Janome Sewist 780DC operation manual

Instruction Book

Sewist 780DC

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

This sewing machine is designed and manufactured for household use only.

Read all instructions before using this sewing machine.

To reduce the risk of electric shock:

DANGER

1. An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.

WARNING

1. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this sewing machine is used by or near children.

2. Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this owner’s manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this owner’s manual.

3. Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return this sewing machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination,

repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

4. Never operate the appliance with any air opening blocked. Keep ventilation openings of this sewing machine and foot controller free from accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth.

5. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

6. Do not use outdoors.

7. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

8. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“O”) position, then remove plug from outlet.

9. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

10. Keep ngers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine

needle and/or cutting blade.

11. Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.

12. Do not use bent needles.

13. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deect the needle causing it to break.

14. Switch this sewing machine off (“O”) when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as

threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the bobbin or changing the presser foot, and the like.

15. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or

when making any other adjustments mentioned in this owner’s manual.

—

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

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

For Europe only:

This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.

For outside Europe (except U.S.A and Canada):

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

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 CONTENTS

ESSENTIAL PARTS

Names of Parts ............................................................... 3

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

Stitch Reference Chart ................................................... 5

GETTING READY TO SEW

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

Before Using Your Sewing Machine ............................... 6

Operating Instructions: ................................................... 6

Controlling Sewing Speed .............................................. 8

Speed control slider ..................................................... 8

Foot control .................................................................. 8

Extension Table .............................................................. 8

Free-arm Sewing ............................................................ 8

Machine Operating Buttons ....................................... 9 -10

Start/Stop button .......................................................... 9

Reverse button ............................................................. 9

Auto-lock button ........................................................... 9

Needle up/down button .............................................. 10

Thread cutter button ................................................... 10

LCD Display ...................................................................11

Function Keys ................................................................11

Arrow key .....................................................................11

Stitch width adjusting key ............................................11

Stitch length adjusting key ...........................................11

Thread cutter memory key ..........................................11

Elongation key .............................................................11

Direct pattern selection keys .......................................11

Selecting Stitch Patterns .............................................. 12

Direct pattern selection .............................................. 12

Presser Foot Lifter ........................................................ 13

Changing the Presser Foot .......................................... 13

Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder .................... 13

Presser Foot Pressure Dial .......................................... 14

Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension ......................14-15

Straight stitch balanced tension ................................. 14

Zigzag stitch balanced tension ................................... 15

Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog ............................... 16

Changing the Needle.................................................... 17

Fabric, Thread and Needle Chart ................................. 17

Setting the Spool of Thread ......................................... 18

Bobbin Winding ....................................................... 18 -20

Removing the bobbin ................................................. 18

Winding the bobbin .................................................... 19

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

Threading the Machine................................................. 21

Built-in Needle Threader .............................................. 22

Drawing up the Bobbin Thread .................................... 23

Setting Mode ................................................................ 24

Buzzer sound setting .................................................. 24

Needle stop position setting ....................................... 25

Auto-off timer .............................................................. 25

BASIC SEWING

Straight Stitch Sewing .................................................. 26

Starting to sew............................................................ 26

Securing seams .......................................................... 26

Auto Thread Cutting ................................................... 27

Changing Sewing Direction .......................................... 27

Sewing from the Edge of Thick Fabric ......................... 27

Using Seam Guides ..................................................... 28

Turning Square Corners ............................................... 28

Altering the Needle Drop Position ................................ 29

Altering the Stitch Length ............................................. 29

Variety of Straight Stitches ........................................... 30

Lock-a-matic Stitch ..................................................... 30

Locking Stitch ............................................................. 30

Triple Stretch Stitch .................................................... 30

Stretch Stitch .............................................................. 31

Sculpture Stitches ...................................................... 31

Zigzag Stitch ................................................................. 32

Altering the stitch width .............................................. 32

Altering the stitch length ............................................ 32

Variety of Overcasting Stitches .................................... 33

Overcasting with Zigzag Stitch ................................... 33

Multiple Zigzag Stitch ................................................. 33

Overedge Stitch .......................................................... 33

Knit Stitch ................................................................... 34

Overlock Stitch ........................................................... 34

Buttonholes .................................................................. 35

Square Buttonhole.................................................36-38

Altering the buttonhole width .................................... 38

Altering the buttonhole density ................................. 38

Keyhole Buttonhole .................................................... 39

Round-end Buttonhole ............................................... 39

Corded Buttonhole ..................................................... 40

Darning Stitch ............................................................... 41

Tacking ......................................................................... 42

Eyelet ............................................................................ 43

Zipper Sewing .........................................................44-46

Blind Hemming ............................................................. 47

Button Sewing .............................................................. 48

Gathering ...................................................................... 49

DECORATIVE STITCHES

Patchwork ..................................................................... 50

Angle scale on the needle plate ................................. 50

Quilting ......................................................................... 51

Shell tuck ...................................................................... 51

Applique ....................................................................... 52

Pintucking ..................................................................... 53

Fringing......................................................................... 53

Drawn Work .................................................................. 54

Cross Stitch .................................................................. 54

Fagoting ........................................................................ 55

French Knots and Candlewick Knots ........................... 55

Scallop Stitch ................................................................ 55

Smocking ...................................................................... 56

Clasp Stitch .................................................................. 57

Satin Stitches ............................................................... 57

Elongation ratio .......................................................... 57

Decorative Stitches ...................................................... 58

CARE OF YOUR MACHINE

Cleaning the Hook Race and Feed Dog ...................... 59

Installing the Bobbin Holder ......................................... 59

Correcting Deformed Stitch Patterns ........................... 60

Problems and Warning Signals .................................... 61

Troubleshooting ............................................................ 62

Stitch Chart ................................................................... 63

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ....................... 64

!0 !1

ESSENTIAL PARTS

Names of Parts

Upper thread guide

Bobbin winding tension disk

Spool holder (large)

Spool pin

Hole for extra spool pin

Bobbin winder spindle

Bobbin winder stopper

LCD display

Function keys

Direct stitch selection keys

Stitch reference chart

Speed control slider

Automatic thread cutter button

Needle up/down button

Auto-lock button

Reverse button

Start/stop button

Extension table (Accessory storage)

Thread cutter

Face cover

Thread tension dial

Presser foot pressure dial

Thread take-up lever

Lower thread guide

Needle clamp screw

Needle bar thread guide

Needle

Presser foot

Hook cover release button

Hook cover plate

Thread cutter

Needle plate

Feed dogs

Foot holder

Setscrew

Lever

Buttonhole lever

Needle threader

Carrying handle

Free-arm

Drop feed lever

Presser foot lifter

Power inlet

Foot control jack

Power switch

Ventilation openings

Handwheel

Feed balancing dial

NOTE:

To carry the sewing machine, hold the carrying handle with your hand, and support the sewing machine with the other hand.

NOTE:

Design and specications are subject to change

without prior notice.

q w e

ut i

!0 !1

!2 !3 !4

!7 !8

Standard Accessories

No. Part Name Part No.

1 Zigzag foot A (Set on the machine) 832523007

2 Zipper foot E 808852003

3 Satin stitch foot F 82 2 8 0 4118

Automatic buttonhole foot R

(stored in the accessory storage)

5 Blind hemming foot G 8258170 0 9

6 Overedge foot C 822801001

7 Overcast foot M 822808008

8 Quilting guide bar 802422002

Spool holder (large) X 2 (1 set on the

machine)

10 Spool holder (small) X 2 822019509

11 Extra spool pin 809146000

12 Bobbin X 4 (1 set on the machine) 102261103

13 Assorted needle set 540401026

14 Seam ripper (Buttonhole opener) 647808009

15 Lint brush 802424004

16 Screwdriver 653802002

17 Instruction book 81480 0 2 01

18 Hard cover 404701404

19 Foot control C-1036

U.S.A and Canada 85 65190 04

20 Power cable*

U.K. 830377008

Australia 830314018

Continental Europe 830335004

753801004

822020503

!9 @0

*The power cable included may differ from the illustration.

Stitch Reference Chart

Stitch reference charts are stored in the right side of the

sewing machine. The number on each tab indicates the stitch pattern numbers. Refer to the reference chart you want by pulling the tab all the way to the right.

q Stitch pattern numbers w Identication letter of the recommended foot e Stitch reference chart

GETTING READY TO SEW

Connecting the Power Supply

Using the foot control

Turn off the power switch.

Insert the pin connector into the jack.

Insert the machine plug into the power inlet. Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet. Turn on the power switch.

q Power switch w Pin connector e Jack r Machine plug t Power inlet y Power supply plug u Wall outlet i Foot control The foot control sign will be displayed when the foot control is connected to the machine.

o Foot control sign

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.

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.

Operating Instructions:

The symbol “O” on the switch indicates the “off” position of the switch. Foot control model YC-485EC-1 is used with this sewing machine.

For the U.S.A and Canada only:

For appliances with a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other): To reduce the risk of electric shock, this

plug is intended to t in a polarized outlet only one way. If it still does not t, contact a qualied electrician to

install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

Using the start/stop button

Turn off the power switch. Insert the machine plug into the power inlet. Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet. Turn on the power switch.

q Power switch w Machine plug e Power inlet r Power supply plug t Wall outlet y Start/Stop button

NOTE:

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

Controlling Sewing Speed

Speed control slider

Sewing speed can be varied by the speed control slider

according to your sewing needs. To increase sewing speed, move the slider to the right. To decrease sewing speed, move the slider to the left.

Foot control

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.

NOTE:

The machine will not run and the presser foot mark will blink if you start the machine with the presser foot in the up position. Lower the presser foot and press the foot control.

Extension Table

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

Detaching the table

Pull the table away from the machine, as illustrated. q Extension table

Attaching the table

Slide the extension table along the free-arm and insert

the guides into the holes until the table snaps into the machine. w Free-arm e Guide r Hole

Accessory storage

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

Free-arm Sewing

Free-arm is useful for sewing tubular garments and for darning knee or elbow areas. q Free-arm

Machine Operating Buttons

q Start/Stop button Press this button to start or stop the machine.

The machine starts running slowly for the rst few

stitches, and it then runs at the speed set by the speed control slider. The machine runs slowly as long as this button is being pressed.

NOTE:

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

control is connected to the machine.

• The machine will not run and the presser foot mark

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 button

• When following stitch patterns are selected;

The machine will sew in reverse as long as the reverse button is pressed. Release the button to sew forward. When the machine is stopped and foot control is disconnected, the machine will sew in reverse slowly as long as the reverse button is pressed. Release the button to stop the machine.

• When following stitch patterns are selected;

There will be particular functions of the reverse button when patterns shown above are selected. Refer to pages 30, 41 and 42 for instructions.

• When any other stitches are selected;

If you press the reverse button when sewing any other patterns, the machine will immediately sew locking stitches and automatically stop.

e Auto-lock button

• When following stitch patterns are selected;

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

• When any other stitches are selected;

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

r t

r Needle up/down button

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

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

NOTE:

The thread cutter button does not function:

- directly after turning on the power.

- when the presser foot is raised.

- after being pressed 3 times in a row. Use the thread cutter on the face plate if the thread is #30 or thicker (refer to page 26 ).

LCD Display

NOTE:

Magnetic or electrostatic interference may cause the LCD display to icker.

Do not use the machine near appliances that generate

a magnetic eld or an electrostatic eld such as

microwave ovens.

r t

e r

w e

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

q Identication letter of the recommended foot w Stitch pattern number e Stitch width r Stitch length

Function Keys

q Arrow key

Press “ ” or “ ” to select the stitch pattern. Refer to page 12.

w Stitch width adjusting key

Press “+” or “–” to change the stitch width or needle drop position, depending on the selected stitch pattern. Refer to pages 29, 32 and 38.

e Stitch length adjusting key

Press “+” or “–” to change the stitch length of the selected

pattern. You can also adjust the buttonhole density, the

evenness of darning, and the size of eyelet with this key. Refer to pages 29, 32 and 38.

r Thread cutter memory key

To cut the threads automatically after locking stitches, press the thread cutter memory key. Refer to page 27.

t Elongation key

Press this key to elongate satin stitch patterns. Refer to page 57.

y Direct pattern selection keys

You can select the stitch patterns from 01 to 20 directly by pressing the corresponding keys. Refer to page 12.

Selecting Stitch Patterns

To select the desired stitch pattern, press the arrow key q ( or ) until the pattern number of the desired stitch is indicated w. To refer available stitch patterns for this sewing machine, check the stitch reference chart stored in the right side of the sewing machine or the stitch chart in this manual on page 63.

Direct pattern selection

You can select stitch patterns 01 to 20 directly by pressing the corresponding direct pattern selection key e. The stitch image of stitch pattern are indicated on each key.

e w

Presser Foot Lifter

The presser foot lifter raises and lowers the presser foot.

You can raise the foot about 1/4˝ (0.7 cm) higher than the

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

q Presser foot lifter w Normal up position e Highest 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.

Each foot is marked with an identication letter.

q Identication letter

Removing the presser foot

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

Attaching the presser foot

Place the selected presser foot so that the pin on the foot

lies just under the groove in the foot holder.

Lower the presser bar to lock the foot into the place. e Groove r Pin

Removing and Attaching the Foot Holder

CAUTION:

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

Removing the foot holder

Remove the setscrew by turning it counterclockwise with a screwdriver. q Setscrew w Foot holder e Screwdriver

Attaching the foot holder

Align the hole in the foot holder with the threaded hole in the presser bar. Fit the setscrew into the hole. Tighten the setscrew by turning it clockwise with the screwdrive r. r Hole t Threaded hole

Presser Foot Pressure Dial

Foot pressure can be adjusted by turning the presser foot

pressure dial.

Set the pressure between “3” and “6” for ordinary fabrics. Set the pressure between “1” and “3” for ne fabrics and applique sewing. Set the pressure between “5” and “6” for heavyweight

fabrics. q Presser foot pressure dial

Adjusting the Needle Thread Tension

Straight stitch balanced tension

The ideal straight stitch has threads locked between two

layers of fabric, as illustrated (magnied to show detail).

If you look at the top and bottom of the seam, notice that the stitches are evenly balanced. q Needle thread (top thread) w Bobbin thread (bottom thread) e To loosen r To tighten

When adjusting the needle thread tension, the higher the

number, the tighter the top thread tension. Results depend on:

- stiffness and thickness of the fabric

- number of fabric layers

- type of stitch

Tension is too tight

The bobbin thread shows through on the right side of the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the dial to a lower number to loosen the needle thread tension. q Needle thread (top thread) w Bobbin thread (bottom thread) e To loosen tension r Right side (top side) of fabric t Wrong side (bottom side) of fabric

Tension is too loose

The needle thread shows through on the wrong side of the fabric, and the stitch feels bumpy. Turn the dial to a higher number to tighten the needle thread tension. q Needle thread (top thread) w Bobbin thread (bottom thread) e To tighten tension r Right side (top side) of fabric t Wrong side (bottom side) of fabric

q w

Zigzag stitch balanced tension

For an ideal zigzag stitch, the bobbin thread does not show on the right side (top side) of the fabric, and the needle thread shows slightly on the wrong side (bottom side) of the fabric.

See the illustrations for the correct appearance. To match this appearance, adjust the needle tension as

necessary.

Balanced tension

Minimize the amount of needle thread visible on the

wrong side (bottom side) of the fabric without causing excessive puckering, or causing the bobbin thread to show on the right side (top side) of the fabric. Results vary with fabric, thread and sewing conditions. q Right side (top side) of fabric w Wrong side (bottom side) of fabric

Tension is too tight

The corner of each zigzag pulls together on the right side of the fabric q Right side (top side) of fabric w Wrong side (bottom side) of fabric

q w

Tension is too loose

The corner of each zigzag point pulls together on the wrong side of the fabric. q Right side (top side) of fabric w Wrong side (bottom side) of fabric

View from the rear

Dropping or Raising the Feed Dog

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

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

To raise the feed dog, push the lever in the direction of the arrow w, as illustrated, and turn the handwheel toward you.

The feed dog must be up for normal sewing.

Changing the Needle

CAUTION:

Turn OFF the power switch before changing the needle. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel counterclockwise. A loose needle or a loose screw may cause machine malfunction or needle to break.

Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the needle from the needle clamp.

Insert a new needle into the needle clamp with the at

side to the rear. When inserting the needle into the needle clamp, push it up as far as it will go.

Tighten the needle clamp screw rmly by turning it

clockwise. q Needle clamp screw

w Flat side

To see if the needle is in good condition, place the at side of the needle onto something at (needle plate, glass etc.). The gap between the needle and the at surface

should be consistent. Never use a bent or blunt needle. A damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs

in knits, ne silks and silk-like fabrics.

Fabric Thread Needle

Lawn

Georgette

Fine

Medium

Heavy weight

NOTE:

1 x blue tip needle (#11/75), 2 x #11/75 needles and 2 x #14/90 needles are included in the needle case (Part No. 540401026).

Tric o t Organza Crepe

Sheeting

Jersey Broadcloth Fleece

Denim Tweed Coating Quilting

Silk #80-100

Cot ton # 80-10 0

Synthetic #80-100

Silk #50

Cotton #50-80

Synthetic #50-80

Silk #30-50

Cotton #40-50

Synthetic #40-50

#9/65-11/75 Blue tip needle

#11/ 7 5 -14 / 9 0

#14 / 90-16 /10 0

Fabric, Thread and Needle Chart

• For general sewing, use needle size 11/75 or 14/90.

• A ne thread and needle should be used for sewing

lightweight fabrics, so the fabric will not be marred.

• Heavy fabrics require a needle large enough to

pierce the fabric without fraying the needle thread.

• Always test the needle size on a small scrap of the

fabric that will be used for actual sewing.

• In general, use the same thread for the needle and

bobbin.

• When sewing stretch fabrics, very ne fabrics and

synthetics, use a blue tip needle. The blue tip needle effectively prevents skipped stitches.

Setting the Spool of Thread

Horizontal spool pin

Lift up the spool pin. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.

Attach the large spool holder, and press it rmly against

the spool of thread so that the spool rests on the supporter. q Spool pin w Spool of thread e Large spool holder r Supporter

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

Extra spool pin

The extra spool pin is for winding bobbins without unthreading the machine. Insert the extra spool pin into the hole. The extra spool pin should point to the bobbin winder tension disk. Draw the thread from the spool and pass the thread around the bobbin winding tension disk as shown. y Extra spool pin u Hole for extra spool pin i Bobbin winder tension disk

Bobbin Winding

Removing the bobbin

Gently slide the hook cover release button to the right

and remove the hook cover plate. Lift out the bobbin. q Hook cover release button w Hook cover plate e Bobbin

NOTE:

Use the “J” plastic bobbins for horizontal hook (marked with “J” r). Using other bobbins, such as pre-wound paper bobbins, may cause stitching problems and/ or damage to the bobbin holder.

Winding the bobbin

NOTE:

Set the speed control slider at its fastest position for

bobbin winding.

z Draw the thread from the spool and pass the thread

around the bobbin winding tension disk.

q Bobbin winding tension disk

x c

x Thread through the hole in the bobbin from the inside

to the outside.

c Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle.

v Push the bobbin to the right.

The bobbin icon appears on the LCD display. w Bobbin icon

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

the machine. Stop the machine when it has wound a

few layers, and then cut the thread close to the hole in the bobbin.

n m

n Start the machine. When the bobbin is fully wound, it

will stop spinning automatically.

Stop the machine and return the bobbin winder to its

original position by moving the spindle to the left.

NOTE:

Do not move the bobbin winder spindle while the machine is running.

m Remove the bobbin. Cut the thread as shown. Return the speed control slider position.

+ 47 hidden pages