Janome Embellishing Machines and Needles
I have had an embellishing machine for seven years and for the last three years I have been running workshops. I now use the latest Janome Embellisher FM725. This is an excellent machine with great punching power with up 500 punches a minute. When combined with my free-motion embroidery I can create superb exhibition pieces. One of the big problems I had when I started embellishing was getting embellishing needles that were strong enough. After much experimenting I have found some that are excellent, they are 36 gauge triangular needles. I can supply you with any quantity they retail at £5.00 a packet and postage is free. trade enquiries are welcome.
Introduction:
Although the embellishing machine looks like a sewing machine it has no threads instead it has barbed needles that mash the fibres together. As it moves up and down it pulls the top fibres into the base fabric. The Janome comes with a fixed head five needle attachment that allows for stronger needles to be used. The machine also comes with a single needle head attachment and the later machines come with a five needle interchangeable head. It also has two needle plates one with five holes for fine and general work and one with a large hole for heavier work. The embellisher has an excellent needle guard and this must be down at all times when working. The machine is capable of punching at a very fast speed of up to 500 punches a minute. You can also remove the long arm to get to the compartment below the needle plate to clean out the fluff that collects. The Janome has a special built in plate which stops any fluff getting into the working parts. You can also remove the long arm to allow use of the short arm for punching onto sleeves, bags and trouser legs etc.
Base Fabrics
There are many fabrics you can use but here are some examples: wool felt, polyester and acrylic felt, denim, canvas, pelmet vilene, scrim and sinamay.
Top Fabrics
Wool roving, yarns, ribbons, organza, polyesters, silk, felts, denim and many more. Experiment - you will be surprised at some of the results.
Getting started
Place your material to be punched on top of your base fabric, next place your needle head into the fabric to be punched by turning the handle anti- clockwise by hand. This helps stop needle breakage. Start slowly and build up your speed as you get more confident. Be careful not to move your fabric too quickly as this will cause needle breakage. Continue to build up your image, remember the less you punch the material the greater the loft will be. If you are making something to be worn it needs to be punched a lot so that the fibres are fully matted together. As you experiment you will find many ways of using up all your scrap fabrics.
Embellished Samples
