For the adjustment of the values for the length and width of the stitches there is provided rotative adjustment knobs, each of which permitting to set a counter through an incremental sensing device. The state of the counter serves for controlling the machine and an analog display consisting of a luminous beam. From a storage unit basic adjustment values for determined sorts of stitches may be introduced in the counter and utilized unchanged or arbitrarily modified for controlling the display. The adjusted value effective for controlling the machine and the basic adjustment value are displayed in a different manner on each display. This gives as a whole a diversified, pleasant to handle and clear adjustment and display.