Double chain stitch sewing machine

A double chain stitch sewing machine with a machine upper section (10) and a machine lower section (12), which sections between themselves define a sewing product plane (14) and are moveable in synchronism parallel to said plane, the machine upper section (10) having a needle rod (18) movable perpendicularly to the sewing product plane (14) for holding a needle (20) and the machine lower section (12) having a hook (40) cooperating with the needle (20) for forming stitches, which hook is movable back and forth in a plane parallel to the movement direction of the needle rod (18), characterized in that at least one needle stabilizer (42, 44) is arranged in the lower machine section (12) and is movable in synchronism with the needle rod movement and the hook movement between a first position near the needle path, in which first position it supports the needle (20) plunging into the sewing product against a deflection laterally to the movement path of the hook (40), and a second position remote from the needle path, and further characterized in that a loop spreader (58) provided in the machine lower section (12) is movable in a plane parallel to the sewing product plane (14) in two directions in synchronism with the needle rod movement and the hook movement, the loop spreader (58) being guided for slidable linear movement in a guide piece (60) and being connected with a first eccentric drive (66), the guide piece (60) being pivotal back and forth about a pivot axis (68) by a second eccentric drive (74).