I am new user of the Janome 6600 and won't have a class on it until next month - bummer. My question is when I am quilting and using the quilting foot (or is it called Accu foot?) and I want to use a 1/4" stitch - how do I guide it. I know I could always put tape on the bed of the machine but I thought with a new machine I wouldn't have to have tape stuck on it. Can I use the Accu feed with the 1/4" foot?

I haven't tried to change the feet - well, yes, I started to attempt it but didn't know how to get the back part of the foot (don't know what you call it - the part that swings up to the back) - or does that always stay on?

I know I'm probably not making a lot of sense but hoping someone will understand what I'm trying to say.

Thanks! Pat

Hi Pat,

I think the Janome's have a similiar system to my Pfaff. The arm that is at the back of your foot stays on the machine and you only change the foot itself. Lift and push back the arm and then remove the foot and replace with the 1/4 inch foot and reengage the arm by pulling it down and forward into the back of the pressure foot. The thing I am not sure about is how the feet themselves attach on your machine, mine simply snap into place on pins on either side of the shank. Good luck and happy sewing.

You can get a special 1/4" Acufeed foot particularly for this (and there Acufeed feet for ditching, ruffling, and an open toe one as well) And no you wont be able to use the ordinary 1/4" foot with the Acufeed mechanism.
When you fit an Acufeed foot you raise the foot to the highest setting after screwing on the Acufeed foot, then you bring down the mechanism from the back and it fits underneath the foot. There are very explicit pictures in the manual. If you dont have one, you can download it on line.

if you don't have the 1/4" for the accufeed you can use the regular one, you don't have to put tape down, the throat plate is markrd just pick you line and keep the edge of your fabric on it, it WOULD be easier to see if you had a piece of blue tape there though

The acufeed 1/4 inch foot is well worth the investment.

I have the 1/4 inch accufeed foot for my 6600 but do not use it for piecing, I use the regular 1/4 inch foot that came with the machine. I adjust the needle so that I get a scant 1/4 inch.

Ditto exactly!

Hi,
I also have the 6600 and the swingy part stays on when you change the feet. I believe there is a notch (line) on the foot and that is the 1/4" already made that mistake now i'm turning those pieces into another quilt. But do a test and measure it for sure.

I also have the 6600, and like seamstome, would invest in the 1/4" AccuFeed foot.

If you don't want to tape on your machine, I would use your current AccuFeed foot (I have an open toe one that I'm currently using, to get my hands and brain use to making an accurate seam), and practice with some scraps making a 1/4" seam. See where the 1/4" may line up on the foot, and mark the foot with a permanent marker.

There is also on the quilting market, an adhesive stick on ruler marking that has different measurements, and sticks right on or near the bobbin plate of your machine.

Pat I too am a new owner of a Janome 6600 and had to take my machine back to the shop to get the dual feed off, you pull down and back and up on it and it will release, on page 13 of your manual is the instructions. Then to change the foot just unscrew the the thumb screw and release the dual feed foot. We have a very good 1/4 inch foot, there is a guide which helps youto have exact 1/4 inch. Good luck Janey

Thank you Janey - and everyone else that is so kindly trying to help me.

I did finally find out last night how to change the feet. I was so confused because it was saying to press on the red button. Well, I had every light in the room on AND was using the flashlight and couldn't find a red button. Finally my Larry came to the rescue and discovered that there was a different (whatever it's called that the presser foot attaches to) on the machince and it had a black button. He put the other (leg) on and IT had a red button and I could attach the different feet.

I still have a bit of resentment over the fact that the shop would sell me the machine in July and tell me that I will have classes in September. If it weren't for the fact that I don't like to deal with people and have hard feelings I'd have to give her a piece of my mind. The ONLY thing she showed me was how to thread the machine and how to fill the bobbin (which I had trouble doing anyhow). She spent less than 5 minutes with me. This shop is almost 45 minutes from our home and to go to a different Janome place is much farther. I will be in FL for 6 months and I think I will try to do any maintenance from there.

Sorry, I had to vent when all I planned on doing was saying thanks - LOL.

Pat

Also, Pat, make sure that your presser foot is up to the highest point before trying to put the accufeed lever in place. There are 2 up positions for the presser foot and it took me a day or two to realize what I was doing wrong when trying to engage my accufeed.

VThanks Spudgum - I will keep that in mind!

Also remember if you are going to use the Acufeed 1/4 foot the needle position has to be at 5.5 to get the 1/4" seam allowance.

I only use the Acufeed 1/4 foot when putting blocks together because of the thickness of running over all those seams. Otherwise I just use the 1/4" and the single stitch plate or if you have the 7700 the auto plate converter to a single stitch.

Pat I have had my 6600 for 2 years now & I know you will love yours as much as I do mine. Even tho I took classes, I have gone to my manual several times and it is quite helpful. I have both 1/4 inch feet and also use both. Little odd ball advice, when you go to quilt - turn your machine side ways with the head facing you and the throat to the back. This is a wonderful way to quilt pulling your quilt from side to side, instead of across your shoulder - makes a lot of difference. Enjoy that new machine! Callie

There's also a Yahoo group specifically for users of this machine. I found it very helpful, just reading the daily digest version. I love mine.