The sewing machine assembly comprises a base having a work surface (11) and a sewing machine including a sewing machine drive and a stitching needle assembly (380) for sewing materials disposed on the work surface. In order to facilitate the loading and unloading of thick materials, the stitching needle assembly (380) comprises a linkage (372) coupling the sewing needle (13) to the sewing machine drive for mowing the sewing needle to provide a desired stitching pattern and means (370) unconnected to the sewing machine drive for raising and lowering the sewing needle (13) in a vertical direction with respect to the work surface independently of the sewing machine drive.