Tutorial: Sewing with an Industrial Juki DDL 9000 Sewing Machine

Hello! This is the first of a handful of tutorials that I have planned for this month to come alongside the sew-a-long for B6641. I hope this helps to answer some of the questions I've received about my industrial machine, but please ask away if there are more!
My machine is a Juki DDL-9000B: www.juki.co.jp/industrial_e/pr...
I mentioned that I bought all my feet, bobbins, etc from Wawak: www.wawak.com/
The feet that I mentioned were: a zipper foot, a left zipper foot, a right zipper foot, an invisible zipper foot, a gathering foot, a Teflon foot, a 1/8 piping foot, a 1/4 piping foot, a 1/8 narrow hem foot, a 1/4 narrow hem foot
Don’t forget to follow me on social media so you don’t miss a thing!
Blog: www.tomkatstitchery.com/
Instagram: / tomkatstitcherycarmel
Facebook: / tomkatstitcherycarmel

[@rosalieflores]

I've had this exact machine for years now. I would never go back to another.

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cecilianorris4449]

I have a basic Juki ddl 8700 industrial, love it, but if I ever upgrade, I would definitely look for the auto backstitch and thread cutting function. Wow, what a time saver. Awesome info. Thanks.

[@Angela10226]

Your machine sounds very much like my vintage sewing machines they just sort of purr, I love the sound of them. Also your machine threads exactly like my long arm machine.

[@janinesherry1809]

Thank you for showing us the 'ins and outs' of your industrial machine. You are so right about them lasting forever - I have my Grandmother's old industrial straight stitch machine from the 1950's and it still sews heavy duty materials far better than my computerised machine.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes! They last forever!

[@georgianasstudio]

I sew almost every day when I'm well so I'm thinking an industrial machine would be worthwhile. Amazingly, as of today, I now have access to exactly the same machine as yours!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I HIGHLY recommend my machine. It is amazing and while there is a bit of a learning curve, once you get it, it makes sewing on even high end home machines almost painful 😂.

[@georgianasstudio]

I can't wait to try out the Juki!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

An industrial machine at a good clip is my ASMR. Thanks for the tour of your lovely Juki!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes!!

[@Cynthia2v]

My mom bought a Singer machine in 1952 and the similarities are amazing. Her machine had cams for decorative stitches and a buttonhole attachment piece with cams, too. It was the only machine she ever bought, and was in good condition when she passed. These metal head machines really last. Good tutorial, Juki should pay you for this commercial! I watched your first episode on the sew along last night, and I’m glad you are recording these so I can go back to them. The Palmer Pletsch interfacing is like one Judy Kissinger recommends called French Fuse. She uses it on all jackets.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes! Metal machines will last forever, especially if properly taken care of. Old ones with a back story are my favorites. I love how it connects generations past with today. Not all that much has changed in the sewing world.

[@jenniflake5019]

I am so pleased Joy Bernhart has taken you under her wing, she’s a great lady and so much fun. Looking forward to your jacket sew along (loved all the coats you’ve made) Your fabric is lovely and also cannot wait to see Joys floral one. KZbin just got more interesting xx 🎈🎈🎈🎈

[@sewlovemydogs]

Loved this I have bought a Juki industrial (8000A) and this has tied up some many loose ends for me. (No pun intended) thank you so much.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@DebbyBeachy07]

Thank you for sharing, I might have to check into a machine like this. I do have industrial machines as I sew window treatments, and soft upholster. My home sewing machines are PFAFF, but having a lighter weight industrial sewing machine would be great.

[@joli43]

Thank you for this informative tour.

[@carlab4957]

Yes to video on how you organize your patterns!

[@sallydingle321]

That was great Whitney and took me back to my earlier working days in a shirt factory. I used to work for Van Heusen shirts and made a thousand pairs of cuffs a day😝....not much fun... but it taught me to sew fast and accurate and I'm not sure if I'd be sewing today if it wasn't for those earlier years in my twenties sewing there. Thanks so much for sharing this and it's making me wish I had an industrial machine again 😉😁💝😘

[@TomKatStitchery]

What an interesting job and I bet that did get you sewing quickly!

[@tanjowil9743]

Thank you so much. I was looking at the Juki DD 8700 until a lady recommended that I go check out the Juki 9000B simply based on my particular needs. I will be going tomorrow to check it out. However, I've thoroughly enjoyed your review on this machine.🍷🍹

[@tanjowil9743]

And, you're a cutie pie.🍷

[@TomKatStitchery]

I looked at the 8700 as well. I have to say that there has been NO looking back since acquiring this beaut. It’s a great machine. Have fun shopping!

[@Hide_and_silk]

I learned to sew as a kid on my mother's industrial machine. She made outerwear at home (motorbike gear, fishing jackets with zillions of pockets) for a living. Her machine had no servo and no speed moderator so I was used to controlling the sewing speed via the pedal! I remember using a domestic sewing machine for the first time at school aged about 14 and it was soo slow I thought something was wrong with it! I've never seen my teacher move as fast as she did when I floored it - I thought she was going to have a breakdown! I was given a long lecture! She was a brilliant teacher though - ex couture - but let me work independently when she realised I had been dressmaking at home for a long time .

[@Hide_and_silk]

I now have a Juki 8700H and a Juki 1541 DNU...plus a basic domestic Janome for buttonholes.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 I bet that was a sight. I’m sure your teacher was not used to students familiar with an industrial! They are great!

[@annaholliday161]

Thank you for your time with the Juki! I have always allowed my sewing to take on its own budget and I keep like you what I need. In this my sewing is becoming to out grow my room.i like that you seem to be frugal in keeping inline your space. Love your cutting space! I'm trying o locate pattern B6641 as it is not available at my JoAnns. It will take a week or so to get it here as I located it online. Would like a slower pause on the next videos as I'll need more time to get my Fabric Sewing Supply order of under lining and interface. Then to apply and time to fit my pattern. Maybe you can tell me how to keep up.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Hi, Anna! I love that you’ll be sewing along! I will be posting a new video every Tuesday, but they will be available forever so you can go back and watch as many times as you want. If you go to my channel and click on my playlists, all my sew alongs will be locates under the sew along tab. That should make finding the video you want much easier! The tutorials I’ll be posting will also be available under the tutorials tab. Does that help?

[@Penguinandpear]

Great video Whitney, I sometimes wish I'd bought an industrial when I bought my expensive sewing machine but I do love what I have. If I bought another (I have a habit...) then it would be an industrial but we dont really have room here. I've already taken over the lounge LOL. Looking forward to seeing your jacket sewalong.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 I have a habit as well. It seems I actually have a few (machines, patterns, fabric ...). If I had the room I’d upgrade to an industrial serger as well, but I think I’m out of floor space!

[@peace.love.creation]

Thank you for the video. Can you please provide a list of all feet? Is this machine low or high shank?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I just added the feet I talked about to the description box! Sorry about that! My machine is a high shank.

[@722dabba]

And now my phone is ringing. I laughed out loud. Thank you for the tour.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂it was my pleasure!

[@cherib6439]

Do you know how to make the thread longer when using the thread trimmer on the ddl-9000c FMS... thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I do not. This would, however, make doing a basting stitch much easier!

[@sistagalsistagal8136]

Good tutorial 😉. I thread just a slightly bit different, and it has worked perfectfect or me for 10 years.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Mine was actually threaded incorrectly in this video 🤦‍♀️. My dealer had threaded it this way and I didn't realize it had missed an area until later. It's great now!

[@loricampbell5500]

Thank you for sharing. I like how you are storing your bobbins, are bobbin holders by Juki or where did you purchase them? Thanks

[@TomKatStitchery]

I bought mine from wawak.com and they are great. They are magnetized so they hold the metal bobbins perfectly!

[@lauralarios423]

I love the machine, thank you for the video. I have a Q. Do you need special electrical power for your machine ?

[@TomKatStitchery]

Nope. It plugs into a regular outlet. In fact it pulls less power than my iron or my home machine!

[@suem6004]

I am very interested in buying one of these. I was surprised at how less expensive ( at least here) compared to some Berninas.

[@TomKatStitchery]

There are more affordable than many of the computerized home machines!

[@TheVic923]

What happens when you have an issue that requires a repair person do you have to take it in along with motor?

[@TomKatStitchery]

The shop in Indianapolis does house calls so I just have to give him a call!

[@paulsottile5899]

How is this Machine with heavy materials I am considering a 8700-H but was wondering if this can be used for heavy materials such as jackets and heavy denim?

[@TomKatStitchery]

While the machine handles multiple layers of heavy fabrics like a champ, the presser foot clearance is sometimes an issue.

[@songbird857]

In your opinion, would you recommend this machine for bagmaking? How does it handle multi layers of vinyl, leather, canvas, etc?

[@TomKatStitchery]

Definitely! I can sew through leather like butter!

[@niikolful]

I'm so glad you made this video. Can you speak about servicing it or if you've had problems with it?

[@TomKatStitchery]

The place where I bought mine does house calls if needed. However, I have had zero issues with mine!

[@lauralarios423]

Hi thank you for the video. How old is your machine? What kind of thread do you used with the machine?

[@TomKatStitchery]

It is 3 years old and I use the Gutterman Mara 100 (it’s their all purpose thread).

[@sheena8246]

Where did you get those bobbies tray on the side of the machine? I love it.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I got them from wawak.com they are magnetic and wonderful!

[@nedrafaddis]

How do you lengthen the thread tail left after cutting. Mine is too short and my needle keeps coming unthreaded

[@TomKatStitchery]

That sounds horribly annoying! I haven’t had to mess with that so I’m not sure, but it could also be a tension issue. If the tension is too high on the top thread, the thread could be snapping back when it gets cut. I’m not positive that’s the issue, but might be worth playing around with.

[@annicalundgren135]

I love this machine ..... i have the 9000 BS-H for mor heavy fabrics.... its my precious

[@TomKatStitchery]

Industrials are just the best!

[@suegsd2300]

Love your channel. I'm a 30+ yr quilter. I want wo start sewing garments and have been searching KZbin. I've learned so much from you and others that have been so generous with their time and talent. As I was watching you today on your Juki, I have to ask, what machine is in the Singer cabinet? Thanks, Sue

[@lisatackettshininginthespo8721]

You have no idea how happy I am to find these videos. I bought this machine from a horrible seller in New York and then was totally dropped and left to my own devices once it was delivered. I can’t find any help online with this machine. I can not get my thread to cut. I’ve tried everything and it just will not work. I believe one of my codes is off. It could just be a dent in the crossbar where the foot pedal is...totally not sure. The dent occurred during shipment. Seller no help on any of it. So sad. Have you tried free motion quilting on your machine? What is the thickest material you have sewn on this machine? Sooo looking forward to more videos showcasing the 9000b. Thank you in advance!!!

[@lauralarios423]

Hi love the video, from where did you buy the machine? Love it, love it.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I bought it from a local industrial sewing machine shop. They are called Indianapolis Sewing Machine Co.

[@lorrainebradshaw970]

Thank you so much!!! I have a couple questions, where do you purchase the needles? Can you wind a bobbin other than when you are sewing? (that may seem dumb ;) ) Did the table come with the machine as part of it? It looks like the foot pedal is attached to it. Do you purchase two spools of thread for each project so you will be able to wind a bobbin while sewing? I know I have to purchase a machine in the near future because mine is starting to act up. And I have taken it in to be serviced. It is a Bernina 1080. Which i love, and was looking at them. They cost soooo much. I really appreciate you going over yours!!! Thanks so much

[@TomKatStitchery]

I buy my needles, bobbins, presser feet, pretty much all sewing notions at www.wawak.com . You can wind a bobbin without having to sew something. I buy the big spools of thread from Wawak so I only need one spool (I just make sure and wind enough before I start). My bobbin holds a ton of thread. I’ve done the entire sew along jacket with one bobbin and still have thread to go. The foot pedal is attached to the table and the table was included with the machine. Whew! I think I answered them all, but please let me know if you have any more questions!

[@lorrainebradshaw970]

Thank you! I have started looking online at them. I think it is something I am really interested in researching. I saw Evelyn Wood here on KZbin also just bought a new Juki. @@TomKatStitchery

[@lorrainebradshaw970]

Sorry about all the questions.... I was wondering if you are able to use a twin needle on this machine? @@TomKatStitchery

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@lorrainebradshaw970 I'm not entirely sure! If they sell industrial twin needles, then, yes, you would be able to use one on the machine.

[@annicalundgren135]

I just wonder i sew with my right foot but the pedal is on the left side so its kind of a struggle ... can i move the pedal to the right... ???

[@TomKatStitchery]

Possibly. My dealer came and set it all up for me and I think I remember him having me sit to adjust the foot pedal. You might be able to move it over. Mine sits kind of in the middle, but enough to the right that I don't have to stretch over to reach it.

[@jeanettebadger8141]

I have one, they are great to own!!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Agreed!!!

[@germaineyong3469]

Pls help, Juki 900A-C error code E-14, how to solve the problem?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm not sure! Have you checked the manual?

[@sandyheller5438]

Do you have an industrial serger? I have one by Juki and I can thread the machine.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I do not have an industrial serger (but it is so on my list!!!). I have a nice home one, but am not sure I could even fit an industrial one into my space 😂. I bet it’s heavenly, though!

[@sandyheller5438]

TomKat Stitchery I can not thread the machine. That’s what I meant to say. I found a tutorial on you tube. I’m working on it. 😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sandy Heller isn’t KZbin great?!

[@StayStitching]

My favorite machine is my 1947 Singer 201, and it has many of the same attributes as an industrial machine. Your Juki looks VERY appealing! I feel like since I primarily sew on vintage machines, I could adapt easily to an industrial machine.

[@TomKatStitchery]

From what I know about vintage machines, I would say yes. I think the only thing that you might have to adjust to is the speed, but that doesn’t take long at all!

[@StayStitching]

@@TomKatStitchery I really like all the ways you can backstitch, especially the one with the thread cutting. Also, the oil window is nice-no fear of her getting thirsty without you noticing.

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

I wish I would have researched more and went with an industrial machine and something more reasonable for the other sewing like zigzags and buttonholes. I bought a 5k sewing machine and I love her but I could see where an industrial machine would be the way to go. I bet that machine can handle any fabric you throw at it. Thanks for sharing. I see an industrial machine purchase in my future

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes, she can sew through anything!

[@chestnut27860]

I got a Juki 8700-7 with the electronics option after watching your and other sewists' videos and absolutely love it!! I know you're going to do most of your on-video sewing on your new Bernina now, but there are a lot of us who loved watching you sew on your industrial machine. I have a question that I thought I'd ask here because others might want to see the answer as well as I do. My throatplate doesn't have marks for 3/8" or 5/8" seams. What do you do when you have those seam allowances. I've been using a line of painter's tape, but it's kind of cumbersome. Do you have a better trick? Thanks :) Ronni

[@TomKatStitchery]

Roughly, 3/8" is equal to 1cm and 5/8" is equal to 1.5 cm so I just line up to those lines on my machine. 1/2 seam allowances are a little more difficult as that is between the 1 and 1.5 cm line, so painters tape can be helpful in that situation!

[@chestnut27860]

@@TomKatStitchery Thanks Whitney! I guess no throatplate guides are perfect… My machine has marks for ¼ inch, ½ inch, ¾ inch, and. 1 inch.

[@marshadimond441]

I just watched Athena Kakou's new Suzy dress release video & she linked your fba video. Also the other day Joy Bernhardt mentioned you. I just love how everyone supports & encourages one another in the sewing community. ❤

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ahhhh! I was wondering why I had such an influx of subscribers this morning. I hadn’t had a chance to watch Athina’s new video! I did know that Joy had mentioned me last week. So sweet! Everyone in this community is beyond amazing. It’s truly an honor to be a part of it!

[@siamese35]

May I ask where you got your machine?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I got it from the Indianapolis Sewing Machine Company

[@nathaliepalladino4128]

Hi second time I watch as I think that I will get a new machine . What are the table dimensions please?

[@TomKatStitchery]

The table is 20”W, 48”L, and 30”H. I have the DDL-9000B and I love it!

[@johnsmall4318]

@@TomKatStitcheryis it the 9000B DS or DD? (Too many models!)

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@johnsmall4318 it’s the DDL-9000B-SS

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Smart move. Once this puppy is setup, leave it alone. I want this one in the T table, I.e. on wheels. Special note to anyone who is setting up any type of ‘studio’… make sure as much as possible is on wheels! Trust me, you will want/need to move your larger pieces. (Cleaning, efficiencies, etc.) But, make sure your wheels or castors have ‘brakes’. Love this video! I mark a dot or arrow on my bobbins with a Fine Point Sharpie so I can see (verify) I have the bobbin in correctly when I pull on the thread. Ask me how I know? Late night sewing will get you…so, turn out the lights and walk away. 👍

[@TomKatStitchery]

Wheels with breaks is a genius idea!

[@MomShots]

Oh my gosh! I want this so bad. I better start saving from my alts! Thanks for this amazing tutorial!

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s a fabulous machine!

[@cruisingaltitudewaitress3396]

How do you find time to do all of this? I’m grateful, but feeling like a schlub for the little I accomplish ( too busy watching your videos 🥴). You’re adorable!

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 it’s my full time job so it gets priority over some things (not everything, but some).

[@kennethcolbert2921]

I see two things you did wrong when threading your machine.But if it works for you I guess it's ok to do it that way I would say go back and read your manual on your machine I'm not trying to be a know it all here I have a few Industrial machine my self and I also sew a lot too and like you I love it.I make bicycle frame bags for bicycle touring folks.I wish you all the best and have fun like I do.

[@TomKatStitchery]

You are totally right. After I posted this video, I noticed the mistakes and rethreaded. Thank you!

[@2Peachcobler]

Do you have a walking foot for your Juki? Also when you were showing the puddle it looked like it was in the center of the base. Does it have to be in the center or can you have it moved to the right?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I do not have a walking foot for the Juki. I use one all the time on my home machine, but haven’t needed it on this one. The pedal is in the middle, but it takes up most of the bottom so it stretches pretty wide across making it easy to hit with my right foot. You might be able to adjust it, though. My dealer set it all up for me at my house so I’m not totally sure.

[@tamrawhitney]

Is this machine suitable for light weigh fabric

[@TomKatStitchery]

It is! I can sew everything from chiffon to leather on this!

[@tamrawhitney]

TomKat Stitchery I’m assuming it has a walking foot? Also, where did you buy yours?

[@TomKatStitchery]

Tamra Whitney it actually doesn’t, but it hasn’t been missed (and I use my walking foot constantly on my home machine). I got mine from Indianapolis Sewing Machine Co.

[@johnsmall4318]

@@TomKatStitchery really!? You may have just sold me this machine! Lightweight cottons, batistes aren't a problem? Juki adds say the recommended fabric is "medium" weight- whatever that means? Thanks so much for this wonderful video!!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@johnsmall4318 I sewed China silk on it this morning and leather just yesterday. It’s a great machine!

[@dianedoherty3655]

Just curious, where do you get your machine serviced every year?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I get my Janome serviced at a dealer in Noblesville (it’s inside Always in Stitches). My industrial gets serviced by the dealer and he makes house calls. My serger gets serviced at Select Sewing in Indianapolis (where I purchased it).

[@erikayuille4691]

I think you missed a thread guide just above the black tension hook and the silver hook, it comes before the needle take-up lever. Ask your dealer about the spring attachment that eliminates the black screw holding the presser foot, very efficient for changing feet.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Umm, that’s a game changer! I will totally ask my dealer about that. Thank you!

[@erikayuille4691]

No problem! I love the convenience! I have a DDL 8700, with Servo! I think your machine includes a stitch counter.@@TomKatStitchery

[@TomKatStitchery]

Erika Yuille I looked at that one as well!

[@goheldilip4711]

Price

[@TomKatStitchery]

$1750, I believe. It’s been a while.

[@steve10509]

..did you steal the sailrite video music? Lol

[@TomKatStitchery]

I use the music that comes with my video editing software so maybe they have the same software?

[@mantisbiker2537]

This is wrong. You don't go through the left guide twice. You go through the right guide, then the arm, then the left guide.

[@TomKatStitchery]

You're correct. My dealer taught me wrong. It's been fixed.

[@dongraham7881]

10 minutes before you got over yourself.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 I'm chatty.

[@saulcarrasco6279]

We appreciate your videos but u don't need or wanna hear all your explaining. I'm not ur husband so no need to explain get to the point. I'm not trying to be rude