US3683830A

US3683830A - Feed control for sewing operation

Info

Publication number: US3683830A
Application number: US98618A
Authority: US
Inventors: Eugene P Mcclintock
Original assignee: Kirsch Co
Current assignee: Cooper Industries LLC
Priority date: 1970-12-16
Filing date: 1970-12-16
Publication date: 1972-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-15

Abstract

In a sewing operation wherein a stationary sewing machine is positioned adjacent one side of a movable table, the table having a smooth top which is adapted to receive a drapery fabric to be sewn, wherein a stationary buckrum dispensing device is supported adjacent the sewing machine so as to feed a strip of buckrum past the sewing head of the machine, the sewing machine being operative to sew the strip of buckrum to one edge of the fabric as the table conveys the fabric past the sewing machine, and wherein the table has a clamp mounted on the top thereof for releaseably securing an opposite edge of the fabric, the improvement comprising an elongated bar pivotably mounted above the table top adjacent and extending along the one side thereof, the bar being pivotable between a first position spaced from the table top to permit positioning of the fabric thereon and a second position in contact with the table top for holding the fabric while it is being sewn and for providing a reference line which may be used to indicate whether the table is moving faster or slower than the sewing machine. The improvement further comprises positioning the buckrum dispensing device on the throat side of the sewing head so as to feed the buckrum past the sewing head so that the stitches lie adjacent the side of the buckrum which is closest to the opposite edge of the fabric.

Description

United States Patent McClintock I [54] FEED CONTROL FOR SEWING OPERATION [72]. Inventor: Eugene P. McClintock, Newport Beach, Calif. [73] Assignee: Kirsch Company, Sturgis, Mich.

[22] Filed: Dec. 16, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 98,618

[52] U.S.C1 ..ll2/l2l.l5, 112/152 [51] Int. Cl. ..D05b 9/06 [58] Field of Search...1l2/2, 121.11, 121.12, 121.15,

Roy....., ..l12/152 Primary Examiner-James R. Boler AttorneyHinderstein & Silber 5 7 ABSTRACT In a sewing operation wherein a stationary sewing 51 Aug. 15, 1972 machine is positioned adjacent one side of a movable table, the table having a smooth top which is adapted to receive a drapery fabric to be sewn, wherein a stationary buckrum dispensing device is supported adjacent the sewing machine so as to feed a strip of buckrum past the sewing head of the machine, the sewing machine being operative to sew the strip of buckrum to one edge of the fabric as the table conveys the fabric past the sewing machine, and wherein the table has a clamp mounted on the top thereof for releaseably securing an opposite edge of the fabric, the improvement comprising an elongated bar pivotably mounted above the table top adjacent andextending along the one side thereof, the bar being pivotable between a first position spaced from the table top to permit positioning of the fabric thereon and a second position in contact with the table top for holding the fabric while it is being sewn and for providing a reference line which may be used to indicate whether the table is moving faster or slower than the sewing machine. The improvement further comprises positioning the buckrum dispensing device on the throat side of the sewing head so as to feed the buckrum past the sewing head so that the stitches lie adjacent the sideof the buckrum which is closest to the opposite edge of the fabric.

i 3 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAHB I 5 I972 3.683, 830

sum 1 OF 2 MAM 1 FEED CONTROL FOR SEWING OPERATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a feed control for a sewing operation and, more particularly, to a method and means for facilitating the movement of a large piece of dimensionally unstable fabric past a sewing machine which performs a sewing operation on such fabric.

2. Description of the Prior Art.

Many prior art devices have been developed for facilitating the movement of fabrics to be sewn past a stationary sewing machine. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 6 l l 01, issued Jan. 8, 1867 to George Rehfuss discloses a sewing machine feed comprising a truck for supporting and retaining the fabric, the truck wheels being mounted on rails so that the truck may be moved to convey the fabric past the needle of the sewing machine.

As sewing machines improved, they began to incorporate devices for pulling the fabric through the machine at a predetermined rate which was synchronized with the vertical oscillatory movement of the sewing needle. It therefore became necessary to synchronize the movement of a fabric-carrying table with the mechanism for pulling the fabric through the sewing machine. A device which teaches such synchronization is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 793,074, issued June 27, 1905 to Fredrich H. l-lodgkins.

In the years that have followed, many devices have been designed and built for facilitating the movement, in front of a sewing machine, of carpets, mattresses, tarpolins, draperies, bedding, etc. With respect to the more rigid materials, such as carpets and tarpolins, no particular difficulty has been encountered. On the other hand, considerable difficulty was initially experienced in the moving of large pieces of dimensionally unstable fabric, such as drapery material. The loose weave in most drapery materials permits them to pull or stretch considerably under a small force and this characteristic makes it extremely difficult to sew the drapery material to accurate, predetermined dimens1ons.

One device for overcoming the problems of sewing large pieces of dimensionally unstable fabric is dis closed in my prior U. S. Pat. No. 3,400,674, issued Sept. 10, 1968 for Movable Table For Sewing Drapery Lengths. In that patent, there is disclosed a table having a smooth, substantially horizontal top movably mounted for linear motion in a direction parallel to opposite sides thereof called the hem and machine sides. A hem clamp is adjustably mounted on the table top for securing one edge of the fabric. A fabric clamp support member is provided in a position parallel with but spaced apart from and movable with the machine side combination of the hem clamps and the fabric clamps operate to grip opposite edges of the fabric so as to stabilize the dimensions of the fabric as it passes the sewing head. Finally, a buckrum dispensing device is provided adjacent the sewing machine so that a strip of buckrum may be sewn to the top of the fabric as it passes the sewing machine.

While the movable table for sewing drapery lengths described and claimed in my beforementioned patent solves the problems of sewing large pieces of dimensionally unstable fabric, it has two undesirable features which are eliminated with the present invention. In the first instance, my prior device is excessively time consuming in that both opposite edges of the fabric must be clamped using the hem clamp and the individually adjustable fabric clamps. As pointed out in my prior shown in FIG. 3 of my patent. This represents a waste of material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, these disadvantages of my prior Movable Table For Sewing Drapery Lengths are entirely eliminated. With the present feed control for a sewing operation, the fabric clamp support member and the individually adjustable fabric clamps are entirely eliminated together with the time that was previously required to clamp one edge of the fabric to such fabric clamps. In addition, by eliminating the fabric clarnp support member and the individually adjustable fabric clamps, the strip of buckrum may now be sewn directly to the edge of the drapery material so that no material is wasted, thereby effecting a considerable savings in the cost of custom draperies.

Briefly, the present invention improves the Movable Table For Sewing Drapery Lengths of my beforementioned patent by substituting for the fabric clamp support member and the individually adjustable fabric clamps an elongated bar which is pivotably mounted above the table top adjacent and extending along the machine side thereof, the bar being pivotable between of the table. Individually adjustable fabric clamps are mounted on the fabric clamp support member. The spacing and arrangement of the fabric clamp support member and the machine side of the table are such that p a first position spaced from the table top to permit positioning of the fabric thereon and a second position in contact with the table top for holding the fabric while it is being sewn and for providing a reference line which may be used to indicate whether the table is moving faster or slower than the sewing machine. In addition, the buckrum dispensing device may now be positioned on the throat side of the sewing head so as to feed the buckrum past the sewing head so that the stitches lie adjacent the side of the buckrum closest to the main body of the fabric. As will appear more fully hereinafter, this permits a considerable saving of material.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a feed control for a sewing operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus for facilitating the movement of large pieces of dimensionally unstable fabric past a sewing operation.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a feed control for a sewing operation which is rapid in operation and effects a considerable time saving in the manufacture of custom draperies.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a feed control for a sewing operation which requires a minimum of material and therefore effects a considerable saving in the manufacture of custom draperies.

Still other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts in the several figures and wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of the present invention as viewed from the front end of the movable table;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevation view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 14;

FIGS. 6A through 6C are schematic views showing how the apparatus of FIGS. 1-5 may be used to save material; and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 6A-6C but showing how material is wasted using devices of the prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-5 thereof, there is shown a feed control for a sewing operation, generally designated 100. In describing feed control 100, the elements thereof which are the same or similar to those described in my beforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,400,674 will be designated by numerals lower than 100 and the elements thereof which are novel with the present invention will be designated by numerals greater than 100.

Feed control 100 includes a stationary sewing machine, generally designated 10, positioned adjacent one side 21 of a movable table, generally designated 20. Sewing machine 10 includes a base 1 1, a neck 12, a throat l3 and a sewing head 14, base 11 being positioned on a stationary support frame, generally designated 15. Sewing machine 10 is driven by a motor 16 connected to support frame 15, motor 16 operating sewing machine 10 via a drive belt 17 and pulleys l8 and 19.

Movable table 20 has a smooth top 22 which is adapted to receive and support a fabric to be sewn. Sewing machine 10 is positioned adjacent side 21 of table 20, table 20 also having an opposite side 23 and front and

rear ends

24 and 25, respectively. Table 20 is mounted on

legs

30 and 31 which support

wheels

32 and 33, respectively. Wheel 33 rides on a guide rail 34 to maintain the linear movement of table 20 past sewing machine 10.

claimed in my beforementioned US. Pat.

bracket 40 extends parallel to

sides

21 and 23 of table 20 and is adjustably attached to table 20 in such a manner that it may be moved from the vicinity of side 23 almost over to side 21, as desired. A scale 42 is provided along ends 24 and 25 of table 20 to provide means for accurately locating a position on table top 22 for bracket 40 and clamps 41. Clamps 41 operate to grip one edge 37 of a width of fabric 35 positioned on top 22 of movable table 20.

Feed control further includes a buckrum dispensing device, generally designated 45, which includes a buckrum feed roller 46 supported by an arm 47 connected to support frame 15. Feed roller 46 supplies a length of buckrum 48 past a guide roller 49 and then into contact with sewing head 14 of sewing machine 10. In this manner, sewing machine 10 is operative to sew a length of buckrum 48 to an opposite edge 36 of fabric 35 as table 20 conveys fabric 35 past sewing machine 10.

In accordance with the invention described and No. 3,400,674, a fabric clarnp support member is provided in a position parallel with but spaced apart from and movable with side 21 of table 20. Individually adjustable fabric clamps are mounted on such support member. The spacing and arrangement of the fabric clamp support member and side 21 of table 20 are such that a longitudinal slot is defined between side 21 of table 20 and the support member. Sewing head 14 of sewing machine 10 is mounted to operate on the fabric which is stretched across such longitudinal slot. The combination of clamps 41 and the fabric clamps operate to stabilize the dimensions of fabric 35 as it passes sewing head 14.

In accordance with the present invention, such fabric clamp support member and individually adjustable fabric clamps, together with the time required to use them and the material wasted by them, are eliminated in favor of an elongated bar 101 which extends from end 24 to end 25 of table 20, parallel to

sides

21 and 23 thereof. Bar 101 is a generally rectangular member, the ends of which are connected to first ends of pivotable arms 102. The other ends of arms 102 are connected via pins 103 to first ends of stationary arms 104, the

other ends of which are connected to table 20. Springs 105 are connected between said other ends of

arms

102 and 104. Accordingly, and as shown in FIG. 5, springs 105 are adapted to hold bar 101 in an elevated position, spaced from top 22 of table 20. On the other hand, bar 101 may be manually moved to a lowered position, shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, where side 106 of bar 101 contacts top 22 of table 20. More specifically, and as shown most clearly in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, top 22 of table 20 has a flat, elongated plate 110 mounted thereon along side 21, a portion of plate 110 overdesigned to overlap base 11 of sewing machine so that there is a continuous surface from top 22 of table to sewing head 14. Plate 110 has a ridge 111 running along the entire length thereof.

When bar 101 is in its lowered position, side 106 thereof rests on plate 110, on the side of ridge 111 farthest from sewing head 14. In addition, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, and as will be explained more fully hereinafter, bar 106 rests alongside ridge 111.

My beforementioned patent also discloses a buckrum clamp 50 attached to movable table 20 for pulling the required amount of buckrum 48 from roller 46 past sewing head 14 as movable table 20 proceeds from the extreme rear to the extreme front positions. In my prior patent, clamp 50 was mounted at the end of the longitudinal slot between the fabric clamp support member and side 21 of table 20. In accordance with the present invention, and as shown most clearly in FIG. 5, buckrum clamp 50 is mounted on one arm 121 of an L- shaped member 120, the other arm 122 thereof being connected to table 20, along side 21 thereof. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, L-shaped member 120 permits clamp 50 to be positioned directly adjacent the exit side of head 14 of sewing machine 10, overlapping base 11. In addition, and for reasons which will appear more fully hereinafter, buckrum dispensing device 45 and, more particularly,

rollers

46 and 49 thereof, may now be positioned to feed buckrum 48 past sewing head 14 on the throat side of head 14 rather than the table side of head 14 as in my prior patent. In this manner, and as shown in FIG. 6A, the stitches 115 which connect buckrum 48 to fabric 35 will lie adjacent the side of buckrum 48 which is closest to the main body of fabric 35. As will appear more fully hereinafter, this represents a considerable saving in wasted material.

In operation, feed control 100 may be utilized to facilitate the movement of a large piece of dimensionally unstable fabric 35 past sewing machine 10 which performs a sewing operation on such fabric. More specifically, several widths of drapery fabric 35 may be positioned on top 22 of table 20. The individual widths of fabric 35 shown in FIG. 2 may either be sewn together to form one continuous width of fabric or they may be individual widths positioned side by side.

Before positioning fabric 35 on table top 22, clamps 41 are elevated and bar 101 is moved to its elevated position, as shown in FIG. 5. Fabric 35 is then placed on table top 22 and edge 37 is secured to table 20 with clamps 41. An operator standing adjacent side 21 of table 20 will then straighten the widths of fabric 35 so that they are lying smoothly on table top 22. Bar 101 is then moved to its lowered position, restingon top of fabric 35. In this position, and as shown most clearly in FIG. 3, fabric 35 is, in the first instance, held down by the weight of bar 101. In addition, there is a slight pinching action whereby fabric 35 is pinched between bar 101 and ridge 111 of plate 110. It is this combination of bar 101 and ridge 111 which assists in the holding of fabric 35 while it is being sewn.

Bar 101 performs an additional function. More specifically, if accurate synchronization between movable table 20 and sewing machine 10 is not maintained,

-paratus of my beforementioned U.S. Pat.

two possible events may occur. If table 20 moves slower than sewing machine 10, fabric 35 is pulled past sewing head 14 by sewing machine 10 at a faster rate than table 20 conveys fabric 35 to sewing head 14. As a result, fabric 35 begins to stretch. On the other hand, if

table 20 moves faster than sewing machine 10, fabric 35 is pulled past sewing head 14 by sewing machine 10 at a slower rate than table 20 conveys fabric 35 to sewing head 14. As a result, fabric 35 begins to gather at sewing head 14. While bar 101 will not prevent either of these events from happening, bar 101 provides a convenient reference line which extends along edge 36 of fabric 35. Therefore, the operator, who is standing at position A, shown in FIG. 2, adjacent side 21 of table 20, may watch fabric 35 in the vicinity of bar 101 and readily observe whether the fabric is either stretching or gathering. When the operator notices either event, she may stop sewing machine 10 until synchronization is restored.

After fabric 35 is positioned and secured on table top 22, a length of buckrum 48 is unrolled from feed roller 46 and guided by guide roller 49 past sewing head 14 of sewing machine 10. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4, the end of buckrum 48 is secured by clamp 50. As will be noted from FIGS. 2, 3 and 6A, edge 36 of fabric 35 extends'slightly beyond sewing head 14 of sewing machine 10, not quite to the side of buckrum 48.

Motor 16 is then actuated to move table 20 and operate head 14 of sewing machine 10.Table 20 moves downwardly, as viewed in FIG. 2, conveying edge 36 of fabric 35 past sewing head 14. Fabric 35 passes head 14 between buckrum 48 and base 11 so that buckrum 48 is sewn to the top of fabric 35, as shown in FIG. 6A. The end of buckrum 48 secured in clamp 50 causes the required amount of buckrum to be pulled from roller 46 as table 20 progresses from the extreme rearward to the extreme forward position.

After the sewing operation is completed, the buckrum 48 which extends beyond. the opposite ends of fabric 35 is cut off. Bar 101 is then moved to its elevated position, as shown in F IG. 5. Edge 36 of fabric 35 is then folded over twice, as shown in FIGS. 68 and 6C and fixed in the position shown in FIG. 6C. Such fixing may be achieved in any well-known manner but is preferrably, temporarily performed by staples, since the next sewing operation to be performed on fabric 35 is usually done at another location. In any event, as soon as fabric 35 is fixed in the position shown in FIG. 6C, clamps 41 are released and fabric 35 is removed from table 20, completing the sewing operation.

The manner in which feed control effects a savings in material may be best understood by comparing FIG. 6A with FIG. 7. FIG. 6A shows the appearance of fabric 35 and buckrum 48 at the end of the sewing operation performed by feed control 100, whereas FIG. 7 shows the appearance of fabric 35 and buckrum 48 at the end of the sewing operation performed by the ap- No. 3,400,674. More specifically, because of the inclusion in my prior device of a fabric clamp support member and individually adjustable fabric clamps spaced from side 21 of table 20, a portion of fabric 35 must extend beyond the side of buckrum 48, it being this portion, denoted X in FIG. 7, which is grasped by the fabric clamps. This being the case, it is really not relevant where stitches 1 l5 occur since fabric 35 extends across and beyond buckrum 48. As a practical matter, the stitches lie adjacent the side of buckrum 48 which is closest to thethroat of sewing machine so that the buckrum does not interfere with the fabric clamp support members and the fabric clamps.

On the other hand, with the present invention, and as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the portion X of fabric 35 which extends beyond buckrum 48 may be entirely eliminated. In addition, because fabric clamp support member and the fabric clamps are eliminated, buckrum dispensing device 45 may be positioned on the throat side of sewing head l4'so as to feed buckrum 48 past sewing head 14 so that stitches l 15 lie adjacent the side of buckrum 48 which is closest to edge 37 of fabrics 35. All material beyond stitches 115 is unnecessary. As a practical matter, the fabric will extend somewhat beyond the center of buckrum 48 to provide for irregularities in edge 36 of fabric 35. In any event, it is now possible to save'not only the X portion of the fabric shown in FIG. 7, but even a greater portion of the fabric, indicated as Y in FIG. 7, extending almost to the center of buckrum 48, thereby effecting a considerable savings in the cost of custom draperies.

It can therefore be seen that in accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages of my prior Movable Table For Sewing Drapery Lengths are entirely eliminated. With feed control 100, the fabric clamp support member and the individually adjustable fabric clamps are entirely eliminated together with the time that was required to use them and the material wasted by them. With the present invention, such fabric clamps are replaced by elongated bar 101 which is pivotably mounted above table top 22 adjacent and extending along side 21 thereof, bar 101 being pivotable between a first position spaced from table top 22 to permit positioning of fabric 35 thereon and a second position in contact with table top' 22 for holding fabric 35 while it is being sewn and for providing a reference line which may be used to observe whether table is moving faster or slower than sewing machine 10. In addition, buckrum dispensing device 45 may now be positioned to feed buckrum 48 past sewing head 14 on the throat side of sewing machine 10, so that stitches 115 lie adjacent the side of buckrum 48 closest to edge 37 of fabric 35, thereby effecting a considerable savings in the cost of custom draperies.

While the invention has been described with respect to the preferred physical embodiment constructed in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrative embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim: 1. In a sewingoperation wherein a stationary sewing '8 machine is positioned adjacent one side of a movable table, said table having a top adapted to receive afabric to be sewn, said sewing machine being operative to perform a sewing operation on one edge of said fabric as said table conveys said fabric past said sewing machine,

aid table havin a cl ount d o t to thereof for securing an oppo ii e iige of sai fabric? the improvement comprising:

an elongated bar pivotably mounted above said table adjacent and extending along said one side thereof, said bar adapted to rest on said fabric, along said one edge thereof, said elongated bar being supported for pivotal movement between a first position spaced from said table top to permit positioning of said fabric thereon and a second position in contact with said fabric on said table top; and a 1 an elongated plate mounted on said table top, along said one side of said table, said plate extending beyond said one side of said table and overlapping the base of said sewing machine to provide a 'continuous surface from said table top to said sewing machine, said plate having a ridge running along the entire length thereof, said bar resting, when in said second position, on saidelongated plate, alongside said ridge.

2. In a sewing operation according to claim 1, the improvement wherein said bar is a generally rectangular member, one side of which is adapted to rest on said plate, an adjacent side being adapted to contactsaid ridge.

3. In a sewing operation wherein a stationary sewing machine is positioned adjacent one side of a movable table, said table having a top adapted to receive a fabric to be sewn, wherein a stationary web dispensing means is supported adjacentone side of said sewing machine so as to feed the web to the sewing head of said sewing machine and a first clamp is supported by said table on the other side of said sewing machine so as to pull said web past said sewing head, said sewing machine being operative to sew said web to one edge of said fabric as said table conveys said fabric past said sewing machine, said table further having a second clamp mounted on the top thereof for securing an opposite edge of said fabric, the improvement wherein:

an elongated bar is pivotably mounted above said table adjacent and extending along said one side thereof, said bar adapted to rest on said fabric, along said one edge thereof; and wherein:

said web dispensing means is positioned on the throat side of said sewing machine and said first clamp extends beyond said one side of said table and more than halfway past said sewing head so that said web dispensing means and said first clamp feed said web past said sewing head so that said web overlaps but extends beyond said one edge of said fabric with said sewing head located to sew along the inner edge of said web.

Claims

1. In a sewing operation wherein a stationary sewing machine is positioned adjacent one side of a movable table, said table having a top adapted to receive a fabric to be sewn, said sewing machine being operative to perform a sewing operation on one edge of said fabric as said table conveys said fabric past said sewing machine, said table having a clamp mounted on the top thereof for securing an opposite edge of said fabric, the improvement comprising: an elongated bar pivotably mounted above said table adjacent and extending along said one side thereof, said bar adapted to rest on said fabric, along said one edge thereof, said elongated bar being supported for pivotal movement between a first position spaced from said table top to permit positioning of said fabric thereon and a second position in contact with said fabric on said table top; and an elongated plate mounted on said table top, along said one side of said table, said plate extending beyond said one side of said table and overlapping the base of said sewing machine to provide a continuous surface from said table top to said sewing machine, said plate having a ridge running along the entire length thereof, said bar resting, when in said second position, on said elongated plate, alongside said ridge.

2. In a sewing operation according to claim 1, the improvement wherein said bar is a generally rectangular member, one side of which is adapted to rest on said plate, an adjacent side being adapted to contact said ridge.

3. In a sewing operation wherein a stationary sewing machine is positioned adjacent one side of a movable table, said table having a top adapted to receive a fabric to be sewn, wherein a stationary web dispensing means is supported adjacent one side of said sewing machine so as to feed the web to the sewing head of said sewing machine and a first clamp is supported by said table on the other side of said sewing machine so as to pull said web past said sewing head, said sewing machine being operative to sew said web to one edge of said fabric as said table conveys said fabric past said sewing machine, said table further having a second clamp mounted on the top thereof for securing an opposite edge of said fabric, the improvement wherein: an elongated bar is pivotably mounted above said table adjacent and extending along said one side thereof, said bar adapted to rest on said fabric, along said one edge thereof; and wherein: said web dispensing means is positioned on the throat side of said sewing machine and said first clamp extends beyond said one side of said table and more than halfway past said sewing head so that said web dispensing means and said first clamp feed said web past said sewing head so that said web overlaps but extends beyond said one edge of said fabric with said sewing head located to sew along the inner edge of said web.