Device for retaining a chain of stitches in a sewing machine

摘要

A sewing machine having a needle plate with an integrally formed tongue on which a chain of stitches is formed. The tongue includes an internal bore pneumatically connected to a vacuum unit which is selectively activated to draw a chain of stitches severed from the previously seamed workpiece into the bore. The suction created by the vacuum is sufficient to hold the chain of stitches and permit their release during advance of the next workpiece so as to be incorporated in the seam formed therein.