Janome 350E Memory Craft Embroidery Machine

• Janome 350E Memory Craft Embroidery Machine
  I got mine February 17, 2016, Craiglist, used, $750.
• Introduction to the Janome 350E (youtube, 6:16)
• FREE SOFTWARE TO GET YOU STARTED:
  I downloaded the Wilcom.com TrueSizer software (free).
  This allows you to transfer files from the web to the 350E, re-size and edit, save in different formats.
  Load them into the   MyDesign   folder on a thumb drive, then plug into the 350E.
  Here is a good tutorial:
  • Installing TrueSizer (youtube, 8:44):
    talks about the web-based versus PC version
    Print-Preview:   gives a ‘production worksheet’ with the color sequence (and more)
    File-Capture Design Bitmap: creates a .png file
    View-TrueView:   shows the actual stitch quality with ‘connector’ threads (also shown on the production worksheet)
    View-Slow Redraw:   simulates the machine actually drawing the design
    File-Save As:   save other types as   .jef   to use on the 350E
• PURCHASED SOFTWARE TO DO LOTS MORE:
  As soon as you start getting serious with your embroidery machine, I strongly recommend you start acquiring the Embrilliance software.
  I currently have Alpha Tricks, Thumbnailer, Essentials, Density Repair Kit, Enthusiast, and Stitch Artist Level 1.
  I love their software!
  You can buy (via download) directly through their site, but I buy through Amazon—same price, and you get DVDs (which makes it easier to re-install on a new computer).
  Here are fantastic tutorials:
  • Stitch Artist Level 1 Controls Tutorial: Part 1 (17:40)
  • Part 2: stitches (16:01)
  • Part 3: applique (7:27)
  • Part 4: satins (19:19)
  • Part 5: more on stitches (10:34)
  • Part 6: context and keys (13:53)
  • Part 7: 3 point arc and shapes (4:48)
  Here's the entire Stitch Artist playlist.
• STABILIZER SHEETS:
  tear-away: use temporary adhesive spray to adhere to back of fabric, then secure in hoop
• STANDARD HOOP SIZES (usable area):
  large: 5.5" x 7.9" (I use this hoop for my memory quilt squares.)
  small: 5" x 4.3" (inside dimensions are 6.25" x 5.55", but not all this area is usable)
• Remove the plastic grid cover on the hoop before sewing!!
  Don't sew through the plastic!!
• THREAD:
  • Janome Thread Color Chart
    I have this setting:   Mode-Set-next page-next page-thread selection Janome-register
    Use this chart, together with a picture of what you're embroidering, to select a proper thread color.
  • I turned the auto-thread-cutter OFF so I can choose to use the same color for two (or more) different colors:
    Mode-Set-next page-auto thread cutter-off-register
  • TENSION:
    -- if the bobbin thread (usually white) shows through to the front, LOWER the tension
    -- if there's a ‘shaggy’ (thick) back, then RAISE the tension
    Here's a good discussion of tension.
    These tensions work well for me (with invisible bobbin thread):
    • polyester: 1
    • heavy cotton: 2
    • lightweight cotton: 1.5
  • For each new color, I gently hold the top thread until I can easily snip it with the tiny scissors. If necessary, press the start/stop button to pause the machine while snipping the thread. You don't want the thread to get incorporated into the stitching! I keep the tiny scissors attached to the bobbin spindle on the top of the machine, so they're always readily available.
  • Put a piece of tape on thread spool/cone after using to make end of thread easy to find the next time. Remove tape and stick to work-bench temporarily while sewing; then re-tape. The same piece of tape can be used over and over!
  • I'm getting much better quality using invisible thread in the bobbin, rather than (say) white. For one-color designs, the best quality seems to be produced with top thread and bobbin thread the same.
• CLEANING THE BOBBIN AREA/MAINTENANCE:
  Cleaning the bobbin area (and other maintenance)
  Don't try to remove what looks like lint in the tiny hole beneath where the bobbin goes! It's actually an oil wick, and it's supposed to be there. If it does get pulled up by mistake, just poke it back down.
  General Embroidery Machine maintenance: even though it's not a Janome, I found this to be useful information.
• WORKING WITH FONTS without font software:
  
  • Copy each individual file into MyDesign. If you place a folder in MyDesign, the 350E doesn't show it.
  • Think you can make a small letter by taking a big one, and re-sizing it in TrueSizer? Think again! The tiny letter uses the same number of stitches as the original, so they will ball up inside the bobbin area and make a big mess. You MUST get/purchase tiny fonts.
  • free fonts
  • Jolson's Designs fonts (most are about $2.00 each)
    I bought a set of three tiny fonts from them.
• WORKING WITH FONTS with font software:
  
  • I bought AlphaTricks from Embrilliance so I could work with .bx files and type entire words without having to piece together individual letters. It cost $99. It is ‘meant’ to be an add-on to Embrilliance Essentials (about $150), but it does work as a stand-alone to do what I need. You get a serial number in an email that you put in (under Help-Serial Numbers).
    
  • Buy a .bx font; here are some small fonts from Rivermill Embroidery.
  • Drag-and-drop the .bx font into AlphaTricks. (You'll get lots of individual files and folders, but the .bx is what you want.) You'll get a confirmation message that the font has been installed.
  • If necessary, use File-New Page to get a new work area.
  • Click on the pencil-ABC to adjust the baselines of the new font and save, if needed. For example, you may need to pull the letters "g", "j", "p", "q", and "y" down a bit so the bottoms dip below the baseline.
  • Click the "A" to get a text object.
  • File-Save Stitch File As...   to save (for me, as a .jef file).
  • Load onto the thumb drive and insert in the Janome 350E. Yes!
• HOW TOs:
  • how to embroider an applique design
• EMBROIDERY DESIGNS TO BUY:
  EmbroideryDesigns.com: I usually try here first.
  You can get two free designs (from a particular collection) for every two you buy—be sure to take advantage of this!
  
  Machine Embroidery Designs
  Buy 6+ items and get a 25% discount; buy 12+ and get a 33% discount.
  They have a great Projects section.
• TROUBLESHOOTING:
  Often, my bobbin jams repeatedly; threads get all caught up inside, and I can't even raise the needle—have to jiggle the fabric until I can get in under the fabric to cut the thread mess. Things Cathey's Sew 'N Vac told me to try:
  • upper tension should typically be 3-4
  • when threading machine, presser foot should be UP; twirl thread around right finger (i.e., apply tension) while threading thru 1-2-3-4
  • use high-quality thread; if using machine thread holder, do NOT use end cap with cross-wound thread
  • small black screw on bobbin case: tighten slightly (say, from 12:00 to 1:00)
  • use embroidery needles; they have a bigger eye, and don't fray the thread as much
• PROJECTS:
  
  • Embroidered Topsy Towel (4:12)