Apparatus and method for speech recognition control of apparel manufacture equipment, such as a sewing machine, is provided. The invention includes a device for recognizing and translating an operator's verbal command into a digital control signal; a communication device such as a microphone for inputting the operator's verbal command into the recognizing and translating device; and interfacing means for presenting the digital control signal to the apparel manufacture equipment in a form recognized and accepted by the equipment. The method for voice control of apparel manufacture equipment according to the present invention comprises the steps of receiving an operator's verbal command; recognizing and translating the verbal command into a digital control signal; and routing this digital control signal to the apparel manufacture equipment in a form recognized by an actable upon by the equipment. An infrared light linkage may be employed to transmit commands from an operator to the machine's control circuitry.