Programming device for an automatic sewing machine

Abstract

A programming device for an automatic sewing machine wherein a succession of stitches are formed along a desired stitching line registered via a stitch pattern record medium according to a batch of sewing instructions. The programming device comprises: stitch pitch setting means for setting a pitch of the stitches formed along the stitching line; means for sequentially reading coordinate positions spaced along the stitching line at an interval longer than the pitch set by the pitch setting means; first memory means for storing the coordinate position data read by the reading means; control means for sequentially reading out the stored coordinate position data such that the data of three consecutive coordinate positions are always available, and preparing a series of sewing instructions to form the stitches which are located on a circular arc passing the three consecutive positions defined by the read-out coordinate position data and which are equally spaced at the preset pitch; and second memory means for storing the prepared sewing instructions. The programming device preferably further comprises a spacing interval selector for setting an interval at which at least one additional succession of stitches are formed in parallel to the desired stitching line. In this specific form, the control means prepares at least one additional group of coordinate position data according to which are prepared sewing instructions for said additional succession of stitches.