IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: Read all instructions before using this appliance. 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.
Names of Parts Carrying handle Thread take-up lever Presser foot lifter Buttonhole lever Drop feed lever Carriage Power switch Machine sockets Card eject button Memory card Memory card slot Handwheel Detachable Extension Table For Free Arm Sewing To remove, lift out the extension table toward you as illustrated.
SECTION II GETTING READY TO SEW Connecting Machine to Power Supply Before connecting the power cord, make sure the voltage and frequency shown on the machine conform to your electrical power. To sew using foot control ¡ * Turn off the power switch, and insert the foot control plug q , machine plug w into the machine and power supply plug e into the wall in this order.
Controlling Sewing Speed • To Use Start/Stop Button To use this button you must disconnect the foot control from the machine. This button can be used for Professional style Embroidery. It can be also be used for ordinary sewing, if you wish. The machine starts running slowly for the first few stitches, then it runs at the speed set by the speed setting lever.
Winding the Bobbin z Lift up the spool pin. Place the spool of thread on the spool pin with the thread coming off the spool as shown. Attach the large spool holder, and press it firmly against the spool of thread. * The small spool holder is used with narrow or small spools of thread.
Inserting the Bobbin ¡ z Place the bobbin in the bobbin holder with the thread running off in the counterclockwise direction. End of thread x Guide the thread into the Notch A on the front side of the bobbin holder. Draw the thread to the left, sliding it between the tension spring blades.
Pull the thread through the needle eye. * The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #16 needle or a Janome Blue Tip needle. Thread size 50 to 100 should also work well. q Hook w Guide...
Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread ¡ z Raise the presser foot. Hold the needle thread lightly with your left hand. x Press the up/down needle button twice to pick up the bobbin thread. Draw up the needle thread together with a loop of bobbin thread. Up/down needle button c Slide 10 cm (4"...
Pressure Dial The pressure dial should be set at “ 3 ” for regular sewing. Reduce the pressure to “ 2 ” for appliqué, cut work, drawn work, basting and embroidery. Set the pressure to “ 1 ” when sewing chiffon, lace, organdy and other fine fabrics.
Selecting Needle and Thread For general sewing use needle size 11 or 14. A fine 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.
Adjust the Top Thread Tension Choose the Correct Tension ¡ For Straight Stitch: The ideal straight stitch will have threads locked between the two layers of fabric, as shown left (magnified to show detail). If you look at the top and bottom of the seam, you will notice that there are no gaps;...
SECTION III STRAIGHT,BUTTONHOLE AND UTILlTY SEWING Pattern Selection (Utility Stitches) • How to scroll the display screen MENU z When you turn the power switch the MENU screen is displayed. x Press key. The display screen shows A . c You can get the stitch patterns from B to J display screen as shown, when you turn on the power switch.
Selecting Patterns ¡ Press the center of a desired pattern on the screen. q Appropriate top thread tension is displayed. w A suitable foot is displayed. e Stitch Width and Length Key : When the key is pressed, the stitch width and length can be adjusted (see page 22).
Straight Seam Sewing Up/Down Needle Key : ¡ Pressing this key toggles back and forth between the needle up and needle down display. Needle Up If you want the needle to be in the up position after sewing a seam, press this key until the needle up display appears: Needle Down If you would like the needle to end in the down...
Finishing Sewing ¡ To fasten the ends of seams, press the reverse button and sew several reverse stitches. * When pattern is selected, reverse stitches are sewn automatically at the beginning of the seam, and forward again. Raise the presser foot. Remove the fabric, draw the threads to the back and cut using the thread cutter.
Seam Allowance Lines ¡ The seam guides on the needle plate and hook cover plate help you measure seam width. * The number indicates the distance between the middle needle position and the seam allowance line. Millimeters Inches Marks on 4/8"...
Setting Stitch Length and Left/Right Needle Position Manual Stitch Length ¡ * These settings apply only to “straight” stitch patterns 1 through 5. Press the key to adjust the stitch length manually. Use the keys (on the right) to adjust the stitch length. To decrease, press the key.
Straight Stitches Basic Straight Stitch This stitch can be used for sewing regular seams, zippers, pintucking and rolled hems. Selected stitch A: Zigsag foot Thread tension E: Zipper foot Straight Stitch (Left) This stitch can be used for regular seams, zippers, topstitching, etc.
Zigzag Stitch A simple zigzag stitch is widely used for overcasting, appliqué, etc. * Stabilize with interfacing on stretch fabric. Manual Stitch Width and Length ¡ z Press the key to change the stitch width and length manually. x Pre-programmed stitch settings c When the key is pressed, the width and the length will be changed accordingly.
Overcasting Zigzag Stitch ¡ This stitch can be used on most woven fabrics. It's the fastest way to finish an edge, leaving it neat and flat. A dense zigzag can also be used for appliqué. C: Overedge foot Set the stitch width from 0.5 cm (3/16˝) to 0.7cm (9/32˝) when the overedge foot C is used to prevent needle breakage or damaging the foot Multiple Zigzag...
• Knit Stitch This knit stitch is ideal for sewing swimwear and stretch velour because it provides the greatest amount of elasticity and strength. Place your fabric to allow a 1.5 cm (5/8˝) seam. Trim the seam allowance after sewing. Note: Be careful not to cut the stitches.
Sensor Buttonholes Three types of Buttonhole ¡ q Square Buttonhole For buttonholes on shirts and blouses. Stitch patterns 18 and 19 are intended to be used on stretch fabrics. w Rounded Buttonhole For buttonholes on shirts and blouses made of fine fabric.
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Sensor Buttonhole, cont'd x Pull the button holder to the back, and place the button in it. Push it together tightly on the button. Button holder c Pull the buttonhole lever downward as far as it will go. Buttonhole lever v Draw both threads to the left under the foot.
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Sensor Buttonhole, cont'd If the button is extremely thick, make a test buttonhole. If it is difficult to fit the button through the test buttonhole, you can lengthen the buttonhole by pulling the carriage on the foot back a little extra. The length of the hole will be automatically increased.
• Roundend and Keyhole Buttonholes R: Automatic buttonhole foot • To sew: For sewing, use the same procedure as Sensor Buttonhole. Starting point Bartack • Adjust the Stitch Width and Density: Each time “ – ” or “ + ” is pressed, the width and length will be changed.
Corded Buttonhole z For sewing, use the same procedure as when the pattern is selected (see pages 25 – 27). * Set the stitch width to match the thickness of the cord used. With the buttonhole foot raised, hook the filler cord on the spur at the back of the buttonhole foot.
Zipper Sewing Choose Stitch Pattern 1 and attach Foot E. E: Zipper foot To Snap On the Zipper Foot ¡ Fit the pin on the zipper foot into the groove on the foot holder. * To sew the left side of the zipper, attach the zipper foot on the right-hand side.
Zipper Sewing, cont'd x Sew through all layers next to fold. Stop just before the zipper foot reaches the slider on the zipper tape. Lower the needle slightly into the fabric. Raise the zipper foot and open the zipper. Lower the foot and stitch the remainder of the seam. Slider 5 cm (2˝) c Close the zipper and spread the fabric flat with the...
Blind Stitch Hemming Choose Stitch Pattern and attach Foot G. G: Blind hem foot Position the fabric so that the folded edge comes to the left side of guide. Lower the presser foot. Adjust the position of needle swing with the stitch width key so that the needle just pierces the folded edge of the fabric when the needle comes over to the left side.
Darning R: Automatic buttonhole foot z Pull the button holder to the rear. x Place the garment under the presser foot. Press the up/down needle button key twice to pull up the bobbin thread. Remove the fabric to the left to draw both threads under the presser foot and put the fabric under the foot again.
Eyelets The pattern can be used to sew a small eyelet for belts passing cord, etc. Remove the fabric and cut the small eye with the seam ripper, pointed scissors or awl. F: Satin stitch foot Eyelets Shell Stitch F: Satin stitch foot * Use a lightweight fabric such as tricot.
Drawn work F: Satin stitch foot Pressure dial “ 2 ” * You can also use stitch pattern z Pull out one or two threads beside the both sides where you would like to sew the drawn work, as shown. x Select the pattern .
Scallop Hems A: Zigzag foot Wrong side of fabric Trimming Fold fabric with the right sides together. Sew scallops 1cm (3/8˝) from folded edge. Trim close to stitching leaving 0.3 cm (1/8˝) seam allowance. Clip seams as shown or trim with pinking shears. Turn the fabric to right side and press.
Fagoting F: Satin stitch foot Fold under 1.5 cm (1/2˝) on each fabric edge and press. Pin the two edges to paper 0.3 cm (1/8˝) apart. Sew slowly guiding the fabric so the needle catches the folded edge on each side. Elastic Stitch F: Satin stitch foot Choose this stitch to attach elastic to garments.
Pintucking G: Blind hem foot z Fold the fabric with wrong side together. Position the folded edge next to the fabric guide. Lower the presser foot. Sew the folded edge, guiding it along the fabric guide. x Press the pintucks to one side. Guide Folded fabric Decorative Stitch...
Changing Needles z Raise the needle by pressing the up/down needle button and lower the presser foot. Turn off the power switch. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it counterclockwise. x Remove the needle from the clamp. Insert the new needle into the needle clamp with the flat side to the rear.
Adjusting Pattern Balance If stretch stitch patterns are uneven when you sew on a particular fabric, adjust them with the feed balancing dial. Feed balancing dial Standard mark Setting mark • To Adjust distorted patterns z If patterns are compressed, correct by turning the dial in the direction of “...
Thread) Size 50 to 100 Universal Heavy Synthetic 14 (90) * For embroidery sewing, we recommend Janome embroidery bobbin thread. Template ¡ The illustration shows various strating points. Starting point for optional Memory Card #2, #3, etc. Starting point for optional Memory Card #102, #103, etc.
Using Built-in Monogramming Mode z Turn on the power switch: When the built-in monogramming mode key is selected, the carriage will move. * Make sure nothing is blocking it. * Before turning off the power switch and covering the machine, be sure to return to the first menu. This will return the carriage to its home position.
To set the Fabric in the Embroidery Hoop ¡ z First, mark the embroidering position on the fabric with tailor's chalk. Fabric Reference line x Second, loosen the tightening screw on the outer hoop, lay the fabric on it, and press the fabric down with the inner hoop.
Threading the Machine ¡ For threading, refer to the description of ordinary sewing (see page 10 ). Pass the needle thread through the hole in the Embroidery Foot P in the downward direction, and guide the thread around the thread holder from the front side.
Sewing Built-in Letters and Numbers To Select Letter Style (Block Style Letters) ¡ z Press the key to select block style letters. q The number next to the symbol indicates which number embroidery hoop may be used. (Embroidery Hoop 3 is optional.) w Color select key: this (see page 47) key to change the needle thread color.
To Compose Words, Etc. ¡ Example: Block Style “ E-X ” z Select “ E ” by pressing the key 5 times. x Press the memory key once. “ E ” is memorized and the cursor moves to the next position. c Select “...
To Sew ¡ Lower the presser foot, press the start/stop button and sew 5 or 6 stitches. Then, press the start/stop button again to stop the machine. Raise the presser foot, cut off the extra thread at the starting point close to the beginning and lower the presser foot.
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Space Check Key : ( To Sew a Second Row of Letters/Numbers ) MENU Press the space check key Press one of the arrow keys to move to the desired position. The frame will move. * Press the key to return to the previous display. * Press the start/stop button to start sewing after setting the sewing position.
If the Thread Breaks While Embroidering ¡ Stop the machine by pressing the start/stop button. Raise the presser foot. MENU Rethread the machine. Guide the thread end around the thread holder of the thread cutter from the front side. Press the key.
Combining Letters in Script Style ¡ (Upper & Lowercase) Example : A z Select “ A ” by pressing the key once. x Press the memory key once. c Change the display by pressing the key. v Select “ ” by pressing the key twice.
Embroidery with Optional Memory Cards To Insert and Eject the Memory Card. To Insert the Memory Card ¡ z Turn off the power switch. x Insert the card making sure the arrow on the label is facing you. c Push the card straight in until it clicks (see illustration).
The number next to the display indicates which number embroidery hoop may be used. e The number shown under the thread color is the color code of Janome embroidery thread. r Sewing sample * Use of the keypad is same as for embroidering letters.
Skipping ¡ (Use to sew only part of a design.) MENU Example : select Design 1. Select design 1. x To sew only the fifth part of the pattern, press the key previous to it. c Sew the pattern until the machine stops automatically.
Embroidery with Large Pattern Memory Card ¡ Example : Memory Card 8 Total thriteen designs are available on this card. Select the design by pressing the display. * The key is displayed only for the patterns which can be sewn in more than one color. Example : Design 3 Press the key to see the suggested thread color...
SECTION V CARE OF YOUR MACHINE Care of Your Machine The Harmony 8100 has been meticulously designed and manufactured to give you a lifetime of trouble-free sewing. The machine never needs oiling but the bobbin area and hook race should be cleaned after completion of every garment.
Replacing the Light Bulb ¡ How to remove Open the face plate and pull out the lamp socket, then gently pull out the lamp. Face plate Lamp socket Lamp To replace Insert the lamp being careful to match the holes and pins. Attach the lamp socket and close the face plate.
Cleaning the Hook Race ¡ Clean the feed dogs, hook race and bobbin holder with the lint brush and a soft dry cloth. Replacing the Bobbin Holder ¡ Insert the bobbin holder so that the knob fits next to the stopper in the hook race. Stopper Knob Insert the bobbin.
Troubleshooting Problem Type of Sewing Cause Reference q Threads have been caught in the hook See pages 56,57. The machine is mechanism. noisy. w The feed dog is packed with lint. See pages 56,57. e Slight humming sound coming from internal See page 6.
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Problem Type of Sewing Cause Reference q The needle is incorrectly inserted. See page 39. See page 39. w The needle is bent or blunt. e The needle and/or threads are not suitable for See page 13. the work being sewn. See page 13.
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Problem Type of Sewing Cause Reference q The machine is not plugged in. See page 6. w A thread is caught in the hook race. See page 9. e The control circuit is not working correctly. Turn off the machine and turn it on again.