Programmable sewing machine

A programmable industrial sewing machine adapted to learn and store, in Automatic Learn or Key Learn Modes of operation, a series of sewing machine operations for later automatic duplication. In both modes of operation provision is made for an operator to select the number of initial and final locking stitches prior to commencing stitching operations. Operator actuated controls, such as knee shift device and foot treadle, operate identically in both Learn Modes of operation and as they would operate in a normal manual industrial sewing machine. In the Automatic Learn Mode of operation, a record is compiled in segments, consisting each of a stitch count, a pivot delay time, and a speed copy. In appropriate circumstance, the pivot delay time may be zero. Various positions of the foot treadle, including the neutral and heel position, elicit an appropriate response by means of a computer to effect a recording of a logical series of stitching operations for later automatic reproduction with operator guidance of a work material. In the Key Learn Mode of operation, provision is made for operator imposition of sewing speeds and pivot delay times to facilitate, for example, a rapid record production for automatic operation of the sewing machine at a slower rate of speed with an inexperienced operator.