Did you know there is a NEW software available that turns your decorative stitches into embroidery files? It’s called AcuStitch and turns 117 different machine decorative stitches into machine embroidery files in your choice of 17 different shapes. It is fun and very easy to use. Please see the Janome bulletin on this link or at the bottom of this post for further information such as which Janome embroidery machines are compatible with this software…..there is quite a long list of Janome models – which is good news.
I created a project for you so that you can explore the software and make a throw pillow. You’ll need to gather the following materials:
16 – 5″ squares (8 patterned, 8 solid)
.5m coordinating fabric
20″ pillow form (mine is from Ikea)
Embroidery thread and stabilizer, fabric glue, velcro
I followed a really great tutorial on making Drunkard’s Path blocks from 5″ squares. You can find it here. (No sense in reinventing the wheel, right?)
After I embroidered my blocks, I added a 2.25″ strip of fabric to all the sides and did a envelope style back with a velcro closure. To make the envelope back, you need two pieces of fabric for your backing that are 16″x20″, and 8″x20″. Fold up and hem 1″ on the long sides, and then attach the hook side of the velcro to the smaller side of the backing. I used fabric glue to hold it in place before I stitched it down. Once that was done, I pinned it to the front of the pillow and put the loop velcro on top of the hook side and applied fabric glue. Then I placed the larger side of the envelope closure on top, lining up the bottom corners and then pressing down where the velcro was to get the right placement.
When you first open the software, you select which machine you have. Since I have a Skyline 9, it shows me the three available hoops that fit my machine. Across the very top is the ‘new’, ‘open’, ‘save’ and ‘print’ functions, as well as a drop down menu on the AcuStitch icon. This gives you access to the same functions as the short cuts, as well as access to the Stitch Reference Chart (which I highly recommend printing out).
The next set of menus is called the Quick Access Toolbar. This has several tabs where you can place, modify and view your design.
The ‘Home” tab shows your hoop, the layouts, design, and monogram options. This is also where you would write your design when ready. Once you click on the shape you are wanting, you can open the stitching files and choose the stitch you want to use.
‘Edit’ lets you fine tune the details, remove unwanted designs, change the colors, add text and arrange the layout and sewing order of the embroidery.
‘View’ shows you the different options for looking at your design and setting up your working area.
And Stitch Composer is also included in the installation of the software CD so you can create your own new stitches and then arrange them in all these lovely shapes.
Of course, it’s much easier to see how to use the software, so we have a video that shows how to use the software to create 4 different designs, and then see them stitched out. Click here to watch it. (This video is longer than my previous videos, so settle in with a nice, hot beverage!)
I hope you have lots of fun playing with your new AcuStitch software, available for purchase from your local authorized Janome dealer.
PLEASE NOTE: This software had not yet arrived in Canada at the time of publishing this janomelife post. It is on order and due to arrive at the end of February 2019 Part# 202-419-008. You are most welcome to place an order with your local Janome dealer and ask them to call you when it arrives.
AND if you come to one of the upcoming sewing shows in Canada where we will be on the Janome booth, you are more than welcome to ask us to show it to you on our laptop(s)…..We are so excited about it we are “itching” to share it with you!
If you are resident outside of Canada, please check with your local Janome dealer for availability of this software in your country.
Here is more info on this brand new software:
Until next time,
JanomeGirl