There are many accessories available for sewing machines but it can be quite confusing to determine if an accessory will fit on your specific sewing machine. I use a Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9400 QCP and while it comes with a large assortment of presser feet and accessories, there are many more available for it. How do you determine if an accessory will fit this machine?
First, you need to determine if your sewing machine is a high shank or low shank machine as most machines are one or the other. You can usually find this information in your sewing machine manual. The Janome 9400 is a high shank machine, so I won’t be looking at low shank accessories. This will eliminate some presser feet right away.
Next I would be checking to see if the foot fits a 9mm machine or one that is a different size. This refers to the maximum width of stitch that a sewing machine can stitch. Again, the Janome 9400 is a 9mm machine, so I’m looking for attachments that will fit this machine. If I choose a presser foot that is for a 5mm machine and have my decorative stitch set for 9mm wide, well, it just won’t be a good combination and I suspect that there will be an unpleasant sound associated when I try to stitch with it. Not good!
Your next resource is the packaging on a presser foot or accessory as it will usually give you some indication of which sewing machine the accessory will fit. Keep in mind that the packaging may not include recently issue sewing machine models, but your sewing machine retailer should be able to help you with this. It’s always a good idea to keep the packaging as it may include information on how to use the attachment – information you will definitely need when you go to use it!
The first time that you are using a new presser foot or accessory, use your hand wheel to be sure that the needle doesn’t hit the foot when you start to use it. You may be able to adjust your needle position if there is an issue.
Click on the image below to watch a video on my YouTube channel that provides more information on choosing the right accessory for your sewing machine.
Creatively,
P.S. Did you know that you can sign up to receive FREE emails full of quilting goodness? Just click here to receive FREE content directly in your email inbox every few weeks from Chatterbox Quilts. I know you'll be glad you did!