Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this instruction book. 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.
NAME OF PARTS Name of parts ... 3 Standard Accessories ... 4 Extension Table ... 5 Detaching the table ... 5 Attaching the table ... 5 GETTING READY TO SEW Connecting the Power Supply ... 6 To use start/stop button ... 6 To use foot control ...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PROGRAMMING PATTERNS Pattern combination 1 ... 65 Pattern combination 2 ... 66 Combination for a mirror image ... 67 Pattern elongation ... 68 Programming a pattern combination with an elongated pattern ... 68 Extender stitches ... 69 Free-motion quilting ...
START STOP NAME OF PARTS Name of parts q Function keys w Liquid crystal display e Screen sharpness adjustment dial r Bobbin winder stopper t Bobbin winder spindle y Hole for additional spool pin u Spool pin i Large spool holder o Thread tension dial !0 Reference chart !1 Foot pressure dial...
Standard Accessories q Assorted needles w L: Quilting bar e G: Blind hem foot r F: Satin stitch foot t D: Hemmer foot y C: Overedge foot u E: Zipper foot i A: Zigzag foot (attached to the machine) These accessories can be stored in the compart- ment under the top cover.
Extension Table The extension table provides an extra surface for sewing bulky materials, and can be removed for free-arm sewing. Detaching the table Pull the table away from the machine as illustrated. Free-arm sewing can be used for: Stitching sleeves, waistbands, pant legs or any tubular garment area, darning socks as well as mending knees, elbows or children’s wear.
GETTING READY TO SEW Connecting the Power Supply CAUTION Always turn the power switch off and unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when the machine is not in use. To use start/stop button Turn off the power switch, then insert the machine plug into the machine and the power supply plug into the wall outlet.
If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way. * Foot control model 21371 is used with sewing machine model MC 4900.
START STOP START STOP FUNCTION BUTTONS q q q q q Start/stop button Press this button to start or stop the machine. The machine starts running slowly for the first few stitches, it then runs at the speed set by the speed control slider. NOTE: •...
y u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 t t t t t Screen brightness adjustment dial Use this dial to adjust the brightness of the liquid crystal display. If the screen is not clear, adjust the screen bright- ness with this dial. y y y y y Mode key (see page 11) When the power switch is turned on, the direct pattern selection (mode 1) is set automatically.
Mode selection When you switch on the machine, the direct select mode (mode 1) is activated. Press the mode key to change the mode. z z z z z Mode 1 Screen indication You can select 10 of the most commonly used patterns directly by pressing the pattern keys.
Pattern Selection z z z z z Mode 1 Pattern selection and screen indication You can select the stitch patterns below directly by pressing the pattern keys. x x x x x Mode 2, 3 and Monogramming To select a pattern, enter the 2-digit number of the desired stitch pattern with the number keys.
CUSTOMIZING MACHINE SETTINGS You can customize the machine settings to your prefer- ence. Turn on the power switch w while pressing the memory key q. The machine setting window will appear. q Memory key w Power switch e Machine setting window Resumption setting The last pattern sewn before turning the power off will be recalled when the power is turned on again.
To drop or raise the feed dog q Drop feed dog lever w To drop the feed dog e To raise the feed dog The drop feed dog lever is located underneath the free arm bed on the back side of the machine. •...
Changing the presser foot q Snap-on button (red button) w Groove e Pin 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. •...
Changing the needle q Needle clamp screw w Needle clamp CAUTION Always make sure to turn the power switch off and disconnect the machine from power supply before changing the needle. z Turn off the power switch. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel counterclockwise, and lowering the presser foot.
Bobbin Winding • Removing the bobbin q Hook cover plate release button w Hook cover plate e Bobbin Slide the hook cover plate release button q to the right, and remove the cover plate w. Lift out the bobbin e from the bobbin holder. •...
Bobbin Winding NOTE: Set the speed control slider at its fastest position for bobbin winding. q Upper thread guide (A) w Upper thread guide (B) e Bobbin winding tension disk r Bobbin winder spindle t Bobbin winder stopper z Draw the thread from the spool. x Guide the thread around the upper thread guide (A) q, upper thread guide (B) w and bobbin winding tension disk e.
Inserting the bobbin z Place the bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread running off counterclockwise. q Thread w Bobbin holder x Guide the thread into notch (A) on the front of the bobbin holder. c Draw the thread to the left, sliding it between the tension spring blades.
Threading the machine z Raise the presser foot lifter. x Turn the power switch on. Press the up/down needle position button twice to raise the needle. The threading light will light up. q Threading light NOTE: If you want to use the handwheel to raise the needle, make sure the threading light is on when threading.
Built-in needle threader NOTE: The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #16 needle, or a #11 Blue needle. Thread size 50 to 90 is recommended. z Raise the presser foot. Raise the needle to its highest position. Push down the needle threader knob q as far as it will go.
START STOP Drawing up bobbin thread z Raise the presser foot. Hold the needle thread lightly with your left hand. x Press the up/down needle position button q twice to lower and raise the needle to pick up the bobbin thread e.
Balancing thread tension • Auto-thread tension When the thread tension dial is set at AUTO for automatic thread tension, the green light will be on. For general sewing, set the tension dial at AUTO, which covers a wide range of sewing conditions. z Align the AUTO mark of the thread tension dial with the indication line.
BASIC STITCHES (MODE 1) Straight stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: To sew Raise the presser foot and position the fabric next to a seam guide line on the needle plate. Lower the needle to the point where you wish to start.
Using the seam guides on the needle plate q Needle drop position w Edge of fabric e Needle plate guide lines The seam guides on the needle plate are engraved to help you measure seam width. The number on the needle plate indicates the distance between the center needle position and the edge of the fabric.
Help button Pressing this button will show alternative applications of the selected pattern when patterns 0, 1, 8, 9 (mode 1) or 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 27, 32 (mode 2) have been selected. Example: When pattern 1 has been selected. Each time you press the help key, the LCD screen will show as follows: z The zigzag foot and quilting bar for quilting will be...
Adjusting the needle drop position The needle drop position can be altered by pressing the stitch width adjustment button. Press the right side of the button (+ sign) to move the needle bar to the right. Press the left side of the button (– sign) to move the needle bar to the left.
To customize the preset values for the stitch length and width The stitch patterns in the direct mode (mode 1), and for buttonholes, eyelets, darnning, bartacks and basting have their own original settings for the stitch length and stitch width. These original settings are called preset values.
Basting Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: 1-3 * Feed dog: The basting stitch is used to hold fabric layers together during fitting. Attaching the darning foot P Loosen the thumbscrew and remove the foot holder. Attach the darning foot P to the presser bar putting the pin on the needle clamp screw.
Lock-a-Matic stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO Use it to reinforce areas such as crotch and armhole seams, as well as when constructing items such as back- packs for extra strength. When you reach the end of the seam, press the reverse stitch button once.
Locking stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO This unique stitch is used where an invisible locking stitch is needed. Lower the needle close to the front edge of the fabric. The machine will sew several locking stitches in place and continue sewing forward.
Decorative stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO * Stitch pattern 58 (mode 2) can also be used. Use this stitch for quilting or decorative stitching. French knot Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: 5–8 Programming French knots Example: Combination of patterns 54 and 50...
Zigzag stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Zigzag stitch is used for various sewing needs including overcasting. It can be used on most woven fabrics. A dense zigzag stitch can also be used for appliqué. Adjusting the stitch width Press the right side of the button (+ sign) to increase the stitch width.
Types of Overcasting Stitches Overcasting with zigzag stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Place the fabric edge next to the guide of the foot and then sew. q Edge of Fabrics w Guide e Wires on Foot CAUTION: When you use the overedge foot C, you must set the zigzag width at 5.0 or wider to prevent the needle from...
Knit stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: This stitch is recommended for sewing such fabrics as synthetic knits and stretch velour, as it provides the greatest amount of elasticity and strength. Sew along the fabric edge leaving an adequate seam allowance.
Button sewing Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: * Lower the feed dog (see page 14) Attaching the button sewing foot T Insert the rear pin on the foot into the groove of the foot holder. Gently lower the presser foot lifter while holding the foot with your fingers.
Variations of Buttonholes Square Buttonhole This square buttonhole is widely used on medium to heavy weight fabrics. The buttonhole size is automatically determined by placing a button in the foot. Round-end Buttonhole This buttonhole is used on fine to medium weight fabrics especially for blouses and children’s clothes.
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Square buttonhole Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: 1–5 NOTE: The size of the buttonhole is automatically set by placing a button in the rear of automatic buttonhole foot R. The button holder of the foot takes a button size of 0.5 cm (3/16˝) to 2.5 cm (1˝) in diameter.
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c Pull the buttonhole lever down as far as it will go. q Buttonhole lever NOTE: If you start sewing without pulling down the buttonhole lever, the LCD screen will show a warning and the machine will stop after a few stitches. Pull the buttonhole lever down and restart the machine.
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b Start the machine to sew the buttonhole. The buttonhole will be automatically sewn. n When buttonhole sewing is finished, push the buttonhole lever upward as far as it will go. m Remove the fabric and place a pin just below the bartack at each end to prevent accidentally cutting stitches.
Double layer buttonhole To make a solid and sturdy buttonhole, sew another layer of buttonhole over the previous stitches. After the buttonhole is finished, simply start the machine again. Do not raise the foot or buttonhole lever. The machine will sew another buttonhole in the following order and stop automatically when it is completed: z Step 1:Straight stitching in reverse to go back to the starting point...
Adjusting buttonhole width Press the stitch width adjustment key and the adjustment window opens. Press on “+“ to increase the buttonhole width. Press on “–“ to decrease the buttonhole width. q Stitch width adjustment key w Narrower buttonhole e Wider buttonhole Adjusting stitch density Press the stitch length adjustment key, the adjustment window opens.
Round-end buttonholes (#18) Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO * The sewing procedue is same as buttonhole #17 (see pages 39 to 41). Keyhole buttonholes (#20) Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO * The same sewing sequence (Buttonholes 18 and 20) applies to buttonholes 19, 21, 22 Adjusting buttonhole width on stitch pattern...
Knit buttonhole (#24) Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO z Sew the left row. x Sew the front bartack. c Sew the rear bartack and right row. The machine will automatically stop when buttonhole sewing is finished. NOTE: If the last few stitches of the right row extend beyond the bartack, make the stitch length shorter to correct it.
Welted buttonhole Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO A welted buttonhole is made by stitching a strip or patch of fabric to the buttonhole. Welted buttonholes are particularly suited to tailored garments, but are not recommended for sheer or delicate fabrics where the patch might show through or add bulk.
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b Fold back each side of the patch to form buttonhole lips. q Wrong side of patch w Right side of garment fabric e Right side of patch n Press both folds with an iron. e Right side of patch r Wrong side of garment fabric m Baste both edges of the seam with a needle and thread as shown.
⁄1 ⁄2 ⁄3 ⁄4 ⁄5 ⁄1 The patch should be cut 1 to 1.5 cm (7/16˝ – 10/16˝) away from the hole. The corners should be cut rounded off as shown. e Right side of patch r Wrong side of garment fabric ⁄2 Place the facing on the wrong side of the garment fabric.
Eyelet Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: The eyelet is used for belt holes etc. To sew Depress the foot control to sew. The machine will sew an eyelet and stop automatically when completed. Open the eyelet with an awl, punch or pointed scissors. Adjusting the shape of an eyelet Correct the shape of the eyelet as follows: If the eyelet gap opens, press “–“...
Zipper sewing Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: To sew on the left side of the zipper, attach the foot holder to the right pin on the zipper foot. To sew on the right side of the zipper, attach the foot holder to the left pin on the zipper foot.
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To sew c Fold back the left seam allowance. Turn the right seam allowance under to form a 0.2 to 0.3 cm (1/8˝) fold. Place the zipper teeth next to the fold and pin it in place. Set the stitch length and thread tension back to the original setting.
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n Close the zipper q and spread the fabric open flat with the right side facing up. Baste the opened fabric and zipper tape e together. q Zipper w Basting stitches e Zipper tape r Wrong side of fabric t Right side of fabric m Re-attach the zipper foot E with the left pin.
Darning Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: z Pull the button holder to the rear as far as it will go. q Button holder x Place the garment under the foot. Press the up/down needle position button twice. Remove the fabric to the left to draw both threads under the foot and place the fabric back under the foot.
START STOP To sew a shorter darning To sew a darning shorter than 2 cm (3/4˝), first stop the machine after sewing the required length, then press the reverse button. The required length has been determined. Restart the machine and continue sewing until the machine stops automatically.
START STOP Tacking Machine settings q Pattern: w Thread tension: e Presser foot: Tacking is used to reinforce pockets, crotches and belt carriers where extra strength is needed. To sew Depress the foot control until the machine stops automati- cally. The machine will sew a tacking 1.5 cm (9/16˝) long auto- matically.
Blind hem Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO Select pattern 14 for woven fabrics or pattern 15 for elastic fabrics. NOTE: The stitch width of the patterns 14 and 15 cannot be changed, but the needle drop position will move. How to fold the fabric Fold the fabric to make a hem as shown.
DECORATIVE STITCHES Pintucking Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO Fold a fabric with the right side together. Place the folded fabric under the blind hem foot. Align the edge of the fold with the guide on the foot, and lower the foot.
Shell tuck Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Use a light weight fabric (tricot, for example). Fold the fabric as shown and stitch on the fold. Allow the needle to just clear the folded edge to create a shelled edge.
Smocking Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Smocking is a delicate decorative treatment used on children’s clothes or women’s blouses. Choose a soft and lightweight fabric such as batiste, gingham or challis. Cut the fabric three times wider than the projected width.
1 cm 3/8˝ Scallop (A) Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Fold the fabric with right sides together. Sew scallops 3/ 8˝ (1 cm) from folded edge. Trim close to stitching leaving 1/8˝ (0.3 cm) seam allow- ance.
Patchwork Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Sew the fabrics right sides together with straight stitch 01. Press seam allowance open. Sew pattern stitch 77 on right side of garment centering over the seam line. q Wrong side of fabric w Right side of fabric Satin stitch Machine settings...
0.5 cm Rolled hem Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: To sew: Fold the edge of the fabric twice, 6 cm (2 3/8˝) in length and 0.3 cm (1/8˝) in width. 0.8 cm Trim the corner 0.5 cm (3/16˝) by 0.8 cm (1/4˝) for easier insertion of the hem into the foot.
Cross stitch Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: You’ll love the beautiful designs you can make with this craft stitch pattern, and in half the time it would take if embroidered by hand. Cross stitches can be effectively combined with other craft patterns to produce attractive samplers and for other sewing projects.
Twin needle sewing Machine settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: AUTO NOTES: * When you sew patterns with the twin needle, press the twin needle button begin to sew. * Use the zigzag foot A or satin stitch foot F for twin needle sewing.
Pattern combination 1 Example: Programming patterns 33 and 35 Machine settings q Presser foot: w Thread tension: z Selet pattern 33 (mode 2). x Press the memory key. q Mode w Pattern number e The number of programmed patterns c Select the pattern 35 (mode 2). v Press the memory key.
Pattern combination 2 Example: Programming patterns 33, 35 and 39 Machine settings q Presser foot: w Thread tension: z Select pattern 33 in mode 2. x Press the memory key. c Select pattern 35. v Press the memory key. b Select pattern 98 in mode 3 (locking stitch). * The machine cannot memorize any stitch patterns after the locking stitch has been memorized.
Combinations for a mirror image Example: Programming pattern 41 and its mirror image Machine settings q Presser foot: w Thread tension: z Select pattern 41 in mode 2. x Press the memory key. c Press the turnover memory key. v Start sewing. Sewing a pattern combination from the beginning If you have to stop sewing a pattern combination and wish...
Pattern Elongation Machine settings q Stitch pattern w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Patterns number 31–47 (mode 2) can be elongated. Example: Pattern 33 Select pattern 33 (mode 2). Press the elongation key to change the elongation ratio. Elongation ratio is indicated in multiples of the original pattern length.
The number of the extender stitches Extender stitches Machine settings q Stitch pattern * The stitches w Presser foot: e Thread tension: The extender stitch is used to insert straight stitches between stitch patterns. Example: Inserting 2 counts of the straight stitch after pattern 41 z Select pattern 41(mode 2).
Free-motion quilting Machine Settings q Pattern: w Presser foot: e Thread tension: Feed dog: Attach the darning/embroidery foot P (refer to page 30 for how to attach it). Baste or pin the quilt layers. Draw a quilt design on the top fabric with a washable marker.
Editing program Uniform stitch adjustment (Modes 2 and 3 only) The stitch width and length of the programmed stitch patterns can be uniformly altered. Example 1: To alter the stitch width of the programmed pattern 27 and its mirror image in mode 3. z Shift the cursor to the right of the last programmed pattern q.
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Combining satin and decorative stitches Example: combination of patterns 41 and 27 z Press the stitch width adjustment key. x The stitch width will be applied to all memorized patterns. c Start sewing. * You cannot adjust the stitch length setting when you combine satin stitches and decorative stitches.
Custom stitch adjustment (Mode 2 and 3 only) The stitch width and length can be individually altered for each pattern in the programmed combination. Example: To alter the stitch width and length of a single pattern in the combination z Press the edit key to shift the cursor under the pattern you wish to alter.
The uppercase letter “S” will be memorized. v Select the lowercase letter “u” (pattern 57). b Press the memory key. n Select the lowercase letter “n” (pattern 50). m Press the memory key. * Use a Janome blue needle when sewing monograms.
Programming a monogram (2) Example: To program “A_B” in the Script font. (with a space between letters) z Press the monogramming key to select the Script font. x Press the memory key. The uppercase letter “A” will be memorized. c Select the space ( ) (pattern 67).
Reducing the size of a monogram Press the turnover memory key. The selected letter will be decreased to 2/3 of its original size. z Press the monogramming key. Select Broadway style x Press the memory key. c Select “&” (pattern 64). v Press turnover memory key.
Viewing a long text z The LCD screen only shows 8 characters of a monogram at a time. If the entire text is not displayed, press the edit key or help key to scroll the text. x Pressing the edit key shifts the cursor and scrolls the text to the left.
Inserting a letter (character) Example: To insert a space between “B” and “C” in “ABCD” z Press the edit key to shift the cursor under letter ”C”. x Select the space ( ) pattern 67. c Press the memory button and a space will be inserted before letter “C”.
To store and call stitch pattern combinations It is possible to retain a pattern combination for future use even if the machine is turned off. Simply save the pattern combination in one of the five memory addresses. A combination of up to 50 patterns can be saved in each memory address.
Recalling a stored combination Select mode 2, 3 or monogramming. z Press the stock/call key to select the desired memory address.. x Press the turnover memory key to recall the stored combination. Deleting a stored combination z Press the stock/call key to select the desired memory address.
Correcting distorted stitch patterns The sewing results of the stretch patterns may vary depend- ing upon the sewing conditions, such as sewing speed, type of the fabric, number of layers etc. Always test sew on a scrap piece of the fabric that you wish to use.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE Cleaning the hook race and feed dog WARNING: Turn the power switch off and unplug the machine before cleaning. NOTE: Do not dismantle the machine in any way other than what is explained in this section. z Remove the needle and presser foot. Remove the setscrews and remove the needle plate.
Replacing the light bulb WARNING: Turn the power off before replacing the light bulb. The bulb could be HOT, wait until it has cooled down before touching it. To remove: Remove the cap q. Remove the setscrew w. Remove the face cover e. Pull out the bulb t from the lamp socket r.
Warning Messages If a buzzer sounds and the LCD screen shows one of these messages, follow the guidance below. Message Problem/Cause • The machine is started with the presser foot up. • The machine will stop if the presser foot is raised while sewing.
Message Audible Signals BEEP Normal operation pip-pip-pip Invalid operation Problem/Cause The foot control is disconnected while sewing. • The start/stop button is pressed after the foot control has been connected. • Power switch is turned on while depressing the foot control. •...
Troubleshooting Condition 1. The needle thread is not threaded properly. The needle thread 2. The needle thread tension is too tight. breaks. 3. The needle is bent or blunt. 4. The needle is incorrectly inserted. 5. The needle thread and the bobbin thread are not set under the presser foot when starting sewing.
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