Instruction Book
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. 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS GETTING READY TO SEW Names of Parts................................................................ 3 Standard Accessories..................................................4-5 Connecting the Power Supply......................................... 6 Machine Operating Buttons............................................. 6 Raising and Lowering the Presser Foot.......................... 7 Common Keys................................................................. 7 Setting the Spool of Thread..
qr !1 GETTING READY TO SEW t y we Names of Parts u i o !0 !2 !3 !4 q w e r t y u i o !0 Thread take-up lever Upper thread guide Pre-tension thread guide Bobbin winder thread guide Spool pin Spool holder (large) Hole for extra spool pin Bobbin thread cutter Bobbin winder spindle Bobbin winder stopper !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 Face plate Start/stop button Thread cutter button Visual touch screen Carriage !6 !7 !8 !9 @0 @1 @2 @3 @4 @5 @6 Thread cutter/holder Needle threader Setscrew Embroidery foot Needle p
Standard Accessories q w e t y i o q Bobbin x 5 (1 set on the machine) w Screwdriver (Large) e Screwdriver key (for needle plate) r Lint brush t Scissors y Needle set u Spool holder (large) X 2 (1 set on the machine) i Spool holder (small) X 2 o Spool holder (special) X 2 !0 Extra spool pin !1 Special bobbin holder for Embroidery (high tension)* !2 Touch panel stylus !3 Bobbin holder cleaner !4 Instruction book !5 Quick reference guide !6 Template CD !7 Instructional DVD !8 Soft machine cover !9 Powe
@0 @0 Embroidery hoop SQ14b (with template)*** @1 Embroidery hoop RE20b (with template)*** @2 Embroidery hoop SQ20b (with template)*** @3 Clamp X 8 @1 *** The embroidery hoops supplied with your machine vary depending on your model.
Connecting the Power Supply z First make sure the power switch q is off. x Insert the machine plug w of the power supply cord into the power inlet e. c Insert the power supply plug r into the wall outlet t, and turn the power switch q on. q Power switch w Machine plug e Power inlet r Power supply plug t Wall outlet NOTE: Make sure to use the power cable that came with the machine. If you turn off the power switch, wait for 5 seconds before turning it on again.
Raising and Lowering the Presser Foot You can raise and lower the presser foot with the presser foot lifter. w q Presser foot lifter w Extra lifted position You can raise the presser foot about 7 mm (1/4˝) higher than the normal up position by exerting more pressure when lifting the presser foot lifter. q NOTE: Do not turn the hand wheel when the presser foot is in the extra lifted position.
Setting the Spool of Thread Lift up the spool pin. Place the spool of thread on the spool pin. Attach the large spool holder, and press it firmly against the spool of thread. NOTE: Use the small spool holder to hold narrow or small spools of thread. Use the spool holder (special) to hold the specific size of the spool of threads as shown. The sizes of the spools of thread are as follows; The hole diameter of the spool has a range of 3/8˝ to 7/16˝ (9.5 to 10.
Winding the bobbin z z Draw the thread from the spool. Guide the thread around the bobbin winder thread guide. q Bobbin winder thread guide q x Put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle. w Bobbin e Bobbin winder spindle c x w e c Pass the thread to the bobbin. Hold the thread with both hands and wind it around the bobbin clockwise several times. v Insert the thread into one of the slits t of the flange plate r and pull the thread to cut.
Inserting the bobbin z Press the lockout key. Place a bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread running off counterclockwise as shown on the hook cover plate. q Lockout key w End of thread e Bobbin holder r Hook cover plate z w e q r x Hold the bobbin with your fingertip so it does not rotate. Guide the thread into the front notch of the bobbin holder. Pull the thread to the left to pass it under the guide.
Threading the Machine Raise the presser foot lifter. Press the lockout key to lockout the machine. Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle at its highest position. q Lockout key Pass the thread in order from z to m. q z Pull the thread from the spool. Hold the thread with both hands and pass the thread into the slit of the pre-tension thread guide. w Slit z w x x Wind the thread around the pre-tension thread guide once as shown.
Built-in Needle Threader z w NOTE: The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #14 needle. Thread size 50 to 90 is recommended. Do not use thread size 30 or thicker. z Press the lockout key to lock the machine. Lower the presser foot. Turn the handwheel toward you to until the needle thread sign w appears on the right upper corner of the lockout window. q Lockout key w Needle threader sign q x x Pull down the needle threader knob as far as it will go.
Replacing Needles CAUTION: Always make sure to press the lockout key to lockout the machine or turn the power switch off before replacing the needle. A loose needle or a loose screw may cause machine malfunction or needle to break. q Raise the needle by turning the handwheel. Turn the power switch off or press the lockout key. q Lockout key Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the needle from the clamp.
On-screen Help Press the help key to open the help menu. You can view instructions on 4 topics of essential operations of the machine. Select the help topic by pressing the book icon and the step-by-step instruction will open. q Help key w Book icon q w To view the next page, press the next page key. To view the previous page, press the previous page key. Press the X key to close the current window.
Removing and Attaching the Embroidery Foot Remove the embroidery foot when removing the needle plate for the maintenance, etc. z CAUTION: Always make sure to press the lockout key to lockout the machine or turn the power switch off before removing or attaching the embroidery foot. To remove: z Turn the power switch off or press the lockout key. Raise the needle by turning the handwheel toward you.
Bobbin Holder for Embroidery (high tension) Replace the standard bobbin holder with the bobbin holder for embroidery (high tension) when using bobbin threads other than Janome bobbin thread for embroidery. q CAUTION: Always make sure to press the lockout key to lockout the machine or turn the power switch off before attaching the bobbin holder. z NOTE: • The special bobbin holder for embroidery (high tension) is marked with a yellow dot for identification.
Stabilizers To create the best quality embroidery, it is important to use stabilizers. How to use: Attach the stabilizer to the wrong side of the fabric. You may need to use more than one layer. For firm fabrics, you may place a thin sheet of paper under the fabric. The non-adhesive type should be used when embroidering fabric which cannot be ironed or for sections which are difficult to iron.
z Setting the Fabric in an Embroidery Hoop q z Prepare a fabric and attach a stabilizer to the wrong side of the fabric. The fabric and stabilizer should be larger than the hoop size. Draw the centerlines on the fabric with tailor’s chalk. q Fabric w Centerlines w x Lay the inner hoop and template on the fabric, matching the centerlines of the fabric with the template. e Inner hoop r Template x e r c Loosen the hoop tightening screw on the outer hoop.
z Attaching the Embroidery Hoop to the Machine q e y r To attach: z Raise the presser foot. Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle at its highest position. Turn the power switch on. If the carriage is not at the home position, the caution message appears to move the carriage to the home position. Press OK key to move the carriage to the home position. q OK key Select or edit the desired pattern and press OK key.
Thread Holder To avoid sewing over a tail of the needle thread, place the thread end on the thread holder. Pass the needle thread through the hole in the embroidery foot and draw it up to the thread holder. Hang the thread on the thread holder from front to back. q Thread holder q Selecting Built-in Embroidery Designs w e Press the built-in design key and the first page of the design list of Petite Designs will open.
Selecting the design by hoop size Press the hoop selection key e and the hoop selection window will open. Select a hoop size the same or smaller than the one you will attach. e Browse the design list with the previous/next page keys, and select the desired pattern by pressing the pattern icon key. Monogramming Press the monogram key and the monogram window will open. Press the font selection key to open the font selection window.
Function Keys q w e r y q Font selection key Press this key to open the font selection window. u w Lettering orientation key Press this key to select the horizontal or vertical orientation. t e Letter size key You can select the following 3 letter sizes by pressing this key. The approximate letter sizes of upper case are as follows: 30 mm (1.2˝) L (Large): M (Medium): 20 mm (0.8˝) 10 mm (0.
Programming a Monogram q Example: Programming “R&B” in Gothic style font. Enter “R”, the cursor shifts to the right and “R” is automatically memorized. Press the letter size key and select small size. q Letter size key Enter “&”, the cursor shifts to the right and “&” is automatically memorized. Press the letter size key and select medium size. Enter “B”, the cursor shifts to the right and “B” is automatically memorized. Press the OK key. The hoop confirmation window will appear.
2-Letter monogram Example: 2-Letter in an octagon z q z Press the font selection key q. Select 2-letter w. w x Select the octagon e. x c e c Enter “A” and “B”. Press the OK key and a warning message will appear. Press the OK key and the carriage moves to the starting position. The hoop confirmation window will appear. Press the OK key. The screen changes to the ready to sew window. NOTE: The 3-letter monogram is sewn in the same way as the 2-letter monogram.
Editing a Monogram z Deleting a character: Deleting “R” from “MART” z Press the cursor key q to move the cursor under “R”. q x Press the delete key w and letter “R” is deleted. x w z Inserting a character: Inserting “E” into “MAT” z Press the cursor key q to move the cursor under “A”. x x Enter “E”. The letter “E” is inserted before “A”.
Ready to Sew Window The ready to sew window shows embroidery function keys and information on the selected pattern. Press the down arrow key t or up arrow key y to show the next set of function keys (u to o).
Stitch back/forward keys Press the “–” key q to move the hoop back to a previous sewing point. Press the “+” key w to move the hoop ahead. The hoop will move one stitch each time the key is pressed. Hold down the key to travel faster and jump 10, 100 or 500 stitches at a time. The stitch count e and the total number of stitch count r are displayed in the stitch count window. You can use these keys to move the embroidery hoop to where the thread has broken or run out.
Trace key You can check the size of the embroidery area by tracing the pattern outline without stitching or with basting stitches. Press the trace key and the trace option window will open. q Trace key q The following 3 options are available: 1. Trace without stitching Press the key to open the trace without stitching window. Press the trace key to start tracing or press one of the keys to move the hoop to a corner. 2. Trace and baste (single) Press the key to open the trace and baste (single) window.
Fine position/angle adjustment key You can make fine adjustments to the position or angle of the embroidery design without removing the embroidery hoop from the machine. Press the fine position/angle adjustment key q. The original embroidery design position is previewed as a rectangle w. w q The red rectangle e appears when you make fine adjustments to the embroidery design, and it shows the difference between the original position and the adjusted position.
Color list key Press the down arrow key q or up arrow key w to show the next set of function keys. Press the color list key e to view a list of thread colors employed in the selected design. w e q r t Press the stitch number key r to view a number of stitches for each color in the selected design. Press the spool key t to view a list of thread colors employed in the selected design. Adjust key Press the adjust key to open the manual setting window. You can adjust the following settings in this window.
Hoop back key Turn the handwheel toward you to raise the needle at its highest position if the needle is in down position. Raise the presser foot. Press the hoop back key q and hoop back option window will open. Press the key w and the confirmation window open. Press the OK to move the carriage back to the home position and return to the Ready to Sew screen. Press one of the keys to move the carriage to a standby position. Press the X key to close the hoop back option window.
Starting to Sew Embroidery q z Select the desired pattern. Press the thread color/Jog key q. The jog keys appear. z w x Adjust the hoop position with the jog keys so that the needle position comes right above the center of the centerlines on the fabric. w Jog keys x c Press the start/stop button and sew 5 to 6 stitches. Press the start/stop button again to stop the machine. Cut the loose thread close to the beginning of the starting point.
Editing Mode In the editing mode, you can edit and combine patterns to create original embroidery designs. Press the editing mode key q and the editing window for the hoop SQ20b will open. q Editing mode key q Selecting a hoop size You can select other hoop sizes. z Press the hoop selection key q and the hoop selection window will open. q Hoop selection key z q x Press the next page key w to show the other hoops. Press the hoop icon key to select the desired hoop.
rte q y u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 !8 !9 @0 @1 Editing tool bar information The editing tool bar contains the following keys as shown. Press the next set key w to show the next set of editing tools. Press the previous set key e to show the previous set of editing tools.
Duplicating a pattern z z Press the duplicate key to make a copy of the selected pattern. q Duplicate key x x The duplicated pattern will be superimposed over the original pattern. Move the duplicate to show the original pattern. q z Deleting a pattern z Press on the pattern to delete. x Press the delete key to delete the selected pattern. q Delete key x q Resizing a pattern z Press the resize key to open the resize option window.
z Rotating a pattern z Press the next set key q to show the next set of editing tools. Press the rotate key w to open the rotation option window. w Rotate key x Press the key e to rotate the selected pattern 1 degree clockwise. Press the key r to rotate the selected pattern 1 degree counterclockwise. Press the key t to rotate the selected pattern 45 degrees clockwise. Press the key y to rotate the selected pattern 45 degrees counterclockwise.
Monogramming in an arc In the editing mode, you can make a monogram in an upper or lower arc. z Enter the characters and press the OK key. z x The entered characters are displayed in the editing window. Press the arc key and the arc layout window will open. q Arc key x q c Press the upper arc key w to make an upper arc. Press the lower arc key e to make a lower arc. Press the enlarge key r to make an arc longer. Press the shorten key t to make an arc shorter.
Grouping patterns z You can group patterns together. Press the next set key q to show the next set of editing tools. Press the group key w and the grouping option window will open. q Next set key w Group key z w q x Press the group all key e and press the OK key to group all the patterns in the editing window. e Group all key x e c If you wish to group the selected patterns only, press the group select key r. Select the desired patterns by pressing on the pattern images.
Customizing the display colors You can simulate the colors of the actual fabric and threads on the screen by customizing the colors of the design image and editing window. z z Press the custom color key and the custom color window will open. q Custom color key q x If you wish to change the color of the design pattern, press the design color key. Press the scroll keys until the desired section is displayed in the preview window.
Color grouping When combining duplicated patterns, you can reduce the number of color sections with color grouping. z z For example, the combined design pattern created on page 42 has 12 color sections. x x Press the color group key q and the color grouping window will open. Press the OK key to unite all color sections of the same color and the ready to sew window opens. q Color group key q c The number of color sections is reduced to 3.
Sewing order You can change the sewing order of a pattern combination. Press the sewing order key q and press on the images of the pattern one by one. The patterns will be sewn in the order you press on the images. Press the sewing order key q again to return to the previous screen. q Sewing order key q Center positioning You can move the selected pattern to the center position. z z Press on the pattern to move. x Press the center position key q to move the selected pattern to the center position.
Creating a square frame z Select pattern Geometric Design SQ14B-56. Move the design up and to the right. z x x Press the corner layout key. The pattern will automatically be copied and placed symmetrically into 4 corners. Press the OK key. q Corner layout key q c The ready to sew window will open. c Single color sewing If you want to sew a pattern or a pattern combination in one color only, press the single color sewing key q. The machine will not stop until the entire design is sewn.
Zooming in the editing window Press the zoom key to open the zoom in/out window. Select the view size from normal, large or largest by pressing one of the view size keys. q Zoom key w Normal view size key e Large view size key r Largest view size key The scroll function is activated automatically when zoomed in. To scroll the magnified window, drag the window in the desired direction. Press the scroll key to cancel the scroll command.
Pantry Designs for Applique Pantry designs SQ14b-67 to SQ14b-69 are special designs for machine embroidery applique. You can attach applique piece to background fabric and embroider applique design at the same time. Example: Pantry design SQ14b-67 Prepare background fabric and applique fabric. Select Pantry design SQ14b-67, and set the background fabric to the hoop. Attach the hoop to the carriage and press the trace key. Press the key to select trace and baste (single) (refer to page 28).
Alternative method Prepare applique fabric larger than hoop size. Set the applique fabric to the hoop. Sew the first section (color) only. Remove the hoop and unhoop the applique fabric. Cut the applique fabric along the stitching line to make an applique piece. Prepare background fabric and set it to the hoop. Attach the hoop to the carriage. Press the previous page key to go back to the first section (color) and sew the first section (color) to mark the applique position.
Celebration Designs z You can make your own flag garland with the celebration designs. x z Select the design list by hoop size and select the hoop SQ20b. Select design pattern SQ20b-39. x Edit your pennant design in the editing mode. c v c Press the OK key to open the ready to sew window. Set the fabric in the hoop and attach the hoop to the carriage. Press the start/stop button to sew. v Remove the hoop from the carriage when finished sewing. Remove the fabric from the hoop.
Bracelet Designs You can make a your own bracelet by sewing the bracelet designs on a water soluble stabilizer. Use the same thread for the bobbin as the needle thread. Use a fully wound bobbin. Set the low bobbin thread warning level to 3 or 4 (refer to page 51). Set the maximum sewing speed to 600 spm or less (refer to page 51). Set the water soluble stabilizer in the hoop. Be sure that the stabilizer is stretched tightly in the hoop. Select the desired bracelet design pattern and sew.
CUSTOMIZING MACHINE SETTINGS Machine Setting Mode w e Press the set mode key to enter the machine setting mode. You can select various options and customize the machine settings to suit your personal preference. q Set mode key Press one of the 3 tabs to select the mode to customize. r w Common Setting Mode Press the common setting mode tab to enter the common setting mode. In this mode, you can customize the general machine settings and options.
Common Setting Mode q Screen Contrast You can adjust the contrast of the visual touch screen by pressing the “+” or “–” key. w Sound Volume The signal sound can be adjusted by pressing the “+” or “–” key. Set the value to “OFF” by pressing the “–” key several times to mute the signal sounds. q e Inch/mm Option You can set your machine’s dimensional unit to either inches or millimeters by pressing the “inch” or “mm” icon key. The default unit is millimeters.
t Formatting the memory If the internal memory of the machine or USB flash drive does not function due to damage to the memory bank, you need to re-enable it by formatting the memory. To format the machine’s internal memory, press the machine icon key and a confirmation message will appear. Press the OK key to format. To format a USB flash drive, press the USB icon and the confirmation window will open. Press the OK key to format.
CUSTOMIZING EMBROIDERY MODE SETTINGS Embroidery Mode Settings Press the embroidery setting mode tab (refer to page 48). q q Auto thread tension The auto thread tension level can be adjusted with the “+” or “–” key. Increase the value when using the same threads on the bobbin and needle. w w Low bobbin thread warning The low bobbin thread warning level can be adjusted with the “+” or “–” key. To turn this option off, press the “–” key until “OFF” shows in the window.
u Hoop calibration You can calibrate the center position of the hoops. Press the Yes key. u-1 Yes key u u-1 The carriage moves to the center position. Press the hoop selection key to open the hoop selection window. u-2 Hoop selection key Select the hoop and attach it to the carriage. Set the template in the hoop. Adjust the hoop position by pressing the jog keys so that the needle is right above the hole in the template and press the OK key. Press the next page key to go to the next menu.
Thread cutting o i Easy setting When this setting is turned on, the machine will trim the threads if the jump thread is 3 mm or longer, or when the machine stops to change the thread to the next color. Press the OK key to confirm the easy setting. o Advanced setting When this setting is turned on, you can configure the Jump thread cutting !0, Cut at color change/end !1, and Cutting Command !2 options individually. Press the OK key to confirm the advanced setting.
!4 Grid line on/off Turn this option on to show grid in the editing window. The grid size can be altered from 10 to 30 mm with the “+” or “−” key when this option is on. Turn this option off to hide the grid. !4 !5 Resume mode When Resume Mode is turned on, the last pattern sewn before turning the power off will resume when you turn the power on again. !5 When you turn the power on, the confirmation window opens. Press the OK key to resume the last pattern.
Saving and Opening a File You can save original embroidery designs as files in the built-in memory and/or USB flash drive. Press the save file key and the save file window will open. q Save file key q q A folder labeled “Embf” is displayed on the screen. To select a folder, press the folder icon. w File names are assigned automatically in numerical order starting from M_001..... Press the OK key and the file is saved in the selected folder.
Deleting a file or folder Press the delete key and select the file or folder to delete. A confirmation message appears. Press the OK key to delete the file or folder. q Delete key q Opening a file To open saved files, press the open file key to open the open file window. q Open file key Select the folder location, either the built-in memory or USB flash drive. Open the folder that contains the desired file by pressing the folder icon. q The file list of the selected folder is displayed.
Changing a name of the file or folder q Press the rename key and select the file or folder for which you wish to change the name. The keyboard window will open. Enter a new name and press the OK key. The name of the file or folder will change. q Rename key If you enter a name that already exists, the message “The same name exists.” will appear. Press the X key and enter another name.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE Cleaning the Hook Area Clean the hook area at least once a month. When the clean bobbin holder message option is turned on, the caution message for cleaning the bobbin case and the hook race will be displayed when the certain time passes (refer to page 50). CAUTION: Always make sure to turn the power switch off before cleaning the hook area. Do not dismantle the machine in any way other than as explained in this section. Turn the power switch off and unplug the machine.
Cleaning the Thread Path Clean lint and wax in the tension area with a piece of paper. Insert a piece of paper along the right channel and scrape out lint. Clean the needle bar thread guide with lint brush.
Oiling the Machine WARNING: Move the carriage to the home position (refer to page 31), and turn off the power switch and/or unplug the machine before oiling the machine. Wait until the motor cools down before oiling. Do not dismantle the machine in any way other than as explained in this section. Do not oil any parts other than as explained in this section. z NOTE: Oil the points as shown at least once a month if you are using the machine every day. Use good quality sewing machine oil.
v Oil the arrow points as indicated in the illustration. t Needle bar y Presser bar u Thread take-up lever v To attach the face plate, reverse the procedure z to c in reverse. t y u Oil the oil wick Slide the cover q on the top rear side of the machine. Oil the oil wick w inside of the machine.
Oil the lower shaft supporter (front) NOTE: Be careful not to damage any parts when raise the machine. Remove the cap q and setscrew A w with a screwdriver. Stand the machine so that the handwheel side comes to the underside of the machine. Insert the screwdriver from the bottom hole of the thread cutter cover. Loosen the setscrew B e. Remove the thread cutter cover r. w r q q w e r e Cap Setscrew A Setscrew B Thread cutter cover Oil the arrow point (felt) as indicated in the illustration.
Oil the Y-carriage z Remove the setscrew q. q Setscrew z q e x Remove the setscrew w. Remove the carriage cover e. w Setscrew e Carriage cover x w c Oil the arrow point (felt) as indicated in the illustration. To attach the carriage cover, reverse the procedure z to x in reverse.
Oil the X-carriage Oil the arrow point (felt) inside of the carriage slit.
Troubleshooting Condition The machine is noisy. The needle thread breaks. The bobbin thread breaks. Cause 1. Thread is jammed in the hook area. Reference See page 58. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. See page 11. See page 51. See page 13. See page 13. See page 20. 1. 2. 3. The needle breaks. 1. 2. 3. Visual Touch Screen 1. is not clear. Skipped stitches 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The machine does not run. The needle thread is not threaded properly. The needle thread tension is too tight. The needle is bent or blunt.
864-800-505 (ENG)
