Category: Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

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Quilting Basics with JUKI

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on Quilting Basics with JUKI

Today we’ll go over some essential tools and presser feet you’ll need to create a quilt from start to finish. When we start a hobby, we might want to grab every item we see at the shops, so follow along as we share the important ones you should grab first!

Tools to Have in Your Kit

Rotary Cutter: Shaped like a pizza cutter, the rotary cutter is perfect for cutting out your fabric pieces. If you’re using patterns for your work, using a rotary cutter is an easy and quick way to correctly cut the fabric piece to the size and shape you need. These come in different sizes, ranging from small cutters that are great for tight cuts and a large one for big projects! For quilting, we recommend purchasing a medium-sized one.

Scissors: Besides your rotary cutter, ensure scissors are designated for cutting fabric. You want to keep these separate, so they stay sharp for cutting thread and fabric cleanly. So often, when we mix our scissors and cut items like paper, cardboard, or more, this dulls the blade, fraying your material in the long run when you use them.

Seam Ripper: Make sure to keep a seam ripper on hand for those mistakes! Advanced and beginner quilters benefit from this in their tool kits since it is perfect for fixing those little mess-ups.

Self-Healing Cutting Mat: Keep your workspace safe from scratches and find yourself a self-healing cutting mat! This will allow you to use your rotary cutter safely and can be found in many different sizes.

Fabric: Sewing isn’t complete without fabric! There are many options out there for quilters to choose from. You can choose to buy fabric by the yard or purchase bundles! We recommend sticking to 100% cotton. Choose from mini charm packs, jelly rolls, jolly bars, and more, depending on the size of the quilt you want to create and what form of designs you envision.

Thread: Like your fabric, look for a thread that suits your project, like 100% cotton for quilting. Look for options that are durable and not too cheap. Here you’ll want to find a thread that won’t birds nest on you in the creative process while sticking to your budget. For quilters, we recommend Aurifil! Like we use in our JUKI Studio when creating, Aurifil is 100% Egyptian cotton and comes in many colors, perfect for your project needs. We recommend purchasing neutral colors when you begin, like tan, white and black; this way, you can easily bind most of your projects without worrying about the thread color.

Pins and Pattern weights: When you want to keep your fabric in place, using quilting pins and pattern weights is a great solution! Use quilting pins when piecing your quilts to keep the fabric from moving, and use pattern weights when cutting out the fabric with your rotary cutter! These two accessories will make your cutting and sewing experience easy and help you create a professional finished product.

For pins, try and look for longer options, as this will help you hold the fabric better when sewing through those thick pieces, and they are also much easier to grab! You can also purchase safety pins, which come straight and curved for the finishing stages of your quilt process.

Rulers: Clear-gridded rulers are important in quilting because measuring correctly matters! Helping you quickly and accurately cut fabric for your project, rulers come in an array of size options suited for your needs.

Presser Feet for the Average Quilter

While your machines will come with presser feet, let’s go over some basic presser feet you should have on hand when quilting and what they’re for!

1/4″ Presser Foot

Essential for piecing your quilts together, the 1/4″ Presser Foot allows you accurately piece your quilts together quickly and efficiently. This accessory is perfect for when you’re piecing and don’t have time consistently mind the bottom measurements on your plate.

Walking Foot

A Walking Foot is basically used for putting a set of feed dogs on top of the quilt sandwich, working in conjunction with the bottom feed dogs, and evenly helping you pull your quilt through the sewing machine. Quilting with a standard presser foot on thick fabric or hard-to-feed material like the ¼” Presser Foot, for example, could lead to tucks and uneven stitches; this is why we use a Walking Foot!

Free Motion Quilting Foot

Want to add designs and texture to your quilts? You’re going to want a Free Motion Quilting Foot! With a Free Motion Quilting Foot, you will drop, or lower, your feed dogs and begin moving your quilt under the foot, free motioning the design yourself! While it takes practice using free motion quilting and controlling the quilt yourself, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding skill to learn!

We recommend checking out an Open Toe Foot when looking for your Free Motion Quilting Foot. With a small space left open on the presser foot, you’ll have a better eye on the needle and be able to easily create your designs!

Get To Quilting!

As you begin your quilting journey, research what tools you’ll need when creating! These listed are perfect for setting up your workspace and machine, so keep these in mind while you’re at the shop. If you’re an experienced quilter, what presser feet and tools do you think quilters should keep on hand? Let us know down below!

Tips, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

Planning and Creating Your Wardrobe

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on Planning and Creating Your Wardrobe

Scrolling through social media and seeing crafts created by talented creators inspires us to create new projects! As a result, extravagant dresses, costumes, and more have made their way onto our timelines. Today, we’re going to talk about planning and designing your day-to-day wardrobe with special occasion pieces.

As we approach the holidays and the new year, it’s always a fun time to work on yourself. Starting with your wardrobe is a great way to boost your confidence and sewing skills! The significant part of keeping in mind is that re-working your wardrobe doesn’t mean starting from scratch, but using sustainable plans like working with what you have now and creating those pieces that will make it more you.

The first step in creating your closet is planning what clothes you need and what outfits to keep. A mistake some make is finding a pattern or design that they love but wouldn’t see themselves wearing it. Keep your style in mind when it’s time to start re-working your current closet and finding new patterns.

Identify what’s in the closet and what’s missing.

Many times we’ll find ourselves getting ready and thinking, “I have nothing to wear!” It’s so frustrating. Start with going through your closet and reviewing what pieces you love and which you would toss. Next, figure out why those pieces are not enjoyable. Is it the fabric? The style? Keep these thoughts in mind and write them down. Once you start refreshing your closet, you’ll remember what pieces didn’t make the cut. In addition, some well-loved clothing items may be getting tossed because they have a hole or don’t fit. Can you fix it? If there’s a piece you love that may need hemming or fixing, set these aside and use them as projects to think about later.

Once you’ve evaluated what you have, think about what’s missing! For example, are you full-on tops and can’t find bottoms that match? Do you have more staying home clothes than going out clothes? Seeing what’s missing is the first step in deciding what gaps need to be filled.

Planning the Wardrobe

Start with your style! Think of what fits make you feel your best and what colors bring out your happiness. Keep in mind fabric and what fabrics might bring you discomfort compared to those that feel like a perfect fit. It’s great to get out of your comfort zone, but make sure you’ll love and wear what you create. Once you find your color pallet and style, we recommend creating a board, like on Pinterest, with inspiration for what you would like to make. Using your board as a resource is a great tool when you start shopping for fabric and patterns. It’s a reminder of what you’re looking for and a great referral tool when designing. Be true to yourself, and keep in mind what patterns will truly fit your body well and make you feel confident!

We highly recommend organizing and going through your current patterns before purchasing new ones. Read through past choices and see which styles were your favorite. Figure out why some patterns didn’t make the cut, and keep that in mind when choosing your next one. A ring binder is a great way to organize your patterns and is simple to browse through. Organizing these is also a great way to plan what patterns you’ll need and allow you to plan your projects.

Planning your closet can seem overwhelming, which is why we recommend making a list! Decide what projects you want to create and write them down in the order you want them done. This will be a great base once you begin on the re-design of your wardrobe. We know planning is an important step, so a great resource we recommend is a planning sheet! Attached here, you can use this project planning sheet to prepare your projects properly. Think of it as a tool when creating, allowing you to plan supplies, pattern choice, fabric choice, and design. This will set the base for your project and help you keep track of the project with ease.

Buying what you need

With our inboxes filled with sales on fabrics, notions, and more, it may seem easy to impulse buy. But, sometimes we’ll see a piece of beautiful fabric and can’t wait to purchase it, only not to know what to create with it! Keep your inspiration reference nearby when you start buying so that you stay on track for fabrics and designs you’ll enjoy wearing on a day-to-day basis.

Grab your inspiration board and find those pieces that make sense! It’s best to start with a pattern, and from there buying the notions and fabric you’ll need. The best thing to know is that patterns will include supplies for the project and is a great reference. Keep in mind to create a closet that suits you and purchase fabrics that go with your color pallet and fabric material that is comfortable.

When finding patterns, think of your body shape and what cuts the best work. While patterns can be edited to tailor you, it’s best to start with one that already suits your look best.

We hope that this inspires you to create your wardrobe one day! We hope this encourages you to think about what to make, get some inspiration boards made, and then go out and stock up on those patterns and fabrics! Building your wardrobe is a fantastic journey in building your skills and confidence, and we can’t wait to see what you create! So what is your next wardrobe project going to be?

Tips, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

Clean Up with JUKI!

by sewinwithjuki4 Comments on Clean Up with JUKI!

When was the last time you gave your machine some TLC? Today we’re going to go over some general tips on how to keep your sewing machine maintained and ready to sew! If your machine needs a deep cleaning, take it to a nearby sewing machine technician.

Let’s start with the basics: cleaning, oiling, and changing the needle.

External Cleaning

The best place to start cleaning is the outside of your machine. Turn all power off and unplug your machine before removing the needle and presser foot. This is a safety precaution to save you from being pricked.

Grab a microfiber cloth and dampen just a little and get to work! Stay away from using any harsh chemicals on your machine or solvents. We recommend a small amount of dissolved detergent or dish soap if you find a stain that won’t come out.

For those hard-to-reach spaces, we recommend using your craft pipe cleaner. It’s best to do this at a slow pace to avoid unnecessary damage to your machine, especially near a spot with wires. This way, you can avoid bending or wrongly adjusting anything.

Internal Cleaning

Once the outside of your machine is looking clean, let’s move on to the needle plate area. While each machine is different, your manuals will display how to remove your needle plate. If you find yourself without a physical manual, remember JUKI places digital manuals on our websites.

Begin by removing the screws from your needle plate using a T-shape screwdriver. Next, place the screws somewhere safe and secure. We don’t want to lose any!

Once you have removed the needle plate and secured your screws, it’s time to dust! Here we recommend using the brush your machine comes with or grabbing that craft pipe cleaner to remove the lint and dust. If you find any loose threads, use your tweezer to capture those stray strands slowly.

*Never use canned air on your machine. This will cause dirt and lint to be pushed further into your machine rather than clean it.*

Once you’ve dusted the general area, it’s time to focus on your bobbin area. Your first step is to remove the bobbin case and shuttle hook. Once that’s removed, you’ll be able to clean the space behind it where lint and dust fall. Remember to be gentle in the process, your machine has many parts and tricks, and it’s best to go slow and easy when cleaning.

Our best recommendation is to service your machine regularly. A professional sewing machine technician will safely clean out those spots you might have missed and access parts we wouldn’t recommend doing yourself.

Needle Plate & Bobbin Area for DX-4000QVP

Oiling

The first thing to know about oiling is not all machines will need it. The best place to find your answer is in your manual. Remember, if you find yourself with a lost manual, JUKI uploads our machine manuals on our website!

Something to keep in mind is that non-computerized machines, like our TL series, need regular oiling. However, our machines like the DX series are computerized and self-lubricating, so you do not need oil.

We recommend checking out our video here for maintenance and lubrication knowledge for our TL series.

If your machine requires oiling, your JUKI machine will come with a plastic container of sewing machine oil. You can also purchase this from your local sewing machine shops. Remember, your manual is your best friend! Requirements on where and how can be found there when it comes time to oil. We recommend applying one drop of oil to each arrow point shown above for every 4 to 8 hours of sewing. Use machine oil (New Defrix Oil No. 1) or similar supplied with the machine.

Changing the Needle

One of the most important things you can do is change your needle. Needles can dull, get bent, and become damaged, and it’s one of the most significant factors in your machine performance. We recommend changing your needle every 8 hours of usage or starting a new project.

A tip to keep in mind is that the flat side of the needle will usually face away from you on our DX series machines and face towards the right on our TL machines.  Recommend checking your manual. Always confirm that your needle is pushed up and that your screw is tightened to secure the needle in place.

Remember, depending on your project and fabrics is how you choose your needle. You want to make sure you’re using the right one for the job between different types of needles and sizes. This will lower the chances of needle breakage and machine error. Things to consider when choosing your needle are the fabric type, project idea, and thread.

When it comes to maintaining your machines, it’s best to take your time and go slow. If you’re ever in doubt about how to clean your machine, visit us on our JUKI Home Sewing Youtube page here.

You’ll be able to find maintenance videos on many of our machines and more! Don’t forget to stay tuned as we continue to launch new videos on JUKI machines and more.

Tips, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

How To Read A Pattern

by sewinwithjuki2 Comments on How To Read A Pattern

We know how daunting it can be to use sewing patterns for the first time. No worries! We are here to help. Today, we are diving into the basics of how to read a sewing pattern. Follow along as we review the basic info you will need, as well as tips to keep in mind.

Let’s Begin!

Start by looking at the instructions section of the booklet or file. This section is loaded with information such as helpful tips before getting started and the best material to use for your project.

Find the Style Lines

When you open up your new pattern, look at the flat, drawn designs to get a better idea of whether this project is the right one for you. It’s a more accurate representation of what you will be sewing and less distracting than the 3D image usually shown at the front of the kit.

Think About Your Sewing Level!

Many patterns will indicate a level of difficulty for example if you’re a beginner, lean towards projects marked as “easy” because these will have a better guide on how to construct your project. They’ll indicate the right tools for each step and showcase how to properly do certain steps. For those that have more experience and feel they’re above the “easy” patterns, there are many options to choose from as well.

As you continue to grow your sewing skills, you’ll be able to explore more advanced patterns. We recommend checking out nearby sewing classes and checking out construction books to help! Don’t rely on one thing to grow. Continue to find different ways of creating projects through blogs, classes, and social media.

Check Out Fabric Suggestions

The best part about patterns is many give you the layout for what tools you’ll need on your new project. Many will suggest a fabric that is well suited to the pattern, whether it be because of durability, stretch, or material feel. Using the encouraged fabric will also get you closer to the desired look.

Once you have more experience in sewing, feel free to experiment with different fabrics! Sometimes, leaving the path and venturing out to try new fabrics in a project that called for something different can surprise you, or at least give you a lesson on why something won’t work next time.

Keeping Up with Yardage

Pattern designers will include fabric yardages to give you an idea of how much fabric you will need. While this should account for pre-wash shrinkage, we recommend buying at least 5-10% more than you’ll need. Think of this as a safe route in case your measurement needs to be higher for your fit or you want extra fabric for accessorizing a clothing project.

A hot tip is to pay attention to the width of the fabric. While the average width is usually 60″ or 44″, you can come across narrower fabrics. When this happens, keep in mind to buy more yardage to accommodate all the pattern pieces.

Don’t Forget Your Thread and Notions!

Patterns will include a list of notions you need for your project like elastic, zippers, and more. Add these to your shopping list!

Size Chart

The first mistake many make is trying to create sizing based on what people buy at the store! Located on your pattern, you will find a size key or chart that helps you choose the right lines for your size.

Make sure to create your project off your body measurements. Don’t worry if your measurements seem off that charts, charts are only averages, and many will experience this! Remember your size is always changing and it’s best to do this every month or so. We recommend determining the size to sew using different measurements for different pieces of clothing:

•          Top/dresses: Use chest (or high bust) circumference

•            Pants: Use the hips girth (meaning widest girth under the belt, usually around the seat)

•            Skirts: Use natural waist (even if the skirt will then sit in a low or high waist)

Time for the Pattern Pieces!

Check for which pieces need printing. Some patterns may include pieces for simple shapes that you cut by measurement only.

Read Your Symbols

Symbols are how the designer communicates with you through their patterns! These symbols will show you how to place the pattern, access where the grainline is, what pieces need to align, and more. Refer to the symbol chart and mark when transferring the sewing pattern onto the fabric.

Let’s get to Cutting!

Now there are two ways you can cut. One method is by placing the pieces on top of the fabric and cut from there. However, many times this technique can waste a lot of fabric! Another way to do this is simply to place your cut-out pattern pieces on top of the fabric and play a game of Tetris by fitting the pieces. Make sure to follow the lines, and you’ll save fabric while getting the project done.

We hope this helps you the next time you decide to pick up a pattern book. Don’t forget to tag us on social media when you create a project using your favorite pattern book!

Tips, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

It’s National Sewing Month!

by sewinwithjuki1 Comment on It’s National Sewing Month!
It’s National Sewing Month!

It’s National Sewing Month, JUKI Lovers! In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed September as National Sewing Month, “in recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation,” however, there are so many forms of home sewing! Between embroidery, garment sewing, home décor, quilting, and more, there is no shortage in your options for how to create.

Today, we wanted to celebrate one of the many ways you sew, quilting! A complex sewing category that so many enjoy, quilting is such a popular form of sewing that all types of fabrics, notions, sewing machines and accessories have been created to make quilting more fun for you! That is why we put together our top five quilting accessories for you.

Look below as we go over our top accessories that promise to make your quilting experience a better and more enjoyable time each time you use them.

Quilting Foot

Included with our longarms and beloved J-150QVP, our Quilting Foot is a must-have when quilting! Used for free-motion sewing and ruler work, the quilting foot has a distance of ¼” (6.5mm) from the needle entry point to the outer edge. Create beautiful quilts or home décor with your quilting foot.

Open Toe Foot

Are you working on small designs and need more visibility? Look into our Open Toe Foot! Open at the front so that the needle area is easy to see, this presser foot is useful for quilting small designs or anytime visual of the needle area is needed. Use this the next time you’re creating intricate designs on your quilt and home décor for a cleaner finish!

Glide Foot

When it comes to working on three-dimensional projects or working with applique, it’s best to use our Glide Foot! A bowl-shaped foot is intended to be used for quilting when gliding along with applique and other three-dimensional embellishments. Perfect for when you’re creating accessorized quilts and adding beautiful embellishments like ribbons!

Couching Foot

Use unusual and fun threads the next time you’re quilting with our Couching Foot! Used for sewing decorative thread, yarn, and much more, this set includes two different sizes of couching foot. If you have thick threads that do not fit in a needle, textured thread that would shred, decorative cords, yarn, or trims; all these can be sewn with this accessory in your arsenal! Use this accessory the next time you want to elevate your quilt.

Rulers

Use your quilting ruler as a template when stitching designs! By combining basic lines and shapes, you can create various patterns that will wow you and your loved ones. Be sure to use your ruler together with the presser foot! There are different options on what shapes you can choose to work with that will help you create those designs you are thinking of. Look into our JUKI ruler sets that come with five different rulers giving you a vast array of ways to create patterns.

It’s important to have the right tools when you need them! That’s why we recommend looking into what accessories your machines can have on hand. The next time you’re starting a quilt, think of what different accessories you have and how you can use them on your next project!