janome 5018 manual free

The Janome 5018 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 18 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in thread cutter, free arm capability, and adjustable stitch length/width. Powered by standard household electrical outlet with foot pedal control. 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. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with 18 stitches, free arm, drop feed, built-in thread cutter, and accessory storage.

FeatureDescription
Built-in stitches18 stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative
4-step buttonholeEasy buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Drop feedLowers feed dogs for free-motion sewing and darning
Free armRemovable extension table for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Built-in thread cutterConvenient thread cutting on machine face
Stitch length controlAdjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width controlAdjustable up to 5mm for zigzag stitches
Reverse stitch leverReinforce seams with reverse stitching
Bobbin winding systemQuick and easy bobbin winding
Accessory storageBuilt-in compartment for feet and accessories

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

  1. Remove machine from packaging: Carefully lift machine from box.
  2. Attach extension table: Slide onto free arm until it clicks into place.
  3. Connect foot pedal: Plug into machine and electrical outlet.
  4. Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions in manual.
  5. Thread machine: Follow threading diagram on machine.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

  1. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selector to position 1.
  2. Practice stitching: Use scrap fabric to test machine operation.
  3. Adjust tension: Start with tension dial at 4, adjust as needed.
  4. Test reverse: Press reverse lever to reinforce stitches.
  5. Practice buttonhole: Follow 4-step buttonhole instructions.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area well-lit.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selector dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, bobbin winder, thread tension dial.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 18 stitch patterns. Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustment for stitch density. Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustment for zigzag and decorative stitches. Tension Control: Adjust thread tension (2-6 recommended for most fabrics). Reverse Stitch: Hold lever for backward stitching to secure seams.

Stitch Selection

18 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

  1. Straight Stitch: Positions 1-4 for basic sewing
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Positions 5-8 for finishing and appliqué
  3. Blind Hem: Position 9 for invisible hemming
  4. Elastic Stitch: Position 10 for stretch fabrics
  5. Decorative Stitches: Positions 11-18 for embellishment
  6. Buttonhole: 4-step process using positions A-D

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

Basic Sewing Operations

Step-by-step guide for common sewing tasks.

  1. Threading: Follow numbered guide on machine; ensure presser foot is raised.
  2. Bobbin insertion: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
  3. Starting to sew: Lower presser foot, gently press foot pedal.
  4. Changing direction: Stop with needle down, lift presser foot, pivot fabric.
  5. Finishing seams: Reverse stitch 2-3 stitches, lift needle, cut threads.
  6. Buttonhole: Mark position, follow 4-step sequence, cut opening carefully.
  7. Free-motion: Drop feed dogs, use darning foot for quilting and darning.

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move fabric.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts with sewing machine oil.
  3. Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush.
  4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Regulatory Information

UL listed for household use. Complies with international safety standards. Copyright © Janome America, Inc. All rights reserved. For technical support and service, contact authorized Janome dealers or visit www.janome.com. Made for household use with standard electrical systems.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine won't runPower connectionCheck power cord; ensure foot pedal is connected properly
Thread breakingTension/thread qualityReduce tension; use better quality thread; check for burrs on needle
Uneven stitchesThreading/tensionRe-thread completely; adjust tension; check bobbin
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; clean feed dog area
Needle breakingBent needle/wrong sizeReplace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric type
Bobbin issuesWinding/insertionRewind bobbin evenly; ensure bobbin inserted correctly
Skip stitchesNeedle/blunt pointReplace needle; use correct needle type for fabric

Service: Contact authorized Janome service center for repairs.

Support: www.janome.com or local authorized dealer

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