Janome 525S LE Sewist Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION BOOK

Model 525S

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the followings:

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 15 Watts.

WARNING— To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:

1.Do not allow children to play with the machine. The machine is not intended for use by children or infirmed persons without proper supervision.

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 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 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

The design and specifications are subject to change without a prior notice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. KNOW YOUR MACHINE
Names of Parts ..............................................................	2
Standard Accessories ....................................................	3
Accessory storage ..........................................................	3
Extension Table .............................................................	4
Free-arm sewing ............................................................	4
SECTION 2. GETTING READY TO SEW
Connecting the Power Supply .......................................	5
Controlling the Sewing Speed .......................................	5
Reverse Stitch Lever .....................................................	6
Foot Pressure Dial .........................................................	6
Dropping the Feed Dog .................................................	6
Raising and Lowering the Presser Foot ........................	7
Changing the Presser Foot ............................................	7
Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder .....................	7
Changing Needles .........................................................	8
Needle and Thread Chart...............................................	8
Winding the Bobbin ........................................................	9
Setting the spool ............................................................	9
Removing the bobbin .....................................................	9
Winding the bobbin ......................................................	10
Inserting the bobbin .....................................................	11
Threading the Machine ................................................	12
Needle threader ...........................................................	13
Drawing up the Bobbin Thread ....................................	14
Selecting the Stitch Pattern .........................................	15
Pattern selector dial .....................................................	15
Stitch Length Dial .........................................................	15
Adjusting stretch stitch balance ...................................	16
Stitch Width Dial ..........................................................	16
Variable needle position ..............................................	16
Balancing Needle Thread Tension ..............................	17

SECTION 4. UTILITY STITCHES
Basic Zigzag ................................................................	20
Overcasting ..................................................................	20
Knit Stitch .....................................................................	21
Tricot Stitch (Multiple Zigzag Stitch) ............................	21
Straight Stretch Stitch ..................................................	22
Zigzag Stretch Stitch ....................................................	22
Button Sewing ..............................................................	23
Automatic Buttonhole ...................................................	24
Adjusting the buttonhole stitch density .............................	26
Corded Buttonhole .......................................................	27
Manual Buttonhole .......................................................	28
Zipper Application ........................................................	30
Blind Hemming.............................................................	33
SECTION 5. DECORATIVE STITCHES
Decorative Satin Stitches.............................................	34
Decorative Stretch Stitches .........................................	34
Smocking .....................................................................	35
Quilting .........................................................................	36
Pin Tucking ..................................................................	37
Shell Tucking ...............................................................	37
Fagoting .......................................................................	38
Patchwork ....................................................................	38
Appliqué .......................................................................	39
SECTION 6. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Hook Race and Feed Dogs ....................	40
Replacing the Bobbin Holder .......................................	41
Replacing the Light Bulb ..............................................	41
Troubleshooting ...........................................................	42

SETION 3. BASIC SEWING
Straight Stitch Sewing..................................................	18
Changing the sewing direction ....................................	18
Finishing sewing ..........................................................	18
Seam guides on the needle plate ................................	19
Turning a square corner ..............................................	19

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SECTION 1. KNOW YOUR MACHINE

Names of Parts

q Bobbin winder stopper w Bobbin winder spindle

e Hole for additional spool pin r Spool holder

t Spool pin

y Bobbin winder thread guide u Thread take-up lever

i Foot pressure dial o Face plate

!0Thread cutter !1Needle threader !2Needle plate

!3Extension table (Accessory storage) !4Hook cover plate

!5Hook cover plate release button !6Thread tension dial

!7Reverse stitch lever !8Stitch length dial !9Pattern selector dial @0Stitch width dial @1Presser foot

@2Needle

@3Needle clamp screw @4Foot holder

@5Setscrew

@6Carrying handle @7Handwheel @8Power switch @9Machine socket #0Drop feed lever #1Free-arm

#2Buttonhole lever

#3Foot lifter

2

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Standard Accessories

q Overedge foot C w Zipper foot E

e Blind hemming foot G r Buttonhole foot B

t Automatic buttonhole foot R y Needles

u Bobbins

i Screwdriver o Lint brush

!0Seam ripper (buttonhole opener) !1Quilting guide

!2Spool holder (large) !3Spool holder (small) !4Additional spool pin !5Felt cushion

Accessory storage

The standard accessories can be stored in the accessory

storage box under the extension table.

Draw out the storage box from the table as shown. q Accessory storage box

3

Extension Table

To detach:

Pull the extension table to the left.

	To attach:
	Insert the pin into the hole and push the extension table to
w	snap it in place.
q	q Pin
	w Hole

Free-arm sewing

Free-arm sewing is used for stitching sleeves, waistbands, pant legs or any other tubular garments.

It is also useful for darning socks or mending knees or elbows.

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SECTION 2. GETTING READY TO SEW

Connecting the Power Supply

q		r		z Turn the power switch off.
				x Insert the machine plug into the machine socket.
				c Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet.
			t	v Turn the power switch on.
				q Power switch
				w Machine plug
				e Machine socket
				r Power supply plug
				t Wall outlet
e	w			NOTE:

Before connecting to the power supply, make sure the voltage shown on the machine conforms to your electrical power.

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 intermittently.

Controlling the Sewing Speed

Foot control

Sewing speed can be varied by the foot control.

The harder you depress the foot control, the faster the machine runs.

Operating Instructions:

The symbol "O" of a switch indicates the "off" position of a switch.

For an appliance with a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other):

To reduce the risk of electrical 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.

The foot controller Model YC-482J or TJC-150 is used with the sewing machine Model 525S (USA market only).

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Reverse Stitch Lever

Push the reverse stitch lever down to sew in reverse. The machine will sew in reverse while the lever is pushed.

Foot Pressure Dial

Turn the foot pressure dial to adjust the foot pressure. q The foot pressure dial should be set at “3” for regular

sewing.

Reduce the pressure to “2” for appliqué, cutwork, draw work and basting.

Set the setting mark at “1” when sewing chiffon, lace, organdy and other fine fabrics.

q Setting mark

		Dropping the Feed Dog
		The drop feed lever is located underneath the free-arm
q		bed on the backside of the machine.
		To drop the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of
		the arrow, as illustrated.
		To raise the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of
		the arrow, as illustrated, and turn the handwheel toward
		you.
		The feed dog must be up for regular sewing.
		q Drop feed lever
	w	w Raised position
		e Lowered position

e

6

			Raising and Lowering the Presser Foot
			The presser foot lifter raises and lowers the presser foot.
		e	You can raise the foot about 1/4" (0.6 cm) higher than
			the normal up position for easy removal of the presser
	e		foot, or to help you place heavy fabric under the foot.
	w	w	q Lowered position
			w Normal up position
	q		e Extra up position

Changing the Presser Foot

To remove:

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.

q Lever

q

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.

Do not push the lever down to prevent it from being broken.

	To attach:
	Place the desired presser foot, so that the pin on the foot
e	lies just under the groove on the foot holder. Lower the
	presser foot lifter to lock the foot in place.
w	w Groove
	e Pin

		Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder
q	w	WARNING:
		Turn OFF the power switch before detaching or
		attaching the foot holder.
		To remove:
		Remove the setscrew by turning it counterclockwise with
		a screwdriver and remove the foot holder.
		To attach:
		Match the hole in the foot holder with the threaded hole
		in the presser bar. Fit the setscrew into the hole. Tighten
		the screw by turning it clockwise with a screwdriver.

	q Setscrew
	w Foot holder
	e Hole
r	r Threaded hole

e

7

q

w q

e

r

Changing Needles

CAUTION:

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

Raise the needle by turning the handwheel and lower the presser foot.

Turn off the power switch.

zLoosen the needle clamp screw by turning it counterclockwise.

Remove the needle from the clamp. q Needle clamp screw

xInsert a new needle into the needle clamp with the flat side of the needle to the rear.

When inserting the needle into the needle clamp, push it up against the stopper pin and tighten the needle clamp screw firmly.

w Stopper pin e Flat side

To check needle straightness, place the flat side of the needle onto something flat (a needle plate, glass etc.) The gap between the needle and the flat surface should be consistent.

Never use a blunt needle. r Gap

Needle and Thread Chart

	WEIGHT	FABRIC	TYPE of NEEDLE	NEEDLE SIZE
	Very Light	Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy	Universal	9 (65)
		Net, Tulle	Ball Point	9 (65)
	Light	Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine,	Blue Tipped Needle	11 (75)
		Sheer Crepe, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen,	Universal	11 (75)
		Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de		12	(80)
		Soie, Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed
		Crepe, Qiana
		Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, and Tricot	Blue Tipped Needle	11 (75)
			Ball Point	11 (75)
		Leather, Suede	Wedge Point	11 (75)
			Leather Needle
	Medium	Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen,	Universal	14	(90)
		Poplin, Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz,
		Gabardine, Felt, Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics
		Double Knits, (synthetic and natural) Stretch	Ball Point	14	(90)
		Velour, Stretch Terry, Sweater Knits
		Leather, Vinyl, Suede	Wedge Point	14	(90)
			Leather Needle
	Heavy	Denim, Sailcloth, Ticking	Denim Needle	16	(100)
		Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,	Universal	16	(100)
		Drapery Fabrics
		Leather, Suede	Wedge Point	16	(100)
			Leather Needle	18	(110)
	Very Heavy	Canvas, Duck, Upholstery Fabrics	Universal	16	(100)
		Topstitching for Special Finishes	Topstitching Needle	14	(90)

8

		Winding the Bobbin
	(A)	Setting the spool
		Place a spool of thread on the spool pin with the thread
		coming off the spool as illustrated.
	q	A: Press the large spool holder firmly against the spool
		of thread.
		q Large spool holder
	(B)	B: For a small spool, use the small spool holder.
		w Small spool holder
	w
		Additional spool pin
	e	The additional spool pin is for bobbin winding without
		unthreading the machine.
	r	Insert the additional spool pin into the hole.
		Place the felt and a spool on the pin.
		e Additional spool pin
		r Spool pin felt
		t Spool pin hole

t

		Removing the bobbin
	q	z Push the hook cover plate release button to the right
		and remove the cover plate.
		q Hook cover plate release button
		w Hook cover plate

w

x Lift out the bobbin. e Bobbin

e

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w	Winding the bobbin
	e

z	q	z Pull out the handwheel to disengage the clutch.
		q Handwheel

	w
x	x Draw the thread from the spool. Guide the thread
	around the bobbin winder thread guide.
	w Bobbin winder thread guide

c		c Thread through the hole in the bobbin from the inside
		to the outside.
	e	Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle with the
		free end of the thread coming out at the top.
		e Bobbin winder spindle
v		v Push the bobbin to the right.
		NOTE:
		Do not move the bobbin winder spindle while the
		machine is running.
b		b With the free end of the thread held in your hand,
		depress the foot control. Stop the machine when the
		bobbin has been wound a few layers, and cut the
		thread close to the bobbin.
n		n Depress the foot control again. When the bobbin is
		fully wound, it will stop automatically.
		Return the bobbin winder to its original position by
		moving the spindle to the left, and cut the thread as
		illustrated.
m		m Push in the handwheel to engage the clutch.

10

	Inserting the bobbin
	q
z	z Place the bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread
	running off as illustrated.
	q Thread

	x	x Guide the thread into the front notch on the front side
		of the bobbin holder. Draw the thread to the left,
		sliding it between the tension spring blades.
		w Front notch
		e Tension spring blade
		w
		e
	c	c Continue to draw the thread lightly until the thread
		slips into the side notch.
		r Side notch

r

v	v Pull out about 4” (10 cm) of thread. Attach the hook
	cover plate. Check the threading by referring to the
	chart shown on the hook cover plate.
	t Thread
	y Hook cover plate

t

y

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z

c

v	x
b	q
	z
	w

x

r

e

c

t

v b

y

Threading the Machine

To set the needle thread:

Raise the thread take-up lever to the highest position by turning the handwheel.

Raise the presser foot.

zDraw the thread from the spool and pass it under the thread guide. Then draw it down along the right channel.

q Thread guide w Right channel

xDraw the thread up around the bottom of the thread guide plate.

Pull the thread up along the left channel e Thread guide plate

r Left channel

cFirmly draw the thread from right to left over the thread take-up lever and down into the take-up lever eye.

t Thread take-up lever

vDraw the thread down along the left channel and slip the thread behind the needle bar thread guide from the left.

y Needle bar thread guide

bPass the thread through the needle eye from the front or use the needle threader (refer to the next page).

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