A sewing machine includes a sewing portion sewing an embroidery pattern on a cloth, a first storage portion storing the stitch data and pattern data, a display portion, a processor, and a memory storing computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, executed by the processor, includes first acquiring the stitch data and the pattern data, and first displaying, based on the pattern data, the pattern image on the display portion. The computer-readable instructions also includes, first generating a plurality of partial images representing a number of stitches corresponding to a first predetermined number, based on the stitch data, after the first displaying of the pattern image on the display portion, and second displaying, each time each of the plurality of partial images is generated by the first generating, the generated partial image on a portion of the pattern image displayed by the first displaying that corresponds to the generated partial image.

A software activation system includes a sewing machine and at least one server connected via a network. The sewing machine acquires an authentication code corresponding to an activation target software that is at least one of a program and data not activated on the sewing machine, and transmits, to an authentication server included in the at least one server, an authentication request including the acquired authentication code. The server acquires an authentication key on the basis of the authentication request, when the authentication request is received by the first receiver; and transmits the acquired authentication key to the sewing machine. The sewing machine also receives the authentication key from the authentication server, determines whether the received authentication key satisfies a predetermined authentication condition, and activates the activation target software on the sewing machine when it is determined that the authentication key satisfies the predetermined condition.

A holder member includes a planar portion, a mounting portion, a color reference member, and an affixing device. The planar portion has a surface that is planar. The mounting portion supports the planar portion. The mounting portion is also configured to be removably mounted on an embroidery frame moving mechanism of a sewing machine. The color reference member is provided on the planar portion. The color reference member also shows a color that serves as a reference. The affixing device is configured to fix in place an object that has been placed on the planar portion.

A holder member includes a planar portion, a mounting portion, a color reference member, and an affixing device. The planar portion has a surface that is planar. The mounting portion supports the planar portion. The mounting portion is also configured to be removably mounted on an embroidery frame moving mechanism of a sewing machine. The color reference member is provided on the planar portion. The color reference member also shows a color that serves as a reference. The affixing device is configured to fix in place an object that has been placed on the planar portion.

Tools are provided that communicate to a pattern designer how much yarn is being used on every needle for a given tuft height pattern and permit the designer to adjust the pattern accordingly to balance the yarn usage on the needles. An electronic representation of a pattern design is received for controlling a carpet tufting operation. The pattern design includes a pile height per tuft. A grid is provided for representing the pattern design using different visual cues to represent different pile heights. A graph depicting use-of-yarn per needle for the carpet tufting operation is generated. The grid and the graph are on a common user interface and are viewable at the same time on a display device.

Tools are provided that communicate to a pattern designer how much yarn is being used on every needle for a given tuft height pattern and permit the designer to adjust the pattern accordingly to balance the yarn usage on the needles. An electronic representation of a pattern design is received for controlling a carpet tufting operation. The pattern design includes a pile height per tuft. A grid is provided for representing the pattern design using different visual cues to represent different pile heights. A graph depicting use-of-yarn per needle for the carpet tufting operation is generated. The grid and the graph are on a common user interface and are viewable at the same time on a display device.

A dyeing apparatus is configured to be connected to an embroidery apparatus. The dyeing apparatus includes a dyer configured to dye a thread; a conveying path in which a path length of the thread from the dyer to the embroidery apparatus is changed according to an operation of the embroidery apparatus; and a conveyance control unit configured to adjust a conveyance speed of the thread in the conveying path, according to a change in the path length. The dyer dyes the thread at a dyeing speed that matches the adjusted conveyance speed.

The present invention generally relates to layered embroidered headwear and methods for producing layered embroidered headwear. More particularly, the embroidering method of the present invention can produce headwear, including cap panels for producing the headwear, that comprises vivid decorations and designs, which are highly breathable and lightweight. As described herein, the embroidering method of the present invention can apply multiple levels of embroidering thread on top of each other to produce elaborate patterns or designs on the headwear without jeopardizing the breathability or weight of the headwear.

The present invention generally relates to layered embroidered headwear and methods for producing layered embroidered headwear. More particularly, the embroidering method of the present invention can produce headwear, including cap panels for producing the headwear, that comprises vivid decorations and designs, which are highly breathable and lightweight. As described herein, the embroidering method of the present invention can apply multiple levels of embroidering thread on top of each other to produce elaborate patterns or designs on the headwear without jeopardizing the breathability or weight of the headwear.

A software activation system includes a sewing machine and at least one server connected via a network. The sewing machine acquires an authentication code corresponding to an activation target software that is at least one of a program and data not activated on the sewing machine, and transmits, to an authentication server included in the at least one server, an authentication request including the acquired authentication code. The server acquires an authentication key on the basis of the authentication request, when the authentication request is received by the first receiver; and transmits the acquired authentication key to the sewing machine. The sewing machine also receives the authentication key from the authentication server, determines whether the received authentication key satisfies a predetermined authentication condition, and activates the activation target software on the sewing machine when it is determined that the authentication key satisfies the predetermined condition.