Best Foot Forward - The Ultraglide Foot

The Ultraglide foot 

This week we are looking at the Janome Ultraglide foot (this links to cat A foot).  

What is it used for?

When stitching "sticky" fabrics such as vinyl, suede and leather, a standard foot can drag causing skipped stitches and a wonky line of stitching.  The ultraglide foot is made from a special material that makes it easy to sew these fabrics, as they glide under the foot.  
This foot is particularly popular with bag makers. 

How does it fit on?

It snaps on, so is easy and quick to change - no need to get the screwdriver out.

How much is it?

The foot costs £15.  

Before ordering a foot, make sure you know whether you need category A or B/C as they are slightly different (although the same price).  The category corresponds with whether the bobbin is a top or front loading, so if you can give us your machine model number, or even describe it, we can match you with the right one.

Any other info...

When you first buy the foot, try it out on scrap fabric.  

Using a larger stitch length when sewing will help the fabric flow under the foot and make it easier when sewing through fabric such as leather which can be thick (remember to use the correct needle too).
If you have ever unpicked stitching through pvc or leather, you will know that the needle leaves holes, so do use a teflon foot from the start of your project.  You also cannot pin through this fabric, so our tip is to use paper clips to hold the pieces together.

Here is a short video Janome have produced that shows the foot.

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