An apparatus and method for applying stitches to a decorative component having a three dimensional configuration is provided. The apparatus having a head with a needle bar assembly operatively coupled to the head; a looper configured to cooperate with the needle bar assembly in order to provide a plurality of stitches in the decorative component, the looper rotating in a plane parallel to the decorative component; and a post assembly configured to drive the looper in a reciprocating fashion in the plane, wherein the post assembly is operatively coupled to a motor configured to drive the needle bar assembly in a reciprocating fashion.