PURPOSE: To provide technique for fabric retention during the commercial embroidering and sewing step, especially an apparatus and method for holding the fabric taut during operation on the fabric by using a multi-head sewing machine.

CONSTITUTION: This fabric holder or method for maintaining fabric or other flexible planar members in a taut manner for sewing, stitching or embroidering thereon is provided. The fabric is stretched across a portal frame in which the frame sides each have a base with an upward wave-like crest projection 28. A clamp receptacle 36 receives the projection and fabric thereon to maintain the fabric sandwiched tightly in place. As stress are applied to the fabric during sewing, the clamp 35 exhibits the ability to rotate outwardly thereby applying a greater gripping force to the fabric to maintain it in place on the frame. After the sewing operation is completed, the clamps can be easily removed for fabric replacement by manually rotating them inwardly, toward the center of the fabric and thereafter lifting the clamp and fabric from the projection.