The mending stitch on Janome electronic sewing machines is a feature which allows a series of straight stitches to be sewn as the needle moves from left to right. The needle makes 20 up and down returns on a 9mm machine and 16 up and down returns on the 7mm machines. This stitch is used to reinforce worn or torn areas or a garment, tote bag, backpack, etc. You'll often find this stitch under the Buttonhole category as you'll use the Janome Automatic Buttonhole Foot (R) when stitching.
Automatic mending stitch
If you own the Janome Continental M7, use the free 'AcuSpark' app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device and the QR code, which is built in to every stitch on the machine to instantly access the instructions on how to create the Darning Stitch.
Here are the general steps to perform this automatic stitch on a Janome electronic sewing machine:
- Reinforce the rip/ snag on the back of the fabric with the same piece of fabric or a suitable stabilizer.
- Place the fabric you want to repair under the Janome Automatic Buttonhole Foot (R) when snapped onto the machine. Make sure the fabric is properly positioned and held in place using tweezers or pins if necessary.
- On the screen of your electronic sewing machine, select the Darning/Mending stitch.
- Adjust the parameters settings, i.e. length, width, etc. as desired. These settings can be made via the buttons or control menus of the machine.
Depending on the model of your machine, it is also possible to correct irregularities in the checkpoints by turning the stitch width dial or by pressing the "-" or "+" key.
Maximum stitch length is 2 cm
To further strengthen the area, position the fabric so the stitch is running vertically and horizontally over the rip/ hole/ snag to ensure the stitching is catching the parts of the fabric which are still in tact. Awesome!
And, why not use this utilitarian stitch as a decorative stitch by using decorative threads and by repeating the stitch in several places across the fabric? Notice that the point angle and length settings have been changed in several places on this sample to create variety.
Play with threads of solid or variegated color as they can add an interesting visual dimension to your projects. They are often dyed with color gradients or subtle variations, creating unique visual effects. This can give a more dynamic and complex look to your garments or tote bags.
After stitching some practice samples, I decorated my blouse after stabilizing the fabric with an iron-on stabilizer. You could also use cut-away stabilizer. The rendering is unique and creative, and no one knows if the stitching hides a repair - or not!
Have some fun using the automatic Darning/ Mending stitch, especially as a decorative stitch for your next project. Happy Sewing!
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