Method and apparatus for cutting and tacking stitches

摘要

A device for incorporating the leading edge of material such as threads or stitches in the initial stitches of a workpiece is provided by the utilization of a pneumatically activated clamp and cutting knife mounted forward of the throat plate and presser foot assembly of a sewing or stitching machine. The device for clamping, cutting and incorporating the leading edge of threads or chain stitches in the initial stitches of the workpiece is achieved by clamping, severing and thereafter adjustably releasing the threads or stitches after a predetermined number of needle penetrations. Once the threads or chain stitch is manually placed in the clamp and the device is activated, it thereafter operates automatically with the operation of the sewing or stitching machine to clamp the stitch in a position for incorporation in the initial stitches while automatically severing the chain stitch from the proceeding stitched workpiece and releasing the chain at a predetermined point in the sewing cycle as the chain is incorporated in the underside of the workpiece.