A sewing machine includes an automatic thread tension adjusting device comprising an upper thread tension member arranged in an a thread running path between an upper thread source and a main thread take-up lever. An auxiliary thread take-up lever is arranged in the upper thread running path between the main thread take-up lever and a needle holding the upper thread. A thread engaging part guides the upper thread. A thread presser is arranged laterally of the upper thread running path between the main and auxiliary thread take-up levers and normally clamps the upper thread. A detector detects a predetermined rotation phase of a drive shaft of the machine and thread elongation, respectively, and generates respective electric signals. A control circuit causes the thread presser to release the upper thread in response to the electric signals generated by the detector.