Janome 128 Manual

The Janome 128 is a mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 8 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, built-in thread cutter, stitch length and width adjustment, reverse sewing, and drop feed for free-motion sewing. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with free arm, built-in stitches, buttonhole function, and various accessories.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	8 different stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches
4-step Buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Free Arm	Removable extension table for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable stitch width up to 5mm
Reverse Sewing	Reinforce seams with reverse stitch button
Drop Feed	Lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing
Built-in Thread Cutter	Convenient thread cutting on machine body
Power Switch	Turns machine on/off
Foot Pedal	Controls sewing speed

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

1. Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from case.
2. Install foot pedal: Connect to machine port, place on floor.
3. Attach power cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet.
4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
5. Attach presser foot: Lower presser foot lever, snap foot into place.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on machine; follow setup procedures.

1. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, thread through bobbin winder tension.
2. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, drop bobbin in with thread clockwise.
3. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
4. Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
5. Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.

CAUTION! Ensure stable surface; keep fingers away from needle during operation.

Specifications

• Machine Type: Mechanical sewing machine
• Built-in Stitches: 8 stitches
• Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
• Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
• Stitch Width: Up to 5mm adjustable
• Presser Feet: Standard zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot included
• Free Arm: Yes, removable extension table
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Weight: Approximately 15 lbs
• Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch button.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 8 built-in stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (darning) to 4 (basting). Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width. Reverse: Hold button to sew in reverse for seam reinforcement. Tension Control: Adjust thread tension dial (4-6 for normal sewing).

Threading the Machine

Proper threading is essential for good stitch quality.

1. Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
2. Place spool on spool pin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
3. Follow numbered threading path: Right to left through first thread guide.
4. Down and around tension discs, up and through take-up lever.
5. Down through second thread guide, then through needle from front to back.
6. Pull about 4 inches of thread toward back of machine.

Tip: Always thread with presser foot raised to open tension discs.

Basic Sewing Operations

Basic sewing techniques for common projects.

1. Straight stitch: Select stitch pattern 1, adjust length as needed.
2. Zigzag stitch: Select pattern 2, adjust width for desired zigzag.
3. Buttonhole: Use 4-step process with buttonhole foot.
4. Reverse sewing: Hold reverse button to reinforce seam ends.
5. Free arm sewing: Remove extension table for sleeves and cuffs.
6. Changing presser feet: Raise presser foot lever, press release button.
7. Drop feed: Lower feed dogs for darning or free-motion work.

WARNING! Always turn power off when changing needles or presser feet.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

1. Clean lint: Remove needle plate and bobbin case, brush out lint.
2. Oil machine: Apply sewing machine oil to moving parts as directed.
3. Needle replacement: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
4. Cover when not in use: Protect from dust and moisture.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. Copyright © 2025 Janome; trademarks of Janome America, Inc. For support, visit www.janome.com or contact 1-800-631-0183. Made for household use only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread machine; reduce tension; check for rough spots.
Needle breaking	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure correct size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Skipped stitches	Dull needle/incorrect needle	Replace needle; use correct needle type for fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust tension dial; re-thread both upper and bobbin threads.
Machine not running	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in; check fuse.

Service: 1-800-631-0183; www.janome.com