In an overlock sewing machine, a main shaft fixing operating shaft is provided with a differentiation ring that can be swung in a predetermined range such that, when the rotation of a main shaft is to be enabled, it is set to an enable state in a stationary state, and when the rotation of the main shaft is disabled, it is swung and shifted from the enable position. Furthermore, a looper cover open/closed detection configuration is configured by modifying a part of a typical known configuration. Such an arrangement provides an overlock sewing machine having a simple configuration that requires only a single micro switch to detect the switching between the threading mode and the sewing mode and to detect the open/closed state of the looper cover.

A hook and bobbin locator apparatus and method consisting of a mounting plate and more than one hook and bobbin combination. Each of the more than one hook and bobbin combinations is connected with a stepper motor and each of the more than one hook and bobbin combinations are removably connected with the mounting plate. A stepper motor is also connected with the mounting plate and a controller is connected with the mounting plate stepper motor and the hook and bobbin combination stepper motors such that movement of the mounting plate and the hook and bobbin combinations are controlled by the controller.

A sewing apparatus for applying a stitch of thread to a piece of fabric is provided. The apparatus housing includes a platform for supporting a piece of fabric, and contains a grasping member that is moved to grasp and release a thread segment fed through the housing by a needle holder. The needle holder is positioned to hold a needle that has a needle aperture for pass-through, therethrough of the thread segment, and is movable between a withdrawn position, and an advanced position in which the needle holder drives the needle through the piece of fabric to bring the thread segment into position for grasping by the grasping member. The sewing apparatus also including a needle holder driver for driving the movement of the needle holder and a thread puller for pulling the thread segment to an exterior of the housing for a user to cut.

A sewing apparatus for applying a stitch of thread to a piece of fabric is provided. The apparatus housing includes a platform for supporting a piece of fabric, and contains a grasping member that is moved to grasp and release a thread segment fed through the housing by a needle holder. The needle holder is positioned to hold a needle that has a needle aperture for pass-through, therethrough of the thread segment, and is movable between a withdrawn position, and an advanced position in which the needle holder drives the needle through the piece of fabric to bring the thread segment into position for grasping by the grasping member. The sewing apparatus also including a needle holder driver for driving the movement of the needle holder and a thread puller for pulling the thread segment to an exterior of the housing for a user to cut.