The sewing machine

**berserkbishop** · 5th February 08, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by mottern3

Hey, I have the same sewing machine, got it from a friend. I called Janome Sewing machine company, formally new home, and the customer service representative was able to mail me a copy of the user's manual. 1-800-631-0183. Hope the manual helps me and you.

~Jessi

Interesting, thanks for the number. I will give them a ring when I get a chance.

BB

**berserkbishop** · 12th March 08, 04:09 AM

I thought I would post an update on me and my "new" sewing machine. I took it into a service shop yesterday, and they said they didnt know much about it. After tinkering for a while we got it to sew quite a few stitches but it is breaking the top thread every 30 stitches or so. I am thinking that this is due to the tensioner being off. More tinkering I guess, and I need to find a more educated operator. . .

BB

**Jake_S** · 12th March 08, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by Alan H

Now, I personally wouldn't set foot in a Wal-Mart to save my life, but then I do on very, very rare occasions go into Target which is almost as bad, so there you go.

I with Alan about the evils of Wally World!. I prefer to go to local shops, or smaller chains, to get supplies.

BB, good luck with the sewing machine and the x-kilt.

Jake

**TecScot** · 14th March 08, 11:57 PM

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

**berserkbishop** · 15th March 08, 12:45 AM

Originally Posted by SheScot

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the advice, and welcome to the board! I still am having issues with the machine so your input is very appreciated!

BB

**James MacMillan** · 15th March 08, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by SheScot

Ok so the last post was in December, but I have something that might be worth while, even if late. Please allow me to contribute my 40+ years of sewing knowledge. Your old metal case, metal gear New Home is a gem. Worth getting service on from a competent modern shop.

Usually "bobbin" problems - a mare's nest under the fabric - is the result of improper threading of the upper thread path. I know it is counter-intuitive, just believe me.

Thread breakage every 30 seconds or so is caused by a couple of things, bad needle, needle installed properly, thread spool on its side when it is supposed to feed off the top of the spool, (like with the cross wound spools common today) or vice versa (as with the traditional straight winds).

The solution to the needle problem is to get a new one and be sure it is installed right. The wrong orientation on the thread spool can be solved with a thread stand. They are $7.00 at the local fabric store. Oh, and sometimes, even with "quality" thread, you can get a bad spool. Try a different spool before looking for a thread stand, it's cheaper.

Good Luck!

First off -

from Sunny Southern California, just outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton!

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

**cacunn** · 15th March 08, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by James MacMillan

Now a question - or request. Please give more information about the thread stand. My wife, who is an accomplished quilter and my neighbor who is a very good seamstress, haven't heard of this.

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

**Pat Bowen** · 15th March 08, 11:31 AM

With the tread binding it might be the upper tension or the bobbin tension. On a model that old there should be a very small screw on the side of the bobbin casing. Trying turning it about 1/16 rotation to loosen or tighten the bobbin thread.
But, it sounds like that you may not have it threaded right on the top side. I have been sewing on the same machine for 40 years, I have a brand new quilting machine, but I keep the old one for making garb and sewing the harder stuff. \
Let me know if I can be of help.

**James MacMillan** · 15th March 08, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by cacunn

James
Check this link to Joann's Fabrics I think it is what SheScot is talking about

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd12768

OK - Thanks. Both my wife and neighbor use much smaller spools, and I guess that's why they didn't recognize the item.

**berserkbishop** · 17th March 08, 12:35 AM

Sew. . . .or not. Anyway, I am getting irritated with my complete incompetence on anything to do with sewing. In my life, there really hasnt been anything that I have put my mind to that I wasnt able to accomplish, but this sewing machine is like rocket science to me! If I cant handle this what makes me thing I can make it as a NUKE? I have taken it to a shop where I hoped to get help, but the people seemed to only be knowledgeable on "their machines." I am not going to go out and drop $100+ on a new machine when I have one that would work fine if someone with some know-how tinkered with it. . . . Oh why oh why does Grams live so far away? Ok, I am done ranting. After not being able to figure out how to wind a bobbin (that is what the little spool is called right?) I have called it quits until I can find someone who can give me an in person tutorial.

BB