MC9450 QCP Workbook – AcuFeed Flex

I know I have mentioned this before, but it is worth repeating how much I love my Janome MC9450 QCP. and the Janome Horizon MC 9450QCP Workbook. I learn something new every day I use them! Lets talk AcuFeed Flex, Janome’s built-in feeding system which helps feed fabric layers easier and more effectively.

Flipping through my workbook I discovered the uses of the Janome AcuFeed feeding system and how it all works. Included with the machine is the Dual/Twin AcuFeed Flex foot holder with the standard AD foot attached. The beauty of the AcuFeed FLEX system is that you can change the actual foot portion to use a variety of different feet, like the Janome AcuFeed Flex 1/4″ Quilt Piecing foot and Ditch Quilting Foot. There’s also an AcuFeed Flex Open Toe foot and AcuFeed Flex Straight Stitch foot available for the AcuFeed Flex Dual/Twin foot holder. For more information, click on the video HERE.

You can use any of the three needle plates; Zigzag, Straight Stitch or HP (High Performance) with the AcuFeed Flex Feet, but, once the AcuFeed feeding system is activated, you’ll only be allowed to use straight stitches as in the photo below. As well, when you snap the HP needle plate into position, the machine will automatically swing the needle over to the left and will grey out all stitches which are not compatible.

The Janome MC9450 QCP also comes with the special Professional Grade AcuFeed Flex HP2 foot to be used with the HP needle plate. This foot gives you that perfect 1/4″ of the regular HP foot, but combines it with the power of AcuFeed. You have so many options will this machine! Watch a video demonstration HERE.

Janome Professional Grade AcuFeed Flex HP2 Foot with HP Needle Plate

The Janome AcuFeed Flex feet are designed to feed layers moving forward, which is why, when the AcuFeed is engaged, only the straight stitches are available to use. However, I sometimes like to use the AcuFeed Flex AD foot to stitch decorative stitches. The trick to using it with decorative stitches is to not activate the AcuFeed button on the LCD screen and be sure to use the Zigzag needle plate.

Also, choose stitches that mainly move forward for most of the stitch pattern, such as Quilt stitch #20 (on the left) or Quilt stitch #29 (on the right) as pictured above. The numbers of these stitches may be different on your machine; it depends on the number of stitches your model has.

Avoid using stitches which go backwards, or stitches which are too fussy/ too dense. If you’re quilting through several layers, it’s a good idea to lengthen the stitch, as well. Always test on scraps before starting your project.

Bonus – when doing binding on the machine, have you ever tried using the Quilt stitch #20, which is a gentle meandering serpentine stitch? I love it! I don’t have to worry about being as accurate as when using a straight stitch to secure the binding.

Ever wonder what that dial is for on the right side of the machine?

It is the AcuFeed Dual Balance Dial, which controls the feed dogs of the AcuFeed Flex Foot Holders, which help feed the top layer of fabric. When the dial is at “0”, the lower feed dogs built into the machine and the upper feed dogs built into the AcuFeed Flex Foot Holder are working at the same rate. This means that the lower layer and upper layer of fabric should end up at the same length when you finish stitching the seam.

Sometimes, however, the fabric on top may stretch longer than the lower layer. This is often the case with knit fabrics and fabrics with stretch. To correct this, turn the AcuFeed Dual Balance Dial to the “+”, which increases the rate of feeding of the upper layer. If your upper layer of fabric is feeding too much, puckering and rippling, as in the photo below on the right, you can turn to the dial to the “-” to decrease feeding of the upper layer. You can see the difference on the left in the photo below. I turned the dial down to -3 which eliminated all the puckering.

Try turning this Dial “+” and “-” as you stitch some practice samples. It’s the best way to learn all the amazing things your machine can do!

All of these tips and tricks – and more – are in the Janome Horizon MC 9450QCP workbook available from your Janome Dealer.

For more on the Janome MC9450 QCP, be sure to check out the many previous posts on Janome Life, and check out the videos on the Janome HQ You Tube channel. As well, you might want to check out the various 9450 social media user groups, like the 9450 Facebook group. It is not run by Janome, but by users who have and love sharing tips and tricks about their machine. We all love to do that!

Monique