Machine Tips
Machine Monogramming: FOUR Ways to Make Your Mark
Applying initials to something to identify it as undeniably yours dates back as far as the signet rings of the ancient Romans. Today, machine monogramming makes it easy. Janome expert, Anne Hein reviews a variety of options.
There’s a Story Behind Your Janome Sewing Machine
There are 100 years of history behind that trusty Janome on your work surface. Learn a bit about all that’s gone into making your Janome such a trusted sewing companion: reliable, intuitive, precise, powerful, and easy to use.
Janome Workbooks: M7 + 15000 + 9450
If you’re a lucky owner of a Continental M7, MC15000 or MC9450, there is now a Janome Workbook for all THREE models. Each book explores tips, tricks, plus step-by-step instructions and projects to get the most out of your machine.
How to Make a Blind Hem
A blind hem is exactly what it sounds like: a machine-done hem with stitches you can barely see. It’s perfect anywhere you want a clean finished edge. Good news: the specialty Blind Hem presser foot is standard on most machines.
Six Ways to Machine Stitch a Straight Line
A straight line seems like the most basic sewing technique. But we’re amazed by the number of comments and questions we get about how to do it better, easier, and more consistently. Using the right foot for the job is the real secret.
How to Sew Thick Layers
Layer upon layer upon layer?! With the right presser feet and accessories, an understanding of seam grading, and the patience to go slowly and carefully, you can sew like a pro through thick and thin.
How To Sew On Buttons with a Sewing Machine
Don’t know about you, but we find sewing buttons by hand a bit tedious, time-consuming, and it can be hard to get them all to look uniform. Solution: using a Button Sewing foot on your machine. Securely attached and perfectly aligned.
Janome Sliding Guide Foot
A skosh, a wee bit, just a hair… sometimes, the distances we want to work with when sewing aren’t quite as precise as the engraved inch and millimeter markings on our machines. This foot allows you to custom set your seam.
Janome Ultra Glide Foot + Ultra Glide Needle Plate
Life can get a little sticky. In sewing, it’s the surfaces of specialty fabrics, like laminates that love to drag across your presser foot and/or needle plate, causing stitching to bunch or break. Janome Ultra Glide to the rescue.
How to Make Tiny Tucks with a Quarter Inch Seam Foot
Narrow tucks, called pintucks when they are super narrow, are often used in heirloom sewing, but they can add a lovely detail to many projects. Did you know you can create the look quickly and easily with your Quarter Inch foot?
How to Make a Rolled Hem on a Sewing Machine
There is one particular type of hem we receive more questions about than any other: the rolled hem. Not to be confused with a narrow hem, a rolled hem is created using a special presser foot. Great for edges on lightweight fabrics.
Machine Basting Basics
When does 1+1 = 1? When you’re basting two layers together! Lear: how to determine if your sewing machine has a basting stitch, when to use the stitch in sewing projects, and why hand basting is sometimes best.
How and Why to Set a Sewing Machine’s Stitch Length
Today’s machines can zip along at up to 1000 stitches per minute; you can see how a little length goes a long way. The shorter the stitches, the tighter the seam. The longer the stitches, the looser the seam.
How to Clean Your Sewing Machine
What’s the one thing you should do to keep your sewing machine running smoothly? Clean out the lint! It’s an unavoidable by-product of sewing but shouldn’t be ignored. Regular cleaning helps maintain smooth stitching.
ID the Main Parts of a Sewing Machine
If you’re brand new to sewing, you’re probably also brand new to figuring out all the parts of a sewing machine. We review the basics, from unpacking, to setting up, to the names of the most common parts, to threading and testing.
Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Needle
New project – new needle! It’s an important part of the process because a good needle in your sewing room is like a good knife in your kitchen. Learn the basics about sizes, styles, types, even the anatomy of a needle.
In-The-Hoop Embroidered Coasters
The technique is just as the name implies: the vast majority of the project, both sewing and embroidery, is done within an embroidery hoop. The elegant result is similar in rich color and complexity to a fine Jacquard ribbon.
