Tag: quilting accessories

JUKI Posts

Level Up with JUKI Accessories

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on Level Up with JUKI Accessories

September is the perfect time to enhance your sewing experience with the right tools and accessories! This month, we’re featuring four JUKI accessories designed to help you achieve professional results while making your projects more enjoyable on your JUKI.

Whether you’re quilting, creating home décor, crafting handbags, or focusing on precise stitching, these accessories are tailored to meet your needs. By adding the right accessories to your sewing space, you can unlock new techniques and take your projects to the next level!

What is a JUKI Free Motion Table?

Let’s start with an accessory any sewist can appreciate, the JUKI Free Motion Table. This flat extension created for the TL series expands your workspace and provides better control over your fabric. It’s especially helpful for creators who need stability and support when working on large quilts or bulky projects. Keeping your fabric level with the machine bed reduces drag and helps maintain even stitching. This table is designed to fit perfectly with your JUKI machine, making free-motion quilting smoother and more enjoyable.

Benefits & Tips

  • Expands your workspace for easier free-motion quilting
  • Reduces fabric drag and shifting for smoother stitches
  • Ideal for large quilts, table runners, and bulky projects
  • Level your table with your sewing surface for the best results

Project to Try: Quilted Table Runner
Create a beautiful quilted table runner to celebrate the season! Using the Free Motion Table, you’ll have the stability to quilt continuous designs without fighting heavy fabric. Choose coordinating fabrics, layer your quilt sandwich, and practice smooth, even movements across the surface. The large workspace helps keep your stitches consistent, resulting in a polished and professional finish. Learn how to create this project here!

What Is a Tractor Foot?

Now, if you’re someone who works on home décor, the Tractor Foot is for you! This foot is designed to help your machine glide over thick seams and uneven layers with ease. It’s perfect for home décor projects like cushions, drapes, or upholstery, where fabrics often overlap or create bulky areas. This foot “climbs” over raised sections smoothly, reducing skipped stitches and needle strain.

If you love making home projects with canvas, denim, or layered fabrics, the Tractor Foot is a must-have!

Benefits & Tips

  • Smoothly stitch over thick seams and uneven layers
  • Prevents skipped stitches on bulky home décor fabrics
  • Ideal for upholstery, drapery, and multi-layered sewing projects
  • Use a heavier needle (90/14 or 100/16) for the best results

Project to Try: Custom Throw Pillow with Piping
Upgrade your living room with a custom pillow that includes a decorative piped edge. The Tractor Foot makes it easy to stitch around corners and over layered seams without breaking needles or losing stitch quality. Cut your pillow pieces, insert piping between the front and back panels, and watch the foot handle the thickness with ease. The result is a stylish, durable pillow that looks professionally made.

What Is a Professional Set?

Next, we have the JUKI Professional Set, a collection of presser feet and tools designed for projects like handbags, structured totes, and more!

This set gives you the versatility to handle difficult-to-feed fabrics like leather, zipper installation, edge stitching, and decorative finishes all in one package. Each tool is designed to help you achieve clean, precise results, even on challenging materials like leather or canvas. It’s the perfect accessory kit for makers looking to expand their skills and create professional-quality bags.

Benefits & Tips

  • Provides a variety of feet for topstitching, zippers, and edge finishing
  • Helps tackle layered fabrics, leather, and canvas with ease
  • Ideal for structured accessories and professional-level bag making
  • Match the foot to the task for cleaner, faster results

Project to Try: Quilted Laptop Bag
Create a durable and stylish quilted laptop bag using the Professional Set to guide you through every stage of construction. Start by quilting your fabric layers with the walking foot to ensure smooth, even stitches. Then use the edge guide foot for clean topstitching and the zipper foot to install secure closures or inner compartments. With these tools, you’ll achieve a sturdy, professional-looking bag that keeps your laptop protected while showcasing your creative style. Learn how to create this project here!

What Is a Needle Plate?

The JUKI Needle Plate is now available in inches! This upgraded plate gives you precise seam markings in inches for easier, more accurate sewing. This is especially helpful for quilters, garment makers, and general sewists who rely on consistent seam allowances. By following the inch markings, you can maintain straight, even stitches without additional guides. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in accuracy and efficiency.

Benefits & Tips

  • Provides clear inch-based seam guides for precision
  • Helps maintain consistent seam allowances without extra tools
  • Keep fabric aligned with the markings for straighter seams

Project to Try: Quilted Block
Try sewing a traditional 9-patch quilt block using the Needle Plate for perfectly consistent seams. Cut your squares, align your fabric with the ¼” marking, and chain piece your rows together. With precise guides, your finished block will press neatly and assemble smoothly with the rest of your quilt. This small upgrade helps ensure every piece comes together with accuracy!

Upgrade Your Sewing This September!

Adding the right accessories to your sewing kit can completely transform your creative experience. Whether you’re quilting with the Free Motion Table, sewing home décor with the Tractor Foot, creating professional bags with the Professional Set, or improving precision with the Needle Plate in Inches, these tools are made to elevate your projects.

Visit your local JUKI dealer to explore this month’s spotlight accessories and start your next project with confidence!

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

What is an Even Feed Foot?

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on What is an Even Feed Foot?

If you’ve ever struggled with sewing slippery or thick fabrics, you’re not alone! Many sewists deal with puckering, uneven stitching, or fabric that seems to have a mind of its own. The Even Feed Foot is a game-changing accessory designed to overcome these challenges, allowing you to sew with ease and leave those struggles behind! But what is an Even Feed Foot, and how can it transform your sewing experience? Let’s dive in and explore its features, history, and incredible benefits!

The Even Feed Foot is a specialized sewing machine attachment that ensures fabric feeds evenly under the needle. Unlike a Standard Presser Foot, it has built-in feed dogs that work in tandem with your sewing machine’s feed system. This dual-action feeding mechanism prevents shifting between fabric layers, making it ideal for quilting, matching patterns, or working with challenging materials like vinyl, leather, and silk.

The Even Feed Foot was developed to solve common sewing challenges when working with multiple fabric layers or slippery materials! Traditional presser feet often cause fabrics to move at different rates, causing misaligned seams or puckered stitching. This was particularly seen in quilting, where precise alignment is crucial, and in garment construction, when sewists used delicate or sticky fabrics.

Benefits and Uses of the Even Feed Foot

Now that we know why the Even Feed Foot was created, let’s talk about the benefits of putting it to use. Its primary benefit is its ability to handle slippery fabrics like silk, satin, and vinyl! These materials often shift or stick under a regular presser foot, leading to uneven stitches or puckering. The Even Feed Foot eliminates these issues by feeding the fabric layers evenly, ensuring smooth, professional results every time.

If you’re a quilter, you’ll find the Even Feed Foot indispensable! When working with multiple layers of fabric and batting, achieving alignment can be a challenge. This foot will ensure that all layers move together without shifting, resulting in beautifully aligned quilt tops and precise stitching. It’s also perfect for handling thick materials or layered seams, like denim or canvas.

Another benefit we’ll mention is the ability to help with pattern matching. Whether you’re working with plaid, stripes, or intricate prints, aligning patterns perfectly at the seams can be daunting! The Even Feed Foot’s dual-feed mechanism allows you to keep fabric pieces in place, making it easier to achieve seamless transitions and professional-looking garments or home decor items.

Tips for Using the Even Feed Foot

  1. Choose the Right Needle: Pair your fabric with the correct needle type, such as leather or ballpoint needles.
  2. Adjust Stitch Settings: For thicker fabrics, lengthen the stitch for better results.
  3. Use Clips Instead of Pins: For materials like vinyl or leather, avoid pinholes by using clips to hold layers together.
  4. Test on Scrap Fabric: Always test your settings on a scrap piece to ensure everything is working smoothly.
  5. Clean Regularly: Keep your foot and sewing machine feed dogs clean to maintain optimal performance.

Project Ideas Using the Even Feed Foot

Lastly, let’s talk about the projects you can now create with more ease using the Even Feed Foot. For quilters, it is the perfect tool for crafting quilted placemats or patchwork blankets! The foot ensures that all layers of fabric and batting remain perfectly aligned, resulting in a polished finish and precise decorative stitching. These projects are not only functional but also great opportunities to showcase your quilting skills.

If you love working with vinyl or leather, the Even Feed Foot is a game-changer! Consider making a vinyl cosmetic bag that is durable and stylish or a leather tote bag with clean, professional seams. These materials can be tricky to sew, but the Even Feed Foot makes it possible to achieve high-quality results without the frustration of sticking or shifting.

For sewists working with delicate fabrics, projects like silk pajamas or satin pillowcases become much easier! The Even Feed Foot glides smoothly over these materials, ensuring flawless seams that enhance the luxurious feel of your finished pieces. Whether you’re sewing garments or home decor, the Even Feed Foot allows you to work confidently with materials that might otherwise be challenging.

With the Even Feed Foot, you can confidently tackle a variety of creative endeavors, all while enjoying smoother and more efficient sewing. The Even Feed Foot is more than just an accessory—it’s a game-changer for challenging sewing projects. Ready to try the Even Feed Foot for yourself? Visit your nearest JUKI dealer to explore this versatile accessory and see how it can enhance your sewing experience!

JUKI Posts

Sewing Techniques for Spring

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on Sewing Techniques for Spring

It’s that time of the year when chiffon, linen, and cotton reign supreme in the fashion world, offering a breath of fresh air to wardrobes everywhere! But mastering the art of sewing with these ethereal fabrics can be a bit like taming a butterfly—challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive into the world of spring sewing techniques and explore how to work magic with these fabrics on our trusty JUKI machines.

Embracing Chiffon

Chiffon is the epitome of elegance and lightness. Working with this sheer, floaty fabric might seem intimidating, but fear not! Please start by selecting a fine needle, preferably a size 9 or 11, to ensure it glides through the fabric without causing snags. Using a walking foot or a roller foot on your JUKI machine can also work wonders by preventing the fabric from shifting as you sew.

You can craft lightweight scarves in various colors and prints, finishing them with narrow rolled hems or decorative stitching for a personalized touch. Design flowy tops or blouses with chiffon fabric for a breezy and feminine look, incorporating details like ruffles or gathers. These projects embody the essence of spring with their lightness and grace. Below are popular techniques that Chiffon fabric can handle well.

  1. Staystitching: Before handling chiffon fabric, it’s crucial to stabilize its edges with staystitching. This prevents the fabric from stretching or distorting during construction, especially around curved or bias-cut seams.
  2. French Seams: French seams are excellent for chiffon as they encase raw edges within the seam, providing a clean finish without adding bulk. This technique helps prevent fraying and ensures a polished look, which is ideal for sheer fabrics like chiffon.
  3. Narrow Rolled Hems: Chiffon fabric lends itself well to narrow rolled hems, which create a delicate and elegant finish on edges without adding weight or bulk. This technique involves folding and stitching a small hem allowance twice to create a narrow rolled edge, perfect for chiffon’s lightweight nature.

Working with Linen

Linen, with its natural, breathable texture, is a springtime favorite. Sewing with linen on your JUKI machine can be a breeze with a few simple tricks. Start by prewashing and pressing the fabric to account for any shrinkage, and use a universal needle size 12 or 14 to handle the slightly heavier texture of linen.

Consider creating lightweight and breathable garments such as dresses or skirts, perfect for warm weather. Linen’s natural texture adds a touch of sophistication to home decor items like table runners or throw pillow covers. Additionally, you can fashion tote bags or accessories such as headbands or sun hats using linen fabric for a chic and understated look.

  1. Staystitching: Similar to chiffon, staystitching stabilizes the edges of linen fabric to prevent stretching or distortion, especially around curved or bias-cut seams.
  2. Understitching: Understitching is beneficial when sewing linens with facings or linings, helping to secure them and ensure they lie flat against the body. This technique benefits lightweight linens where topstitching may be too visible or bulky.
  3. French Seams: French seams work well with linen due to its natural texture and weight. They provide a clean finish by encasing raw edges within the seam, reducing fraying and ensuring durability without adding bulk.

Consider using a serger or finish seams with pinking shears to prevent fraying. A straight stitch or a medium-width zigzag stitch works well for sewing linen. And don’t forget about pressing—keep a trusty steam iron nearby to ensure crisp seams and a polished finish.

Cotton Comfort

Cotton, the quintessential spring fabric, offers versatility and comfort. Whether working with crisp cotton poplin or soft cotton voile, your JUKI machine can handle it like a pro. A universal needle in sizes 10 to 14 is your go-to for sewing cotton fabrics.

You can fashion vibrant and cheerful quilts or patchwork blankets, which are ideal for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Sew lightweight and breathable clothing pieces such as blouses, sundresses, or shorts, perfect for enjoying the warmer weather. Or create home decor projects, including curtains, tablecloths, or kitchen towels, adding a fresh touch to your living space. Following the techniques below, you can create with cotton seamlessly.

  1. Understitching: Utilize understitching to secure facings or linings in place, ensuring they lie flat against the body. This technique is particularly beneficial for lightweight cotton fabrics, where topstitching may be too visible or bulky.
  2. Basting: Temporary basting stitches hold fabric layers together before permanent stitching, aiding in precise seam alignment and preventing shifting during sewing. This technique is invaluable for lightweight cotton fabrics, ensuring accuracy and ease of construction.
  3. Clipping and Notching: Reduce bulk in seams and ease curved edges by carefully clipping and notching lightweight cotton fabric. This ensures smooth draping and prevents puckering or bunching, maintaining the garment’s natural flow.

Experiment with different presser feet to enhance your sewing experience. For example, an edge-stitching foot can help achieve precise topstitching, while a quarter-inch foot is excellent for creating accurate seams in quilting-weight cotton. Use a smaller stitch length for more control and accuracy when sewing curves or delicate corners.

Must-Have Accessories

Your JUKI machine accessories can make a difference when working with these springtime fabrics. Consider investing in:

  • Walking Foot: Ideal for handling multiple layers of fabric or slippery materials like chiffon.
  • Roller Foot: Great for fabrics that tend to stick or drag, ensuring smoother sewing experiences.
  • Edge-Stitching Foot: Perfect for achieving neat, uniform topstitching on hems and edges.
  • Quarter-Inch Foot: Essential for precise quarter-inch seams, especially useful in quilting cotton.

Sewing with light and airy spring fabrics can be a delightful journey with the proper techniques and accessories at your fingertips. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be disheartened if your first attempt doesn’t turn out as expected!

Embrace the nature of these fabrics, experiment with different stitches and presser feet, and most importantly, enjoy the process. With your JUKI machine as your trusty companion, you’re well-equipped to create stunning pieces that embody the essence of springtime elegance and comfort.

So, gear up your JUKI machine, grab your favorite spring fabrics, and let your creativity soar like a gentle spring breeze through the sewing world!

JUKI Posts, New JUKI Products, What's New at JUKI

New Year, New JUKI Accessories

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on New Year, New JUKI Accessories

This year, get ready to level up your crafting game because JUKI has just dropped a variety of new accessories for 2024 that’ll make your sewing adventures a breeze!

From the innovative EB-1 buttonhole device specially crafted for the TL series to the whimsical hearts and wings ruler set and the versatile tears and tails ruler set, JUKI has unleashed an exciting collection of new notions for your sewing projects.

Check out our new 5-piece scissor set, ready to tackle any cutting task with finesse or the convenient pen oiler for seamless machine maintenance, and brace yourself for the stylish new trolley bag designs available in small and large sizes. We’re about to explore all that’s new!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your stitching journey, these new JUKI accessories will elevate your crafting experience. Join us as we take a closer look at these game-changing tools, unpacking their features and discovering how they can revolutionize how you approach your sewing projects. So, grab your threads and bobbins because we’re about to embark on an exciting exploration of JUKI’s latest offerings for 2024!

EB-1 Button Hole Device

The EB-1 by JUKI is a game-changer for sewists aiming to elevate their garment creations. Its compatibility with the TL semi-industrial sewing machine marks a revolutionary leap in buttonhole creation, empowering creators to effortlessly add that perfect finishing touch to their chic dresses or stylish shirts.

This accessory boasts various features designed to ensure precision and convenience with every stitch! From setting button diameters ranging from 5mm to 32mm seamlessly to offering a Clear Presser Foot for easy alignment, the EB-1 prioritizes user-friendly functionality. Moreover, its flexibility allows adjustments in zigzag and knife widths, stitch density, and even sewing speed, putting creative control firmly in the hands of the sewist.

One of the standout features of the EB-1 is its remarkable memory function! This function retains the latest settings, ensuring consistent performance throughout your projects. Its versatile four-direction layout for buttonhole placement opens doors for compatibility with various sewing endeavors. Including essential accessories like different height correction plates and non-slip sheets enhances stability and precision, enabling professional-quality buttonholes with ease.

Say goodbye to fighting with your buttonhole projects and welcome a new era of sewing simplicity with the EB-1. This indispensable tool guarantees flawless results, whether sewing for style or functionality!

Hearts and Wings ruler set

The new Hearts & Wings Ruler Set from JUKI isn’t just a set of tools; it’s a gateway to unleashing boundless creativity for sewists! Specifically designed to be used as templates with the quilting ruler foot, this set opens up a realm of possibilities for stitching intricate and captivating designs. Dive into a world of fun as you explore the various rulers within this kit, each offering its unique flair to elevate your sewing projects. With tools like the Cable Tool, Mini Heart, Traditional Hearts, Feathered Hearts, and Bird Bracket Chain, your creative journey becomes a canvas waiting to be adorned with captivating patterns!

Dive into nature-inspired motifs, envisioning sprawling vine-like cable patterns reminiscent of twisting branches or delicate feathered hearts mirroring the grace of natural elements. Or, explore city-themed designs with structured, geometric heart outlines, infusing an urban vibe into your creations. Try your hand at whimsy and playful designs with the Mini Heart ruler. These rulers open doors to crafting lively and fun patterns that add a touch of joy and creativity to any project! Whether mirroring nature’s serenity, capturing cityscapes’ vibrancy, or infusing playful elements, the Hearts & Wings Ruler Set empowers sewists to bring their envisioned designs to life with precision and flair.

Tears & Tails Ruler Set

The new ruler kit we’ve released is the Tears & Tails Ruler Set! This set is a transformative addition for any sewing enthusiast diving into quilting or decorative stitching. Like the ruler set above, you’ll want to pair this set with the quilting ruler foot before diving into creative exploration!

With a diverse range of rulers, such as the Mini Teardrop, Small Teardrop, Nautilus Baby Long Tail, Nautilus Long Tail, Mini True Teardrop, and Small True Teardrop, the possibilities for crafting intriguing and diverse patterns are endless. Whether envisioning delicate tear-shaped motifs or intricate nautilus-inspired designs, this comprehensive set empowers you to craft captivating patterns that add depth and personality to your projects.

Create delicate and flowing patterns reminiscent of leaves, petals, or even gentle ripples on water using teardrop and nautilus-inspired rulers. Or to transition city-inspired designs, employ structured and linear motifs that echo the architectural elements or the bustling energy of an urban landscape. These rulers offer a gateway for sewists to craft designs from their dreams onto projects, whether in quilts, garments, or other textile creations!

JUKI 5 Piece Scissor Set

Crafted exclusively by Famore for JUKI, the 5-piece Scissor Set is a game-changer for your sewing, quilting, or crafting room! The scissor set is built with medium powder blue handles that are not just stylish but also super comfortable, and it includes a matching zipper case –the perfect home for these beauties!

These scissors and snips are like a dream team for your fabric-cutting adventures! This set has covered you, from precision cutting to tackling those pesky seams with the surgical seam ripper. Trust me, once you get your hands on these, you won’t want to let them go! This set includes scissors, snips, tweezers, and a surgical seam ripper.

JUKI Pen Oiler

Let’s discuss a game-changer for your machine maintenance routine—the JUKI Pen Machine Oiler! Imagine having this nifty tool in hand, perfectly crafted to reach those nooks and crannies of your sewing machine that always seem impossible to lubricate. This oiler is like a secret weapon, ensuring your beloved JUKI machines perform at their best!

Whether you’re rocking a TL semi-industrial powerhouse or a long arm series beauty, this pen oiler’s got your back, keeping those gears turning smoothly with its precise applicator designed to hit all the right spots. It’s like giving your machine a spa day—because, hey, they deserve some TLC, too, right? If you’re all about keeping your sewing sanctuary in tip-top shape, this oil pen is about to become your new best friend. Smooth stitching sessions await!

JUKI Trolley Bags

Lastly, let’s discuss the new design for our JUKI trolley bags that makes your machine-toting life a breeze! The bag has a sleek Chenille fabric exterior, spiced with classy gray details and an embroidered JUKI logo. They come with a front pocket and two inside mesh wall pockets, helping you bring all those notions you’ll need for your class or retreat!

These bags fit most sewing machines and sergers in JUKI’s lineup, giving your beloved gear a comfy ride with options to load from the front or the top. Whether you’re lugging around your MO-3000QVP or your Kokochi DX-4000QVP, these trolley bags are the perfect wingman for your sewing adventures. Curious about dimensions? They measure 10″ wide, 19″ long, and 16″ tall and 23″ wide, 12.5″ long, and 16″ tall. Those sizes are a roomy nest for your machine to relax while traveling!

So, say hello to your new trusty sidekick for your sewing escapades—the JUKI trolley bags are ready to roll!

To learn more about our latest accessories, visit us here today!