Janome Sewing Tutorial 4- Now we're sewing!
Sew, are we having fun yet? LOL!
Let's begin by trying out the machine. Slip a piece of cardstock under your presser foot and lower the presser foot. You can find the lever on the back of the machine that will lower the foot.
See these two pictures:
This is raised.
This is lowered.
It's time to choose a stitch. This is my favorite stitch because it's the perfect size when you layer card stock in 1/4 inch increments which I do all the time! Just turn your dial to whatever stitch pattern or size you want.
Now, use your hands as a guide and sewing right across your practice piece of cardstock. It should look like this.
It should look evenly spaced and the stitch should look the same on both sides of the cardstock. If it does, congratulations! You are now sewing on your cards!! But if you have uneven stitches or you are using a different type of paper and you stitch seems to change, then you might need to do this.
Setting the tension
Have your looked at this dial and thought, "what the heck is this thing?"
This is the tension wheel and it is a very important part of sewing correctly. It may need to be adjusted. Mine didn't. It came set just like this right out of the box and it works great. So, try setting yours to this number and see how your stitches come out if you are experiencing uneven stitches.
What to do if your stitches don't look right:
If you can see you bobbin (or bottom) stitches on the front of your paper, your tension is set too tight. Try lowering the number a little at a time until you can't see the bottom thread on top.
If the needle thread shows on the bottom of your paper, your tension is set too loose. Raised the number a little at a time on this dial until it evens out.
FAQs
Q. What kind of thread should I use with this machine?
A. Remember, this is a small craft sewing machine and is not made for use with heavy or fancy threads. My favorite thread is Coats & Clark. You can get it at most sewing stores and even Hobby Lobby has it. It comes in a zillion colors and is the perfect thread for card making and preserving the life of your machine.
Q. I have an expensive embroidery machine. Can I just use that instead?
A. You can use any sewing machine to sew on card stock, however, dust and paper fibers will get into the mechanics of the machine so make sure you are obsessive about cleaning it and blowing air through it to remove that build up. To be extra safe, pick up this machine or something comparable. This one is always going on sale and keep your expensive machine for fabric.
Q. Where can I get one of these.
A. Here is where I got mine:
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=20708&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=sew%20mini
That link goes right to the machine and it's on sale for $49.99!
Within the next few days, I'll be talking about how to sew on layers, how to do square corners and how to lock your stitches. In the meantime, stop back a little later for a blog candy giveaway that you're going to be so excited about!!
Hugs,
Gina K.
Let's begin by trying out the machine. Slip a piece of cardstock under your presser foot and lower the presser foot. You can find the lever on the back of the machine that will lower the foot.
See these two pictures:
This is raised.
This is lowered.
It's time to choose a stitch. This is my favorite stitch because it's the perfect size when you layer card stock in 1/4 inch increments which I do all the time! Just turn your dial to whatever stitch pattern or size you want.
Now, use your hands as a guide and sewing right across your practice piece of cardstock. It should look like this.
It should look evenly spaced and the stitch should look the same on both sides of the cardstock. If it does, congratulations! You are now sewing on your cards!! But if you have uneven stitches or you are using a different type of paper and you stitch seems to change, then you might need to do this.
Setting the tension
Have your looked at this dial and thought, "what the heck is this thing?"
This is the tension wheel and it is a very important part of sewing correctly. It may need to be adjusted. Mine didn't. It came set just like this right out of the box and it works great. So, try setting yours to this number and see how your stitches come out if you are experiencing uneven stitches.
What to do if your stitches don't look right:
If you can see you bobbin (or bottom) stitches on the front of your paper, your tension is set too tight. Try lowering the number a little at a time until you can't see the bottom thread on top.
If the needle thread shows on the bottom of your paper, your tension is set too loose. Raised the number a little at a time on this dial until it evens out.
FAQs
Q. What kind of thread should I use with this machine?
A. Remember, this is a small craft sewing machine and is not made for use with heavy or fancy threads. My favorite thread is Coats & Clark. You can get it at most sewing stores and even Hobby Lobby has it. It comes in a zillion colors and is the perfect thread for card making and preserving the life of your machine.
Q. I have an expensive embroidery machine. Can I just use that instead?
A. You can use any sewing machine to sew on card stock, however, dust and paper fibers will get into the mechanics of the machine so make sure you are obsessive about cleaning it and blowing air through it to remove that build up. To be extra safe, pick up this machine or something comparable. This one is always going on sale and keep your expensive machine for fabric.
Q. Where can I get one of these.
A. Here is where I got mine:
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=20708&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=sew%20mini
That link goes right to the machine and it's on sale for $49.99!
Within the next few days, I'll be talking about how to sew on layers, how to do square corners and how to lock your stitches. In the meantime, stop back a little later for a blog candy giveaway that you're going to be so excited about!!
Hugs,
Gina K.
I really appreciate the time you're taking to put up this tutorial Gina. I have a question though, when you sew on fabric, you need to lock in your stitches at the beginning and end of your row by reversing. I don't see this on the cards I've seen with sewing on them. How do you keep it from unraveling if you don't lock them in like this?
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I actually have a tutorial coming up on this next week, but basically, you can back stitch or tie them off.
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Wow Gina.. you did a great job on that tutorial. With your step by step instructions I think I can do that. Thanks for the free sewing class. I can only imagine what the blog candy will be as you always give away great things
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
See I can stitch a straight line on the computer..haha
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Thank you so much! I've had this adorable little machine for months and it has sat in my craft cabinet unused and lonely. Your tutorials inspired me to get it out of its hiding place, bring it in here next to my computer, and follow along with your beautifully photographed instructions. Now it's all threaded and ready to sew! Off to get cardstock and practice, practice, practice! My little Janome thanks you for setting it free!!!
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Thank you so much for this awesome tutorial and all the time you've spent on this! I got this little gem for Christmas and havn't used it yet! I sure will now though!
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Oh I've wanted this machine forever. Your tutorial is wonderful, now I just need the machine! Thanks for all your hard work!
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These have been very informative. I have been dropping by all day between work/loading voice files. I have really enjoyed what you have shown us, and I can't wait to see more sewing tips with corners and layers. Thanks! Kel
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Thank you so much for helping a sewing machine challenged person out! Now I just need to learn how to change the needle and I am all set. I should be able to find that in my book though, eh? BTW I have a Sears machine that was inherited and looks like it is from the 60s. LOL
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Oooo......I thank you for the link!! Hubby.......not so much!! LOL
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This looks so much easier than the regular sewing machine I had owned.
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great tip on the dust and fibers never thought of that but it does make perfect sense.
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Gina, Your tutorials are great!!!! We all learn so much from you!!1
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This is great. I am reminded to use some of my other hobby's tools for scrapbooking and stamping. I got to dig out my old machine. Thanks for the reminder. Now that I think about it, I have some silk ribbon left over from when I used to do silk ribbon embroidery. I bet the flowers would look great on a card!
Thanks again for the inspiration!
Jen
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great tutorial Gina! easy to understand. thanks for all your effort and time that you put in to make the tutorial
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I have a little sewing machine that I have never used because I don't even know where to start so THANK YOU for showing me where to start. Even though I have a different brand, I think your tutorials will get me started. I appreciate all of the work you put into educating all of us
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Fantastic set of tutorials!
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Yeah! Thanks to your tutorial, I got my machine unpacked, 6 bobbons wound, my machine threaded and stitched my first card! I haven't used a sewing machine in over 13 years; I had forgotten I purchased this one some time ago, yet in one evening it is set up and running andI have a new tool to add to my stash! Thank you so much, Gina!
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I am in AWE! What a terrific tool. Finally, I can actually learn to sew & not be scared to death of the machine! I love your step by step tutorial. It makes it so easy to understand.
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Great tutorials. I do sew and this was a nice detailed refresher and easy to understand. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you SO MUCH for these tutorials! I have a Janome that has been sitting untouched for over a year! I don't have a clue about sewing! This is so helpful to me, and I can't wait to get my machine out and finally use it, thanks to your help! ~Lynn~
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Thanks for sharing the information. I've been thinking for awhile that sewing would be a good skill to acquire, but I've been a little intimidated. Your tutorial makes it seem like I could do it too.
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Thank you so much for these tutorials, I have this machine but have lost the instructions so you are a real lifesaver!
Would you please please pretty please add a tutorial for changing the needle? My needle bent and I have tried to put in the replacement, but it just keeps falling out. Because of this I haven't been able to use my Janome for over a year, and frankly I am starting to get weepy over my ineptitude every time I see it in my craft room.
I would be eternally grateful for your help!
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Gina, such an awesome job on the tutorials! Another thing to add to my wish list....unless of course you pick me!
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GREAT tutorials. You make it look so
easy. Thanks for taking the time to explain everything in such detail.
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Thanks Gina, this looks pretty simple...I think I can handle it. I'm so glad you put this together for us. Can't wait to give this a try. Like so many of us, I love the look of sewing on cards.
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Oooh! Your directions are so clear. Thank you very much! I'm going to be in Madison on Saturday and hope to make it over to your store in McFarland for the 1st time!
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Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing and making this look so easy.
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Thanks for the step by step just bought a Janome mini and look forward to atutorial on locking stitch ends. TFS Ann
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I am at my daughters and have brought my machine with me, for some reason I cannot remember how it turns on.. I have not used it since probably March.
Can you give me help..
Thanks, Pat
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There is an on swith. You just plug it in and it's on.
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Hey,
this website is awesome im so glad ive found it lol!
I just need to ask, My sewing machine keeps jamming, As i am sewing i can see the little clear bobin at the bottom getting caught up and knotted with all of this thread! how can i solve this?! thank youu x
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Thank you so much for these tutorials! Me and my machine have thumped along with loud banging noises for nearly 2 years now. I found your tutorials last week and it was my tension and my bobbin holder had moved a bit. I knew somewhere, somehow I could use it one day. Thanks so much. Carla
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Hi everyone. We learn and grow and are transformed not so much by what we do but by why and how we do it.
I am from Solomon and also now'm speaking English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "Last minute cheap flights, airline ticket discounts and cheap hotels at farecast."
Regards
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Thanks Gina, I am a prolific quilter and sewer, but just wasn't sure how to sew on Card Stock. You have made it very clear with your instructions. Thanks for taking the time to do this for us. I love all of your tuturials on the Janome Mini. I owne 3 other sewing machines and they are all Janome's. Very reliable brand. I have been sewing with them and quilting with them for over 20 years.
Happy sewing days ahead!
Trish in Wisconsin
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coool
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