Janome C30 User manual

Instruction Book

1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the
following:
This sewing machine is designed and manufactured for household use only.
Read all instructions before using this sewing machine.
DANGER— To reduce the risk of electric shock:
1. An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug
this sewing machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before
cleaning.
WARNING— To reduce the risk of burns, re, electric shock, or injury to persons:
1. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this sewing machine is used
by or near children.
2. Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this owner’s manual.
Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this owner’s manual.
3. Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if
it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water.
Return this sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination,
repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
4. Never operate the appliance with any air opening blocked. Keep ventilation openings of this
sewing machine and foot controller free from accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth.
5. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
6. Do not use outdoors.
7. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being
administered.
8. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“O”) position, then remove plug from outlet.
9. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
10. Keep ngers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine
needle and/or cutting blade.
11. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
12. Do not use bent needles.
13. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deect the needle causing it to break.
14. Switch this sewing machine off (“O”) when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as
threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin or changing the presser foot, and
the like.
15. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or
when making any other adjustments mentioned in this owner’s manual.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Please note that on disposal, this product must be safely recycled in accordance with relevant
National legislation relating to electrical/electronic products. If in doubt please contact your
retailer for guidance. (European Union only)
For Europe only:
This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards
involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made
by children without supervision.
For outside Europe (except U.S.A and Canada):
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or
instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ESSENTIAL PARTS
Names of Parts............................................................... 3
Standard Accessories .................................................... 4
Setting the Spool Pin...................................................... 4
GETTING READY TO SEW
Connecting the Power Supply........................................ 5
Using the foot control ................................................... 5
Before Using Your Sewing Machine............................. 5
Operating Instructions: ................................................. 5
Foot control .................................................................... 6
Extension Table.............................................................. 6
Free-arm Sewing............................................................ 6
Machine Operating Buttons............................................ 7
Reverse button ............................................................. 7
Auto-lock button ........................................................... 7
Needle up/down button ................................................ 7
LCD Display.................................................................... 8
Function Keys................................................................. 8
Mode key...................................................................... 8
Value set key ................................................................ 8
Selecting Stitch Patterns ................................................ 8
(1) Pattern selection mode ........................................... 8
(2) Stitch width adjustment mode ................................ 8
(3) Stitch length adjustment mode................................ 8
Presser Foot Lifter.......................................................... 9
Changing the Presser Foot ............................................ 9
Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder ...................... 9
Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension .......................... 10
Straight stitch balanced tension ................................. 10
Zigzag stitch balanced tension....................................11
Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog............................... 12
Changing the Needle.................................................... 12
Fabric, Thread and Needle Chart................................. 13
Setting the Spool of Thread ......................................... 14
Setting the spool ........................................................ 14
Extra spool pin ........................................................... 14
Bobbin Winding ............................................................ 14
Removing the bobbin ................................................. 14
Winding the bobbin .................................................... 15
Bobbin winding with the extra spool pin..................... 15
Inserting the bobbin...................................................... 16
Threading the Machine................................................. 17
Built-in Needle Threader .............................................. 18
Drawing up the Bobbin Thread .................................... 19
BASIC SEWING
Straight Stitch Sewing .................................................. 20
Starting to Sew........................................................... 20
Securing Seams ......................................................... 20
Cutting Threads.......................................................... 20
Changing Sewing Direction........................................ 20
Using Seam Guides ................................................... 21
Turning Square Corners ............................................. 21
Altering the Needle Drop Position .............................. 22
Altering the Stitch Length ........................................... 22
Variety of Straight Stitches ........................................... 23
Lock-a-matic Stitch..................................................... 23
Locking Stitch............................................................. 23
Triple Stretch Stitch .................................................... 23
Stretch Stitch .............................................................. 24
Zigzag Stitch................................................................. 25
Altering the stitch width .............................................. 25
Altering the stitch length ............................................ 25
Variety of Overcasting Stitches .................................... 26
Overcasting with Zigzag Stitch................................... 26
Multiple Zigzag Stitch ................................................. 26
Overedge Stitch.......................................................... 26
Knit Stitch ................................................................... 27
Overlock Stitch ........................................................... 27
Memory Buttonhole.................................................28-30
Altering the buttonhole width...................................... 30
Altering the buttonhole density................................... 30
Corded Buttonhole ....................................................... 31
Zipper Sewing .........................................................32-34
Blind Hemming............................................................. 35
Button Sewing .............................................................. 36
Attaching Elastic........................................................... 36
Gathering...................................................................... 37
DECORATIVE STITCHES
Patchwork..................................................................... 38
Shell Tuck ..................................................................... 38
Applique ....................................................................... 39
Fringing......................................................................... 40
Drawn Work.................................................................. 40
Fagoting........................................................................ 41
Scallop Stitch................................................................ 41
Smocking...................................................................... 42
Satin Stitches ............................................................... 42
Decorative Stitches ...................................................... 43
CARE OF YOUR MACHINE
Cleaning the Hook Race and Feed Dog ...................... 44
Installing the Bobbin Holder ......................................... 44
Correcting Deformed Stitch Patterns ........................... 45
Problems and Warning Signals .................................... 45
Troubleshooting............................................................ 46
Stitch Chart................................................................... 47

3
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ESSENTIAL PARTS
Names of Parts
NOTE:
Design and specications are subject to change
without prior notice.
Upper thread guide
Bobbin winder tension disk
Spool pin
Bobbin winder spindle
Bobbin winder stopper
Hole for extra spool pin
Feed balancing dial (with cap)
Reverse button
Auto-lock button
Needle up/down button
Indicator lights
MODE key
LCD display
Value set keys
Extension table (Accessory storage)
Needle threader
Thread cutter
Face cover
Thread tension dial
Thread take-up lever
Needle clamp screw
Needle bar thread guide
Needle
Presser foot
Hook cover release button
Needle plate
Hook cover plate
Feed dogs
Setscrew
Foot holder
Lever
Carrying handle
Free-arm
Presser foot lifter
Power inlet
Foot control jack
Power switch
Ventilation openings
Handwheel
Drop feed lever
qwert
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!7
!8
!9
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NOTE:
To carry the sewing machine, hold the carrying handle
with your hand, and support the sewing machine with
the other hand.
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Standard Accessories
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!3 !4 !5
!7
*The power cable included may differ from the illustration.
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No. Part Name Part No.
1Zigzag foot A (Set on the machine) 685502019
2 Zipper foot E 808852003
3Satin stitch foot F 82280 4118
4Sliding buttonhole foot 508803000
5Spool holder (large) 822020503
6Spool holder (small) 822019509
7Spool pin 660005010
8 Extra spool pin 625031500
9 Bobbin X 3 (1 set on the machine) 102261000
10 Needle set 639804000
11 Seam ripper (Buttonhole opener) 647808009
12 Lint brush 802424004
13 Screwdriver 653802002
14 Instruction book 805800018
15 Soft cover 743812203
16 Foot control 808550008
17 Power cable*
U.S.A and Canada 856519004
U.K. 830377008
Australia 830314018
Continental Europe 830335004
!6
Setting the Spool Pin
Insert the spool pin into the hole as shown.
q Spool pin
w Hole
q
w
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5
GETTING READY TO SEW
WARNING:
While in operation, always keep your eyes on the
sewing area and do not touch any moving parts such
as the thread take-up lever, handwheel or needle.
Always turn off the power switch and unplug from the
wall outlet:
- when leaving the machine unattended.
- when attaching or removing parts.
- when cleaning the machine.
Do not place anything on the foot control.
Operating Instructions:
The symbol “O” on the switch indicates the “off” position
of the switch.
Foot control model 4C-339-JM is used with this sewing
machine.
For the U.S.A and Canada only:
For appliances with a polarized plug (one blade wider
than the other): To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
plug is intended to t in a polarized outlet only one way.
If it still does not t, contact a qualied electrician to
install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any
way.
Before Using Your Sewing Machine
Before using your sewing machine for the rst time,
place a scrap of fabric under the presser foot and run the
machine without thread for a few minutes. Wipe away any
oil which may appear.
q
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Connecting the Power Supply
Using the foot control
Turn off the power switch.
Insert the pin connector into the jack.
Insert the machine plug into the power inlet.
Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet.
Turn on the power switch.
qPower switch
wPin connector
eJack
r Machine plug
tPower inlet
yPower supply plug
uWall outlet
iFoot control
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6
Extension Table
The extension table provides an extended sewing area
and can be easily removed for free-arm sewing.
Detaching the table
Pull the table away from the machine, as illustrated.
qExtension table
Attaching the table
Push the extension table, inserting the tab into the slot
until the table snaps into the machine.
wTab
e S l o t
Accessory storage
Accessories are stored inside the extension table.
rAccessory storage
q
Foot control
Depress the foot control to start the machine.
The further down you press on the foot control, the faster
the machine runs.
Free-arm Sewing
Free-arm is useful for sewing tubular garments and for
darning knee or elbow areas.
qFree-arm
q
e
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we
w

7
Machine Operating Buttons
we
q Reverse button
• When following stitch patterns are selected;
The machine will sew in reverse as long as the
reverse button is pressed. Release the button to sew
forward.
• When any other stitches are selected;
If you press the reverse button when sewing any other
patterns, the machine will immediately sew locking
stitches and automatically stop.
There will be particular functions of the reverse button
when patterns shown above are selected. Refer to
pages 23, 28 and 29 for instructions.
• When following stitch patterns are selected;
w Auto-lock button
• When following stitch patterns are selected;
Press the auto-lock button to sew a locking stitch
immediately. The machine will automatically stop.
• When any other stitches are selected;
Press the auto-lock button to sew a locking stitch
at the end of current pattern. The machine will
automatically stop.
q
eNeedle up/down button
Press the needle up/down button to bring the needle up
or down.
Needle stop position
When you start the machine with the needle at up
position, the needle stops at up position when the
machine is stopped.
When you start the machine with the needle at down
position, the needle stops at down position when the
machine is stopped.

8
LCD Display
NOTE:
Magnetic or electrostatic interference may cause the
LCD display to icker.
Do not use the machine near appliances that generate
a magnetic eld or an electrostatic eld such as
microwave ovens.
The LCD display shows following information when the
machine is turned on.
q Stitch pattern number
q
Function Keys
Mode key
When the power switch is turned on, the pattern selection
mode is set automatically.
Each time you press the mode key w, the green light
rwill shift and the mode ewill change in the following
order:
(1) Pattern selection mode
(2) Stitch width adjustment mode
(3) Stitch length adjustment mode
w Mode key
e Mode
r Green light
Value set key
Press the value set keys tto alter the value.
Press “ ” to increase the value.
Press “ ” to decrease the value.
t Value set key
w
t
r
Selecting Stitch Patterns
(1) Pattern selection mode
The green light ris lit at the pattern selection mode.
The stitch pattern number will increase or decrease by 1
each time you press the value set keys t.
To select the desired stitch pattern, press the value
set key until the pattern number of the desired stitch is
indicated on the LCD display q.
To refer available stitch patterns for this sewing machine,
check the stitch chart in this manual on page 47.
(2) Stitch width adjustment mode
Press the mode key once w.
The green light r is lit at the stitch width adjustment
mode. The LCD display qshows the stitch width or
needle drop position, depending on the selected stitch
pattern.
Press the value set key t( or ) to change the stitch
width or needle drop position.
Refer to pages 22 and 25.
(3) Stitch length adjustment mode
Press the mode key twice w.
The green light r is lit at the stitch length adjustment
mode. The LCD display qshows the stitch length.
Press the value set key t( or ) to change stitch
length.
Refer to pages 22 and 25.
Press the mode key wto return to the pattern selection
mode.
t
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Changing the Presser Foot
CAUTION:
• Turn OFF the power switch before changing the
foot.
• Always use the proper foot for the selected pattern.
The wrong foot can cause the needle to break.
Each foot is marked with an identication letter.
q Identication letter
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Presser Foot Lifter
The presser foot lifter raises and lowers the presser foot.
You can raise the foot about 1/4˝ (0.7 cm) higher than the
normal up position for easy removal of the presser foot,
or to help you place thick material under the foot.
qPresser foot lifter
wNormal up position
eHighest position
Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before detaching or
attaching foot holder.
Removing the foot holder
Remove the setscrew by turning it counterclockwise with
a screwdriver.
q Setscrew
wFoot holder
e Screwdriver
Attaching the foot holder
Align the hole in the foot holder with the threaded hole in
the presser bar.
Fit the setscrew into the hole.
Tighten the setscrew by turning it clockwise with the
screwdriver.
rHole
tThreaded hole
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Removing the presser foot
Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the
handwheel counterclockwise. Raise the presser foot, and
press the lever on the back of the foot holder.
wLever
Attaching the presser foot
Place the selected presser foot so that the pin on the foot
lies just under the groove in the foot holder.
Lower the presser bar to lock the foot into the place.
e Groove
rPin
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10
Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension
Straight stitch balanced tension
The ideal straight stitch has threads locked between two
layers of fabric, as illustrated (magnied to show detail).
If you look at the top and bottom of the seam, notice that
the stitches are evenly balanced.
qNeedle thread (top thread)
wBobbin thread (bottom thread)
eTo loosen
rTo tighten
When adjusting the needle thread tension, the higher the
number, the tighter the top thread tension.
Results depend on:
- stiffness and thickness of the fabric
- number of fabric layers
- type of stitch
q
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r
q
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e
Tension is too loose
The needle thread shows through on the wrong side of
the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the dial to a
higher number to tighten the needle thread tension.
qNeedle thread (top thread)
wBobbin thread (bottom thread)
eTo tighten tension
rRight side (top side) of fabric
tWrong side (bottom side) of fabric
r
q
w
t
e
Tension is too tight
The bobbin thread shows through on the right side of the
fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the dial to a lower
number to loosen the needle thread tension.
qNeedle thread (top thread)
wBobbin thread (bottom thread)
eTo loosen tension
rRight side (top side) of fabric
tWrong side (bottom side) of fabric

11
Zigzag stitch balanced tension
For an ideal zigzag stitch, the bobbin thread does not
show on the right side (top side) of the fabric, and the
needle thread shows slightly on the wrong side (bottom
side) of the fabric.
See the illustrations for the correct appearance.
To match this appearance, adjust the needle tension as
necessary.
Balanced tension
Minimize the amount of needle thread visible on the
wrong side (bottom side) of the fabric without causing
excessive puckering, or causing the bobbin thread to
show on the right side (top side) of the fabric.
Results vary with fabric, thread and sewing conditions.
qRight side (top side) of fabric
wWrong side (bottom side) of fabric
q w
q w
q w
Tension is too tight
The corner of each zigzag pulls together on the right side
of the fabric
qRight side (top side) of fabric
wWrong side (bottom side) of fabric
Tension is too loose
The corner of each zigzag point pulls together on the
wrong side of the fabric.
qRight side (top side) of fabric
wWrong side (bottom side) of fabric

12
Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog
The drop feed lever is located lower part of the free arm
bed on the front of the machine.
To drop the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of
the arrow q.
To raise the feed dog, push the lever in the direction
of the arrow w, as illustrated, and turn the handwheel
toward you.
The feed dog must be up for normal sewing.
q
qw
w
Changing the Needle
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before changing the
needle.
Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the
handwheel counterclockwise.
A loose needle or a loose screw may cause machine
malfunction or needle to break.
Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it
counterclockwise. Remove the needle from the needle
clamp.
Insert a new needle into the needle clamp with the at
side to the rear. When inserting the needle into the
needle clamp, push it up as far as it will go.
Tighten the needle clamp screw rmly by turning it
clockwise.
qNeedle clamp screw
wFlat side
To see if the needle is in good condition, place the at
side of the needle onto something at (needle plate, glass
etc.). The gap between the needle and the at surface
should be consistent. Never use a bent or blunt needle.
A damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs
in knits, ne silks and silk-like fabrics.
e Gap
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13
Fabric Thread Needle
Fine
Lawn
Georgette
Tric ot
Organza
Crepe
Silk #80-100
Cotton #80-100
Synthetic #80-100
#9/65-11/75
Medium
Sheeting
Jersey
Broadcloth
Fleece
Silk #50
Cotton #50-80
Synthetic #50-80
#11/ 7 5 -14 /9 0
Heavy
weight
Denim
Tweed
Coating
Quilting
Silk #30-50
Cotton #40-50
Synthetic #40-50
#14/90 -16/100
Fabric, Thread and Needle Chart
• For general sewing, use needle size 11/75 or 14/90.
• A ne thread and needle should be used for sewing
lightweight fabrics, so the fabric will not be marred.
• Heavy fabrics require a needle large enough to pierce
the fabric without fraying the needle thread.
• Always test the needle size on a small scrap of the
fabric that will be used for actual sewing.
• In general, use the same thread for the needle and
bobbin.
NOTE:
3 x #14/90 needles are included in the envelop.
(Part No. 639804000).
NOTE:
When sewing stretch fabrics, very ne fabrics and
synthetics, use a blue tip needle (Part No. 990311000,
sold separately). The blue tip needle effectively
prevents skipped stitches.

14
Setting the Spool of Thread
Setting the spool
Place a spool of thread on the spool pin with the thread
coming off the spool as illustrated.
A: Press the large spool holder rmly against the spool
of thread.
qLarge spool holder
B: For a small spool, use the small spool holder.
w Small spool holder
Bobbin Winding
Removing the bobbin
Gently slide the hook cover release button to the right
and remove the hook cover plate.
Lift out the bobbin.
qHook cover release button
wHook cover plate
eBobbin
Extra spool pin
Use the extra spool pin when you need to wind a bobbin
without unthreading the machine while working on a
sewing project.
Insert the extra spool pin into the hole.
Place a spool of thread on the spool pin with the thread
coming off the spool as illustrated.
eExtra spool pin
rHole for extra spool pin
w
q
NOTE:
Use the plastic bobbins that come with the machine
(Part #102261000). Using other bobbins, such as pre-
wound paper bobbins, may cause stitching problems
and/ or damage to the bobbin holder.
(A)
(B)
q
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11.5 mm

15
Winding the bobbin
q
z
x c
v
b
n m
zHold the thread with both hands and guide the thread
from back to front under the upper thread guide.
qUpper thread guide
Guide the thread into the bobbin winder tension disk
as illustrated.
wBobbin winder tension disk
xThread through the hole in the bobbin from the inside
to the outside.
c Align the projection on the bobbin winder spindle and
slit of the bobbin.
Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle.
Be sure that the bobbin snaps into the place.
e Projection
r Slit
vPush the bobbin winder spindle to the right.
The bobbin mark appears on the LCD display.
tBobbin mark
bWith the free end of the thread held in your hand, start
the machine. Stop the machine when it has wound a
few layers, and then cut the thread close to the hole in
the bobbin.
n Start the machine. When the bobbin is fully wound, it
will stop spinning automatically.
Stop the machine and return the bobbin winder to its
original position by moving the spindle to the left.
mRemove the bobbin. Cut the thread as shown.
NOTE:
• Do not move the bobbin winder spindle while the
machine is running.
• For safety purposes, the machine will automatically
stop 90 seconds after starting bobbin winding.
w
t
Bobbin winding with the extra spool pin
Draw the thread from the spool and pass the thread
around the bobbin winding tension disk as shown.
Start the procedure from xabove.
wBobbin winder tension disk
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16
Inserting the bobbin
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before inserting the bobbin
and threading the bobbin holder.
zPlace a bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread
running off counterclockwise as shown on the hook
cover plate.
qEnd of thread
wBobbin holder
eHook cover plate
e
w
q
z
x Hold the bobbin with your ngertip so it does not
rotate.
Guide the thread into the front notch of the bobbin
holder. Draw the thread to the left, sliding it between
the tension spring blades.
rFront notch
tTension spring blade
cContinue to draw the thread lightly until the thread
slips into the side notch.
y Side notch
NOTE:
If the thread does not come out from the side notch,
rethread from step x.
v Pull out about 4” (10 cm) of thread.
Set the left edge of the hook cover plate into opening.
Push down the hook cover plate to t in place. Check
the threading by referring to the chart shown on the
hook cover plate.
eHook cover plate
uThread
r
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c
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17
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before threading the
machine.
z
x
c
v b
zDraw the thread from the spool and pass it under the
upper thread guide.
eUpper thread guide
Threading the Machine
xWhile holding the thread near the spool, draw the end
of the thread down around the check spring holder.
r Spool
tCheck spring holder
cFirmly draw the thread up from right to left over the
take-up lever, and down into the eye of take-up lever.
yEye of take-up lever
v Slide the thread behind the needle bar thread guide on
the left.
uNeedle bar thread guide
bUse the needle threader to thread the needle (refer to
page 18).
Raise the presser foot lifter.
Turn the power switch ON.
Press the needle up/down button
to raise the thread take-up lever
to its highest position.
Turn the power switch OFF.
qPresser foot lifter
wNeedle up/down button
w
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y
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18
t
Built-in Needle Threader
CAUTION:
Turn off the power switch when using the needle
threader.
NOTE:
The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #16
needle or a blue tip needle. Thread sizes 50 to 90 are
recommended.
zPress the needle up/down button to raise the needle
to its highest position.
Turn the power switch off.
Pull down the needle threader knob as far as it will go.
q Needle up/down button
w Threader knob
vPull the thread through the needle eye.
cTurn the knob in the direction of the arrow in the
illustration, drawing the thread loop through the
needle.
Gently let the needle threader goes up to pull the
thread loop up.
t Thread loop
xTurn the knob in the direction of the arrow in the
illustration, then insert the hook into the needle eye.
Lead the thread around the guide and under the hook.
e Hook
r Guide
v
c
z
w
x
e
r
q