Last Updated on 2 months by Susan Mayrich
If you’re planning to get into a new hobby, learning how to use a sewing machine is an exciting place to start. Sewing machines can look a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, they’re actually quite simple. Whether you just want to sew some pillowcases, or curtains or are dreaming of starting your own fashion line, here’s what you need to know to get started on your first project.
Choosing a Janome Sewing Machine
If you want to start sewing, but aren’t sure where to begin, a Janome sewing machine can be a great choice. Janome sewing machines are good machines for beginners because they are reliable, easy to use, and affordable.
When choosing a Janome sewing machine, consider your skill level and the types of projects you typically sew. For example, if you plan to sew simple straight seams and hems but like to do embroidery work as well, then look at the basic models to start with.
If you want to make quilts or clothes, then pick a model that has more stitches and other options specifically designed for those types of projects.
Here are some of the best Janome sewing machines for beginners
- Janome 234 Sewing machine
- Janome 2212 Sewing machine
- Janome 234 vs 2212 – Which is Right For You
Get to Know your Sewing Machine
The first thing you need to do is to familiarize yourself with the parts of your new Janome sewing machine. You should have a copy of your Janome sewing machine manual that lists all the parts of your model and describes their functions. Here is a short description of the parts of a typical Janome sewing machine:
- Stitch selector – Selects the stitch to be sewn. The stitch length can also be adjusted for straight stitches by moving this lever or knob. This is usually found on the front panel of sewing machines
- Needle Clamp Screw – The needle clamp holds the needle in place while sewing. When changing needles, always ensure that it’s firmly secured before you begin working again. It should be tightened until there’s no movement.
- Bobbin – The bobbin is located at the bottom of the machine and holds the thread that will create the underside of your stitching.
- Tension control – The tension control is used to adjust how tight or loose your stitching is, depending on what you’re sewing.
- Presser foot – This is located on the front part of your Janome sewing machine. It holds the fabric in place while you sew.
- Needle plate – The needle plate is located under the presser foot. It has markings on it that indicate stitching width and seam guidelines for different types of stitching.
- Handwheel – This is located on the right side of your Janome sewing machine. You turn it manually to move the needle up and down depending on whether you are taking out stitches or putting them in.
- Thread Guide – The thread guide is a series of metal rings that work in conjunction with tension control to ensure your thread is pulled through at the correct speed and tension.
- Reverse stitch lever – When you press this lever down, it locks your stitch and allows you to sew backward over your work. This helps reinforce the stitching and prevents fraying.
- Feed dogs – Small metal teeth that move the fabric through the sewing machine, located beneath the needle plate.
- Bobbin winder – A mechanism on top of the machine (or sometimes on its side) used to wind thread onto bobbins.
How to Set Up a Janome Sewing Machine
Learn how to set up a Janome sewing machine. There are many steps to setting up your new machine. Set it up properly so that you can get to sewing right away.
Unpack – Get started with your Janome sewing machine by unpacking it and placing it on a sturdy table. It’s also important to make sure that the area around the sewing machine is well lit.
Check the accessories – Remove all of the packing materials from the machine and make sure you have all of the parts and accessories that came with it.
Insert the bobbin – Insert your bobbin into your bobbin case with its thread coming off of the spool in a clockwise direction. Pull out about six inches of thread from under your bobbin and bring this thread up through the hole in the front of your bobbin case. Push down on your needle plate and snap it back into place.
How to Put Bobbin in Janome Sewing Machine
Thread the needle – Consult your manual for detailed instructions, but generally, you should start by lowering the presser foot and unspooling about 18 inches of thread from one side of the spool. Pull this through one of the guides on top of your machine, then feed it into one of the holes on your needle plate.
Select thread tension – The tension controls how loose or tight your stitches are sewn. Turn the tension dial clockwise to increase tension and counterclockwise to decrease it.
How to Adjust Bobbin Tension on Janome Sewing Machine
Attach the presser foot – The presser foot is attached via a screw that slides through a hole in its back and into a slot in your machine’s needle plate. Tighten it securely so that it doesn’t move around on your needle plate when you’re sewing.
Set your stitch length dial – You can choose a stitch length between 0 and 5. For most standard stitches, 2 or 3 will work fine.
How to Setup a Janome Sewing Machine (Video Tutorial)
How to Use a Janome Sewing Machine
- Turn on the machine. Check your manual for how to turn on your sewing machine.
- Raise the presser foot. This allows you to place your fabric under the foot.
- Place fabric under the presser foot. Position the fabric so that it is straight under the needle, and lower the presser foot.
- Use your left hand to guide the fabric from left to right and your right hand to hold a little bit of fabric above the presser foot.
- Place your right foot on top of the pedal at an angle that allows you to easily reach and depress it with your heel.
- Slowly depress the pedal and gently guide your fabric through the machine. It may be necessary to adjust the speed of your sewing machine depending on how fast or slow you can sew.
- As you approach the end of a seam, slowly lift your foot off of the pedal as you continue to sew and guide your fabric slowly through until it has completely exited underneath.
- Raise your presser foot, cut threads, and remove the completed item.
Final Words
The moral of the story is that sewing machines aren’t as scary as you may think. You can certainly learn how to use one, and start with simple jobs in a very short amount of time.
You should now have a working knowledge of your sewing machine and how to follow a basic pattern. Practice different stitches and settings, and always use correct seam allowances. These last few tips will help you become a more proficient and confident seamstress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should the tension be on a Janome Sewing machine?
The lower the setting, the looser the stitches will be. The higher the setting, the tighter they will be. The standard tension is 4. Janome recommends using a range of 2 – 6 for straight stitches.
What Janome model do I have?
Finding the model name of your Janome sewing machine is easy, but the exact location may vary depending on the model. You can find the information on the back of your machine. You find a 9 digit machine’s serial number and is a very important part of the warranty process with any Janome product.
Is Janome a good brand sewing machine?
Janome is a good brand. Its machines are reliable, easy to use and many of them come with a lot of features. They also have a ton of different models that you can choose from so you can find the right one for your needs. They are one of the most popular brands and have been making sewing machines for more than 80 years.
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