieces of the same size arranged in a row, and an inner face abutting on the second face of the fabric. Each of the unit pieces of the first and second plates is of the same size. The first plate and the second plate are each provided with folding operation instructions for folding these plates along a diagonal line of each unit piece and a borderline between adjacent unit pieces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for folding cloth articles, such as bed sheets and the like, for stacking and storing by providing a rigid or semi rigid apparatus to be folded and incorporated with the folded sheets.

Abstract: A tape for use within an airbag deployment sensor is formed in an apparatus that has a housing that receives an elongated tape within a tape slot. A pin base with upwardly protruding parallel pins is positioned forward of the tape slot and reciprocates vertically. A tray is mounted to the housing forward of the pins which has an upwardly facing shelf which receives the elongated tape thereon as it is folded. Parallel blades are mounted to the housing and are slidable in the front to back direction. Each blade is movable from behind the pins to extend between two pins such that portions of the blade protrude forward of the pins. Each blade may thus extend across the tray shelf to engage with the tape extending through the tape slot to impose a fold on the tape.

Abstract: A method of tucking a pair of refastenable side seams into a body portion of a pant-like garment in which the fold locations can be controlled and the likelihood of creases occurring in the fastening components is reduced or eliminated. The garment is positioned either on one vacuum conveyor or between an upper vacuum conveyor and a lower vacuum conveyor. Vacuum zones from the conveyors hold the garment in place. While the garment is held by the vacuum zones, the refastenable side seams are pushed between the front and back regions toward one another with the fastening components being placed in a flat configuration.

Abstract: A transverse folding apparatus for folding cut web products into web wipes, napkins, and the like includes a tucker blade which follows a hypocycloidal path for folding the web products. A cutoff roll and an anvil roll cut a web into cut web products. The cut web products are conveyed along a first web path by first and second belts. The second belt also extends along a second web path which extends transversely from the first web path. The first belt extends along the first web path beyond the second web path. The tucker blade moves transversely past the first belt into the first web path to engage each web product and transversely fold the web product into the second web path. A creasing roll along the second web path engages the folded edge of each web product. A pair of stacker infeed belts extend along the second web path and convey the web produts from the second belt to a stacker.

Abstract: The garment folding aid has two bed subassemblies that are laterally telescopically adjustable and retained in selected adjusted positions by detent mechanism. To the remote vertical longitudinal edge portions of the subassemblies there is mounted the lower mounting rails of hinges while the lateral opposite mounting rails of the hinges mount folder flaps. The web of each hinge which extends between its mounting rails resiliently urges the said opposite mounting rails to extend vertically upwardly, the webs being of a greater flexibility than the mounting rails. Hand hold openings are provided in the flaps to facilitate moving the subassemblies to adjust the width of the folding aid. Corner portions of the flaps on one longitudinal end of the subassemblies are cut at an angle to make the flaps more ergonomically friendly when moving the flaps during a garment folding operation.

Abstract: To sew on pockets to be folded over or prefolded pockets as desired, a sewing unit can be equipped or retrofitted in a simple manner with holding and folding means (28, 31) for the pockets to be folded over or with support and holding means (33, 34; 36, 37) for prefolded pockets.

Abstract: A garment folding apparatus for rapidly folding clothing, such as shirts and tops. The device comprises four (4) hingedly connected panels including a main panel, opposing side panels, and a bottom panel. The opposing side panels and the bottom panel are each pivotally connected to the main panel by hinge members. The panels may include apertures and depending feet for increased folding speed. The hinge members permit the folding of the panels during use and further permit the device to be configured for compact storage.

Abstract: A shirt having a longitudinally extending body with a front and a back, a collar at a top end of the body, sleeves projecting from sides of the body, and buttons on the front of the body, is folded by first orienting the shirt flat with the body and arms generally coplanar and then folding side parts of the body inward along longitudinal fold lines and folding the sleeves down to lie on the folded-in side parts. Then bottom part of the body is folded up against the back of the body along a transverse fold line such that a portion of the bottom part projects upward past the collar and some of the front buttons are positioned on the back of the folded-up bottom part. The projecting portion of the bottom part is then tucked between the folded-in side parts and the back of the body to impart to the shirt a generally rectangular shape.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated cloth support having gaps wherein crease blades pass folded portions of cloth for creasing. Heated presser bars are spaced apart to receive selected portions of cloth passed from the gap by the crease blades into gaps between the presser bars which operate to apply pressure for creasing portion of cloth between the press bars. Elongated crease blades are lifted vertically from between the presser bars to allow additional creasing by the press bars under increased pressure. After creasing the presser bars are separated and elongated crease support bars are moved vertically to engage the crease for unfolding the reversely extending cloth portion while supported along a crease line. Filler applicators are positioned downwardly in close proximity to the crease lines for discharging a filler along the crease lines while supported by the elongate crease support bar.

Abstract: An automatic sewing machine comprises a folding device and a guiding and feeding device for a folded workpiece and a main workpiece on which to sew the folded workpiece. The folding device comprises an outer frame with creasing modules which have folding bars. The creasing modules are mounted on the outer frame in a manner adjustable in their direction of extraction and approximately crosswise thereto.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for facilitating the uniform folding of shirts and T-shirts in household ironing. It is characterised by a main part (1) almost rectangular in shape of fine thickness and with a surface not adhering to cloth materials, comprising on one of its short sides a projection (2) for gripping it.

Abstract: A method for folding hosiery items is disclosed. The hosiery items are wrapped about a folding card and are folded, together with the folding card, against an inclined belt at an acute angle relative to a lower belt, with the trailing portion of the hosiery item resting on that lower belt. The hosiery item is then initially clamped against the lower belt in the vicinity of the folding card, preferably by means of a clamping slide, and is then tensioned about the folding card, preferably by means of a tensioning slide, before the hosiery item is transferred, by advancing the lower belt and the inclined belt, to the pivoting belt, after the latter has been returned to its original position, from where it is then transported between two subsequent, mutually parallel belts, one of which can be moved away from the other in parallel orientation, in order to prevent any rolls from forming during movement into the space between the two belts.

Abstract: A garment folding apparatus and method which facilitates the neat and uniform folding of garments such as shirts and the like. The apparatus has a simplified structure including a substantially rigid main body portion which serves as a folding guide, and an upper supporting portion which facilitates storage and handling of the apparatus. The apparatus may be fabricated of a thermoplastic material such as acrylic, or alternatively the main body portion may be formed of aromatic cedar while the supporting portion is formed of metal. In use, the apparatus is removed from the folded garment after folding operations are complete, so that it may be re-used time and again.

Abstract: A work-sheet folding apparatus including a table having a hole; a support plate which is provided above the table and on which the work sheet is placed; a first folding member which cooperates with the support plate to fold an outer peripheral portion of the work sheet in a first direction perpendicular to the support plate; a first moving device which moves the first folding member in the first direction; second folding members which cooperate with the support plate to fold back the outer peripheral portion of the work sheet in a second direction parallel to the support plate; second moving devices which move the second folding members in the second direction; a support member which surrounds an outer peripheral portion of the support plate and which supports the second folding members; a pressing device which presses the support plate and the support member on the table; a movable member which is provided in the hole of the table such that the movable member is movable upward and downward; and a supporting

Abstract: A device attached to a shirt having excess material in the waist area comprising a central member and two wing members hingedly attached at each end of the central member, where each wing member is folded back against the central member to form a single, smooth pleat of the excess shirt material on each side of the wearer.

Abstract: A folding device is provided for an automatic sewing machine for folding over at least two edge strips of a first fabric part. The edge strips extend at an angle to one another and the first fabric part will be sewn on a second fabric part. The device includes a support plate for the second fabric part, a folding plate movable in relation to the support plate for the first fabric part, and a carrier plate. The carrier plate is movable in relation to the support plate and the folding plate for a pressing plate that can be placed on the first fabric part. At least two folding slides are provided which are arranged at an angle in relation to one another and which are connected to a drive means each. The folding plate and the pressing plate have at least one edge strip each, whose angle is adjustable, and the angle of at least one of the folding slides is adjustable.

Abstract: A method of folding women's tights on a hose shaping machine, whereby the tights are fitted onto respective pairs of tubular forms fitted to a carousel conveyor and set to a parted position in which the forms substantially lie in the same vertical plane; at least one of the forms is rotated to bring the forms together into a facing position in parallel planes; in time with the rotation of the forms into the facing position, a first tensioning member operates on the front of the body of the tights, in an intermediate plane between the forms, to slide the body in relation to the forms and form a center fold in the body; and a second tensioning member operates on the rear of the body, in the intermediate plane between the forms, to form an opposite center fold in the body.

Abstract: Above a workpiece-receiving plate for an lower workpiece, a folding device for an automatic sewing machine comprises two swords, namely a lower sword and an upper sword for receiving an intermediate workpiece and an upper workpiece, respectively. For the folding of the intermediate workpiece about the outer edges of the lower sword, folding modules are mounted on the underside of an outer frame. For the folding of the upper workpiece about the outer edges of the upper sword, folding modules are provided on the upper side of the outer frame. The swords are mounted on a common carriage and movable in height relative to each other. The carriage iself is likewise displaceable in height.

Abstract: A portable device to aid in the folding of shirts or similar articles of clothing comprising a horizontal support structure, a vertically extending support part, and a horizontal carriage projecting forwardly from the support part in substantial horizontal spaced relationship above the support structure. The carriage is shiftable in a vertical direction to allow for stacks of garments of varying heights, and to simplify and expedite the process of folding.

Abstract: A pocket-folding device for folding a pocket blank and securing the folded pocket to a pocket-carrying article, the device having a locating fixture supported by a frame to receive the unfolded pocket blank, a top die and movable bottom die supported by the frame, and a vacuum hand associated with the frame selectively moving to pick up the unfolded pocket blank from the locating fixture and carry it and release it over the pocket form to form side and bottom-draped edges. The pocket form and pocket blank move up to mate with the top die. The bottom die then moves up to mate with the top die to form a die cavity around the pocket form and pocket blank while selectively directed air flows into the top die and folds the draped pocket edges around the pocket form. Heat is applied to the folded pocket edges to set pocket edge creases therein, and the pocket form, pocket and bottom die move downwardly to the original bottom die position with the pocket-folded edges held between the pocket form and the bottom die.

Abstract: So as to sew a pocket-flap to a workpiece, the pocket-flap and a cut-out pocket are positioned relative to each other at a predetermined distance, in which they do not overlap, and relative to the workpiece. The workpiece, the cut-out pocket and the flap are conveyed to a sewing position without being displaced one in relation to the other. In the sewing position the cut-out pocket and the workpiece are joined together by means of a seam. The pocket-flap is then moved from a first position into a second position, in which it partially overlaps the cut-out pocket. It is then connected with the workpiece by a fastening seam.

Abstract: A workpiece fabric holding device for producing neatly folded pocket pieces for attachment to an article clothing. When a peripheral edge of a patch pocket P put on a gage plate at an operational position is folded back under the gage plate, a folded portion around the edge with a double folded portion formed at the corners of the patch pocket P. Then the gage plate is moved downward and the folded portion and the double folded portion are depressed to a cloth W positioned on a machine table. A hollow is formed on the machine table which opposes and receives the double folded portion. A stopper is arranged in the hollow to prevent the cloth of the folded portion or the double folded portion from being drawn out beyond the periphery of the patch pocket P.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for bending over a fabric, especially pockets to be sewn onto a fabric layer, with plates that are arranged in essentially parallel planes and cooperate with one another, a fabric support plate and bending plates, and with a pressing member that can be placed over the fabric, as well as with guide surfaces for the bending area of the fabric. It accomplishes the task of designing the device such that reliable and accurate bending of the fabric is made possible in a relatively simple manner, with only minor effort for adjustment. To achieve this, it has a pressing member (4), whose outer contour extends beyond the outer contour of the fabric support plate (1) in the area of the bending edges of the fabric support plate (1), and which has, at least in its edge zone, an elastically deformable holding member (15) for the fabric (2), which forms a guide surface for the fabric (2) in its bending area after the pressing member (4) has been placed over the fabric (2).

Abstract: A folding sequence for cylinders, which are so powered as to fold pocket pieces in a good order, is inputted into a control box and stored in a storage medium. Many different pocket pieces may then be folded according to the inputted folding sequence for the cylinders by reading the inputted data from the storage medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming parallel and non-parallel pleats in a fabric structure such as a curtain or drape includes a generally planar baseplate and a segmented forming member hingedly attached thereto and overlying the baseplate. The segmented forming member includes a first template and at least one second template which are hingedly connected together, each of the first and second templates having a leading edge and a trailing edge wherein the first template trailing edge is hingedly connected to the baseplate and wherein the second template trailing edge is hingedly connected to the first template such that a portion of the second template overlies a portion of the first template and such that the first template leading edge and such that a pocket a fabric-forming pocket is defines between the first template leading edge and the second template trailing edge.

Abstract: A workpiece fabric folding device having a label clamping mechanism. The device is operated for folding back an outer end portion of a first workpiece fabric and for stitching the folded back portion to a second workpiece fabric by a sewing machine. In the folding back operation, a label piece is also positioned at the folded back portion for simultaneously stitching the label to the second workpiece fabric. The folding device includes a gauge plate whose outer contour defines a folding-back line of the first workpiece fabric, a bending depression member positioned above the gauge plate for bending the outer edge portion, and a plurality of folding segments for urging the bent outer edge to a position below the gauge plate. The label clamping mechanism is disposed on the bending depression member at a position adjacent the folded-back position. The mechanism includes a label clamping unit which holds one portion of the label, and moving unit for angularly moving the clamping unit to the folded-back position.

Abstract: Device made of a plate and a frame provided with locking pieces, suitable to simplify hand-folding of shirts and garments in general.The device solves the problem of folding shirts and garments in general.The manual device is composed of a plate (1) and a frame (2) provided with locking pieces (such as bars (3). They are hinged together along one of the shortest sides of the device. The locking pieces are secured to two or more sides of the frame (2). Plate (1) and frame (2) have a similar shape. The latter surrounds plate (1) externally when the device is being used.The shirt (4) (or another garment) is kept stationary on plate (1) by the frame (2) and the locking pieces.The shirt (4) is then turned upside-down, folded from the back and turned upside-down again.In the end, the device is opened and the shirt (4) is slipped off, which is perfectly folded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flipping and folding a pliable workpiece, such as a pre-hemmed sleeve blank, along a desired fold axis. A workpiece is conveyed past a flipping roller and down against a clamp bar wherein it is clamped at a predetermined time by a lower hem guide. The flipping roller is sped to impart linear momentum to the unclamped, trailing portion of the workpiece. The flipping action serves to re-orient the workpiece from a right side-up orientation to an inside-out orientation so as to properly present the workpiece for subsequent seaming or stitching operations. A sensor is provided to determine the length of the workpiece so as to enable the device to clamp the workpiece about any desired fold axis.

Abstract: A method of folding a long-sleeve garment which includes a method of pre-folding the sleeves which pre-folding method lends itself to automated techniques; and, further, an apparatus for performing the invented method, including the pre-folding method. The method of the invention finds value in both automated and manual folding operations.

Abstract: A workpiece fabric holding or clamping device having a lower plate for holding a major part of the workpiece and a plurality of upper plates movable in a horizontal direction above the lower plate for selectively holding the workpiece in combination with the lower plate. The lower plate is formed with an opening whose area covers at least two sewing loci, and the upper plates are each respectively formed with needle slits having two sides. Each side is provided with downwardly extending fabric clamping portions extending into the opening of the lower plate. Through horizontal movements of the plurality of upper plates, at least two sewing loci are defined by the combination of the needle slits. If the slits are positioned spaced away from each other, an auxiliary pressure plate is positioned in the space to hold the spaced portion of the workpiece. Further, the upper plates are vertically movable. The horizontal movements of the upper plates are performed at ascent positions of the upper plates.

Abstract: A device for folding a cut-out 3 e.g. for a necktie in a sewing machine having a supporting table 2 which has a slit 29 into which a cut-out 3 laid over the slit is pressed in use, includes a folding sword which is composed of folding bars 17 set in a row and which is arranged above the slit 29 in such a manner that when the folding sword enters the slit, the tie cut-out is folded around the folding sword, while as a result of the folding bars 17 descending into the slit to different depths, the edges of the tie cut-out to be sewn project from the slit 29 to a substantially constant height. The folding bars are each provided with displaceable stops 22 which can be locked on the folding bars and which, during the descent of the folding sword, run against an abutment 18 extending transversely over all the folding bars to define the particular depth to which each folding bar 17 descends.

Abstract: A workpiece folding device for a sewing machine which can fold the peripheral edge of a fabric such as pocket cloth, comprising a gage plate on which the pocket cloth is placed, a press plate superimposed on the gage plate for folding down the edge of the cloth along the contour of the gage plate, a folding-pieces support member surrounding the periphery of the gage plate, a plurality of folding pieces provided on the folding-pieces support member and shifted between two positions: an operational position under the gage plate for folding down the peripheral edge of the cloth and a preparatory position apart from the gage plate, and a plurality of pinching pieces for pinching the gage plate, the cloth and the press plate in cooperation with the corresponding folding pieces in the operational position.

Abstract: A workpiece fabric holding device for holding a pocket cloth onto a garment, and for feeding these on a sewing machine table for effecting a pocket sewing. Various kinds of sewing locus are required for various pocket sewings. A base pressure plate and associated movable pressure plate are provided. The base pressure plate is formed with a major needle slot, and the movable pressure plate is formed with at least two minor needle slots or holes having shapes different from each other. The combination of the major needle slot and one of the minor needle holes will provide a desired needle cut-out having a shape in conformance with a desired sewing locus. A plurality of such combinations can be provided by moving the movable pressure plate relative to the base pressure plate. For this, a holding means is provided to temporarily fix the position of the movable pressure plate.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the folding of apparel such as shirts or sweaters and the like. This device consists essentially of a flat base having a plurality of creases that allow the operator to manipulate the shirt or sweater in vertical and horizontal stages so as to achieve complete and proper folding in a uniform and attractive manner. The device has universal appeal since it may be used both at home and in the commercial trade.

Abstract: A pocket cloth folding device of a pocket setter in which a flow controller is provided on a folding-pieces support member such that the amount of working fluid through a fluid pressure driver for movement of the folding-pieces support member is controlled. The flow controller is constructed to be connected to either a flow supply path or a flow exhaust path via connectors. The flow amount of the flow controller is regulated in advance according to the type of the folding-pieces support member. Therefore, the pocket cloth folding device can fold the peripheral edge of the pocket cloth, immediately after the folding-pieces support member is attached to support blocks. The amount of supply air and exhaust air of the fluid pressure driver does not need to be adjusted each time a different type of pocket cloth is to be folded.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and creasing pocket material is provided. A table has a heating plate mounted thereon. A top die has upper and lower die plates for folding material therebetween, the lower die plate being wider than the upper die plate. The top die is lowered between the side dies which move inwardly to fold and crease the pocket material.

Abstract: A workpiece holding device for a sewing machine is disclosed. When a workpiece holder is connected to a supporter, a connecting rod having a peripheral groove and extending from the workpiece holder is inserted into a horizontal hole formed in the supporter. In this case, the peripheral groove of the connecting rod is positioned to communicate with a vertical hole formed in the supporter. A piston rod slidably provided in the vertical hole is actuated by an air cylinder mechanism to be engaged with the peripheral groove of the connecting rod. In order to firmly engage the connecting rod and the piston rod, spring mechanism is also provided in addition to the air cylinder mechanism. Thus, the workpiece holder can be fixedly connected to the supporter, and easily detached from the supporter without tools and troublesome operations.

Abstract: A folding device folds waistband ends into the waistband and the device moveable along with folding tools, clamping tools and engagement fingers in a way which allows the fingers to be inserted between layers of the waistband and moved the working area of a bar tacking machine, while clamping tools and folding tools are moved away from the finger so that they do no impede the inserting process. The control of the fingers and folding tools of the folding device is made more simple and economical by the use of control cams.

Abstract: A method for folding and stitching a shirt placket uses a remote placket forming assembly to facilitate formation of a shirt placket while a previously-formed placket is being stitched. To provide this operation, a transfer arm assembly supports the placket forming assembly at a location remote from the sewing machine of the apparatus. Following the formation of a placket on a first workpiece, the transfer arm assembly clamps and delivers the first workpiece to the sewing machine. Thereafter, the placket is clamped into a working position, and the transfer arm assembly is returned to its original position to receive a second workpiece. As the transfer arm assembly is returned, the sewing machine is actuated to stitch the previously-formed placket.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus of forming sleeve plackets which utilizes blades insertable into and retractable from placket halves and which includes means for stretching the placket halves about the blades and means for sequentially retracting the blades for final stitching and completing the placket.

Abstract: A surgical gown is disclosed in which the main body of the gown is fan folded around transversely extending fold lines. The sleeves of the gown are inserted between the lowermost fold or bottom fold in the gown and the next adjacent fold. The donning of the gown forces the lowermost fold away from the remainder of the gown eliminating any problem of blocking of the gown.

Abstract: A pocket setter unit attachable to a sewing machine includes a holder for holding the pocket over the garment to which the pocket is to be fixed, the holder including a free space around the portion of the pocket to be stitched to the garment, and a plurality of folding blades disposed around the free space. Each of the folding blades includes an actuator for moving the respective blade from a retracted position along one side of the free space, to an extended position in the free space so as to fold under the respective edge of the pocket and to enable the sewing head to apply stitching through the folded edges in the free space for sewing the pocket to the garment.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus which forms and folds a precut pocket patch and sets it in position on a garment panel, ready to be sewn by an adjacent sewing machine. The apparatus comprises a holding blade on which a precut pocket patch is manually positioned, and a pocket patch-forming and folding assembly located over the holding blade. The latter and the assembly are vertically movable one with respect to the other and to an underlying garment panel support table. The assembly includes a forming plate, having a flat underface and a downwardly-extending rim at its periphery creating a cavity to receive the pocket patch; the latter is clamped and its margin creased by the rim about the edge of the holding blade. The assembly further carries around its periphery folding blades which move inwardly underneath the holding blade to complete the folding of the pocket patch. The contour of the holding blade and of the plate cavity corresponds to the desired contour of the folded patch.