Sewing apparatus includes a manipulator for manipulating the workpiece comprising a pressure member having a sheet of friction material pressable against the workpiece for sliding it over the work table. The manipulator includes a vertically-mounted stand, three pivotal links, and three rotary drives mounted on the stand and coupled to their respective links. The apparatus further includes an optical detector and a lamp illuminating the workpiece obliquely in order to emphasize its edges by the shadows produced.
