Depending on model, your machine came with a few or a lot of accessories. Sure, all of those doodads are fun to have, but what do you really need? I’ve done a lot of sewing during my shelter-in-place. I rotated through all of my machines: Elna Carina, Singer 99, Singer 221/222, Janome 8900, Janome MOD 50, and the ElnaSTAR. As it turns out, most of my sewing was done on the ElnaSTAR (pictured in the website header). While I adore my Singer Featherweights, this little Elna became my go-to machine simply because it’s equally as portable, but has the extra stitches and features that I prefer. The bulk of my sewing involves piecing quilt blocks, machine applique and some home dec (pillows, curtains, kitchen accessories and small bags).
Here are my *essential* sewing machine accessories:
- all purpose foot
- zipper foot
- 1/4″ foot
- open toe foot
- open toe walking foot with left and right guides
- adjustable darning/free motion foot
- extra spool pin/base
- standard (zigzag) needle plate
- straight stitch needle plate
- screwdriver
- lint brush
- extra bobbins
- extension table
- carry case
If you will be sewing clothing or a lot of home dec, consider adding a cording/piping foot, invisible zipper foot, sliding guide foot and a teflon foot.
Notes:
Janome 8900 is set up exclusively for machine quilting.
Janome MOD 50 is an excellent machine, but no straight stitch plate is currently available.
