The machine comprises a needle (1) with an open eye (2) orientated perpendicular to a supporting surface (3) for the sewn item (4) and actuated with reciprocating motion to pass cyclically through the supporting surface and the sewn item, carrying a thread loop; a thread take-up wheel (5) having a fixed part (6), with a magazine (8) for taken-up thread (12), and a rotatable part (7); a lower looper (11) engaging the thread loop below the supporting surface (3) and loading the thread (12) into the magazine; and comprises a thread handly unit (31,32) allowing correct formation of the stitches.