Janome 4900 QC User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: Read all instructions before using this appliance.

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.

2. Always unplug before replacing a sewing machine bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 12 V, 5 Watts.

WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, fire, 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 instruction book. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this instruction book.

3. Never operate this se wing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not w orking 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 fingers 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 deflect 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, 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 instruction book.

SA VE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Designs and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NAME OF PARTS

Name of parts ................................................................. 3

Standard Accessories ..................................................... 4

Extension Table ...............................................................5

Detaching the table ......................................................... 5

Attaching the table ..........................................................5

GETTING READY TO SEW

Connecting the Power Supply ......................................... 6

To use start/stop button................................................... 6

To use foot control........................................................... 6

Speed control slider ........................................................7

Foot control ..................................................................... 7

FUNCTION BUTTONS

Start/stop button.............................................................. 8

Reverse stitch button....................................................... 8

Auto-lock button ..............................................................8

Up/down needle position button...................................... 8

Screen brightness adjustment dial .................................. 9

Mode key......................................................................... 9

Monogramming key......................................................... 9

Stock/Call key.................................................................. 9

Twin needle key............................................................... 9

Elongation key................................................................. 9

Turnover memory key...................................................... 9

Edit key ...........................................................................9

Help key .......................................................................... 9

Stitch width adjustment key........................................... 10

Stitch length adjustment key ......................................... 10

Function touchpad......................................................... 10

Clear key ....................................................................... 10

Memory key................................................................... 10

Mode selection .............................................................. 11

Pattern selection ...........................................................12

CUSTOMIZING MACHINE SETTINGS

Resumption setting .......................................................13

Sound setting ................................................................ 13

Language setting........................................................... 13

Window duration time setting ........................................ 13

To drop or raise the feed dog ........................................ 14

Pressure dial ................................................................. 14

Presser foot lifter ........................................................... 14

Changing presser foot................................................... 15

To remove and attach the foot holder............................ 15

Knee lifter ...................................................................... 15

Changing needle ........................................................... 16

Thread and Needle Chart ............................................. 17

Bobbin Winding ....................................................... 18–19

Inserting the bobbin ...................................................... 20

Threading the machine .................................................21

Built-in needle threader ................................................. 22

Drawing up bobbin thread ............................................. 23

Balancing thread tension............................................... 24

BASIC STITCHES (MODE 1)

Straight stitch ................................................................25

Changing sewing direction ............................................ 25

Securing a seam ........................................................... 25

Using the seam guides on the needle plate .................. 26

Turning a square corner ................................................ 26

Using the quilting guide................................................. 26

Sewing on heavy fabric ................................................. 26

Help button.................................................................... 27

Adjusting the needle drop position ................................ 28

Adjusting the stitch length ............................................. 28

To customize the preset value for the stitch length and

width.............................................................................. 29

Restoring the original setting ........................................ 29

Basting .......................................................................... 30

Lock-a-Matic stitch ........................................................ 31

Triple stretch stitch ........................................................31

Stretch stitch .................................................................31

Locking stitch ................................................................32

Saddle stitch.................................................................. 32

New sculpture stitch ...................................................... 32

Decorative stitch............................................................ 33

French knot ...................................................................33

Zigzag stitch .................................................................. 34

Types of Overcasting Stitches................................. 35–36

Overcasting with zigzag stitch....................................... 35

Multiple zigzag stitch (Tricot stitch)................................ 35

Overcasting stitch.......................................................... 35

Knit stitch....................................................................... 36

Double overedge stitch.................................................. 36

Overlock stitch............................................................... 36

Button sewing................................................................ 37

Variations of Buttonholes .............................................. 38

Square buttonhole....................................................39-41

Double layer buttonhole ................................................ 42

Corded buttonhole......................................................... 42

Adjusting buttonhole width ............................................ 43

Adjusting stitch density.................................................. 43

Round-end buttonholes (#18) .......................................44

Keyhole buttonholes (#20) ............................................44

Adjusting buttonhole width on stitch pattern #18 .......... 44

Adjusting buttonhole width on stitch pattern #20 .......... 44

Knit buttonhole (#24)..................................................... 45

Faux chain buttonhole (#25).......................................... 45

Welted buttonhole ................................................... 46–48

Eyelet ............................................................................ 49

Zipper sewing..........................................................50–52

Darning ...................................................................53–54

Tacking .......................................................................... 55

Blind hem ...................................................................... 56

DECORATIVE STITCHES

Pintucking...................................................................... 57

Quilting .......................................................................... 57

Shell tuck....................................................................... 58

Applique ........................................................................ 58

Smocking ......................................................................59

Fagoting ........................................................................ 59

Scallop (A)..................................................................... 60

Scallop (B)..................................................................... 60

Patchwork .....................................................................61

Satin stitch..................................................................... 61

Rolled hem .................................................................... 62

Cording.......................................................................... 62

Cross stitch ...................................................................63

Decorative stitch............................................................ 63

Twin needle sewing ....................................................... 64

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROGRAMMING PATTERNS

Pattern combination 1 ................................................... 65

Pattern combination 2 ................................................... 66

Combination for a mirror image..................................... 67

Pattern elongation ......................................................... 68

Programming a pattern combination with an elongated

pattern ........................................................................... 68

Extender stitches........................................................... 69

Free-motion quilting....................................................... 70

Editing program.......................................................71–72

Custom stitch adjustment.............................................. 73

Programming a monogram .....................................74–75

Reducing the size of a monogram ................................76

Viewing a long text ........................................................ 77

Editing the programmed patterns.................................. 77

Deleting a letter (character)........................................... 77

Inserting a letter (character) .......................................... 78

Duplicating a pattern ..................................................... 78

To store and call stitch pattern combinations ................ 79

Overwriting a stored combination.................................. 79

Recalling a stored combination ..................................... 80

Deleting a stored combination....................................... 80

Correcting distorted stitch patterns ...............................81

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the hook race and feed dog ........................... 82

Inserting the bobbin holder ........................................... 82

Replacing the light bulb................................................. 83

Replacing the light bulb on the underside of the sewing

arm ................................................................................ 83

Warning Messages .................................................84–85

Audible signals .............................................................. 85

Troubleshooting............................................................. 86

START

STOP

NAME OF PARTS

Name of parts

q Function keys w Liquid crystal display e Screen sharpness adjustment dial r Bobbin winder stopper t Bobbin winder spindle y Hole for additional spool pin u Spool pin i Large spool holder o Thread tension dial !0 Reference chart !1 Foot pressure dial !2 Face cover !3 Thread cutter !4 Needle threader !5 Needle plate !6 Extension table (Accessory box) !7 Hook cover plate !8 Hook cover release button !9 Feed balancing dial @0 Speed control slider @1 Knee lifter socket @2 Start/stop button @3 Reverse stitch button @4 Auto-lock button @5 Up/down needle position button @6 Presser foot holder @7 Thumb screw @8 Presser foot @9 Needle #0 Needle clamp screw #1 Carrying handle #2 Handwheel #3 Power switch #4 Machine sockets #5 Drop feed dog lever #6 Free-arm #7 Buttonhole lever #8 Presser foot lifter #9 Power supply cord $0 Foot control

Standard Accessories

q Assorted needles w L: Quilting bar e G: Blind hem foot r F: Satin stitch foot t D: Hemmer foot y C: Overedge foot u E: Zipper foot i A: Zigzag foot (attached to the machine)

These accessories can be stored in the compartment under the top cover.

o M: Overcasting foot !0 H: Cording foot !1 R: Automatic buttonhole foot !2 T: Button sewing foot !3 P: Darning foot !4 Bobbins !5 Screwdriver !6 Large spool holder (attached to the machine) !7 Small spool holder !8 Felt !9 Spool stand @0 Knee lifter @1 Seam ripper/buttonhole opener @2 Additional spool pin @3 Brush @4 Even foot and quilting bar @5 1/4˝ seam foot

*Sewing accessories are stored in the extension table .

To open, lift the cover towards you as illustrated.

q Extension table

Extension T able

The extension table provides an extra surface for sewing bulky materials, and can be removed for free-arm sewing.

Detaching the table

Pull the table away from the machine as illustrated.

Free-arm sewing can be used for:

Stitching sleeves, waistbands, pant legs or any tubular garment area, darning socks as well as mending knees, elbows or children’s wear.

Attaching the table

Push the extension table until it snaps into the machine.

q Pin w Hole

GETTING READY TO SEW

Connecting the Power Supply

CAUTION

Always turn the power switch off and unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when the machine is not in use.

To use start/stop button

Turn off the power switch, then insert the machine plug into the machine and the power supply plug into the wall outlet. Turn on the power switch.

To use foot control

Turn off the power switch, insert the foot control plug and machine plug into the machine, then the power supply plug into the wall outlet in this order.

Turn on the power switch.

NOTE:

The start/stop button cannot be used when the foot control is connected to the machine.

q Power supply cord w Machine socket for power supply cord e Outlet r Power switch t Machine socket for foot control plug y Foot control plug u Foot control

Speed control slider

Sewing speed can be varied according to your sewing needs with the speed control slider.

q To increase sewing speed, slide it to the right. w To decrease sewing speed, slide it to the left.

Foot control

Sewing speed is varied by the foot control. The harder you press down on the foot control, the faster the machine runs.

The machine runs at the maximum speed set by the speed control slider when the foot control is fully depressed.

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 fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If it does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way. *Foot control model 21371 is used with sewing machine

model MC 4900.

START

STOP

(A)

START

STOP

FUNCTION BUTTONS

q Start/stop button

Press this button to start or stop the machine. The machine starts running slowly for the first few stitches, it then runs at the speed set by the speed control slider.

NOTE:

•Start/stop button cannot be used when the foot control is connected to the machine.

• If you start the machine with the presser foot up, the LCD screen will advise you to lower the foot. Lower the foot then restart the machine.

w Reverse stitch button

When stitches (mode 1) (mode 2) are selected, the machine will sew in reverse while the reverse stitch button is pressed. If you press the reverse stitch button when sewing any other stitches, the machine will immediately sew locking stitches and automatically stop.

e Auto-lock button

When stitches (mode 1) (mode 2) are selected, the machine will immediately sew locking stitches when the Auto-lock button is pressed, then automatically stop. When sewing any other stitches, the machine will sew locking stitches at the end of the current pattern and automatically stop.

r Up/down needle position button

Press this button to bring the needle up or down. The machine will stop with the needle up or down depending on the needle position determined by this button.

NOTE:

The needle will always stop in the up position after sewing buttonholes, bartacks, eyelets and darning.

ui o

!1 !2 !3

t Screen brightness adjustment dial

Use this dial to adjust the brightness of the liquid crystal display. If the screen is not clear, adjust the screen brightness with this dial.

y Mode key (see page 11)

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

u Monogramming key (see page 11)

Press this key to change the monogram font.

i Stock/Call key (see page 29, 79)

When you press the Stock/Call key after memorizing or editing patterns, the pattern combination will be stored. You can also recall stored patterns by pressing the Stock/Call key .

o Twin needle key (see page 64)

Press this key for twin needle sewing.

!0!0

!0 Elongation key (see page 68)

!0!0

Satin stitches can be elongated up to five times their original length by pressing this key.

!1!1

!1 Turnover memory key (see pages 67, 68)

!1!1

A mirror image of the selected pattern will be memorized. * Programmed letters or numbers will be reduced to 2/3 of their original size when you press the turnover memory key.

!2!2

!2 Edit key (see pages 73, 77)

!2!2

This key can be used for changing combinations and monograms before sewing. In the editing mode, this key is used to shift the cursor to the left.

!3!3

!3 Help key (see pages 27, 77)

!3!3

Press this key to view alternative applications of certain stitches. In the editing mode, this key is used to shift the cursor to the right.

!7 !8

!4!4

!4 Stitch width adjustment key

!4!4

(see page 28, 29, 34)

Press “+” or “–” to change the stitch width.

!5!5

!5 Stitch length adjustment key

!5!5

(see page 28, 29, 34)

Press “+” or “–” to change the stitch length.

!6!6

!6 Function touchpad (see page 12)

21 3

987

!6!6

• Direct pattern selection

You can select the stitch patterns from q to o directly in mode 1 (direct pattern selection mode).

• Number keys

Enter the 2-digit pattern number to select the desired stitch pattern in mode 2, 3 and monogramming.

!7!7

!7 Clear key (see page 77)

!7!7

When this key is pressed, the last memorized stitch or the stitch that is above the cursor will be deleted. Press and hold the “C” key to clear the entire pattern combination. If this key is pressed after sewing a pattern combination, the sequence will be deleted.

!8!8

!8 Memory key (see page 29, 65, 67)

!8!8

The memory key will memorize your pattern selection. Press the memory key after you selected the stitch pattern. (You can program up to 50 patterns in the memory.)

wert

Mode selection

When you switch on the machine, the direct select mode (mode 1) is activated. Press the mode key to change the mode.

zMode 1

Screen indication

You can select 10 of the most commonly used patterns directly by pressing the pattern keys. The LCD screen shows the following infor mation:

q Pattern number and image of the selected stitch. w Recommended setting for needle thread tension. e Recommended presser foot. r Stitch width or needle drop position. t Stitch length. y Recommended foot pressure u Twin or single needle (See page 64).

xMode 2 and 3

You can select stitch patterns from #01 to #99. Patterns #01 to #10 in mode 2 are programmable patterns equivalent to the patterns in mode 1.

cMonogramming mode

Press this button to change the monogram font.

q Block style letters w Block style European letters e Script style letters r Script style European letters t Broadway style letters y Broadway style European letters

Pattern Selection

z Mode 1

21 3

987

Pattern selection and screen indication

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

Mode 2, 3 and Monogramming

To select a pattern, enter the 2-digit number of the desired stitch pattern with the number keys.

The LCD screen will show the pattern number, stitch image then the main display for the selected pattern.

987

Example: stitch pattern 48

q Pattern number

w Stitch image e Main display

* See page 65 for stitch pattern combinations.

CUSTOMIZING MACHINE SETTINGS

You can customize the machine settings to your preference. Turn on the power switch w while pressing the memory key q. The machine setting window will appear.

q Memory key w Power switch e Machine setting window

Resumption setting

The last pattern sewn before turning the power off will be

recalled when the power is turned on again. z Press the key to select Nomal/Resumption setting

mode.

x Press the edit or help key to select either Normal or

Resumption setting.

c Press the memory key to enable the setting.

Sound setting

You can set the buzzer volume.

w e

z Press the key. The LCD screen shows the sound

setting mode.

x Press the edit or help key to select the sound setting. c Press the memory key to enable the setting.

q Mute w Minimum e Normal r Maximum

Language setting

You can choose one of 10 languages for the screen display. 1 English 2 Spanish 3 Finnish 4 French 5 German

6 Italian 7 Dutch 8 Portuguese 9 Russian 10 Swedish z Press the key. The LCD screen shows language

setting mode.

x Press the edit or help key to select a language. c Press the memory key to set the language.

Window duration time setting

A window will appear when selecting patterns, altering stitch length or width.

The duration of window displayed can be set. The default setting is 2 x1.0 (2 seconds).

q Window

w x 0.5........1 second

e x 1.0........2 seconds

r x 1.5........3 seconds

z Press the key. The LCD screen shows the window

duration time setting display.

x Press the edit or help key to select the duratioin. c Press the memory key to enable the setting.

* The opening window shows the customized settings that

you have made.

To drop or raise the feed dog

q Drop feed dog lever w To drop the feed dog e To raise the feed dog

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

•To drop the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of the arrow w, as illustrated.

•To raise the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of the arrow e, as illustrated, and turn the handwheel toward you. The feed dog must be up for normal sewing.

Pressure dial

q Pressure dial w Setting mark e Pressure dial setting

The pressure dial should be set at “3” for regular sewing. Reduce the pressure to “2” for applique, cut work, drawn

work, basting and embroidery. Set the pressure to “1” when sewing chiffon, lace, organdy

and other fine fabrics. Velour and knits with a lot of stretch may also require a “1”

setting. Turn the pressure dial q and set the desired number at the

setting w.

Presser foot lifter

q Presser foot lifter w Normal up position e Highest position

The presser foot lifter q raises and lowers the presser foot. You can raise it 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.

Changing the presser foot

q Snap-on button (red button) w Groove e Pin

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.

•To remove

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

•To attach

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

To remove and attach the foot holder

q Thumb screw w Foot holder e Presser bar

•To remove

Remove the thumb screw q by turning it counterclockwise with a screwdriver.

•To attach

Match the hole in the foot holder w with the threaded hole in the presser bar e. Fit the thumb screw q into the hole. Tighten the screw q by turning it clockwise with a screwdriver.

Knee Lifter

The knee lifter is extremely helpful when sewing applique, patchwork and quilting since it allows you to handle the fabric while your knee controls the presser foot.

Match the ribs on the knee lifter with the notches in the knee lifter socket and insert the knee lifter.

q Knee lifter w Ribs e Notches

Push the knee lifter with your knee to raise and lower the presser foot.

NOTE:

Do not touch the knee lifter while sewing, otherwise the fabric will not be fed smoothly.

Changing the needle

q Needle clamp screw w Needle clamp

CAUTION

Always make sure to turn the power switch off and disconnect the machine from power supply before changing the needle.

z Turn off the power switch.

Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel counterclockwise, and lowering 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

flat side to the rear. When inserting the needle into the needle clamp w, push it up as far as it goes. Tighten the needle clamp screw q firmly by turning it clockwise.

c To see if the needle is good, place the flat side of the

needle onto something flat (needle plate, glass, etc.). The gap between the needle and the flat surface should be consistent. Never use a bent or blunt needle. A damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs in knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics.

Thread and Needle Chart

WEIGHT

FABRIC

TYPE of NEEDLE

NEEDLE SIZE

Very Light

Light

Medium

Heavy

Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy Net, T ulle

Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine, Sheer Crepe, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen, Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de Soie, Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed Crepe, Qiana

Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, and Tricot

Leather Suede

Flannel, V elour , V elvet, Muslin, V elveteen, Poplin, Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz, Gabardine, Felt, Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics

Double Knits, (synthetic and natural) Stretch Velour, Stretch Terry, Sweater Knits

Leather, Vinyl, Suede

Denim, Sailcloth, Ticking Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,

Drapery Fabrics Leather, Suede

Universal Ball Point

Blue Tipped Needle Universal

Blue Tipped Needle Ball Point

Wedge Point Leather Needle

Universal

Ball Point

Wedge Point Leather Needle

Denim Needle Universal

Wedge Point Leather Needle

9 (65) 9 (65)

11 (75) 11 (75) 12 (80)

11 (75) 11 (75)

11 (75)

14 (90)

16 (100) 16 (100)

16 (100) 18 (110)

Very Heavy

Canvas, Duck, Upholstery Fabrics Topstitching for Special Finishes

Universal Topstitching Needle

16 (100) 14 (90)

Bobbin Winding

• Removing the bobbin

q Hook cover plate release button w Hook cover plate e Bobbin

Slide the hook cover plate release button q to the right, and remove the cover plate w.

Lift out the bobbin e from the bobbin holder.

• Setting the spool of thread

q Spool pin w Large spool holder e Small spool holder r Spool stand

Lift up the spool pin q. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin with the thread coming off the spool as shown. Attach the large spool holder w, and press it firmly against the spool of thread.

The small spool holder e is used with narrow or small spools of thread.

If the thread slips off the spool and jams around the spool pin, use the spool stand r.

Bobbin Winding

NOTE:

Set the speed control slider at its fastest position for bobbin winding.

q Upper thread guide (A) w Upper thread guide (B) e Bobbin winding tension disk r Bobbin winder spindle t Bobbin winder stopper

z Draw the thread from the spool. x Guide the thread around the upper thread guide (A) q,

upper thread guide (B) w and bobbin winding tension disk e.

c Insert the thread through the hole in the bobbin,

threading from the inside to the outside. Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle r.

v Push the bobbin winder spindle r to the right. The

LCD screen shows A.

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

depress the foot control. Stop the machine when the bobbin has made a few turns, and cut the thread close to the hole on the bobbin.

n Depress the foot control again. When the bobbin is

fully wound, it will stop automatically. Return the bobbin to its original position by moving the spindle to the left, and cut the thread as shown.

• Additional spool pin

y Spool u Additional spool pin i Spool pin felt o Spool stand !0 Spool pin hole

The additional spool pin u is for bobbin winding, without unthreading the machine, and for twin needle sewing. Insert the additional spool pin u into spool stand o and the hole !0. Place the felt i and a spool y on the pin as illustrated.

Inserting the bobbin

z Place the bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread

running off counterclockwise.

q Thread w Bobbin holder

x Guide the thread into notch (A) on the front of the bobbin

holder.

(A)

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 side notch (B).

(B)

b Pull out about 10 cm (4˝) of thread to the rear.

Refer to the threading chart shown on the hook cover plate. Attach the hook cover plate. e Threading chart

Threading the machine

z Raise the presser foot lifter. x Turn the power switch on. Press the up/down needle

position button twice to raise the needle. The threading light will light up. q Threading light

NOTE:

If you want to use the handwheel to raise the needle, make sure the threading light is on when threading. Otherwise the machine will not be threaded properly.

c Draw the thread around the upper thread guide (A) w

and the upper thread guide (B) e.

w Upper thread guide (A) e Upper thread guide (B)

v Draw the thread down along the right channel. Then

down around the bottom of the guide plate r. r Guide plate

b Firmly draw the thread up along the center channel to

the thread guide t.While holding it with your right hand behind the upper thread guide (A), firmly draw the thread from right to left over the thread guide t and down into the chicane y.

t Thread guide y Chicane

n Then down through the lower thread guide u.

u Lower thread guide

m Slide the thread behind the needle bar thread guide i

on the left. Thread the needle from front to back or use the needle threader.

i Needle bar thread guide.

Built-in needle threader

NOTE:

The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #16 needle, or a #11 Blue needle. Thread size 50 to 90 is recommended.

z Raise the presser foot. Raise the needle to its highest

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

q Knob w Hook

x Draw the thread around the guide and under the

hook w.

c Release the knob slowly while holding the thread

end with your hand.

v A loop of the thread is pulled up through the needle

eye.

Drawing up bobbin thread

START

STOP

z Raise the presser foot. Hold the needle thread lightly

with your left hand.

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

lower and raise the needle to pick up the bobbin thread e.

q Up/down needle position button w Needle thread e Bobbin thread

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

behind the presser foot.

Balancing thread tension

• Auto-thread tension When the thread tension dial is set at AUTO for automatic thread tension, the green light will be on. For general sewing, set the tension dial at AUTO, which covers a wide range of sewing conditions.

z Align the AUTO mark of the thread tension dial with the

indication line.

x The green light is on. c Dispaly screen shows “AUTO”.

• Balanced thread tension For straight stitch sewing, both needle and bobbin threads will join at the middle of the fabric. For zigzag stitch sewing, the needle thread will appear slightly on the wrong side of the fabric.

q Wrong side of fabric w Right side of fabric e Bobbin thread r Needle thread (Top thread)

• Manual thread tension adjustment You should adjust the tension manually if the green light q blinks when a specific stitch is selected. The screen shows the recommended tension setting w for the selected stitch.

q Green light w Recommended tension setting

If the needle thread is too tight, the bobbin thread appears on the right of the fabric.

q Wrong side of fabric w Right side of fabric e Bobbin thread r Needle thread (Top thread) t Tension dial

Turn the thread tension dial in the direction of the arrow to decrease the thread tension.

If the needle thread is too loose, the needle thread loops on the underside of the fabric.

q Wrong side of fabric w Right side of fabric e Bobbin thread r Needle thread (Top thread) t Tension dial

Turn the thread tension dial in the direction of the arrow to increase the thread tension.

BASIC STITCHES (MODE 1)

qw e

Straight stitch

Machine settings

q Pattern: 1 or 2 (mode 1) w Presser foot: Zigzag foot A e Thread tension: AUTO

To sew

Raise the presser foot and position the fabric next to a seam guide line on the needle plate. Lower the needle to the point where you wish to start.

Pull the needle and bobbin threads toward the rear. Lower the presser foot.

Depress the foot control to start sewing. Gently guide the fabric along the seam guide line letting the fabric feed naturally.

Changing sewing direction

Stop the machine and bring the needle down into the fabric by pressing the up/down needle position button. Raise the presser foot. Pivot the fabric around the needle to change sewing direction as desired. Lower the presser foot.

q Up/down needle position button w Presser foot lifter

Securing a seam

For fastening the end of seam, press the reverse button and sew several reverse stitches. The machine sews in reverse as long as you press and hold the reverse button. Press the reverse button once when sewing the Lock-aMatic stitch (pattern 3) or locking stitch (pattern 4) so the machine will lock the stitch off and stop automatically.

Cut the thread by using the thread cutter. The threads are cut the proper length for starting the next seam. e Thread cutter

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Janome 4900 QC User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual