Sewing is an enjoyable hobby for many and a necessary lifestyle for some. But when operating a sewing machine, it can be difficult to drop the feed dogs on a Janome sewing machine. For those not familiar with the term “feed dogs”, they are the small teeth located below the needle plate of a sewing machine. Many machines have these feed dogs, and they are used to guide the fabric along an even path while sewing. When they are dropped, they will no longer help direct the fabric and the process of free-motion sewing can begin. Free-motion sewing gives the user more control over the fabric, allowing them to move it freely while stitching, such as when making curves or circles. The ability to drop the feed dogs offers much more flexibility in sewing and quilting and is great for those who enjoy being creative.
Luckily, dropping the feed dogs on a Janome sewing machine is not too difficult. Here are the steps needed to drop the feed dogs:
- Turn on the sewing machine and adjust the stitch selector to the straight stitch.
- Lift the needle plate with one hand and locate the two screws near the needle hole.
- Using a Phillips-head or flat head screwdriver, depending on the size of the screws, unscrew both of these screws.
- Gently remove the feed dogs from the machine.
- Place a cloth or other material below the feed dogs so they don’t get scratched when setting the machine down.
- Replace the needle plate, making sure to align it correctly.
- Screw the two screws back into place.
As a safety measure, you should always check the feed dogs after the process to make sure they are securely fastened. If you are uncertain about what else needs to be done after dropping the feed dogs, consult the manual or contact Janome customer service for further assistance.
Aside from dropping feed dogs, there are other actions to take before engaging in free-motion sewing on a Janome sewing machine. Sewers can make use of a darning foot with their machine. The darning foot is a round foot that moves over the fabric with ease and helps keep tension on the fabric as it moves along. It also prevents the fabric from warping. It is important to know that the darning foot is slightly different with each model, so it’s best to look up the specific type of Janome foot before using it.
Another thing to ensure before engaging in free-motion sewing is that the machine has been serviced by Janome or its authorized representatives. Janome sewing machines are built to be safe and long-lasting, but regular maintenance keeps them functioning properly and prevents damage from occurring. Having the machine serviced prior to free-motion sewing will make the experience much smoother.
Once the machine is serviced, the feed dogs are dropped, and the darning foot is installed, free-motion sewing can begin. Before beginning, it’s important to slow down the stitch speed to make sure accuracy is maintained and the fabric won’t be stretched or distorted. A good way to do this is by dropping the stitch speed to the lowest setting and then increasing it until a speed that is comfortable is found.
Thread Tension
The tension of the thread being used can have quite an impact on the overall success of free-motion sewing. If the tension is too tight and the thread is caught, the stitches are going to be uneven and can even cause knots to form depending on the fabric and thread used. Newer machines are equipped with alterations to the tension settings, which can help the user in this regard.
The thread tension needs to be set to a balance that is comfortable and allows the thread to move freely. This is done by making sure that the tension on the top thread and the bobbin case are not too tight or too loose. Depending on the threaded used, the tension needs to be adjusted accordingly. If using a higher weight thread, the tension should be lower and vice versa. It is suggested that users practice various tension levels to help them understand what tension works best for them and their project.
Upper Tension Knob
The upper tension knob on a Janome sewing machine helps to adjust the tension of the thread as it passes through the needle. It is located on the front side of the machine and can help in finding the optimum thread tension. If the tension of the machine is too tight, the upper tension knob should be adjusted to a lower setting and the same should be done if the tension is too loose. Making sure to take note of the thread weight and tension number is important, as the tension needs to be tweaked for every new type of thread being used.
For users new to free-motion sewing, knowing how to adjust the tension knob is incredibly helpful and beneficial. Understanding the effects that the tension knob has on the stitching process can help one in achieving perfect stitches every time they take on a new project.
Presser Foot Pressure
The presser foot pressure plays an important role in the outcome of free-motion sewing. If the presser foot pressure is too low, the fabric is more likely to move around while the user stitches. On the flip side, if the presser foot pressure is too high, it can cause the thread to break due to the strain. It is suggested that users adjust the presser foot pressure accordingly so the stitches are even and the thread is not damaged.
For a Janome sewing machine, the presser foot pressure can be adjusted by a dial located on the front or side of the machine. It is important to adjust it to the appropriate level for whatever fabric is being used, such as a light weight cotton or a heavier weight wool. Knowing where it is and how to adjust it can help a great deal in free-motion sewing.
Bobbin Winding
Last but not least, is bobbin winding. Bobbin winding is the process of winding the thread around the bobbin case. If the bobbin is not wound correctly, there is a risk of thread breakage and the stitches may not be formed correctly. To ensure the bobbin is correctly wound, make sure that the thread tension is set properly, as well as the thread guide, bobbin winder, and needle threader.
Bobbin winding on a Janome machine is fairly straightforward and the user manual explains the entire process in detail. Once the bobbin is wound, be sure to check the tension of the thread before beginning to sew. If the thread tension is not optimal, make sure to adjust it before the fabric is placed underneath.
Sewing Process
When working on a free-motion project, the user will want to move the fabric with their hands. This can be a bit nerve-wracking for some and it is highly recommended that a guide be used during the process. Users should mark the fabric with a water-soluble marking pencil, fabric glue or double-sided fabric tape to help them keep a straight line while sewing. This way the user can focus more on the actual sewing process instead of having to worry about where the fabric should be placed.
When controlling the fabric, it is important to use a slow and steady movement. This allows the machine to form uniform stitches and prevents the fabric from becoming distorted. Moving too fast may cause the fabric to be unevenly sewn, or worse, the thread may break.
When manually moving the fabric, be sure to evenly lift the presser foot off the fabric to allow it to be moved freely. As soon as the foot is down, the feeders will begin to adjust the fabric underneath. Machine feet that are equipped with a sensor can help in this regard, as the user will not have to think about the presser foot when moving the fabric.
Cleaning
Keeping the sewing machine clean is important in order for it to last longer and perform at its best. This means that all pieces should be cleaned, from the needle plate to the feed dogs. To do this, one should use a soft cloth and some mild detergent to wipe off any dust, dirt or oil. After that, use a clean cloth dampened with water to remove any remaining residue and then dry everything with a soft cloth.
Oiling
In order to keep the machinery of the machine functioning properly, it should be oiled regularly. This prevents any grinding or clunking noises from occurring and it also helps keep the machine working smoothly. To oil the machine, use a light weight sewing machine oil, such as 3-in-1 oil. This can be found at most fabric stores or can be purchased online for a very low cost.
To oil the machine, dab a few drops of the oil onto a clean cloth, being careful not to over-oil. Then, use the cloth to wipe off any exposed parts of the machine. It is important to not oil the belts, clutch, or electrical parts of the machine as this may cause damage.
Storage
Finally, be sure to store the machine in a safe place, away from dirt and dust. Placing the machine on a table or tablecloth can help keep it clean and stopping the machine when not in use can also help preserve it. Additionally, a cover can be used to protect the machine when storing for a long period of time.
Using a Janome sewing machine to do free-motion sewing can be a thrilling experience. With some practice and the tips mentioned in this article, users will be able to create wonderful pieces and will enjoy sewing for years to come.
