Category: JUKI Projects

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JUKI Posts, JUKI Projects, RICOH Ri 100 (DTG Printer), Tajima Sai

JUKI Project: Valentine’s Day Printed Top

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on JUKI Project: Valentine’s Day Printed Top

Join us for this month’s project as we create a printed fabric valentines top using the RICOH Ri 100, with a touch of texture thanks to the TAJIMA Sai 8-needle embroidery machine! For this project, our JUKI National Account Kelly will show us how she used the RICOH Ri 100 to personalize her top and make a love-filled gift!

With the direct-to-garment printer (RICOH Ri 100), you can complete a multitude of projects! From designing your own fabric, like you’ll see done in this project video, to placing images on already constructed bags and home décor, a machine like this will help you personalize your next dream project.

The first step when using a RICOH Ri 100 to print on your fabric is to cut out the blouse pattern from the fabric of your choosing. The reason we want to cut the pattern out first before printing on our fabric is so we can precisely place our designs, save ink, and save fabric!

Now that your pieces are all cut out let’s move on to the RICOH Ri 100 designer app that can be installed onto your laptops and computers. Depending on your material and project choice, you’ll set up the RICOH to understand the dimensions and print type you need before moving on to designing. In our project today, we’ll be choosing t-shirts and thin material since we’re working on a Knit jersey material. Keep in mind what tray you’ll be using because the program will ask!

Next is placing and choosing your designs. The best thing about printing is the ability to place almost any design on your material. In today’s project, we’ll be installing our own graphics, but keep in mind the selection of designs offered on the RICOH Ri program when first starting out. Place the designs as you’d like to see them printed. What you see on the screen is what you’ll see printed!

Once you’ve finished your design, you’ll pre-iron your fabric and then place it into the direct-to-garment printer. The time process depends on your designs; the more intricate and colorful, the more time for printing! Once your designs have been printed onto the fabric, go ahead and place your tray in the heater for finishing.

Having our completed fabric, we can now begin constructing our project and creating the blouse! Sewn on our MO-2000QVP and DX-4000QVP, Kelly puts together her pattern pieces to complete a beautiful Valentine’s blouse!

Lastly, if you’d like to add a special touch of personalization, we follow Kelly as she moves over to the JUKI TAJIMA Sai! This is our 8-needle embroidery machine which allows you to embroider a multitude of projects, including shoes, sweaters, hats, and so much more. To start off using the TAJIMA Sai, we’ll use the Writer Plus software that includes designs to choose from, as well as the ability to upload your own, like the RICOH Ri 100.

Like the RICOH Ri 100 software, you’ll choose your project type, material type, and segments that focus on how your stitching will look. If you choose to add embroidery, make sure to do this before constructing your project on the sewing machines.

Once you’ve completed your steps, you’re ready for a night out with your loved one in this cute blouse! We hope you enjoyed learning more about the RICOH Ri 100, and we hope this inspires you to begin making your own fabric and going the extra mile with personalization!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Projects

5 Projects you can create this Spooky Season!

by sewinwithjuki4 Comments on 5 Projects you can create this Spooky Season!

It’s almost time for spooks and candy JUKI Lovers! For today’s blog, we will share our top 5 favorite Halloween projects you can begin creating this weekend. So whether you’re going trick-or-treating, or staying at home, follow along below for ideas you can start today!

Halloween Patchwork Quilt

Stay warm this fall and create a Halloween patchwork quilt! Using a variety of Halloween fabric pieces, think witches, pumpkins, and ghosts, you can begin making your very own patchwork quilt. Quilts are the perfect accessory to any home, used and loved by everyone.

We recommend checking out your local quilt shop for holiday quilt bundles. Great options when you want to create a patchwork quilt, and don’t have the scraps, are browsing charm bundles, jelly rolls, and mini-charms! Also, don’t forget to grab batting for your quilts and have fun by bringing texture to the surface using free-motion quilting techniques.

Some great tools to have when quilting is your Open Toe Quilting Presser Foot, Quilting Rulers, and a ¼” Presser Foot for finishing.

Costume Cape

The perfect addition to so many costumes, a cape can be used for various characters ranging from royals to superheroes. To use this cape multiple times, create your piece using basic colors like white, red, or black so you can enjoy this project through the years.

For creating a cape, we recommend having fabrics like stretch velvet, fleece, or wool! Usually, you’ll use about 2 yards of fabric for an adult cape and 1 yard for a child’s cape. This is an excellent apparel project for a beginner to try their hand at. For more advanced sewers, you can add features like trims and a hood for a more finished and professional look.

We recommend having a Cording Foot on hand if you plan to attach a string inside for the cape hood. Also, use a Decorative Stitch Presser Foot to add designs on your cape’s ends for extra personalization!

Spooky Placemats and Table Runner

Decorate your home with a spooky table runner and matching placemats! A fun and easy home project, you can accessorize and personalize your kitchen and dining table with fun fabric designs and colors.

When creating placemats and table runners, we recommend having some tools on hand. Inside your placemats and table runner, you’re going to place a fleece or batting; this will stabilize your project. Spray glue is an excellent adhesive for this! Once you’ve pieced together your mat, you can choose to leave it as is or add designs with free motion quilting.

For yardage, we recommend 2-3 yards of fabric. With one yard, you can create up to 8 basic-sized placemats, and with your other yards, you can create your table runner depending on your table length! Keep a ¼ presser foot on hand when you’re ready to complete your project, so you can quickly finish the edging.

Halloween Garland

Decorate your archways and doorways with a fun garland! Easily created with less than a yard of fabric for the hanging pieces and string, this décor piece is the perfect touch. For the hanging details, we recommend using backing fabric for stabilization.

For this project, keep your ¼” presser foot nearby! Perfect for creating a clean edging on each hanging piece and the edging on the hanging string, this accessory can be the only foot you need for the project.

Trick–or–Treat Bag

Lastly, don’t forget to have your trick-or-treat bag ready! Wishing you a happy spooky season, download our free instructions for our see-through trick-or-treat bag here. With a finished size of 14″ x 16″, this bag will carry all those treats home!

Happy Halloween, JUKI Lovers!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Projects

From Summer to Fall, We Love These Accessories!

by sewinwithjuki1 Comment on From Summer to Fall, We Love These Accessories!

As we celebrate the summer coming to a close, let’s go over some great and fun projects you can create that will follow you into the fall! Whether you’re going to the beach or back to school, these projects will always be handy.

Glasses Case

Whether they’re protecting your eyes from the sun or helping you see, keep those glasses covered with a glasses case! With the ability to be versatile in your case designs, this project is perfect for letting your creative side shine. You can create using cotton, leather, canvas, and more fabrics and decorate with applique, quilting, or embroidery.

What we recommend keeping on hand for this project are notions, fasteners, or closures! These are best for keeping your glasses secured in their case and resistant to falling out; possibly getting scratched. Another fun add-on is a bag snap-clip! Use this when you’re on the move, and want to keep your glasses in easy reach or for a child’s glasses case to keep attached to their backpack.

For the inside of your glasses case, make sure to use a material that won’t affect the glass! We recommend sticking to cotton or a material that has a lovely soft touch to it, like velvet.

Lastly, we recommend keeping a Smooth Presser Foot nearby! This machine accessory is perfect for sewing those protective fabrics you love like vinyl or leather, as these materials can commonly cause issues when sewn with a standard presser foot that it might stick to.

Bucket Hats

A bucket hat is a perfect accessory to fight off those UV rays from hiking, the playground, or the waterpark! Fun and simple to create, a bucket hat pattern is an excellent choice for your wardrobe. We recommend using medium to the heavy-duty fabric. The material you use should be stiff to hold the shape of the hat.

We recommend fabric options like tweed, denim, or canvas. If you want to create with a thin fabric, you’ll need to use fusible interfacing. Fusible interfacing will help your fabric hold its shape and firmness while preventing fraying on your fabrics.

Some notions to keep in mind that you will want to purchase for that finished look are eyelets and a drawstring cord. Adding a cord to your bucket hat now allows you to adjust the sizing, making this a great gift! Also, the eyelets will help improve ventilation and makes wearing hats more comfortable, especially on those hot summer days!

Don’t forget to have your machine accessories on hand and ready! Since bucket hats have lining around the brim and top area, we recommend using a ¼” Guide Foot! This is a perfect tool for achieving those even spirals around the bucket hat brim and sides, allowing you to create something beautiful while securing the hat has that professionally finished look.

Scrunchies

Fun to personalize and easy to create, you can never go wrong with making some scrunchies! Whether you’re using them to accessorize or simply pull your hair back, this project is fast, easy, and perfect for beginners.

Inexpensive, this project can be completed with scrap fabrics or upcycled from old clothes! As a fashion and functional piece, this project only requires straight stitching, fabric, and elastic. We recommend using elastic size ¼ for basic scrunchies and moving up if you’d like to create jumbo ones.

Keep in mind fabric size and elastic size before being created. We recommend 8 to 9 inches of elastic and using a 3″ x 22″ fabric piece for best outcomes!

Table Runner and Mats

Re-vamp your home in time for the new season! Great project quilters can create matching table runners and mat sets, perfect for decorating your home and creating a quick and easy project. So whether you’re decorating for the holidays or looking to freshen up the living room with new colors and patterns, these accessories can bring a room together.

Some fabric recommendations we have for this cotton! Easy to wash and create with, this fabric is available in a multitude of options and allows you to use it with comfort, knowing you can throw it in the washer when those accidents happen. For fusing, there are a few main qualities you want to look for since this project will be washed often. Find interfacing with a low or no percentage of shrinkage, low thickness, and whether it’s fusible. Fusible interfacing will create a better project experience and is easy to use.

A great way to design your table runner and mats is by using free motion quilting! Whether you’re working on a compact machine or a long-arm quilt, adding in designs can genuinely bring your fabric to life and add texture. Keep in mind accessories for your machine like a Quilt Presser Foot (for ruler) and Quilting Rulers when you want to create intricate shapes and designs and need a little help!

Travel Bags

Whether we’re going to the beach, or after-school activities, having a travel bag fitted for your needs is a must! Travel bags allow you to add storage spots, secured or hidden pockets for valuables, adjustable straps, embroidered names, and so much more.

For bags you’re going to use often, we recommend finding durable fabrics and ones that can hold weight well. Some options to keep in mind are canvas, nylon, mid-weight woven, tweed, or leather. Depending on what perks you’re looking for, like using nylon fabric that can handle water for a gym bag, make sure to find a fabric that can withstand your lifestyle!

Notions to keep on hand when you build a travel bag are closure notions like zippers and spring snaps, snap hooks for attaching accessories like your keys or holding your scrunchies, and strap adjusters for weight changes. These pieces will help your bag have that professional finished look you’re going for, and create a longer-lasting project.

Other fun pieces you can add to your bags are applique, embroidery, or printed fabric to bring out your personality. Add-ons like mesh pockets or water bottle holders to personalize the bag for your needs are also excellent choices when wanting to expand on your skills.

Don’t forget to have the right accessories on hand! Using a foot accessory like the Decorative Stitch Presser Foot is perfect for adding in those personal touches like your name and decorative designs. Add your name to the inside of your child’s bag or your gym bag, and enjoy seeing your finished product!

Whether you’re creating on a computerized machine like our HZL series or quilting on your TL machine, these projects can be made easily. Want some inspiration on other projects you can create? Join us on our JUKI Home Sewing page on YouTube today for future and past projects!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Projects

5 Bags You Can Create with JUKI!

by sewinwithjuki3 Comments on 5 Bags You Can Create with JUKI!

So many sewists love bag-making! Whether they’re creating beautiful handbags, fun beach totes, or designing team bags, this is a fun project any sewist can start doing, no matter their skill level. From simple tote bags to more complex purses, bag-making is an excellent project for those who want to learn new skills and up their sewing game. Today’s blog covers five different types of bags you can create! We cover the basics of starting your bag-making journey, from their level of expertise to the sewing feet and notions you’ll need.

Tote Bag

Level: Beginner
If you’re new to bag making and want to try your hand at a fun and easy project, look into patterns for tote bags! Whether they’re simple with a few panels or a little more fun with optional pockets and different handle styles, the tote bag is one of the best projects for beginners. Tote bags are great for their versatility as well! Use this project for the beach, grocery shopping, farmers’ markets, etc.

If you’re making tote bags, we recommend checking out these fabrics for the outside: canvas, denim, and twill, and for your bag’s lining, cotton, all-purpose muslin, and broadcloth all work. Use firmer fabrics to add the structure and shape you want your bag to take. For a lighter feel, use fabrics like cotton.

You can either use leftover fabric from which your bag was created or webbing for a firmer handle to create a handle.

Electronic Carrier Case

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Here is where we start testing our skills! You’ll want to add zippers for storage and safety for an electronic carrier case. You’ll need to learn how to use specific feet to attach zipper closures for this bag, like an invisible zipper foot. We recommend using online resources like YouTube to learn your new skill and purchasing a pattern to learn the process and understand the pieces it takes to create your project.

For electronic cases, we recommend looking into soft padding options to place inside to keep your electronics from hitting one another. The case can be created from any fabric, making this a fun project to personalize to your style! From vinyl leather to cotton, you can get creative with the design of your carrier.

Features you can add to your project are:
• Pockets for your electronic chargers
• Different closures like magnetic buttons or velcro
• A strap as a wristlet or bag
Level up: Test your skill with mesh netting fabric! The best way to sew and attach this fabric piece to your projects is to use a ballpoint needle or Universal machine needle size 70/10-80/12 with a strong polyester thread. These are great for the outside of carrier cases and add more storage space for details like headphones, iPad pens, and more.

Wristlet Wallet

Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Fun and perfect for those family day trips or nights out, a wristlet is a great way to raise those sewing skills and try something new! Some skills you can pick up while creating wristlets are adding in pockets, attaching zippers, and creating straps. You can also learn to attach closures like buttons, clasps, and velcro.

For outside fabric options, we recommend leather, cotton, or synthetic. If you want to add durability to your projects, attach inner linings using fabric like polyester or nylon to reinforce the structure.

Level up: A fun way to add to your skill set is using clear vinyl! Placed in wallets to make certain pockets visible, like your ID, you can sew this in to add that professional touch. When using clear vinyl, make sure you have a clean and free workspace; this will reduce the chances of your vinyl smudging or scratching. Use a non-stick foot, a leather needle size 90/14 or denim needle size 90/14, and if you can, a strong, 100% polyester thread. Slow and steady wins the race with clear vinyl, so keep that in mind when creating!

Hand Bags

Level: Intermediate – Expert
If you’re ready for a fun and more challenging project, try your hand at creating a handbag! Think of those purses you love seeing for events and going out. These bags come in many styles, from large to small and extravagant to everyday use. Research different patterns and see what options out there catch your eye.

Fabrics for handbags vary depending on their use. Creating for everyday use? Look into fabrics like leather and vinyl for a classic and long-lasting look! These fabrics offer a protective layer that won’t allow liquids to fall through, longer-lasting color, and durability from usage. On the other hand, if your handbag is for travel use, look into fabrics like tweed and canvas! These fabrics are easy to use, come in various colors, and offer that stability when placing some weight in your bag.

Put your skills to the test and add in features like organizational pockets, zipper closures for the bag and pockets, and placing a flat bottom. Look into interfacings and stabilizers to stiffen your bag and create structure. Some interfacing we recommend are woven, non-woven, decovil, fusible fleece, foam, or felt.

Duffle Bag

Level: Intermediate – Expert
Are you a gym-goer? Is your child in sports? Then, try your hand at a duffle bag for your traveling needs! Perfect for those weekend trips and sports games, you can design your duffle bag specifically for your needs. Add pockets for sports equipment, a water bottle pocket, space for your travel-size toiletries, and more.

You want to keep in mind bag weight, usage, and durability when selecting fabrics. Choices like leather, vinyl, nylon, and cotton are standard picks for duffle bags. Look into webbing fabric for creating the handles, as this will help handle the weight. Don’t forget to purchase lining fabric to structure your duffle bag and create shape!

Features you can include are inner and outer pockets, zipper closures, and zippered pockets. Focus on what you need and create pockets for your cleats, toiletries, snacks, books, electronics, and chargers.

Level up: Add bag hardware pieces like D-Rings and Hooks to your duffle bag handles to adjust the strap depending on the user comfortably. This is great for bags that will be shared with family members and friends, making it comfortable for everyone to use. We recommend using basting tape to keep the D-rings and hooks in place while stitching.

Don’t Forget to Personalize!
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, adding a personal touch to any bag is easy by using an embroidery machine or direct-to-garment printer. Embellish bags with your name, team names and logos, and art designs. Using a machine like the Tajima Sai, you can easily embroider up to 8 color designs at once with a touch of a button.

Using a direct-to-garment printer like the RICOH Ri 100, you can create your fabric and use this for your next bag project. Then, add your artwork, Photoshop designs, family and memory photos, and more, quickly making something uniquely ‘you!’

Get Started Today!
We hope this gave you some ideas you can implement on your next bag project! Whether you’re new to sewing bags and starting small with a tote or wristlet, or an advanced sewer looking for ideas, these projects are great for challenging yourself and building up your skills. So which bag would you create first? Let us know down below!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Projects

5 Quilting Project Ideas for You!

by sewinwithjuki1 Comment on 5 Quilting Project Ideas for You!

Celebrate National Quilting Month by bringing out your favorite charm squares, jelly rolls, and sandwiches! Whether you’re creating for friends and family or your small business, we’ve put together a few fun ideas for projects you can quilt next. 

Wall Hanging

Decorating new office spaces or livening up current homes is easy with wall hangings. Projects like these are perfect because you can create smaller designs than quilts and use them for seasonal purposes. With the ability to create on a large or small scale, you can try new techniques like adding embellishments and accents (for example, cording) that you wouldn’t have thought of using before. This project is excellent for when holidays and birthdays come around since it can brighten up any room, from a nursing home to your kid’s college dorm. 

Accessories like the Couching Foot are perfect when creating wall hangings. They allow you to add three-dimensional textures to your projects, bringing in an extra element that will make your design pop. Use decorative threads like yarn and cord or other thicker threads that don’t fit your needle. 

Pillows 

Pillows are great for many reasons:

  1. You can create beautiful personalized décor and treat pillows like a small sample for a quilt idea you have by making that one block you need. A pillow allows you the freedom of creation like a quilt, with less fabric and space required.
  2. You can treat pillows as an add-on to your quilts and create matching or complementary designs.
  3. Creating simple add-ons like pillows is a great way to increase your revenue if you have a small business. 

Look into an accessory like the Glide Foot when creating décor like pillows. This foot can help you glide along with applique, and other three-dimensional textures, allowing you to get creative and add more personalization to your projects. 

Table Top Décor

Have holidays motivated you to create new table runners? Have the seasons changed, and do you want to brighten up your home for spring? Table décor is a great way to bring color to your home! Create pieces like table toppers, table runners, dresser décor, storage covers, and so much more. Perfect for protecting your furniture while bringing in color and a theme to your rooms, these patterns are great for anyone who wants a touch of color in their home. 

If you want to add fun shapes and lines to your designs, look into quilting rulers like our JUKI Ruler Set. You can create different textures from straight lines to circles and waves and bring your designs to life.  

Totes, Pouches, and More!

Bring your artwork outside your home by creating beautiful travel gear! Show off your quilting skills by creating pieces that can hold your money, electronics, or clothing. Work in matching sets like wallets and handbags or traveling sets like make-up bags and carrier totes to brighten up your trips. The possibilities are endless when it comes to hitting the road with your creations. 

Tools like Grip and Stitch are great to have one hand when you’re quilting those detailed projects. They make free-motion quilting fun and easy and allow you to easily add on fun designs like spirals, feathers, and more. 

Quilts and More Quilts

Whether your project was created for comfort and lounging, or décor that can bring in bright colors, quilts will never be out of style. Quilts can be so versatile when we step outside of the box. Decorate your home by placing quilts on racks and ladders, use them to upholster chairs and love seats, toss them on white couches for pops of colors. Whether you’re using them for comfort or because the pattern was just suitable for your aesthetic, you can never go wrong with creating a quilt. 

Look into extension poles when quilting more significant projects for a more effortless and more fun experience! By adding extension poles, you can easily design quilts from twin to king-size on your stand-up quilting machine like the Miyabi J-350QVP.

While quilts may have started off as a necessity in the past, they’ve become their own form of artwork for current generation quilters. So branch out and try your skill in new quilting projects like the ones mentioned above the next time you start on a new project! What are your favorite inventive ways to use your quilts?