Sewing Machine with a Thread Holding Device for Holding Needle Thread Remaining

A sewing machine includes a thread holding device disposed downstream of a thread take-up lever and upstream of a needle bar in terms of a threading path of a needle thread, and including a fixed first disc and a movable second disc movable by an electromechanical unit between holding and releasing positions to be closer to and remote from the first disc, respectively. The first and second discs respectively have first and second holding surfaces cooperatively defining a thread holding clearance to permit passage of the needle thread therethrough. The needle thread can be clamped in the thread holding clearance so as to prevent the needle thread being pulled out of the needle during a thread cutting procedure. A required amount of the needle thread remaining on the needle can be secured.