Janome 5018 User Manual

The Janome 5018 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring 18 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in needle threader, top loading bobbin system, stitch length and width adjustment, reverse sewing, and free arm capability. 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 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Basic Sewing Operations 7. Stitch Selection 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, stitch selection dial, built-in needle threader, free arm, drop feed mechanism, top loading bobbin system.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	18 different stitch patterns including utility and decorative
4-step buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Drop feed	Lower feed dogs for free-motion sewing and darning
Built-in needle threader	Automatic needle threading for easy setup
Free arm	Convertible for sewing sleeves and hard-to-reach areas
Stitch length adjustment	Variable stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch width adjustment	Adjustable stitch width up to 5mm
Reverse sewing lever	Reinforce stitches at beginning and end of seams
Top loading bobbin	Easy bobbin access and threading
Power and light switch	Integrated on/off switch with built-in work light

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove machine from packaging: Carefully lift machine from box, remove protective materials.
Install foot controller: Connect foot pedal to machine port, place on floor.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Install accessories: Attach standard presser foot, insert needle, wind bobbin.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure stable surface placement.

First-Time Setup

Power on machine; follow setup procedures.

Thread machine: Follow threading path diagram, use built-in needle threader.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn off when threading.

Specifications

Stitch Patterns: 18 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: Up to 5mm adjustable
Bobbin System: Top loading, class 15 transparent bobbin
Needle System: HAx1 standard domestic needles
Presser Feet: Standard, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing feet included
Free Arm: Yes, removable accessory storage
Power Source: Standard household electrical outlet
Machine Weight: Approximately 15.4 lbs (7 kg)

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on right side of machine body.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 18 stitch patterns. Stitch Length: Adjust with dial (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Adjust with dial (0-5mm). Reverse Lever: Hold down for reverse sewing. Feed Dog Control: Lower/raise feed dogs for free-motion work. Bobbin Winder: Wind bobbin without threading needle.

Tension Control: Upper thread tension dial (0-9). Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable for different fabric types. Needle Position: Center position standard.

Basic Sewing Operations

Follow these steps for basic sewing tasks.

Power on: Turn switch to on position, light should illuminate.
Select stitch: Choose appropriate stitch for your project.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Position fabric: Lower presser foot, begin sewing with foot control.
Reverse: Hold reverse lever to secure beginning and end of seams.
Finish: Raise needle to highest position, lift presser foot, remove fabric.

Tip: Always test stitches on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Stitch Selection

Available stitch patterns and their applications.

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching (positions 1-2)
Zigzag Stitch: Overcasting, appliqué, decorative work (positions 3-6)
Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hems on garments (position 7)
Stretch Stitches: Knits and stretch fabrics (positions 8-10)
Decorative Stitches: Embroidery-type patterns (positions 11-18)
Buttonhole: 4-step process for perfect buttonholes

WARNING! Always select stitch with machine stopped. Never force dial rotation.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs with brush provided.
Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil (refer to oiling points diagram).
Monthly: Check needle for damage, replace if bent or dull.
As needed: Clean exterior with soft, dry cloth.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Never spray cleaners directly on machine.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for electrical safety standards. Copyright © 2025 Janome; trademarks of Janome America, Inc. For technical support and service, visit www.janome.com or contact authorized Janome dealers. Made for household use.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection/foot control	Check power cord connection; ensure foot control is plugged in properly.
Thread breaking	Tension/needle issues	Re-thread machine; check needle for damage; adjust tension settings.
Uneven stitches	Threading/bobbin	Re-thread upper and lower threads; check bobbin insertion.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; check presser foot pressure.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace with correct needle type; ensure needle is inserted fully.
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin threading	Remove bobbin case, re-thread following directional arrows.

Reset: Turn machine off and on to reset electronic components.

Service: Contact authorized Janome service center; www.janome.com