Janome 4120QDC Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION BOOK

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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.

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.

To reduce the risk of electric shock:

DANGER

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

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.

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.

—

To reduce the risk of burns, re, electric shock, or injury to persons:

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)

TABLE OF INSTRUCTION

SECTION I. NAMES OF PARTS

Names of Parts ................................................................. 1

Standard Accessories ...................................................... 2

Large Extension Table ..................................................... 2

Extension Table ................................................................ 3

Stitch Chart ....................................................................... 3

SECTION II. GETTING READY TO SEW

Connecting the Power Supply .......................................... 4

Before Using Your Sewing Machine ................................. 4

Operating Instructions: ..................................................... 4

Speed Control Slider ........................................................ 5

Controlling Sewing Speed ................................................ 5

Machine Operating Buttons ........................................... 6 -7

Touch Panel ...................................................................... 8

LCD Display ...................................................................... 8

Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder ........................ 9

Changing the Presser Foot .............................................. 9

Presser Foot Lifter ............................................................ 9

Presser Foot Pressure Dial .............................................. 9

Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog ..................................10

Changing the Needle.......................................................11

Selecting Thread and Needles ........................................ 11

Bobbin Winding .......................................................... 12-14

Threading the Machine...............................................15 -17

Pattern Selection .............................................................18

Setting Mode ...................................................................19

Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension for a Straight

Stitch ............................................................................ 20

Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension for a Zigzag

Stitch ............................................................................ 21

SECTION III. BASIC SEWING

Straight Stitch Sewing ............................................... 22-23

Straight Stitch ................................................................. 24

Lock-a-Matic Stitch ......................................................... 24

Locking Stitch ................................................................. 24

Triple Stretch Stitch ........................................................ 24

Stretch Stitch .................................................................. 25

Sculpture Stitch .............................................................. 25

New Sculpture Stitch ...................................................... 25

Zigzag Stitch ................................................................... 26

Multiple Zigzag ............................................................... 27

Overedge Stitch .............................................................. 27

Knit Stitch ....................................................................... 28

Double Overedge Stitch ................................................. 28

Zipper Sewing ........................................................... 29-30

Blind Hemming .......................................................... 31-32

Button Sewing ................................................................ 32

Attaching Elastic ............................................................. 33

Various Kinds of Buttonholes and Their Uses ................ 34

Square Buttonhole.....................................................35-36

Adjusting the Stitch Width and Density for

Buttonholes .................................................................. 37

Round-End Buttonhole ................................................... 37

Fine Fabric Buttonhole ................................................... 37

Keyhole Buttonhole ........................................................ 38

Stretch Buttonhole .......................................................... 38

Antique Buttonhole ......................................................... 38

Corded Buttonhole ......................................................... 39

Darning Stitch ................................................................. 40

Tacking ............................................................................41

Eyelet ...............................................................................41

SECTION IV. DECORATIVE STITCHING

Shelltuck Stitch ............................................................... 42

Applique ......................................................................... 42

Scallop Stitch .................................................................. 43

Smocking ........................................................................ 43

Pintucking ....................................................................... 43

Patchwork Piecing .......................................................... 44

Stippling Stitch................................................................ 44

Clasp Stitch .................................................................... 45

Fagoting .......................................................................... 45

Satin Stitches ................................................................. 45

Fringing........................................................................... 46

Drawn work..................................................................... 46

Cross Stitch .....................................................................47

Decorative Stitches .........................................................47

Twin Needle Sewing ....................................................... 48

SECTION V. PROGRAMMING PATTERNS AND LETTERS

Programming the Auto-lock Stitch .................................. 49

Programming the Pattern Combination .......................... 50

Programming Auto-thread Cutting ................................. 50

Bridge Stitches ................................................................51

Programming a Mirror Image ......................................... 52

Sewing a Pattern Combination from the Beginning ....... 53

Sewing the Current Pattern from the Beginning ............. 53

Programming Letters ...................................................... 54

Reducing the Size of Letters .......................................... 55

Viewing a Long Text ....................................................... 56

Deleting and Inserting a Letter (pattern) ........................ 56

Duplicating a Letter (pattern) .......................................... 57

Stitch Adjustment of Programmed Patterns .............. 58-59

Correcting Distorted Stitch Patterns ............................... 60

SECTION VI. CARE OF YOUR MACHINE

Cleaning the Hook Race and Feed Dog ........................ 61

Installing the Bobbin Holder ........................................... 61

Problems and Warning Signs ......................................... 62

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 63

Stitch Chart ..................................................................... 64

SECTION I. NAMES OF PARTS

Names of Parts

!2!3

q Start/stop button w Reverse stitch button e Auto-lock button r Needle up/down button t Thread cutter button y Twin needle button u Speed control slider i Touch panel o Hole for additional spool pin !0 Bobbin winder stopper !1 Bobbin winder spindle !2 Spool holder (large) !3 Spool pin !4 LCD display !5 Upper thread guide !6 Presser foot pressure dial !7 Thread take-up lever !8 Thread tension dial !9 Face cover @0 Thread cutter @1 Needle threader @2 Extension table (Accessory box) @3 Needle @4 Needle clamp screw @5 Foot holder @6 Needle plate @7 Hook cover plate @8 Hook cover release button @9 Drop feed lever #0 Free-arm #1 Buttonhole lever #2 Presser foot lifter #3 Hole for stitch chart #4 Carrying handle #5 Handwheel #6 Power switch #7 Foot control jack #8 Machine socket #9 Foot control $0 Power supply cord

#9 $0

NOTE:

Sewing machine design and specications are subject

to change without prior notice.

q w e r

t y u i

o !0 !1 !2

!3 !4 !5 !6

Standard Accessories

Zigzag foot: A (set on the machine)

Overedge foot: C

Zipper foot: E

Satin stitch foot: F

Blind hem foot: G

1/4˝ seam foot: O

Custom crafted zigzag foot: F2

Automatic buttonhole foot: R

Assorted needle set

Spool holder ( X 2) (large)

Spool holder ( X 2) (small)

Additional spool pin

Bobbins ( X 4)

Screwdriver

Lint brush

Seam ripper (Buttonhole opener)

!7 !8 !9 @0

Stitch chart

Instruction book

Instructional DVD

Hard cover

@1 Large ex

tension table

Large Extension Table

• Attaching the table

Pull the table away from the machine. Spread the legs of large extension table. Holding the table with both hands and slide it gently to the right.

• Adjusting the table height

Turn setscrews of the table legs with a screwdriver (optional).

Extension Table

The extension table q provides an extended sewing area and can be easily removed for free arm sewing.

q Extension table w Pin e Hole

• Detaching the table

Pull the table away from the machine, as illustrated.

• Attaching the table

Push the extension table, inserting the pin w into the hole e until the table snaps into the machine.

• Accessory storage

Accessories are stored inside the extension table. Pull the lid towards you to open the accessory storage r. r Accessory storage

• Free-arm sewing

Free-arm sewing is useful for darning socks and mending the knee or cuff areas of children’s clothes.

Stitch Chart

Insert the stitch chart q into the chart holder w. Insert the pin e into the hole for the stitch chart r.

q Stitch chart w Chart holder e Pin r Hole for stitch chart

Both sides of the stitch chart can be referred to by

ipping it.

You can also ip the chart to the back of the machine

when it is not in use.

SECTION II. GETTING READY TO SEW

Connecting the Power Supply

• Using the foot control

Turn off the power switch q. Insert the foot control plug w into the foot control jack e. Insert the machine plug r into the power inlet t. Insert the power supply plug y into the wall outlet u. Turn on the power switch q. The foot control sign i will be displayed when the foot control is connected to the machine.

q Power switch w Foot control plug e Foot control jack r Machine plug t Power inlet y Power supply plug u Wall outlet i Foot control sign

Operating Instructions:

The symbol “O” on a switch indicates the “off” position of a switch. 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 (U.S.A. and Canada only). * Foot control model YC-485EC-1 is used with this

sewing machine.

• Using the start/stop button

Turn off the power switch q. Insert the machine plug w into the power inlet e. Insert the power supply plug r into the wall outlet t. Turn on the power switch q.

q Power switch w Machine plug e Power inlet r Power supply plug t Wall outlet

NOTE:

The start/stop button does not work when the foot control is connected.

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 power supply:

- when leaving the machine unattended.

- when attaching or removing parts.

- when cleaning the machine. Do not place anything on the foot control, otherwise the machine will run inadvertently.

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.

Speed Control Slider

Sewing speed can be varied by the speed control slider according to your sewing needs. To increase sewing speed, slide the slider to the right. To decrease sewing speed, slide the slider to the left.

Controlling Sewing Speed

Depress the foot control to start the machine. The further down you press on the foot control, the faster the machine runs. The maximum sewing speed can be varied by the speed control slider.

Machine Operating Buttons

q Start/Stop button

Lower the presser foot lifter. Press the start/stop button q to start the machine.

The machine starts running slowly for the rst few

stitches; it then runs at the speed set by the speed control slider. Press the start/stop button q again to stop the machine.

NOTES:

• The machine runs slowly as long as you press and

hold the start/stop button q.

• The start/stop button q cannot be used when the

foot control is connected to the machine.

• The machine will not run and the presser foot

mark r will blink if you start the machine with the presser foot in the up position. Lower the presser foot and press the start/stop button.

w Reverse stitch button

in mode 1 and 2, in mode 3

Press and hold the reverse stitch button w to sew in reverse. Release the button w to sew forward.

Press and hold the button w when the machine is stopped and foot control is disconnected to sew in reverse slowly. Release the button w to stop the machine.

Any other stitches except in mode 1 and 2

Press the reverse stitch button w to sew a locking stitch immediately. The machine will automatically stop.

in mode 1, 2

Please refer to pages 24, 40 and 41.

e Auto-lock button

in mode 1 and 2, in mode 3

Press the auto-lock button e to sew a locking stitch immediately. The machine will automatically stops.

Any other stitches

Press the auto-lock button e to sew a locking stitch at the end of current pattern. The machine will automatically stop.

t Needle up/down button

Press the needle up/down button t to bring the needle up or down.

y Thread cutter button

Press the thread cutter button y to trim the threads after sewing. The thread cutter mark will blink i while the machine

cuts the threads. You can continue sewing without pulling the bobbin thread up after trimming the threads.

To trim the threads automatically after sewing, select the desired stitch pattern, then press and hold the thread cutter button until the thread cutter mark appears o.

The machine will trim the threads automatically after the locking stitch then stop when the reverse or autolock button is pressed, or a pattern has the auto-lock stitch programmed.

NOTE:

Use the thread cutter on the face cover if the thread is #30 or thicker.

u Twin needle button

Press the twin needle button u when using a twin needle. The twin needle mark !0 will appear when it is activated.

To cancel or nish the twin needle sewing, press the

twin needle button twice.

NOTE:

When the twin needle mark is blinking, all the other keys and buttons will not be responding. Press the twin needle button again.

For twin needle sewing, please refer to page 48.

e r

Touch Panel

q Mode key

When the power switch is turned on, the direct pattern selection (mode 1) is set automatically. Press the mode key to change the mode. Refer to page 18.

w Clear key

Press the clear key to clear the memorized stitch pattern. Press and hold the clear key until the buzzer beeps to clear all memorized stitch patterns. Refer to page 56.

e Flip key

Press the ip key to ip the selected stitch pattern

horizontally. Refer to page 52.

r Memory key

Press the memory key to memorize the selected pattern. Refer to page 50.

t Number keys (Refer to page 18)

• Direct pattern selection

You can select the stitch patterns from 01 to 10

directly in mode 1 (direct pattern selection mode).

• Numeric pattern selection

Enter a 2-digit pattern number to select the desired

stitch pattern in mode 2 to 6.

y Stitch width adjustment key

Press “+” or “–” to change the stitch width. Refer to pages 23 and 26.

u Stitch length adjustment key

Press “+” or “–” to change the stitch length. Refer to pages 23 and 26.

i Cursor key

Press “ ” or “ ” to move the cursor to check or edit the pattern combination. Refer to page 56.

q t y

LCD Display

The LCD display shows the following information when the machine is turned on:

q Stitch pattern w Mode e Stitch pattern number r Type of presser foot t Stitch width y Stitch length

Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder

CAUTION:

Turn OFF the power switch before detaching or attaching foot holder.

• Removing the foot holder

Remove the thumbscrew q by turning it

counterclockwise with a screwdriver.

• Attaching the foot holder

Align the hole in the foot holder w with the threaded

hole in the presser bar e. Fit the thumbscrew q into the hole. Tighten the thumbscrew q by turning it clockwise with a screwdriver.

q Thumbscrew w Foot holder e Presser bar

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.

• Removing the presser foot

Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel counterclockwise. Raise the presser foot, and press the lever q on the back of the foot holder.

• Attaching the presser foot

Place the selected presser foot so that the pin e on the foot lies just under the groove w in the foot holder. Lower the presser bar to lock the foot into the place.

q Lever w Groove e Pin

Presser Foot Lifter

The presser foot lifter q raises and lowers the presser foot.

You can raise the foot about 1/4˝ (0.6 cm) higher than

the normal up position w for easy removal of the presser foot, or to help you place thick material under the foot.

q Presser foot lifter w Normal up position e Highest position

Presser Foot Pressure Dial

The presser foot pressure dial should be set at “6” for regular sewing.

Set the pressure between “3” and “6” for applique,

cutwork, drawn work, basting and embroidery. Set the pressure between “1” and “3” when sewing

chiffon, lace, organdy and other ne fabrics. Velour and knits with a lot of stretch may also require a “1”

setting. Turn the presser foot pressure dial q and set the desired numb er.

q Presser foot pressure dial

q w

Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog

The drop feed lever is located underneath the free arm bed on the back of the machine.

q To drop the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of

the arrow q. Set the stitch length value at “0.0” e.

w To raise the feed dog, push the lever in the direction

of the arrow w, as illustrated, and turn the handwheel r toward you. The feed dog must be up for normal sewing.

z x

Changing the Needle

CAUTION:

Turn OFF the power switch before changing the needle.

z Turn off the power switch. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the

handwheel counterclockwise, and lower the presser foot. Loosen the needle clamp screw q by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the needle from the needle clamp w.

x Insert a new needle into the needle clamp w with the

at side to the rear. When inserting the needle into

the needle clamp w, push it up as far as it will go. Tighten the needle clamp screw q rmly by turning it clockwise.

c 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.

q Needle clamp screw w Needle clamp

Selecting Thread and Needles

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. When sewing stretch fabrics, very ne fabrics

and synthetics, use a BLUE TIPPED needle. The blue tipped needle effectively prevents skipped stitches.

Light

Medium

Fabric

Lawn Georgette Tric ot Wool, Polyester

Cotton, Polyester Fine jersey Wool

Thread

Si l k # 80-100 Cot ton #80 -100 Synthetic #80-100

Silk #50 Cotton #60-80 Synthetic #50-80 Cotton #50

Needle

# 9 /6 5 –11/ 7 5

#11/ 75 –14 / 9 0

#14 / 90

Heavy

Denim Jersey Coating Quilting

Silk #50 Cotton #40-50 Synthetic #40-50 Silk #30 Cotton #50

#14 / 90 –16/10 0

#16/100

Bobbin Winding

• Removing the bobbin

Gently slide the hook cover release button q to the　 right and remove the hook cover plate w. Lift out the bobbin.

q Hook cover release button w Hook cover plate

• Horizontal spool pin

Lift up the spool pin q. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin. Attach the large spool holder w, and press it rmly against the spool of thread. The small spool holder e is used with narrow or small spools of thread. Lower the spool pin q.

q Spool pin w Large spool holder e Small spool holder

• Additional spool pin

The additional spool pin q is for twin needle sewing, or winding bobbins without unthreading the machine. Insert the additional spool pin q into the hole w. The additional spool pin should point to the bobbin winder thread guide e.

q Additional spool pin w Hole for additional spool pin e Bobbin winder thread guide

• Winding the bobbin

NOTES:

• Set the speed control slider at its fastest position

for bobbin winding.

• Use a bobbin with “J” mark as illustrated.

z Draw the thread from the spool.

c v

x Guide the thread around the thread guide.

c Pass the thread through the hole in the top of the

bobbin from the inside to outside.

v Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle.

b Push the bobbin to the right. The bobbin mark q

appears on the LCD display.

n With the free end of the thread held in your hand,

start the machine. Stop the machine when bobbin has wound a few layers, and then cut the thread close to the hole in the bobbin.

m Start the machine again. When the bobbin is fully

wound, it will stop automatically. Stop the machine and return the bobbin winder to its original position by moving the spindle to the left. Cut the thread as shown.

• Inserting the bobbin

z Place a bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread

running off counterclockwise.

q End of thread

x Guide the thread into the rst notch w on the front

side of the bobbin holder.

w Notch

c Draw the thread to the left, sliding it between the

tension spring blades.

v Continue to draw the thread lightly until the thread

slips into the second notch e. Pull out about 6˝ (15 cm) of thread.

e Notch

b Attach the hook cover plate. Check the threading

by referring to the diagram r shown on the hook cover plate.

r Threading diagram

Threading the Machine

Raise the presser foot. Press the needle up/down button

q to raise the thread take-up lever to its highest position. q Needle up/down button

CAUTION:

Turn OFF the power switch before threading the　 machine.

• Threading the machine

z Draw the end of the thread around the upper

thread guide.

x While holding the thread near the spool w, draw

the end of the thread down around the check spring holder e.

w Spool e Check spring holder

v b

c Firmly draw the thread up from right to left over the

take-up lever, and down into the take-up lever eye.

v Pass the thread through the lower thread guide.

Slide the thread behind the needle bar thread guide on the left.

b Thread the needle from front to back, or use the

needle threader.

• Needle Threader

CAUTION:

Turn OFF the power switch when using the needle threader.

z Lower the presser foot. Raise the needle to its

highest position. Pull down the needle threader knob q as far as it will go. The hook comes out through the needle eye from behind.

q Knob

x Draw the thread from guide (a) e to guide (b) r

and under the hook w. Draw the thread up along the right side of guide (b) r and slip the thread in

between guide (b) and the holder plate t. w Hook e Guide (a) r Guide (b) t Holder plate

c Raise the knob in the direction of the arrow,

drawing the thread loop through the needle.

v Pull the thread through the needle eye.

NOTES:

• The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #16

needle or a blue tipped needle. Thread sizes 50 to 90 are recommended.

• The needle threader cannot be used for a twin

needle.

• Drawing up the Bobbin Thread

z Raise the presser foot. Hold the needle thread

lightly with your left hand.

x Press the needle up/down button q twice to lower

and raise the needle to pick up the bobbin thread. q Needle up/down button

c Pull both threads 4˝ to 6˝ (10 to 15 cm) under and

behind the presser foot.

Pattern Selection

• Mode 1

You can select the following stitch patterns directly by pressing the pattern keys q.

Example: To select stitch pattern 4 in mode 1

z When the power switch is turned on, the direct

pattern selection (mode 1) is set automatically.

x Press the pattern key 4 to select the stitch pattern 4.

Now pattern 4 in mode 1 is selected.

• Mode 2 – 6

To select stitch patterns in mode 2–6, rst press the

mode key w to select your desired mode. Each time you press the mode key, the folder e indicated on the left side of the screen will change, and the mode changes as follows;

Mode 1: Direct pattern selection Mode 2: Utility stitch pattern selection Mode 3: Decorative stitch pattern selection Mode 4: Number and letter selection Mode 5: European accented letter selection Mode 6: Russian (Cyrillic) letters selection

The number on the folder e indicates the selected mode number. To refer to the modes and their available stitch patterns for this sewing machine, please check the stitch chart or stitch reference on page 64.

Enter the 2-digit number of the desired stitch pattern with the corresponding number keys.

Example: To select stitch pattern 61 in mode 3

z Turn the power switch on. Press the mode key twice

to select mode 3.

x Press the number keys on the touch panel. First press

key 6 and then press key 1.

c Now pattern 61 in mode 3 is selected.

+ 50 hidden pages