Method for controlling an embroidering machine and machine controlled according to the method

In the embroidering machine, in which the function commands for controlling it can be picked up from punched-card means (1) and are fed via needle tappets (2) to an automatic embroidering unit (3) which triggers the machine-function cycles via mechanical switching members, some of the function commands which can be picked up from the punched-card means (1) take effect as electrical control signals for a triggering of some of the machine-function cycles, especially the embroidering-frame positioning, the said triggering being independent of the automatic embroidering unit (3). The electrical control signals are present at the output of an electromagnetic converter (4) converting the mechanical movements of the needle tappets (2) sensing the punched-card means (1). This makes it possible, whilst preserving the mechanical triggering of existing individual functions of the embroidering machine by the automatic embroidering unit, to trigger predetermined machine-function cycles, such as, for example, the embroidering-frame positioning, electrically, any delay being avoided.