A zigzag sewing machine including a sewing mechanism; a first storage device that stores pattern data that include attribute data and stitch data; a pattern selection section that sequentially selects optional pattern data stored in the first storage device; a second storage device that stores pattern data that have been selected by the pattern selection section as an arranged combinational pattern; a command data insertion section that inserts and adds pause data at an optional position midway of a pattern data string stored in the second storage device; a pause command section that reads out the pause data and that supplies the pause signal to the sewing machine drive unit; and a display device that displays the combinational pattern, the display device further displaying a pause symbol at a position in the combinational pattern where the pause symbol has been inserted and added.