Since getting my new Janome sewing machine back in June, I've been enjoying getting to know it. I use the HP2 foot I bought extra like 95% of the time, and have gotten used to the remote thread cutter switch. I've even free-motion quilted a time or two!
But I tried something new while making the Nightingale Zipper Case that I just have to share. It involves sewing an 1/8" seam / basting / top-stitching. On the zipper case, I used it A LOT for basting, but especially for all the top-stitching.
Like magic, it stitched really beautiful - and straight! - top-stitching, nicer and easier than I've done before. It did mean a lot of switching out needle plates when I was sewing seams vs. top-stitching, but it was so worth it, and with the one-step needle plate feature, it was quick to switch back and forth. Anyway, I've already been using this feature on another project, and am appreciating it so much. Let me know if you have the same machine and have used this feature too - or not!
Great topstitching!! I don't have a Janome but I like to know what other machines can do.
ReplyDeleteOkay I was already excited and impressed just by that gorgeous photo of gorgeous topstitching. But then I saw the close-up of the foot -- and alarmed my cat by shouting WHOA. I don't have a Janome but I do have a needle plate that can be straight stitch or um regular? zigzag? and I don't use the straight stitch function much -- even though I know it would make a nicer stitch if I did. (Probably 75% of my stitches are straight..) It is so intersting to see how much your choice of foot (and plate/needle position, it seems) affects your stitching.
ReplyDeleteActually I have a question, maybe you have thoughts? I sew a lot of baby bibs, and when I topstitch and get to the corner at the bottom, it's so difficult to get the topstitching to stay even. I think the feed dogs have trouble catching the material at that corner. Any topstitching top tips?? (No pressure to answer but if it's fun for you I'm here for it!)
I know exactly what you mean! Have you tried your walking foot? Just a though! Also, I have a pair of sewing tweezers that I use to carefully push from behind to get the sewing going. Sometimes that helps. My sewing machine foot also has markings on it so I can tell exactly how far from the edge I am before turning. Does any of that help?? ;-)
DeleteThis is an excellent tip!! Thank you! I was going to buy 1/8 foot for my juki but now I can use my Janome. I did not know that the HP foot would work on another plate. 😳👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻better watch a few more chatterbox videos! Your stitching is beautiful 😍
ReplyDeleteI don't have the 1/8" foot for my JUKI, so I don't know how they compare, but at least you have options!
DeleteI have a 9400 and I use the HP2 and the straight stitch plate 90% of the time. I only change out if I need to use a wide stitch or if I'm actually quilting (when I use the wide walking foot). -- Dendaria
ReplyDeleteoh interesting! Curious why you use the SS plate instead of the HP plate, when you can do straight stitch with it too. I'm still learning!
DeleteYour top stitching looks beautiful! I really love how knowledge spreads organically and I bet others are going to learn a cool thing their machine can do because of you. :)
ReplyDeleteI always wondered why that hole was there. I have the HP foot and have used it on my S7 (at advice of the dealer I brought it from, although the foot is not made for the S7). The stitching is so neat and even! Glad you are enjoying your machine!
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