machine 3 arranged on a table 2 and with a programmable electronic control system 4 is designated by 1 in fig1 furthermore a folding tool 5 with straight folding edge 6 which is arranged displaceably from a receiving position into a transfer position for the fabric is arranged at the table 2 furthermore a straight pressure pad 7 for holding and guiding the fabric during the sewing operation which can be moved in the longitudinal and transverse directions by means of corresponding drives 8 9 is located at the table 2 the sewing device 1 also includes a holding means 10 with stop means for limiting the feed motion of the folding tool 5 in the transfer position and for the temporary fixation of the fabric provided with the fold as well as a display screen keyboard unit 12 arranged on a swivel arm 11 the electric sewing machine 3 the display screen keyboard unit 12 the drives 8 9 for the pressure pad 7 as well as the drives 13 14 for the holding means 10 and the folding tool 5 are electrically connected to the control system 4 fig5 the design of the display screen keyboard unit 12 is shown in fig6 the keys shown are so called soft keys a holding down device 16 designed as a floating foot whose connection to the sewing machine 3 is not shown specifically for clarity 39.