Here is a complete guide to select sewing machine stitches on a Stirling by Janome sewing machine, also know as Janome JR1012 and Elna 1000 from Spotlight. When you are working with different types of fabrics, it’s important to also use the correct sewing stitch for the project. Every sewing machine has its built-in stitches just like Stirling by Janome sewing machine. Look at the image to find out about the built-in stitches in this machine.
Step by Step Selection Guide for Sewing Machine
See all the instructions in the video above or watch it here on YouTube
This Stirling by Janome sewing machine comes with the basic stitches needed to get you started with your sewing adventure.
You have your basic straight stitches to choose from, the one marked A is your centred straight stitch and B is positioned to the left.
To change the width of the straight stitch you would use the dial on the right.
The Next stitch C is your basic zigzag stitch. The dial to the right is used to adjust the legth of the zigzag stitch (the same as the straight stitches).
Stitch D is another form of zigzag stitch and a utility stitch called a tricot stitch. You would use this stitch to finish raw edges to stop them from puckering. This is particularly useful for synthetic fabrics.
Stitch E and F are a blind hem stitch which is particularly useful for hemming garments where you don’t want a noticeable sewn line the outside of the garment. I show you how to do that step by step in this tutorial. You may find it easier to use a blind hem foot as well.
The G stitch is called the Shell Tuck stitch. this is a decorative stitch used for lightweight fabric. You can see a video demonstration on Youtube here.
The Next stitches are stitch selection A and B with the right dial on S.S., which stands for Stretch Stitch. You would use this stitch for extra strength when sewing something that will be stretched. I use this stitch when I am making sock monkeys. My kids stretch these little guys to the max and the stitches hold really well.
Stitch C on S.S. is called a rick rack stitch. This could be used to sew on stretch fabrics where you might use a zigzag stitch. You could also use it as a decorative topstitch on other types of fabric.
Stitch D on the S.S. option is used for smocking. Smocking is an old technique used to gather sections of material for decorative purposes. You could also use this technique with elastic thread to create an elastic waist band on a skirt or pair of pants.
Stitch G on S.S. is a knit stitch that is useful when sewing knit fabrics, like you would use when making swimwear, or stretch velour. This stitch provides a great amount of elasticity and strength.
The last 2 stitches pictured below are 2 other alternative stretch stitches.
The last stitch option on the left hand dial is the 4 step button hole stitch. You would also need to make sure you have attached the button hole foot as well as pulled down the button hole level.
I hope you have found this stitch guide useful. Obviously I am using a basic sewing machine, but most of the time we only actually ever use a small selection of stitches. It’s always good to know what the rest do thought.
Until next time, happy sewing!
Domenica
