Accessories

How to find the right accessories for your Janome Machine!

First things first when it comes to accessories – always buy authentic Janome brand accessories!

After-market or off brand accessories may not fit snugly on your machine, which you may notice when running your machine at top speed. Any extra wiggle or movement could cause damage to your machine, or minimally, not give you the results you desire.

Just like people have different sized feet, so do sewing machines! Knowing what size foot your machine requires will help you select the proper accessory for your model.

We’ve tried to simplify the process for you, using the downloadable PDF document below. We’ve broken it down to 3 easy steps to take in order to find the right accessories for your model! 

Accessory-Compability-GuideDownload

Step 1 – Where do you insert the bobbin on your machine? 

• Horizontal Rotary Hook- These are considered “Top Loading” or “Drop in bobbin”. The bobbin is inserted from above. This is the most common bobbin type available on Janome Machines.

• Front Loading Vertical Oscillating Hook – This means the bobbin is inserted from the front, usually through a door that swings down on the arm of your machine as shown here. These machines have a separate removable bobbin case.

• Side loading – Only applies to the Janome HD9 and Janome 1600P High Speed models and they have their own unique set of accessories. 

Step 2 – What is the maximum stitch width of your machine?

Many machines list the maximum stitch width in the Instruction Manual, or it can be found on the Janome website. If you’re still not sure, try setting your machine to the maximum stitch width and stitch a zig zag stitch. Either measure the width with a ruler, or place an object over the width to get an idea. 

• If the stitch width is as wide as a small paper clip, then you have a 5mm machine.

• If it’s as wide as the eraser on a number 2 pencil, then you have a 7mm machine.
• (5mm and 7mm snap-on feet and accessories are interchangeable.) 

• If the stitch is as wide as a USB stick, then you have a 9mm machine.

Step 3 – What is the Shank Height of your machine?

Shank height is only needed if the accessory attaches directly to the bar where the foot holder or “ankle” attaches. For instance, a Darning foot, or Even Feed foot. The foot holder would be removed and the Darning foot attached directly to the bar of the machine.

One quick way to find out if your machine is high or low is to lower the presser foot and measure up to the small screw which attaches the foot holder. If it’s approximately 1inch to 1 1/4inches it’s High shank. If it’s approximately 1/2inch it’s Low shank.

As a general guideline, all mechanical models are low shank. Most electronic models are low shank. All 9mm models are high shank. AcuFeed models are high shank.

For a list of accessories available for your machine, click on the Accessories tab on Janome.com or Janome.ca and consult any of our Janome Dealers!

Until next time….