Having trouble sewing in the dark, or trying to light match a thread to your fabric? The Janome High Light^TM is a nifty little feature that brightens up your entire work space.

The retractable lamp pulls out to give direct light at the needle area, allowing you to work shadow-free on your project. You can also adjust and angle the light to shine exactly where you need it.

High Light^TM is available on selected Janome sewing machine models including MC15000 Quilt Maker, MC14000, MC12000 and MC9400QCP.

Visit an authorised Janome stockist today to see it for yourself.

Ever wish you could turn a corner with a decorative stitch? Or tailor the beginning and end of a decorative stitch to create customised shapes and frames?

Welcome to the world of Stitch Tapering.

By adjusting the angle of taper, you can easily create original decorative borders and motifs.

Janome’s Stitch Tapering function is a fantastic feature that lets you customize a decorative stitch for extra design detail. Top-stitching, applique or cornering can benefit from the professional degree of finishing that a tapered stitch can provide.

Take your pick from a broad selection of taper-ready stitches and set your desired stitch angle at 30, 45, 60, 90 or 120 to suit your sewing needs.

With the Horizon Memory Craft 15000 Quilt Maker, this specialised technique is further revolutionized with an industry-first mirror image tapering mode, allowing you to create design stitches with mirror image pattern, needle position and tapering angle. You can also set the number of pattern repeats and preview the pattern on screen before stitching, giving you ultimate precision and control.

Stitch Tapering function is available on Horizon Memory Craft 15000 Quilt Maker and the Skyline S9.

Visit an authorised Janome stockist today to find out more.

Whether you’re an advanced free motion quilter or just dipping your toes into quilting for the first time, having the right machine makes all the difference.

While you can use just about use any regular sewing machine for quilting (a quilting machine is a sewing machine after all!), a quilting machine has a variety of add-ons and capabilities that really separate the two.

On our blog today, let’s take a look at some of the most important features you’ll want to consider if you’re planning to quilt on a regular basis.

1) Work space

One of the most obvious differences between a standard sewing machines and a quilting machine is the amount of workspace on the machine.

This is measured by the “throat” of the machine, which is directly determined by the length of the machine itself – the longer the machine, the wider the throat, the larger the workarea.

For basic sewing needs and easy home décor projects, a large table with ample work space/throat is more of a luxury than a need. But with bulky projects, such as quilts, the throat space becomes pretty important, hence quilting machines generally offer a much larger work area.

2) Extension Table

If you want even more workspace on your machine, an extension table will give you that room to move and maneuver as you’re quilting.

Designed to fit snugly against your sewing machine, the extra work surface is perfect for machine quilting and sewing on borders and bindings.

Many machines in our quilting range come with the Extension Table accessory, however it’s also available as an optional accessory within the Janome range of genuine parts and accessories.

3) Janome AcuFeed™ System

Ever find your sewing machine stitching everything perfectly from the top but upon flipping over your work, you find bunching or puckering? That’s not entirely uncommon for quilters who often work with multiple layers and heavy fabric.

Janome’s exclusive AcuFeed™ System is designed to move layers of your project together under the needle with perfect precision from both the top and bottom. This feature works great for everything from piecing to hemming to quilting and any sewing requiring precise control.

The AcuFeed™ System is available on MC15000 Quilt Maker, MC15000, MC14000, MC12000, MC9400QCP, MC8900QCP, MC8200QCP, MC8200QC, MC6700P, MC6600P, Skyline S9, Skyline S7 machines.

4) Foot Option: Quarter Inch Foot

When machine piecing a quilt top, a quarter inch seam allowance is ideal. The quarter inch piecing foot helps to achieve quilting accuracy and is also used specifically for quilting projects that typically have a narrow seam allowance.

Many machines in our quilting range come with this foot, however it’s also available as an optional accessory within the Janome range of genuine parts and accessories. Also, available is an AcuFeed Quarter Inch Foot.

5) Foot Option: Darning or Free Motion Foot

For free motion quilting, the most effective foot to use is the free motion or darning foot.

This foot ensures proper stitch formation, minimizes skipped stitches and puckering and also protects your fingers while you move the fabric freely under the needle. It’s especially beneficial to those just learning how to do free hand quilting. The open toe version greatly improves visibility of stitches and is especially popular with quilters. To achieve the best results when free motioning, set your needle to left needle position.

Many machines in our quilting range come with this foot, however it’s also available as an optional accessory within the Janome range of genuine parts and accessories.

6) Foot Option: Walking Foot (also known as Even Feed Foot)

If your machine doesn’t have AcuFeed™ System, don’t fret; let the Walking Foot save the day.

The walking foot is essentially a second pair of feed dogs for the top of your project to give you the extra help needed to feed through multiple layers, heavy fabrics and those difficult to sew slippery fabrics . It’s also fantastic to use when quilting in straight lines!

Many machines in our quilting range come with this foot, however it’s also available as an optional accessory within the Janome range of genuine parts and accessories.

7) Number of Stitches

Decorative stitches may not be your go-to stitch for quilting, but they can be just the thing that takes your quilt from, “That’s very nice,” to “Wow! You made that?”

Quilting with decorative stitches is a great way to add an accent to your quilt especially along a border. You can also use decorative stitching to quilt your quilt sandwich.

Some of our machines in the quilting range have over 200 built-in stitches to choose from including MC15000 Quilt Maker, MC14000, MC9400QCP and MC6700P machines.

8) Sewing Speed & Stability

If you are a serious quilter or quilt for a living, then a high-speed machine is definitely worth considering.

Some of our fastest machines in the market includes the MC6700P, MC6600, 1600P-QC, MC15000 Quilt Maker, MC14000 and MC9400QCP with the capability of zapping through projects at speeds of up to 1600 SPM.

Because these machines can sew at such great speeds, the machines themselves are designed to be extremely sturdy and built to withstand the speed of the motor. They offer stability features like extra wide flat bed and a generous workspace – all great features you want in a quilting machine.

From the casual sewist to the seasoned seamstress, there’s a sewing machine for every maker. Discover Janome’s huge range of products designed with an array of intuitive features to suit every budget and skill level. Visit an authorised Janome stockist today to find out more.

Can’t make up your mind on whether to add an overlocker to your sewing machine collection? Here are 4 signs to help you decide:

Do you sew mostly garments?

Let’s face it, unfinished garment seams, especially on woven fabrics, aren’t durable over time. Eventually the fabric will fray, showing the unfinished edges and sometimes your seams will start to unravel. (That’s the beginning of the end for your handmade garment!)

If you look at your store-bought clothes you will most likely notice the flawless edge of the seams. This is where the brilliant work of an overlocker comes into play – it stitches and trims away excess fabric along the edge all at once!

The overlocker can be set up to complete many finishes by simply adjusting the settings to suit your project. Investing in an overlocker will make your garments stand the test of time, while making them look professionally constructed.

Do you have limited time to sew?

Granted, not all of us are full-time home sewists. Some of us are lucky if we can have an uninterrupted stitching session while the kiddos are napping, or have a ninja sew straight after getting home from our full-time job. If your sewing time is limited, an overlocker can help you whiz through your projects quickly and efficiently.

An overlocker can be used for many finishes including construction of garments, through to finishing off the edges of fabric that will then be seamed on the sewing machine. In particular, the overlocker is useful for knit and stretch fabrics, as it helps to guide and seam these fabrics that are often difficult to sew using a sewing machine.

Do you have trouble with the edges of your seamed fabrics rolling after sewing with the sewing machine?

Does the fabric rolling in the seam allowance on the edge of your knit garment drive you batty? If you have experienced this before, you will know that it becomes difficult to sew other intersecting seams and creates an unnecessary bulk to your work.

Overlockers can help with this issue as the knit/stretch fabrics feed through with the help of the differential feed and allow you to create a nice flat seam allowance. Your waistbands and side seams will look a lot neater and sit more comfortably when you wear your garment.

Do you enjoy sewing home décor or accessorizing your home?

The overlocker can be used for more than just garment sewing. Have you ever wanted to work with fabrics that might end up needing to be washed or used frequently, and you worry about how they will cope?

The overlocker can be perfect for this as you can finish the edges of your pillows and other home deco items so that they are reinforced and secure for laundering and daily use. With an overlock, you can stitch up lovely rolled hems to finish off your table linens, gathers for beautiful ruffles on pillows and so much more! The extra strength that is given when using the overlocker on the seams allows for a longer life to your handmade sewing projects.

One thing is for sure, once you decide to invest in an overlocker, it quickly becomes very difficult to imagine life without it! An overlocker can be the perfect addition for everyone. Contact an authorised Janome stockist today for a demonstration on the range of Janome overlockers to see how much your sewing experience can be improved with this versatile machine.

See that two rows of stitches on your T-shirt hem? They are not just for looks — but they do look kind of cool! – they allow the garment to stretch without breaking stitches.

Fancy meeting the machine behind these stitches?

Coverstitch machines are primarily used to create professional-looking hems to garments. It has the dual function of covering raw edges of a fabric and also retaining fabric stretchability. This is especially handy for people who like to make clothes from knit fabrics or require seams that retain stretch – think active wear, bathers, children’s clothing, etc.

You will commonly find coverstitch on sleeves hem, pants hem and necklines.

I already own an Overlocker, why do I need a Coverstitch machine?

Well, the short answer is they are really two different machines and do two different things altogether.

With overlockers, it’s main purpose is to tidy up seams and prevent fraying. Your overlocker will trim excess seam allowance and at the same time sew a run of neat stitches over the edge.

A coverstitch machine on the other hand, has a looper like an overlocker but doesn’t have a blade. Its job is simply to hem your finished garment edges or do decorative chainstitching.

Coverstitching works well on woven fabrics by keeping them from ravelling. They are especially useful for hemming knit fabrics. The stitch it makes maintains the stretch in the fabric and doesn’t pucker as is the case when you sew stretchy fabrics with a sewing machine.

How many needles do I need?

Janome coverstitch machines have the capability to sew with one, two or three needles, plus a looper underneath.

Used with just 1 needle, a coverstitch machine will knit a chainstitch, which is a beautiful stretchy seam.

Single needle coverstitch produces the straight line stitching seen on a garment’s outside and a braided chain stitch on the garment’s inside.

If three needles are used, then three lines of parallel stitching appears on the right side of the fabric.

A triple needle coverstitch offers both strength and stretch.

By far the most common arrangement is to use two needles to achieve a classic double needle coverstitch.

Typically, you’ll see two top threads on the right side of the fabric.

As there are three needle positions, you can either choose to remove the left or right needle for twin rows of stitches, which are fairly close together. The narrow coverstitch is ideal for lighter weight fabrics or when sewing smaller garments such as children’s clothing.

You can also choose to remove the central needle to create a wider set of stitches. This is the preferred setting for adult clothing and sturdier fabrics. But it really all depends on the final look you desire.

If you’re an avid dressmaker or already own an overlocker, a quality, stand-alone coverstitch machine such as the Janome CoverPro 3000 Professional will be an ideal addition to your lineup. This way you can have dedicated machines all set up and ready to do their jobs.

If you’re short on space, the Janome 1200D Professional combo coverstitch / overlock machine is our favourite option. You get two utility stitching functions in one compact machine!

Got a sewing question? Get help here or speak to your local Janome dealer.

Having trouble looking for your machine’s serial number / model number?

You will usually find the information located on the back of your machine.

Your machine’s serial number is a unique 9-digit number and is a very important part of the warranty process with any Janome product. It will help us identify the machine and what model it could be.

The machine model can also be located on this plate should you need to purchase any accessories or replacement parts for the machine.

Also printed on the plate is the place of manufacture.

If you own a Janome sewing machine, don’t forget to register your machine online.

Are you a beginner sewist shopping for your first machine? With literally hundreds of options, choosing the right one can be a little overwhelming. Here are some handy hints to look out for…

Stitches

One of the key things to consider when buying a sewing machine is the number of stitches that are available. Standard stitches include straight stitch, zigzag stitch, buttonholes and blind hem stitch. However these are pretty basic stitches and may not be sufficient for all sewists. You may decide to start out with a basic machine and upgrade later once you have worked out what you want to sew.

The other decision is to have a think about what you are likely to sew and if this will change in the future. If you already know the projects you’ll be working on or have a general idea of which stitches you would like and need, then this can be a simple starting point for selecting a machine. It is usually recommended if you are unsure of what to buy that you look at a sewing machine that can cater for later on as your skills and experience expand and evolve – you will thank yourself for that later!

Mechanical or Computerised

While both types of machines perform the basic task of making uniformed stitches, factors such as skill level, needs and budget will influence which machine is more suited for you. With computerised models, you get additional features and extras that can save you time and enhance your sewing experience.

Some features that we love about computerised sewing machines include:

• Auto-threading

• Stop/start buttons

• Automatic buttonhole

• Automatic tensioning

• A wide variety of stitch length and width selection

• Presser foot up / down selection

Attachments and Feet

Attachments and feet will be specific to what you plan to sew. Quilters will want a walking foot, free motion foot, and a 1/4″ foot. Garment sewists may look for a zipper foot, overcast stitching foot, buttonhole foot, and button attaching foot. Many machines may come with all of these feet, however, they are also available as optional accessories within the Janome range of genuine parts and accessories.

Additional Features

Many machines come with some awesome features that once you have them, you can’t go back. A few of our favourites include…

• Automatic Thread Cutter: Push a button to cut the thread. Once you start using it, it turns into a “must have” feature.

• Foot Pressure: Allows you to adjust the pressure that is applied to your fabric while it is moving under your sewing foot.

• Knee Lifter: Allows you to lift the presser foot while your hands are holding the fabric in place. Ideal for curves and sharp corners.

• Janome AcuFeed™ System: Top and bottom feed dog system makes it a breeze to sew through multiple layers and heavy fabric. Highly recommended for quilters or working with multiple layers.

• Wi-Fi capability: You can easily send embroidery designs from an iPad or computer straight to the machine.

What are some of your favourite features?

When was the last time you cleaned and maintained your sewing machine?

Make your friend sparkle

Like cars, sewing machines do need some TLC in order to stay at their peak. We’d recommend a thorough clean every time you change your needle, or approximately every 8 hours of use. If you haven’t done that for a while, you’ll be amazed at the accumulation of dust, thread and lint. Don’t be surprised what else you’ll find in there that could be harmful to your machine.

When maintaining your machine, always refer to your sewing machine’s instructions manual. If you don’t have one, speak to your local Janome dealer, and they can order one in for you. Some dealers even run basic maintenance classes, so it is worth also asking them if they facilitate this service.

A clean machine is also a quiet machine

The “dirtiest” part of your sewing machine is generally the bobbin holder area, as that’s where fluff and lint accumulate from the needle going up and down through the fabric. Grab your lint brush and give it a few good swipes. If you don’t have a lint brush, a small, clean makeup brush should do the trick (it’s not advised to re-use the make-up brush for glamming yourself up after this).

If a bobbin holder cleaner is included as part of your accessories, you can apply a few drops of the cleaner to a soft cloth and wipe the bobbin holder both inside and outside.

It’s critical that you don’t dismantle the machine in any way other than what is explained in your instructions manual.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to change your needle often. We recommend changing out needles after 8 hours of active stitching or after four full bobbins. Always put in a fresh needle if you feel that your needle has hit something other than fabric, or notice that the machine seems to be struggling when going through layers of fabric. A bent or dull needle will not only damage your fabric, but your machine as well. It’s also vitally important to use good quality needles – Janome needles are designed to work with your Janome machine, giving you optimal stitch results with little fuss in the process.

Changing to a new needle can eliminate poor stitching, skipping, fabric snags, and can even cut down on lint accumulating in your machine!

Here are some other good maintenance practice to keep you machine running like a champ:

• Protect your sewing machine by covering it with a case or keeping it in a carry bag. This way you can keep out dust, lint and pet hair from getting into your machine in between projects. It also protects it from the being damaged if knocked or moved.

• Try not to eat and sew at the same time. A little grease and sauce can make a big mess of your fabric and your machine. Don’t ask us how we know that.

• We recommend sending your sewing machine to an authorised Janome dealer for an annual tune up and service. Your dealer will be able to perform a more thorough maintenance regime, ensuring that your machine is working at its optimum, and maximising the longevity of your machine. They also have access to all the genuine parts and accessories that you may need for your machine.

Sewing machines are delicate creatures but with proper care, all machines – sewing, embroidery, quilting or overlockers – will continue to run smoothly and beautifully!