An automatic embroidery machine is driven by information recorded on magnetic tape and utilizes a fixed sewing machine and a movable embroidery frame. An input apparatus registers user-selected points on a coordinate analysis panel, which points form embroidery patterns to be sewn, and causes embroidery information to be recorded upon magnetic tape for subsequent use in the automatic embroidery machine. The automatic embroidery machine and the input apparatus are so designed that after a continuous part of an embroidery pattern has been sewn, the embroidery frame will be moved to a next continuous part of a pattern and the automatic embroidering machine will stop, providing an opportunity for a user to change thread. The automatic embroidering machine cannot be restarted unless the user operates a controller, ensuring safe operation.The automatic embroidery machine is provided with a temporary memory, into which embroidery information is written while the magnetic tape is being read, and from which embroidery information is read out while the automatic embroidering machine is embroidering patterns. The input apparatus is so designed that when an amount of embroidery information corresponding to the predetermined capacity of the temporary memory has been recorded on the magnetic tape, a blank signal is next recorded thereon. The magnetic tape is repeatedly started and stopped, so that embroidery information is transferred in packets into and out of the temporary memory. This operation allows temporary memory capacity to be minimized, reducing cost.