Tag: Free Motion Quilting

JUKI Posts

Which JUKI Quilter Are You?

by sewinwithjuki1 Comment on Which JUKI Quilter Are You?

Quilting is a creative journey, and the right equipment can make it smoother, more precise, and more fun. At JUKI, we offer two ways to bring your quilting visions to life: the Tabletop Fabric Frame paired with a JUKI machine and the Miyabi J-350QVP Long Arm. Both systems allow you to expand your quilting capabilities, tackle larger projects, and create professional-quality stitches, all from the comfort of your sewing space.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the unique features of both setups, their differences and similarities, and how to decide which one is best for your quilting goals.

JUKI Tabletop Fabric Frame with TL Machine

Let’s start with the JUKI Tabletop Fabric Frame. This new setup is a game-changer for quilters who want professional results in a compact, affordable package. Designed to fit on any sturdy table or desk, this frame manages your quilt layers for smooth, drag-free movement, letting you focus on your designs rather than wrestling heavy fabric. It’s ideal for small spaces and home studios where a full long-arm frame may not be an option.

This frame is compatible with most JUKI machines, including the TL Series, HZL Series (DX-2000QVP), and larger models like Sayaka DX-3000QVP, Kokochi DX-4000QVP, and Kirei HZL-NX7. Pairing it with our SureStitch Elite stitch regulator, you’ll be able to create precise, consistent stitching, making free-motion quilting fun and frustration-free! Whether you’re finishing your first lap quilt or tackling your next queen-sized project, the Tabletop Fabric Frame makes quilting easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

JUKI Miyabi  J-350QVP Long Arm Quilting Machine

If you’re ready for professional quilting at home, the J-350QVP is the ultimate choice! With 18 inches of throat space and a 10-inch height, it provides the room you need for king-sized quilts and intricate free-motion work. Its SmartStitch system uses advanced image sensors to regulate your stitch length perfectly, eliminating uneven stitches and letting you focus on your designs.

The Miyabi comes loaded with features to streamline your quilting, including automatic needle positioning, thread trimming, a laser guide light, and compatibility with Quilter’s Creative Touch software for automated quilting patterns. Available as a 33″x33″ sit-down table or on frames from 5’ to 12’, it adapts to your space and creativity.

What Makes Them Different

The Tabletop Fabric Frame shines as a compact, versatile, and budget-friendly solution, perfect for quilters working in smaller spaces or upgrading from standard quilting setups. By using your existing JUKI sewing machine and optional SureStitch Elite, you get a mini long-arm experience without the large footprint.

The J-350QVP Miyabi Long Arm, in contrast, is a dedicated quilting powerhouse! With its extended throat space, professional frame, and built-in SmartStitch regulator, it’s designed for large projects and advanced quilting techniques. The Miyabi is the choice for quilters who want to create big, bold, and business-ready quilts with maximum efficiency.

What Makes Them Similar

Despite their differences, both of our quilting setups are designed to elevate your quilting experience:

  • Both offer free-motion quilting with consistent stitch regulation
  • Both reduce fabric drag and physical strain while working on large projects
  • Both allow you to tackle bigger quilts than a standard sewing table can handle

Which Choice Is Best for You?

  • Choose the Tabletop Fabric Frame if you want a space-saving, budget-friendly option that enhances your current sewing setup.
  • Choose the J-350QVP Miyabi Long Arm if you’re ready for large projects, advanced techniques, and a professional quilting experience.

If you have limited space and occasional large projects, the Tabletop Frame is perfect. If you want to grow your skills, produce large quilts, or even start a quilting business, the Miyabi Long Arm is the ultimate upgrade.

Visit Your Dealer & Explore Our Machine Line

The best way to find your perfect setup is to see it in action! Visit your local JUKI dealer to test both the Tabletop Fabric Frame and the J-350QVP Miyabi Long Arm, and let the experts guide you to the right choice for your quilting journey.

JUKI Posts

What Is the SureStitch Elite?

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on What Is the SureStitch Elite?

September is National Quilting Month, and there’s no better time to talk about a game-changing tool for quilters: the SureStitch Elite! This advanced stitch regulator transforms your quilting experience by giving you perfect stitch consistency, more creative control, and an intuitive interface that makes free-motion quilting easier than ever. If you’ve ever struggled with uneven stitches or wished for more precision and confidence in your work, the SureStitch Elite is the solution you’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or building a professional quilting station at home, this accessory will change the way you create.

What Is the SureStitch Elite?

The SureStitch Elite is a stitch regulator designed to give you full control over your quilting stitches, whether you’re free-motion quilting or working on intricate designs. With its sleek design and touchscreen interface, it allows you to easily adjust settings, monitor your stitch speed, and achieve perfect stitch length with every movement. The one-touch manual mode adds flexibility, letting you switch from regulated stitching to complete creative control in an instant.

It’s compatible with the JUKI Tabletop Fabric Frame, making it an essential upgrade for quilters looking for a compact, professional quilting experience at home. Paired with the frame, it manages stitch consistency as you move your fabric, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful patterns instead of worrying about uneven stitches. Whether you’re a beginner looking for confidence or an experienced quilter aiming for perfection, the SureStitch Elite takes your projects to a new level of accuracy and enjoyment.

Benefits & Features That Transform Your Quilting

The SureStitch Elite doesn’t just regulate stitches; it upgrades your entire quilting workflow:

  • Customizable Stitch Length Presets – Ensure your stitches are always consistent, no matter your project size.
  • One-Touch Manual Mode – Switch easily to free-motion quilting for full creative expression.
  • Minimum Speed & Over-Speed Buzzer – Control your machine speed to avoid mistakes and stitch skips.
  • Edge Warning Alarm & Ruler Function – Keep track of quilt boundaries and measurements effortlessly.
  • Calculator & Color Customization – Personalize your interface and keep project planning tools at your fingertips.

These features combine to make quilting easier, more fun, and more accurate. By removing the guesswork, the SureStitch Elite gives you the freedom to focus on your artistry, not your machine!

See the SureStitch Elite in Action

Watching the SureStitch Elite at work truly shows how game-changing it is for quilting! Check out this video featuring Nicole Moore, JUKI Brand Ambassador, where she demonstrates quilting on the JUKI Tabletop Fabric Frame using the SureStitch Elite.

In this video,  our ambassador Nicole walks you through:

  • Setting up your machine and frame.
  • How the stitch regulator keeps your stitches consistent
  • Tips for smooth free-motion quilting

Seeing the SureStitch Elite in action makes it clear how much easier, smoother, and more precise your quilting can be with this upgrade!

Upgrade Your Quilting Experience This September

If you’ve ever wanted to make quilting smoother, faster, and more precise, the SureStitch Elite is the upgrade your sewing life needs! It transforms your home sewing station into a professional quilting setup, providing you with all the tools to quilt confidently and creatively.

Take advantage of this tool! Available only at participating dealers, this is the perfect opportunity to transform your quilting space and enjoy the freedom of flawless, fun quilting.

JUKI Posts, Tips, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

JUKI Tip: Adjusting Your Ruler Foot

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on JUKI Tip: Adjusting Your Ruler Foot

Welcome to another tip with JUKI! Presented by our National Account Trainer Alba, we’re going to talk about quilting and our JUKI Ruler Foot for the TL Series.

In this video, we’re working on the JUKI TL-18QVP Semi-Industrial Sewing Machine and using our optional accessory the Ruler Foot. In this tip, we’re going to show you how to adjust that ruler foot for perfect stitching. You may notice that when you put your ruler foot on your machine it’s really high above your fabric and you never want to do that.

You really want the height of a credit card, a hotel key, or a thin plastic sheet and as you watch the video, you’ll see there’s a lot of height to start us off with, but the ruler foot has a screw on the side that you can turn and that will raise and lower your presser foot. Using your hotel card, or thin plastic sheet, will help you get that height you need and you’ll want to be where that credit card barely skims the bottom of that foot.

What this does is, as the needle goes up and down it prevents the fabric from bouncing and gives you those perfect stitches you want on your free motion quilt projects.

What tip do you want to see next? Let us know in the comment below!

JUKI Posts

How To Create A Storytelling Quilt with JUKI

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on How To Create A Storytelling Quilt with JUKI

In this blog, we will talk about storytelling through the intricate art of quilting with the aid of JUKI sewing machines! Gather around as we unravel the threads of creativity, explore stitch options on your machines, and delve into the magic of quilted storytelling with JUKI by your side.

Choosing the Right Textures and Fabrics

Every quilted story begins with a canvas, and the fabric is our medium in the quilting world. The choices are endless, from the soft feel of cotton to the textured touch of velvet! When crafting a narrative within a quilt, think beyond colors. Consider the textures—the smoothness of silk for a serene river, the roughness of tweed for rugged landscapes, or the cozy warmth of flannel for a comforting scene.

Below are some popular options we recommend:

Cotton: When working with cotton, we recommend pre-washing the fabric to eliminate any sizing or shrinkage and then ironing it to ensure a smooth surface before cutting. A sharp rotary cutter and a cutting mat facilitate precise cuts, as cotton is generally straightforward to manage. Maintaining the standard 1/4-inch seam allowance and pressing seams flat contributes to achieving neat blocks.

Consider using solid colors as backgrounds for appliqué or embroidery and prints that evoke specific imagery or emotions related to your stories.

Linen: Preparing linen for quilting necessitates pre-washing to accommodate potential shrinkage and wrinkles, with preference given to softened linen for easy handling. When cutting linen, caution should be exercised, employing sharp scissors to prevent fraying and handling it delicately to avoid stretching. Seam allowances remain consistent at 1/4 inch, though reinforcing may be required due to the linen’s looser weave.

With linen, you can cut shapes or pieces from linen fabric to create appliqué motifs representing characters, objects, or scenes from your stories or to add depth and dimension to your quilt.

Silk: Silk fabric requires meticulous attention to its care instructions, as it may demand special treatment, including testing for colorfastness and shrinkage before pre-washing. Fabric scissors are preferred when cutting silk, and stabilizers can mitigate shifting during the cutting process. Maintaining a 1/4-inch seam allowance and reinforcing seams where necessary is advisable to prevent fraying.

For Silk, choose fabrics in rich colors and patterns to serve as accent pieces within your quilt design. The lightweight and translucent qualities can also overlay images or create subtle transitions between storytelling elements, adding visual interest and complexity to your composition.

Velvet: Working with velvet involves gentle pre-washing to prevent crushing the pile and cutting from the wrong side using a rotary cutter to minimize distortion. Adjusting the seam allowance to approximately 3/8 inch accommodates the thickness of the velvet pile and contributes to smoother sewing.

Consider using velvet for central motifs or focal points to draw attention and create visual impact. Velvet’s plush texture allows for intricate details and subtle shading, enhancing your quilt’s realism and visual interest. You can also use velvet as a background fabric or an overlay to add depth and richness to your storytelling elements.

Flannel: For flannel, pre-washing is essential to remove lint and mitigate potential shrinkage. Care should be taken to avoid stretching when cutting flannel, and a sharp rotary cutter should be used to handle it gently. Consistent adherence to a 1/4-inch seam allowance and careful pressing to maintain fabric integrity yields favorable results in quilting with flannel.

Use flannel as a background fabric or borders for your storytelling quilt to provide a soft and cozy backdrop for your storytelling elements. Combine flannel with other fabrics, such as cotton or linen, to create contrast and texture in your quilt design.

Exploring JUKI’s Stitch Options

JUKI sewing machines offer a treasure trove of stitch options that can elevate your storytelling quilt to new heights! The possibilities are as vast as your imagination, from straight stitches to intricate embroidery designs. Below are 8 examples of stitches found across our machine series.

  1. Straight Stitch: The straight stitch is a fundamental option for piecing quilt blocks and creating clean, precise lines. Use it to construct the framework of your quilt and outline key elements of your story.
  2. Zigzag Stitch: The zigzag stitch is versatile and can be used for appliqué work to outline and secure fabric shapes onto your quilt top. It adds texture and dimension to storytelling elements like characters, objects, or scenes.
  3. Satin Stitch: The satin stitch provides a smooth and polished finish, making it ideal for appliqué and decorative stitching. Use it to fill in and highlight intricate details in your storytelling elements, such as lettering, motifs, or embellishments.
  4. Blanket Stitch: The blanket stitch is perfect for appliqué and adds a decorative border around fabric edges, resembling hand embroidery. It can frame storytelling elements and add a charming, handmade touch to your quilt.
  5. Free-Motion Quilting: Explore free-motion quilting techniques to add texture and depth to your storytelling quilt. Stitch motifs, patterns, or scenes inspired by your stories, allowing your creativity to flow freely as you quilt.
  6. Stippling or Meandering Stitch: Stippling or meandering stitches create a quilted texture that can fill background areas and add dimension to your quilt. Use these stitches to evoke the mood or setting of your stories, such as swirling winds or rolling hills.
  7. Echo Quilting: Echo quilting involves stitching parallel lines around a central motif, creating concentric outlines that draw attention to storytelling elements. Use it to highlight characters, objects, or scenes within your quilt.
  8. Decorative Borders: Explore decorative border stitches, such as scallops, waves, or loops, to frame your storytelling quilt and tie together the theme. These stitches can add whimsy and charm to your quilt while enhancing its storytelling elements.

Selecting the Right Presser Feet

JUKI sewing machines come with various presser feet, each serving a unique purpose. The walking foot is a hero for quilting, ensuring even layers, and preventing fabric shifting. The free-motion quilting foot offers the freedom to doodle with stitches, letting your creativity soar as you quilt.

Experiment with different presser feet to achieve various effects. Use a piping foot to add a raised texture or a rolled hem foot for a delicate finish. With JUKI’s range of presser feet, your quilted story will have the precision and finesse it deserves.

Inspiration: The Spark Behind the Stitch

Behind every great quilt is an inspired quilter. Nature’s beauty, cherished memories, or even everyday encounters can inspire inspiration. A stroll through a forest might inspire a quilt depicting lush land, while a trip to the seaside could evoke scenes of crashing waves and sandy shores!

Look to art, literature, or personal experiences for inspiration. Let emotions guide your design. Perhaps it’s the story of a family reunion, a beloved pet, or a scenic adventure waiting to be quilted into existence. With JUKI sewing machines as your trusty companions, channel your inspiration into tangible tales through quilting.

In quilting, JUKI sewing machines stand as the faithful companions of storytellers. With their precision, versatility, and array of options, these machines empower quilters to weave narratives that transcend time.

So, dear quilters and aspiring storytellers, embrace the art of quilted storytelling! Dive into textures, explore stitch options, and let inspiration guide your hand as you craft tales with JUKI’s help. For in every stitch lies a fragment of a story waiting to be told, stitched together into a masterpiece of quilted wonderment.

Happy quilting, and may your stories be as rich as the fabrics you choose!

JUKI Posts

Become Inspired by Nature and JUKI

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on Become Inspired by Nature and JUKI

In its intricate tapestry, life often encourages us to seek inspiration in various places, moments, and experiences. For creators immersed in sewing, finding that elusive inspiration is akin to uncovering a treasure trove of ideas, designs, and possibilities. At JUKI, we understand the importance of fueling creativity and want to offer a few tips to navigate through creative blockades, so to celebrate the final weekend of National Quilting Month, we’re going to talk about ways you can go out and become inspired by nature for your next quilt!

Embracing Nature’s Bounty

In its beauty, nature often holds the key to unlocking boundless creativity. Picture the tranquil embrace of the beach, the calming rhythm of waves against the shore, or the reflective stillness of a lake. These natural settings serve as sanctuaries for rejuvenation, clearing the clutter from the mind and allowing fresh inspiration to flow in.

JUKI Rulers

Taking a break from the sewing room and venturing into these natural retreats can invigorate the senses and provide a new perspective. Nature’s sounds, sights, and sensations can ignite dormant creativity, sparking ideas that translate into unique sewing projects!

Consider incorporating earthy tones, vibrant floral hues, serene blues, or natural greens into your fabric selections for quilting or sewing. Let nature guide your color choices. Think of intricate patterns in leaves, water ripples, or petals’ symmetry to inspire quilt block designs or embroidery motifs. You can easily create shapes on your quilting machines with JUKI rulers like these. Experiment with free-motion quilting techniques to emulate natural shapes like waves, foliage, or clouds.

Also, the most beautiful part is that nature isn’t perfectly symmetrical. Embrace asymmetry or organic shapes in your designs, allowing a more natural and spontaneous feel to your quilting or sewing projects!

Seeking Inspiration Amidst Adventure

For those drawn to the thrill of adventure, camping amidst the wilderness is a playground for the imagination. The vast expanse of nature, the crackling of a campfire, and the star-studded night sky all weave tales that can inspire new sewing designs and concepts.

Butterly Quilt, created by NA Trainer Kelly Latreille

From the bustle of everyday life, camping fosters an environment of simplicity and introspection. It’s a canvas where creators can disconnect, immerse themselves in the present, and allow inspiration to find its way in.

While camping or at the playground, sketch the landscapes, wildlife, or exciting patterns you encounter. Use these sketches as inspiration for embroidery designs or quilt patterns later! You can also notice textures like tree bark, grass, or the grainy surface of land around you. Try experimenting with different quilting techniques or stitch patterns to replicate these textures in your projects.

We also recommend collecting small souvenirs like leaves, pebbles, or twigs that catch your eye! Use these as templates for appliqué designs or as inspiration for color palettes in your quilting projects. By merging the experiences and inspirations gained from your outdoor adventures into your sewing and quilting, you can create a unique and personal project, making them functional and reflective of your cherished moments in nature.

Digital Wellsprings of Inspiration

In the digital age, inspiration is merely a click away. Our YouTube channel is a treasure trove of tutorials, tips, and projects designed to ignite creativity. From beginner-friendly guides to advanced techniques, these videos offer knowledge and inspiration.

You can also visit craft sites like Pinterest and create digital mood boards or collages. Collect images, colors, and patterns that resonate with you! These visual boards can serve as references for fabric selection and project inspiration. Extract color palettes from nature photographs or videos and experiment with landscape quilting, appliqué depicting natural scenes, or using various fabric manipulation techniques to emulate natural textures.

Additionally, our project page serves as an oasis of ideas, hosting many sewing projects for creators to explore. Whether it’s quilting, home decor, or embroidery, many projects spark inspiration and guide enthusiasts through their creative journey.

Connecting through Social Media

Social media platforms serve as vibrant hubs where creators connect to share ideas, showcase their work, and draw inspiration from fellow enthusiasts. Our social media channels foster a community where sewing enthusiasts engage, exchange ideas, and celebrate the artistry of sewing!

You can stay inspired by nature on Social Media! There are lovely sewing and quilting accounts that focus on nature-themed projects and accounts dedicated to nature itself. You can also follow nature photographers or accounts that share stunning images of landscapes, flora, and fauna and use that to create color palettes, patterns, and motifs for your projects.

Engaging with like-minded individuals, participating in discussions, and exploring the creations of others can be a funnel of inspiration! These platforms can offer a window into a variety of perspectives and techniques. Share your progress, and celebrate your nature-inspired creations! And remember, when you’re creating, inspiration can come not just from the images but also from the stories, tips, and experiences shared by fellow makers.

Joining Local Dealer Events and Sewing Communities

Attending events hosted by local dealers or sewing communities is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the sewing world! These events offer opportunities to connect with fellow creators, learn new techniques, and gain inspiration from workshops and demonstrations. At JUKI we host training classes and events with our JUKI dealers, ready to help you create! You can learn more about our events and training classes by visiting us here.

Local dealer events also host workshops and classes where you can learn new techniques or gather ideas for projects. We recommend participating in these sessions to expand your skills and try new techniques! This is also a great way to get in touch with your sewing community and get inspired by other creators like yourself.

At JUKI, we believe inspiration is woven into the fabric of everyday life, waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected places. From the tranquility of nature to the digital realm and vibrant sewing communities, there’s a world of inspiration out there waiting to be explored.

Creativity knows no bounds, and finding inspiration is an ongoing journey! Whether through the calming embrace of nature, the digital world of education and tutorials, or the exciting energy of your sewing community, enjoy nature and uncover a world brimming with innovative ideas and endless possibilities!