Janome DC3018 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION BOOK

Model DC 3018

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 12 Volts, 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 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

KNOW YOUR MACHINE

Name of Parts ........................................................... 2

Standard Accessories ............................................... 3

Extension table.......................................................... 3

GETTING READY TO SEW

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

Controlling Sewing Speed ........................................ 4

Speed control slider ................................................ 4

Foot control............................................................. 4

Function Buttons and Keys....................................... 5

Reverse button ....................................................... 5

Auto-Lock button..................................................... 5

Up/Down needle button .......................................... 5

Mode key ................................................................ 6

Direct pattern selection........................................... 6

Dropping the Feed Dog ............................................ 7

Changing the Presser Foot....................................... 7

Detaching and Attaching the Foot Holder................. 7

Raising and Lowering the Presser Foot ................... 8

Balancing Thread Tension ........................................ 8

Auto tension............................................................ 8

Manual tension adjustment..................................... 8

Changing Needles .................................................... 9

Winding the Bobbin................................................. 10

Removing the bobbin............................................ 10

Setting the spool of thread.................................... 10

Additional spool pin............................................... 10

Threading for bobbin winding ............................... 10

Inserting the bobbin ...............................................11

Threading the Machine ........................................... 12

Built-in Needle Threader......................................... 13

Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread .............................. 13

Button Sewing........................................................ 26

Zipper Sewing ........................................................ 27

Attaching the zipper foot ...................................... 27

Fabric preparation for zipper sewing.................... 27

To sew.................................................................. 27

Blind Hem............................................................... 29

DECORATIVE STITCHES

Knit stitch................................................................ 30

Satin Stitches ......................................................... 30

Applique Sewing .................................................... 31

Patchwork .............................................................. 31

Pattern Combination .............................................. 32

Correcting Distorted Stretch Patterns .................... 33

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Replacing the Light Bulb ........................................ 33

Cleaning the Hook Race ........................................ 34

Inserting the bobbin holder................................... 34

Problems and Warning Signals.............................. 35

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 36

BASIC STITCHES

Straight Stitch ......................................................... 14

To sew ................................................................... 14

Changing sewing direction ................................... 14

Securing a seam................................................... 14

Altering the stitch length ....................................... 15

Altering the needle drop position.......................... 15

Using the seam guide lines .................................. 16

To sew from the edge of thick fabric ..................... 16

Variety of Straight Stitches and

Recommended Feet ............................................... 17

Zigzag Stitches ....................................................... 18

Altering the stitch width......................................... 18

Altering the stitch length ....................................... 18

Variety of Overcasting Stitches............................... 19

Overcasting with zigzag stitch .............................. 19

Multiple zigzag stitches (Tricot stitch)................... 19

Overcasting stitch ................................................. 19

Buttonholes ............................................................. 20

Variety of buttonholes ............................................. 20

Square buttonhole .................................................. 20

To sew ................................................................... 21

Altering the buttonhole width ................................ 23

Altering buttonhole stitch density.......................... 23

Double layer buttonhole.......................................... 23

Round end and keyhole buttonholes ...................... 24

Corded buttonholes ................................................ 25

11 12 13

14 15

KNOW YOUR MACHINE

Name of Parts

1. Direct pattern selection buttons

2. Mode selection button

3. Plus (+) button

4. Minus (–) button

5. Indicator window

6. Spool holder (large)

7. Spool pin

8. Bobbin winding thread guide

9. Thread guide

10. Thread take-up lever

11.Tension regulating dial

12. Face plate

13. Thread cutter

14. Needle threader

15. Needle plate

16. Extension table (accessory storage)

17. Hook cover plate

18. Hook cover plate release button

19. Stitch balance adjusting dial

20. Reverse button

21. Auto-lock button

22. Up/down needle button

23. Speed control slider

24. Needle clamp screw

25. Needle

26. Zigzag foot A

27. Foot holder

28. Carrying handle

29. Bobbin winder spindle

30. Bobbin winder stopper

31. Hand wheel

32. Power switch

33. Machine sockets

34. Drop-feed lever

35. Free arm

36. Buttonhole lever

37. Presser foot lifter

38. Hole for additional spool pin

39. Power supply cord

40. Instruction book

123

45 6

78 9

Standard Accessories

The standard accessories are stored in the extension table.

q Extension table w Standard accessories

1. Zipper Foot E

2. Satin Stitch Foot F

3. Automatic Buttonhole Foot R

4. Screwdriver

5. Bobbins

6. Set of Needles

7. Seam Ripper

8. Additional spool pin

9. Spool Holder (Large)

10. Spool Holder (Small)

11. Spool stand

12. Felt

11 1210

Extension table

The extension table provides an added sewing surface and can be easily removed for free arm sewing.

• Detaching extension table

Pull the table away from the machine, as illustrated.

• Free arm sewing

Free arm sewing is useful for darning socks or mending knees, elbows or areas of wear in children’s clothes.

• Attaching extension table

Push the extension table until it snaps into the machine. q Projection w Hole

GETTING READY TO SEW

Connecting the Power Supply

Turn off the power switch. Insert the foot control plug into the machine socket. Insert the machine plug into the machine socket. Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet. Turn on the power switch.

q Power Switch w Foot Control Plug e Machine Socket r Machine Plug t Power Supply Plug y Wall Outlet

Operating Instructions:

The symbol "O" of 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.

For Y our Safety:

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.

When the power is turned on, the indicator window will show a test pattern then will indicate 01.

Controlling Sewing Speed

Speed control slider

You can limit the maximum sewing speed with the speed control slider according to your sewing needs.

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

Foot control

Pressing on the foot control can vary sewing speed. The harder you press the foot control, the faster the machine runs.

NOTES:

The machine runs at the maximum speed set by the speed control slider when the foot control is fully depressed. Keep the foot control free from accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth. Do not place anything on the foot control.

Operating Instructions:

Foot controller Model 21371 is for use with sewing machine model DC3018.

Function Buttons and Keys

q Reverse button

When stitch pattern 01, 02, 10 or 11 has been selected, the machine will sew in reverse while the reverse button is pressed. If you press the reverse button when sewing any other stitches, the machine will immediately sew locking stitches and automatically stop.

w Auto-Lock button

When stitch pattern 01, 02, 10 or 11 has been selected, the machine will immediately sew locking stitches and automatically stop when the auto-lock button is pressed. When sewing any other stitches, the machine will sew locking stitches at the end of the pattern being sewn and automatically stop.

e Up/Down needle 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.

(1)

r Mode key

Each time you press this key the mode will change in the following order:

(1) Pattern selection mode The green light on the top will be on. To select the pattern, press the key until the pattern number of the desired stitch is indicated (see the stitch chart below).

A 11

16 17 18

(2)

(3)

(2) Stitch width adjusting mode The green light in the middle will light up. The stitch width of the selected pattern will be indicated. To alter the stitch width, press the key.

(3) Stitch length adjusting mode The green light on the bottom will light up. The stitch length of the selected pattern will be indicated. To alter the stitch length, press the key.

t Direct pattern selection

The 4 most commonly used stitches can be directly selected by pressing the button under the pattern

icon.

Dropping the Feed Dog

The feed dog can be lowered by the drop feed lever for sewing on buttons etc.

Shift the drop-feed lever to the right to lower the feed dog.

Shift the lever to the left to raise the feed dog, it will return to the up position when the machine is started.

q Down position w Up position

e Feed dog r Hand wheel

NOTE:

The feed dog should be in the up position for regular sewing. Turn the handwheel toward you to check if the feed dog comes up after setting the lever in the up position.

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.

To snap off:

Raise the needle and presser foot. Press the red button on the back of the foot holder and the foot will drop.

q Red Button

To snap on:

Place the presser foot so the pin on the foot lies just under the groove of the foot holder. Lower the foot holder to lock the foot in place.

w Groove e Pin

Each foot is marked with a letter for identification.

r Identification Letter

Detaching and Attaching the Foot Holder

WARNING:

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

To detach:

Raise the presser bar and turn the setscrew counterclockwise to remove the foot holder.

q Setscrew w Foot holder

To attach:

Align the hole in the foot holder with the threaded hole in the presser bar and insert the setscrew through the hole. Tighten the setscrew by turning it clockwise.

Raising and Lowering the Presser Foot

The Presser foot lifter raises and lowers the presser foot. You can raise the presser foot about 6 mm (1/4") higher than the normal up position by exerting more pressure when lifting the presser foot lifter. This allows for easy removal of the presser foot and helps you to place thick fabric under the foot.

q Presser foot lifter w Normal up position e Extra lift

Balancing Thread Tension

Auto tension

This machine features an Auto setting in the tension control, which covers a wide range of sewing conditions. Set the tension regulating dial at "A" for general sewing, unless specifically indicated in this manual.

q Tension regulating dial w Setting mark

Balanced tension:

The ideal straight stitch has threads locked between two layers of fabric For an ideal zigzag stitch, the bobbin thread does not show on the right side of the fabric, and the needle thread shows slightly on the wrong side of the fabric.

e Needle thread r Bobbin thread t Right side of the fabric y Wrong side of the fabric

Manual tension adjustment

Manual tension adjustment may be needed depending on the sewing materials, layers of fabric and other sewing conditions.

Needle thread tension is too tight:

-if the bobbin thread appears on the right side of the fabric. Loosen the needle thread tension by moving the dial to a lower number.

Needle thread tension is too loose:

-if the needle thread appears on the wrong side of the fabric. Tighten the needle thread tension by moving the dial to a higher number.

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 pressing the up/down needle button and lower the presser foot. Turn off the power switch.

1 Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it

counterclockwise. Remove the needle from the clamp.

q Needle clamp screw

2Insert 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

WEIGHT Very Light

Light

Medium

Heavy

FABRIC Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy

Net, Tulle 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, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen, 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

TYPE of NEEDLE 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

NEEDLE SIZE 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)

Winding the Bobbin

Removing the bobbin

1 Slide the hook cover plate release button to the

right, and remove the hook cover plate.

q Hook cover plate release button w Hook cover plate

q w

2 Lift out the bobbin from the bobbin holder.

e Bobbin

Setting the spool of thread

Lift up the spool pin. Place the spool of thread on the spool pin with the thread coming off the spool as shown.

q Large spool holder

Attach the large spool holder, and press it firmly against the spool of thread.

Use the small spool holder to hold narrow or small spools of thread.

w Small spool holder

Additional spool pin

Use the additional spool pin when you need to wind the bobbin without unthreading the machine while working on a sewing project.

Insert the additional spool pin into the spool stand and then into the hole in the machine. Place the felt on the spool pin and place a spool of thread on it as shown.

q Additional spool pin w Felt e Hole r Spool stand

Threading for bobbin winding

1 Set the speed control lever at .

Guide the thread around the thread guide.

q Thread guide

2 Pass the thread through the hole in the bobbin

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

w Bobbin winder spindle

3 Push the bobbin winder spindle to the right.

The indicator will show .

4 Hold the free end of the thread in your hand and

depress the foot control. Stop the machine after the bobbin has spun several times, and cut the thread close to the hole in the bobbin.

5 Depress the foot control again. When the bobbin

is fully wound, it will stop automatically. Release the foot control and return the bobbin winder spindle to its original position by moving it to the left, and cut the thread with a pair of scissors. Remove the bobbin from the bobbin winder spindle.

NOTE:

The machine will not sew until the spindle has been returned to the left.

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