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Accessories for Your Former JOANN Sewing Machine: Complete 2026 Buying Guide
Finding the right sewing machine accessories can make sewing much easier and more fun. When JOANN stores were open, you could walk through aisles, check presser feet, and ask staff which bobbins fit your machine. That is gone now. But today, buying sewing accessories online is easier and often cheaper.
This guide shows you everything you need for your home sewing station, from essential presser feet and needles to cutting mats and thread. Whether you are starting your first sewing setup or upgrading, you’ll learn which accessories are most important and where to buy them also Pair these accessories with the right sewing machine for best results
Why Sewing Machine Accessories Matter in 2026
Your machine came with basic items like a general-purpose presser foot, a few bobbins, and maybe a seam ripper. These handle simple sewing, but they aren’t enough for buttonholes, zippers, rolled hems, or quilting.
Good accessories make your machine work much better. A walking foot helps fabrics move evenly. It’s especially useful when working with thick materials like fleece . The right needle prevents skipped stitches. A rotary cutter and cutting mat make sure your fabric pieces fit together perfectly before sewing.
Now, you need to check your machine specifications online, but the trade-off is access to more options at competitive prices.
What JOANN's Accessory Section Offered
JOANN stores had aisles dedicated to sewing machine accessories. Presser feet were grouped by function, needles by fabric type, and threads by color. Staff could check which walking foot fit your Janome, Brother, or Singer machine.
You could test buttonhole feet and blind hem feet to avoid mistakes. Price matching let you compare in-store and online prices.
Today, online shopping provides detailed compatibility info, video demos, and real customer reviews.
Where to Buy Sewing Accessories Now
- Amazon: Huge selection of brand-specific and universal presser feet, needles, and bobbins. Use your machine model in search like “Brother CS6000i walking foot”. Customer reviews help avoid compatibility issues.
- Walmart: Sells essential accessories like needles, threads, and basic presser feet. Good for quick shopping, but limited selection.
- Manufacturer websites: Singer.com, Brother.com, Janome.com guarantee brand-specific accessories. More expensive but fully compatible.
Specialty sewing shops: Curated items, expert advice, less common accessories.
| Retailer | Selection | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Extensive | Competitive | Most accessories, read reviews |
| Walmart | Basic essentials | Budget | Thread, needles, basics |
| Manufacturer sites | Brand-specific | Higher | Guaranteed fit |
| Specialty shops | Curated | Mid-range | Expert advice, rare items |
Essential Presser Feet Every Sewer Needs
Most machines include a general-purpose foot, a zipper foot, and maybe a buttonhole foot. These cover about 60% of projects. For the other 40%, you need specialized presser feet.
1.Walking Foot: The Quilter's Essential Tool
Most machines include a general-purpose foot, a zipper foot, and maybe a buttonhole foot. These cover about 60% of projects. For the other 40%, you need specialized presser feet.
The walking foot feeds fabric layers evenly from top to bottom. Normal presser feet only feed from the bottom, which can shift fabrics.
Use it for:
- Quilting and piecing
- Slippery fabrics like silk, velvet, or knits
- Multiple fabric layers
Compatibility:
- Brother: Low-shank snap-on
- Singer: Low-shank or snap-on
- Janome: Low-shank or model-specific
Cost: $20-$40 on Amazon. Brand-specific versions are better for computerized machines.
2. Zipper Foot: More Than Just Zippers
Zipper feet let you sew close to zipper teeth. Also useful for:
- Piping on pillows
- Decorative cording
- Attaching trims
Cost: $5-$15, depending on adjustability
3. Buttonhole Foot: Automatic vs Manual
Creates perfect buttonholes. Automatic feet measure the button and stitch to size. Manual feet require measuring. Test on scrap fabric first.
Cost: $8-$25 depending on brand and type
4. Blind Hem Foot: Invisible Hems
Creates almost invisible hems. Includes a guide to position fabric. Great for pants, skirts, and curtains. Cost: $6-$12 replacement.
5. Specialty Feet Worth Adding
- Rolled Hem Foot: Tiny hems on chiffon, silk, and cotton. $8-$15
- Gathering Foot: Automatically creates ruffles. $10-$18
- Quarter-Inch Foot: Accurate 1/4-inch seams for quilting. $6-$12
Darning/Free-Motion Foot: For quilting and embroidery. $12-$20
Sewing Machine Needles: The Most Important Accessory
Dull or wrong needles cause most sewing problems. Replace after 8-10 hours of sewing or if you notice:
- Skipped stitches
- Puckering
- Needle damage from hitting pins
Types of Needles
- Universal: For most fabrics (sizes 70/10–100/16)
- Ballpoint/Jersey: For knits and stretch fabrics
- Stretch: For spandex and elastic fabrics
- Denim/Jeans: For heavy fabrics like denim or canvas Also works perfectly for burlap fabric projects that require heavy-duty needles
- Leather: For leather, vinyl, suede
- Twin/Double: Two needles for parallel topstitching
Brands
- Schmetz: Professional quality, $12-$15 per 10
- Singer/Brother: Works for their machines, $8-$12
Bobbins: Small Parts That Cause Big Problems
Use the correct bobbin class for your machine:
- Class 15: Most home machines
- Class 66: Older Singer/Janome models
- SA156: Janome-specific
- M-Style: High-end machines like Bernina
Metal vs Plastic:
- Metal: smoother tension, better for heavy use
- Plastic: cheaper, sometimes required by machine sensors
Keep at least 6-8 bobbins for casual sewing, 12-15 for regular, 20+ for professional sewing.Buy from Amazon, Walmart, or manufacturer’s websites.
Thread: The Foundation of Quality Stitches
Cheap thread breaks and creates lint. When working on upholstery projects, invest in quality thread that can handle thick fabrics and heavy use. Buy quality polyester for general sewing or cotton for quilting.
Thread weights:
- 50 wt: All-purpose
- 40 wt: Heavy fabrics/topstitching
- 60 wt: Fine, delicate fabrics
Brands to consider: Gutermann, Coats & Clark, Mettler, Aurifil.
Stock neutral colors first: white, black, gray, navy, beige. Store away from sunlight.
Cutting Tools: Rotary Cutters and Mats
Accurate cutting determines whether pattern pieces fit together properly When working with felt fabric, a sharp rotary cutter creates clean edges that won’t fray .Dull scissors or unsteady cutting creates inaccurate pieces that don’t align during sewing, requiring frustrating adjustments or producing poorly fitting finished items.
1. Self-Healing Cutting Mats
- 18×24″: minimum for garment sewing ($20-$30)
- 24×36″: ideal for home sewing ($40-$60)
- 36×60″: professional ($100-$150)
2. Rotary Cutters
- 45 mm: standard, good for most layers ($12-$18)
- 60 mm: thick fabrics ($18-$25)
- 28 mm: curves and detail ($10-$15)
3. Fabric Scissors
- 8-inch: general cutting ($20-$40)
- Pinking shears: zigzag edges ($18-$30)
- Thread snips: precise trimming ($8-$15)
Measuring and Marking Tools
- Measuring Tape: 60-inch, flexible ($3-$6)
- Clear Ruler: 18-inch+, acrylic, grid markings ($8-$15)
- Seam Gauge: 6-inch sliding marker ($4-$8)
- Marking Pencils/Chalk: Washable and precise ($2-$6)
Building Your Sewing Accessory Kit: Budget Strategy
1. Starter Kit ($80-$120)
- Presser feet (walking, zipper, buttonhole)
- Needles (universal and ballpoint)
- Bobbins (10-12)
- Thread (white, black, gray)
- Cutting tools (rotary cutter, 18×24 mat)
2. Intermediate Kit ($60-$100)
- Blind hem foot, rolled hem foot
- Extra threads, fabric scissors
- Larger cutting mat
- Seam ripper, marking tools
3. Advanced/Quilting Kit ($100-$180)
- Quarter-inch foot, free-motion foot
- Large cutting mat, quilting rulers
- Specialty needles, thread variety
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy bundles: 10-piece presser foot sets cost 30-40% less
- Watch for sales on Amazon
- Prioritize quality items for daily use (cutting mats, rotary cutters)
- Start small and add gradually
Even without JOANN, online shopping and careful planning give you a complete sewing setup for all projects
Conclusion
Even without JOANN, online shopping gives you a complete sewing setup. The right sewing accessories transform your machine from basic to brilliant, making even complex projects manageable and enjoyable. Online shopping now offers an unprecedented range of presser feet, needles, threads, and cutting tools, complete with reviews and compatibility details, so you can confidently build a kit that fits your machine and style. By carefully selecting high-quality items and adding them strategically, you’ll create a sewing setup that saves time, improves results, and turns every project into a seamless experience all without leaving your home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What presser feet should beginners buy first?
Walking foot and zipper foot they solve most feeding/shifting issues.
Are generic presser feet safe?
Yes for low-shank machines (most home models). They save 50% vs brand-specific.
What are the Best needle brand?
Schmetz for better quality; Singer/Brother branded for budget.
Where to buy sewing accessories now?
Amazon for selection and reviews; Walmart for basics; manufacturer sites for fit.
How often do i need to replace rotary blades?
Try every 6 to 12 months or when cuts feel ragged.