Many Janome machines come with what can feel like an overwhelming selection of decorative stitches – when to use them all? – so stitching the sections for the inside pockets of the tote seemed a perfect place to test them out! Why just use a straight stitch? The thicker, more dense decorative stitches add more stability and strength to the pockets, as well, which are prone to more wear and tear.

The Janome Continental M7P has a special “Hand-Look” stitch category with 52 stitches from which to choose, so I tried out a few using the recommended “F”, or Satin Stitch foot, which comes with many Janome machines. Many of the Hand-Look stitches are similar to the decorative stitches found on many Janome machines, but they’re “tweaked” with a slightly more casual, rustic charm.

Continuing with the “Hand-Look” theme, I used a triple stitch followed by a single stitch, (highlighted stitch #7, but may be a different number on your machine) which we use to create the look of hand-quilting with invisible thread in the needle. There’s been many posts on Janome Life about this, so be sure to check out the link here for more information.

I elected to forgo the invisible thread, however, to create a different look by using the same thread in the needle as in the bobbin, which was one of the delicious multi-colour Cotona, 100% Egyptian Cotton threads by Madeira.

Did you know Janome Canada is a distributor of Madeira threads? Check with your dealer as there’s a Madeira thread for every purpose; serging, quilting, embroidery, etc.

With knits, I usually use a Janome Blue Tip (sz11) which has a slightly rounded ball point tip, but, given I backed my T-Shirt with fusible fleece and would be stitching through multiple layers when I came to line it and when constructing the handles, I used the beefier Janome Red Tip (sz14) instead without any issues. No skipped stitches, etc. Janome needles, manufactured by Organ, are available from any Janome dealer. It’s great to have a variety on hand, especially if, like me, you sew late at night long after the stores are closed.

I hope you found this project idea inspiring! For another T-Shirt project, check out previous posts on Janome Life when I made aT-Shirt Quilt using a serger, then bound it using theJanome Quilt Binder Set. Also, be sure to check out and subscribe to my NEW You Tube channel Janomeman aka Michael Smith for more fun and informative videos.
SO many T-Shirts, SEW little time! It’s wonderful Janome can help us make the most out of both!

Happy Sewing!