Sewing machines, such as Janome, can be an indispensable part of any garment or creation. They help craft unique pieces and pieces that have a distinctive style and look. Janome machines are especially popular among quilters and sewers who like to create intricate designs. However, no matter how good the sewing machine is, it can’t last forever and will eventually need some maintenance and repair. One of the most common maintenance tasks that should be done on a Janome machine is to change the needle.
The needle is a crucial part of the sewing machine and, even if small and seemingly unimportant, it needs to be replaced regularly. Replacing a needle is an easy task and can be done in just a few steps, provided you have the right tools at hand. Knowing how to change a needle on a Janome sewing machine is essential for any sewer or quilter looking to maintain their machine. Below we provide step-by-step instructions on how to change the needle on a Janome sewing machine.
First, you need to make sure your machine is completely turned off. Once the machine is deactivated, you can remove the needle. To do this, open the machine up by lifting the sewing arm cover and unscrew the needle screw with a small screwdriver.When the screw is fully unscrewed, you can now remove the old needle. Place it in a secure area as you’ll be able to use it again after you’ve changed the needle.
Now that you’ve removed the old needle, make sure it is cleaned off before you insert the new needle – this is important as a Dirty needle can cause thread jamming. Insert the new needle into the mount hole, making sure the flat side of the needle is facing back, away from you.Firmly push the needle all the way up into its seat until it clicks.
After making sure the needle is firmly seated, your last step is to tighten the needle screw. It’s important to make sure it’s tight as a loose needle can lead to uneven stitches or stitching that does not line up.
Once you have fully tightened the needle, you can carefully lift the sewing arm cover back to the locked position. Now test the needle on a scrap piece of fabric and ensure that the settings are correct before continuing with your project.
Replacing the needle on your Janome sewing machine is an easy job, and it’s important that you do it periodically, as such you can help ensure that your machine runs as smoothly as possible and create beautiful pieces of fabric.
Types of Needles
When choosing a needle for a Janome sewing machine, it is important to make sure you choose the right one. Janome needles come in many sizes and types and the wrong one can cause the fabric or thread to be damaged. Most standard Janome needles are Universal needles; these needles have a medium point, but there are many other types of needles available too, such as Topstitch, Quilting and Sharps.
The type of needle that you choose also depends on the fabric or thread that you are using. For example, if you are working with thin or delicate fabrics, then a sharp needle or a Topstitch needle is recommended, whereas for thicker fabrics, a Universal needle should suffice. It is best to check the user manual of your Janome machine to see what type of needles are recommended.
The size of the needle also matters, and it is important to use the right size needle for the job. This is because a needle that is too small or too large can cause problems with the stitches, resulting in skipped stitches or even fabric damage.
It is also important to replace the needle often, as a dull needle can also lead to skipped stitches and fabric damage. As a general rule, it is advised to replace the needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing.
Correct Positioning
To ensure that you get the best results from your Janome sewing machine, it is important to make sure that the needle is positioned in the correct way. This means that the flat side of the needle should be facing away from you and the sharp side should be facing you. It is also important to make sure that the needle is tight when inserted, as a loose needle can lead to uneven stitches.
Finally, when inserting the needle, make sure that you insert it into the mount hole with the needle in the downward position. If the needle is in the wrong position, you will have difficulty threading the needle, as the thread will catch on the eye of the needle.
Testing the Stitches
Once the needle has been inserted, it is a good idea to test it on a scrap piece of fabric to make sure that the stitches are even. This will help to make sure that the needle is correctly positioned, as well as the tension. Once you are happy with the stitching, you can move on to your project.
It is also a good idea to test your needle often to make sure that it is still in good condition and not wearing down. If your stitches start to become uneven or you start to experience skipped stitches, it is time to replace the needle.
Advanced Techniques
It is also possible to use Janome sewing machines to perform more advanced techniques, such as creating quilting borders, hemming and decorative stitching. To do this, you will need specialist needles and special feet, and you should consult the manual of your sewing machine to find out more information.
It is possible to use different stitch patterns with a Janome sewing machine, such as a zigzag stitch, a gathering stitch or a buttonhole stitch. To use these stitch patterns, you may need to change the needle to a specific type, for example, a double-ended needle for a gathering stitch. Again, consult the user manual of your machine to get more information.
Finally, it is also possible to use a Janome sewing machine to perform leather stitching or canvas stitching. To do this, you may need a different type of needle such as a leather needle, as well as a special foot. Consult your user manual to find out more information.
Tips and Tricks
When replacing the needle, make sure you use the right size and type of needle for the job. It is also important to use a high-quality needle. Cheap needles may be tempting but they can dull quicker and can be more prone to bending.
It is also a good idea to have a selection of needles at hand so that you can easily change to the right needle for the job. This will also save you time. Finally, always remember to make sure that the needle is tightened securely when inserted, as a loose needle can lead to skipped stitches.
Conclusion
Changing the needle on a Janome sewing machine is easy to do and can be done in just a few steps. It is important to make sure that you use the right type and size of needle for the job, as well as making sure that the needle is seated firmly. Furthermore, make sure to test the stitches before you start your project, and it is also a good idea to make sure you have a selection of needles so you can quickly switch needles when needed.
