A multiple needle sewing machine having a shiftable needle mechanism wherein threaded needles may be shuttled from an active to an inactive position and vice versa. A thread wiping mechanism, comprising an arrangement of articulated fingers is disposed adjacent the needles' inactive positions. Upon a proper signal, the fingers extend to a position to await the inactive needle, whereupon, the fingers will be retracted, catching only the thread of the inactive needle holding it out of the way of the needle in the active position. The thread wiping mechanism may be actuated by reciprocable means attached to the fingers, which actuation occurs upon receipt of a proper signal during operation of the sewing machine.