The invention relates to methods and machine tools for processing workpieces, in which a workpiece and one or more processing tools are moved relative to each other with a positioning movement, an outward-stroke movement, and a return-stroke movement. In the positioning movement, the workpiece and the processing tool are positioned relative to each other in a positioning direction, in a return-stroke movement the workpiece and the processing tool are moved relative to each other and away from each other in a return-stroke direction transverse to the positioning direction, and in the outward-stroke movement the workpiece and the processing tool are moved relative to each other and towards each other in an outward-stroke direction transverse to the positioning direction. The return-stroke movement and the outward-stroke movement are executed during the positioning movement.