Attaching a Walking Foot to a Janome Sewing Machine
A walking foot sewing machine is designed to help sewers create quilting and heirloom projects. The walking foot helps feed and align multiple layers of fabric together while also helping your machine penetrate heavy fabrics with ease. If you own a Janome sewing machine, you can attach a walking foot to it and start your project. Here’s how.
The first step to attaching the walking foot is to purchase the shoe for the type of Janome machine you own. Then, remove the original foot and screwdriver from the machine’s holder. Place the holder into the walking foot, spin it clockwise and tighten the screw in the back of the holder.
Next, press the button on the side of the holder. This will release the upper part of the holder, allowing you to attach the new walking foot. Push the walking foot firmly against the holder and rotate the button clockwise to secure the foot in place.
Once you’ve attached the walking foot, you need to adjust the needle position before you start sewing. Keeping the needle up or down is a matter of personal preference. However, make sure the needle isn’t positioned too far to the right or too far to the left. You also want to make sure there’s enough room for the walking foot to move.
Once you’ve positioned the needle, select the appropriate stitch and turn the hand wheel to bring the needle down. It’s important to keep the stitch length and tension setting for the chosen stitch. To do this, turn the hand wheel until the needle is up then manually feed the foot until it’s positioned in the center of the pressure foot.
Now, it’s time to engage the walking foot. Engage the walking foot by pressing the lever to the right of the presser foot and turning the hand wheel clockwise one full turn. Then, you’ll need to make sure the presser foot pressure is correct by adjusting the knob located under the needle.
Finally, it’s time to start sewing! Select your thread, needle, and fabric, and get started on your project. With the walking foot attached and adjusted, you’ll have an easier time feeding multiple layers of fabric through your machine.
Using a Walking Foot for Special Projects
Using a walking foot can make it easier to sew projects that require heavier fabrics, like thick denim and canvas. The foot helps to feed the layers of fabric through the machine, even when the fabric is thicker than usual.
In addition to heavier fabrics, the walking foot can also be used to sew vinyl and leather. By attaching a non-stick foot and using a lubricant, these fabrics can be fed through the machine with ease. The walking foot helps to feed the layers together smoothly, and it also helps to create a beautiful topstitch.
Quilters love the walking foot because it helps them work on large projects and make sure the fabric is properly aligned. In addition, using a walking foot can help sewers create beautiful decorative stitches, like cross stitches and chain stitches. And, by attaching a zipper foot, sewers can make perfect-looking bound buttonholes.
When sewing specialty fabrics like silk, tulle, and chiffon, it is a good idea to use a walking foot. This helps to evenly distribute the layers of fabric and prevents sticking or uneven tension. It can also help to keep the fabric from sliding when stitching curved seams, helping create even and smooth lines.
The walking foot can also be used to create rolled hems. Rolled hems are the perfect finish for sheer and lightweight fabrics, and the walking foot helps to evenly feed the fabric while creating a nice, snug hem.
Tips for Attaching and Removing the Walking Foot
It can be easy to attach and remove the walking foot from your Janome sewing machine. To begin, make sure your machine is off before you attach or remove the walking foot.
When attaching the foot, it’s important to ensure that the holder and screw are properly tightened. This will help the foot stay secure while you’re using it. Additionally, make sure the needle is positioned correctly before you start sewing.
When you’re ready to remove the walking foot, press the release button and rotate the button counter-clockwise to loosen the holder. Then, remove the foot and return the original presser foot and screwdriver to the holder.
It’s also important to note that when you’re attaching the walking foot, the presser foot pressure should be adjusted for the type of fabric you’re using. This will help ensure a smooth and even stitch.
If you’re having trouble attaching and removing the walking foot, you may want to consult your sewing machine’s manual. It will provide you with detailed instructions on how to properly attach and remove the foot, as well as how to adjust the presser foot pressure.
Browse the Different Walking Foot Models
There are several different walking foot models available for Janome sewing machines, so it is important to make sure you select the right one. You can typically find the right model in a Janome dealership or online.
When selecting the right model, consider what type of projects you want to complete. Some common walking foot models include wide-footed machines for quilting, narrow-footed machines for heirlooms and specialty machines for leather and vinyl.
It is also important to make sure the walking foot is compatible with the machine you have. Ideally, the foot should fit perfectly into the holder and have the same thread shank size.
Additionally, consider any other features the foot might have. Many walking foot models include adjustable guides for evenly feeding fabrics, as well as adjustable length and width for different types of stitches.
By selecting the right walking foot model, you can be sure you get the right type of foot for your projects.
Purchasing the Right Walking Foot Accessories
In addition to purchasing the right walking foot, it is important to purchase the right accessories. This includes things like a non-stick foot, a zipper foot, and a binder foot—all of which will help make sewing easier.
When selecting these accessories, consider the types of projects you plan on completing. For example, if you plan on working with vinyl or leather, you’ll need a non-stick foot. And if you plan on making bound buttonholes, you’ll need a zipper foot.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a lubricant, which is used to feed heavier fabrics through the machine. Additionally, if you plan on quilting, you’ll need a walking foot guide attachment, which helps keep the layers of fabric lined up.
Finally, consider purchasing a protective cover for the walking foot. This will help to prevent damage to the foot when you’re not using it.
By purchasing the right walking foot accessories, you can ensure that you have the right tools for all your sewing projects.
Caring for Your Walking Foot
Caring for your walking foot is essential to helping it last longer. After completing a project, make sure to wipe the foot off with a damp cloth. This will help remove any lint and fabric particles that could get caught in the moving parts.
It is also important to store the walking foot in a dry, dust-free area. This will help prevent the foot from corroding or rusting over time.
Finally, consider investing in a protective cover. This will help keep dust, dirt and debris away from the foot and ensure it works properly.
By taking the time to care for your walking foot, you can ensure that it lasts longer and performs better.
