Janome 4800 Manual

The Janome 4800 is a versatile sewing machine featuring 40 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 bobbin system, and multiple presser feet. Powered by standard household electrical outlet. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Sewing machine head, foot pedal, power cord, accessory kit, instruction manual.

FeatureDescription
Built-in stitches40 different stitch patterns including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
One-step buttonholeAutomatic buttonhole creation with consistent results
Automatic needle threaderEasy threading with built-in mechanism
Drop feedFor free-motion sewing and quilting
Top-loading bobbinEasy bobbin insertion with clear cover
Stitch length controlAdjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width controlAdjustable up to 5mm
Built-in thread cutterConvenient thread cutting on machine
Reverse stitchFor securing stitches at beginning and end
Speed controlAdjustable sewing speed

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Connect foot pedal: Plug into machine and electrical outlet.
  2. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten.
  3. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension disc, wind bobbin.
  4. Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
  5. Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path on machine.

WARNING! Always unplug machine when changing needles or performing maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

  1. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to position 1.
  2. Adjust stitch length: Set to medium position (2.5).
  3. Practice sewing: Use scrap fabric to test machine operation.
  4. Test reverse: Hold reverse button to sew backwards.
  5. Experiment with speed: Use foot pedal to control sewing speed.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle during operation.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse button, thread tension dial.

Additional Features: Automatic needle threader, built-in thread cutter, drop feed lever, presser foot lifter, hand wheel.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to choose from 40 built-in stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (basting) to 4 (long stitches). Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width. Thread Tension: Adjust for different fabrics and threads. Reverse: Hold button to sew in reverse for securing stitches.

Stitch Selection

Choose from 40 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

  1. Utility Stitches: Straight stitch (1-3), zigzag (4), stretch stitches (5-8)
  2. Decorative Stitches: Scallop, honeycomb, multiple zigzag patterns (9-25)
  3. Blind Hem: For invisible hemming (26)
  4. Elastic Stitches: For knit fabrics (27-30)
  5. Quilting Stitches: Decorative patterns for quilting (31-35)
  6. Buttonhole: One-step automatic (36)
  7. Satin Stitches: For appliqué and decorative work (37-40)

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 stitch 1, set length to 2.5, begin sewing.
  2. Zigzag Stitching: Select stitch 4, adjust width as needed.
  3. Buttonhole: Select stitch 36, place button in foot, machine creates perfect buttonhole.
  4. Reverse Stitching: Hold reverse button at beginning and end of seams.
  5. Changing Presser Feet: Lift lever, remove current foot, snap on new foot.
  6. Free-Motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs, use darning foot for quilting.

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before changing presser feet.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area with brush.
  2. Weekly: Oil machine according to diagram in manual.
  3. Monthly: Clean feed dogs and tension discs.
  4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

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

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Janome 4800.

AccessoryPurpose
Zigzag FootGeneral purpose sewing
Zipper FootInstalling zippers
Buttonhole FootAutomatic buttonholes
Blind Hem FootInvisible hemming
Overedge FootPreventing fabric fraying
Darning FootFree-motion sewing
Seam RipperRemoving stitches
BrushCleaning lint
Additional BobbinsExtra bobbins for different threads
ScrewdriverNeedle plate removal

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. CE Certified: Meets European safety requirements. Copyright © 2025 Janome; all rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.janome.com or contact 1-800-631-0183. Made in Taiwan.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breakingWrong needle/bent needleReplace needle; ensure correct size for fabric.
Uneven stitchesTension issuesAdjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread.
Machine jamsThread buildupRemove needle plate; clean bobbin area; rethread.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; check presser foot pressure.
No powerPower connectionCheck power cord; ensure foot pedal connected; check outlet.

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

Warranty: 25-year limited warranty on mechanical parts

Janome 4800 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025