This invention provides a sewing machine. The needle plate holding plate for holding the needle plate is provided with positioning pins placed on a lower face so as to fit into pin receiving holes provided on an upper face of the sewing machine bed so that the needle plate holding plate is positioned within the upper face of the sewing machine bed. An engaging piece is fitted to an inner face of the lid. When the lid is closed, the engaging piece engages with an engaging recess provided on the needle plate holding plate so as to restrict vertical movement of the needle plate holding plate. Sothat, it can achieve a simple fitting structure for easily attaching and removing a needle plate holding plate, which holds a needle plate separately or integrally, to an upper face of an end part ofa sewing machine bed.