Janome 1860 User Manual

The Janome 1860 is a high-performance sewing machine featuring 60 built-in stitches, one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in thread cutter, top-loading full rotary hook bobbin system, LED lighting, speed control slider, and reverse sewing function. Powered by standard household electrical outlet. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, foot pedal, power cord, accessory kit, instructional materials.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	60 different stitch patterns including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
One-step buttonhole	Automatic buttonhole creation with consistent results
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with push-button mechanism
Drop feed	Lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing and quilting
Adjustable stitch length	0-4mm stitch length adjustment
Adjustable stitch width	0-7mm stitch width for zigzag and decorative stitches
Built-in thread cutter	Convenient thread cutting on machine side
Top-loading bobbin	Easy bobbin insertion with clear cover
LED lighting	Bright illumination of sewing area
Speed control slider	Adjustable sewing speed for precision work

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable sewing table.

1. Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
2. Attach foot pedal to machine and place on floor in comfortable position.
3. Connect power cord to machine and plug into electrical outlet.
4. Install needle following directional guide (flat side toward back).
5. Wind and insert bobbin following threading diagram.
6. Thread upper thread using automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn off and unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

1. Turn on power switch located on right side of machine.
2. Select straight stitch using stitch selection dial.
3. Place scrap fabric under presser foot and lower foot lever.
4. Gently press foot pedal to begin sewing.
5. Practice controlling speed with foot pedal pressure.
6. Test reverse stitching function for seam reinforcement.

CAUTION! Always use proper needle for fabric type. Replace bent or damaged needles immediately.

Specifications

• Model: Janome 1860
• Built-in Stitches: 60 stitches
• Buttonholes: One-step automatic
• Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
• Stitch Width: 0-7mm adjustable
• Needle Positions: Left, center, right
• Bobbin System: Top-loading full rotary hook
• Lighting: LED work light
• Threading: Automatic needle threader
• Feed Dogs: Drop feed capability
• Power Source: Standard household electrical outlet
• Machine Weight: Approximately 15.4 lbs (7 kg)

Controls and Functions

Main control panel features: Stitch selection dial, stitch width dial, stitch length dial, reverse button, thread tension dial.

Additional Features: Power switch, speed control slider, presser foot pressure dial (if applicable), drop feed lever, bobbin winder, built-in thread cutter.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to choose from 60 built-in stitches. Stitch Width: Adjust for zigzag and decorative stitches. Stitch Length: Control stitch density and appearance. Reverse: Reinforce seams at beginning and end. Thread Tension: Adjust for different fabric types and threads.

Stitch Selection

Choose from 60 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

1. Utility Stitches: Straight stitch, zigzag, stretch stitches for garment construction
2. Decorative Stitches: Scallops, waves, flowers for embellishment
3. Buttonhole Stitch: One-step automatic buttonhole
4. Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hemming
5. Overcast Stitch: Prevents fabric fraying
6. Elastic Stitch: For knit and stretch fabrics

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project.

Basic Sewing Operations

Step-by-step guide for common sewing tasks.

1. Straight Stitching: Select straight stitch, adjust length as needed
2. Zigzag Stitching: Choose zigzag, adjust width for desired effect
3. Buttonhole Making: Position fabric, select buttonhole stitch, follow automatic sequence
4. Reverse Stitching: Press and hold reverse button to reinforce seams
5. Free-Motion Sewing: Drop feed dogs for quilting and decorative work
6. Gathering: Use longer stitch length and increased upper thread tension

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before removing fabric.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
2. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts as per manual instructions
3. Monthly: Clean entire machine exterior with soft, dry cloth
4. As Needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing
5. Seasonal: Have machine professionally serviced annually

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended oils.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Janome 1860.

Accessory	Purpose
General Purpose Foot	Standard sewing
Zigzag Foot	Decorative and zigzag stitches
Buttonhole Foot	Automatic buttonholes
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Blind Hem Foot	Nearly invisible hems
Overedge Foot	Preventing fabric fraying
Bobbin (x4)	Extra bobbins for thread colors
Needles (assorted)	Different sizes for fabric types
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Lint removal
Screwdriver	Needle plate removal

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for electrical safety in United States and Canada. CE Mark: Complies with European Union safety standards. Copyright © 2025 Janome. All rights reserved. Janome is a registered trademark of Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. For technical support and service, contact authorized Janome dealers or visit www.janome.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection	Check power cord connection; ensure power switch is on
Thread breaking	Tension/needle issues	Check thread tension; replace needle; rethread machine	Skip stitches	Needle/blunt needle	Replace with new needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin threading	Rethread bobbin; ensure bobbin inserted correctly
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin thread tension; clean race hook
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Turn off machine; remove fabric; clean bobbin area; rethread
Noisy operation	Lack of lubrication	Clean and oil machine following maintenance instructions

Reset: Turn machine off and unplug for 30 seconds to reset electronic functions.

Service: Contact authorized Janome service center at 1-800-631-0183 or visit www.janome.com