As we step into 2026, it’s the perfect time to refresh your sewing routines and introduce new habits that keep your machine running smoothly and your creativity flowing. Whether you’re sewing daily or only when inspiration strikes, these simple practices can make a big difference in your projects, efficiency, and machine longevity.

Change the needle every 8 hours of sewing
A fresh needle ensures clean, precise stitches and prevents skipped threads or fabric snags. Make it a habit to replace your needle regularly.

Clean under your needle plate regularly
Do you know what’s under your needle plate? dust, lint, and stray threads build up quickly. A quick clean with a lint brush—or a bobbin holder cleaner if included—keeps your machine running smoothly and helps prevent stitching issues. Using genuine Janome bobbins also ensures a perfect fit, even spin, and consistent tension to minimise thread jams, uneven stitches, and long-term damage.

Protect your machine with a cover when not in use
A simple cover protects your machine from dust, sunlight, and accidental knocks. It’s an easy habit that helps preserve both performance and appearance.

Service your machine through an authorised Janome dealer
Just like a car, your sewing machine benefits from professional servicing. Annual or semi-annual checks by an authorised Janome technician can catch issues early and keep your machine performing at its best.

Use the right presser foot for each project
Different techniques shine with the correct presser foot. Whether you’re quilting, inserting a zipper, or sewing tricky fabrics, the right foot can make all the difference in accuracy and finish.

Oil your machine
For a smoother, quieter sewing experience, oil your machine as recommended. Some models are self-lubricating, so always follow your manual and apply oil only where and when Janome specifies.

Test stitch on a scrap before starting
A quick test sew lets you confirm stitch length, width, tension, and thread colour before you begin. It’s a simple step that saves time and prevents frustration.

Update your machine’s firmware (if applicable)
Some Janome models receive updates from time to time that improve performance or add new features. Check occasionally to ensure you’re running the latest version.

Give your sewing space a weekly tidy
A quick 5-minute reset helps keep your workspace organised, your tools easy to find, and your creativity uncluttered.

Finish those projects!
We all have those half-done projects tucked away. This year, challenge yourself to finish them, whether it’s a nearly completed quilt or a garment waiting for buttons. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as ticking a long-awaited project off the list.

By building these habits into your sewing routine, you’ll enjoy smoother stitching, fewer hiccups, and more finished projects. A well-maintained machine and tidy workspace make all the difference – giving you more time to do what you love: creating. Here’s to an inspired 2026 in your sewing room!

A great way to personalize your Memory Craft 15000QM is by updating the screensaver with your favourite photos. Using the screensaver Tool app you can up load photos of your favourite quilts, grandkids or even your fur babies in just a few quick clicks. This iOS app supports Wi-Fi link up for the Memory Craft 15000QM and Skyline S9.

The Stitch Combination feature can be used to program decorative stitches to create unique pattern combinations to decorate your sewing projects.

This feature is available on Continental M7 Professional, MC15000QM, Skyline S9, S7, S6 & S3, Memory Craft 9450QCP, Memory Craft 9850, Memory Craft 6700P, Memory Craft 8200QCP, Memory Craft 6650, 5300QDC, 4300QDC & DM7200.

Introduced originally on the Memory Craft 6000 in 1983, the stitch elongation function is a feature, on many of the current Janome computerised sewing machines

Stitch Elongation allows for specific satin stitches to be sewn at different lengths, without having to change the stitch density or stitch coverage of the stitch no matter the length of the stitch.

Using the stitch elongation function, the satin stitches can be sewn at their normal length or at x 2, x 3, x 4 or x 5 times the length of the normal stitch length.

Common satin stitches which can be elongated

When using the stitch elongation function, you can create unique stitch patterns, combinations and embroideries using your sewing machine. Plus, you can adjust the individual stitch width and length within a stitch combination or when elongating the individual stitch.

Try out stitch elongation with this fun project below. We would love to see what you create using stitch elongation, post a picture to our socials to let us know.

Click for instructions to make a Decorative Stitched Mug Rug

Current Models with Stitch Elongation Function

• Memory Craft 15000 Quilt Maker
• Skyline S9
• Memory Craft 9850
• Continental M7 Professional
• Memory Craft 9450QCP
• Memory Craft 8200QCP
• Memory Craft 6700P
• Memory Craft 6650
• Skyline S7
• Skyline S6
• Skyline S3
• 5300QDC
• 4300QDC
• 780DC
• 740DC

Did you know that you can easily access the areas of the top of the hoop without having to take the hoop off the machine? If you have ever been embroidering an applique design or been embroidering an in the hoop project and you have needed to remove the hoop from the machine to trim fabric or to set up the next step?

There is an easier way, you can use the hoop movement icon to move the position of the hoop to the top of the hoop. This makes it easier to access the whole embroidery hoop area and there is no need to remove the hoop from the machine and no chance that you could accidently un hoop your project.
With the machine stopped, you can press the hoop movement icon and choose from 4 options of where you would like the embroidery carriage to move to

• Top Left
• Top Centre
• Top Right
• Carriage home position

The first three options will move the needle position to the top of the hoop in the top left, center or top right position of the hoop. This gives you access to the entire hoop area so that you can trim fabric/ thread/ lay down your next fabric piece/ zipper to be embroidered. Once you have finished, you simply touch the hoop return icon and the embroidery hoop will go back to the correct spot for you to begin stitching again.