Janome JEM 720 Manual

The Janome JEM 720 is a compact, lightweight sewing machine designed for portability and ease of use. It features 12 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, built-in thread cutter, and easy stitch selection. Ideal for beginners and quick sewing projects, it operates on 120V AC power with variable speed control. Below are key sections covering features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Getting Started 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance and Care 9. Safety Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Compact sewing head, free arm, stitch selection dial, built-in thread cutter, accessory storage.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	12 utility and decorative stitches including straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches
4-step buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation with numbered steps
Free arm	For sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other cylindrical items
Built-in thread cutter	Convenient thread cutting on the side of machine
Stitch length control	Adjustable stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjustable stitch width up to 5mm
Reverse sewing	Button for reinforcing stitches
Drop feed	For free-motion sewing and darning
Variable speed control	Foot pedal controls sewing speed
Lightweight design	Only 12.6 lbs for easy portability

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components and place on stable surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift by carrying handle, not by free arm.
Install foot controller: Plug into machine's foot control jack.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Attach accessories: Install presser foot, thread spool pin, and bobbin winder.
Insert needle: Ensure flat side faces back, tighten needle clamp screw.

WARNING! Machine contains sharp parts; handle with care. Keep fingers away from needle during operation.

Getting Started

Power on machine; follow setup procedures.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder tension disc.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch formation.

CAUTION! Always turn off machine when threading or changing needles.

Technical Specifications

Machine Type: Compact mechanical sewing machine
Stitches: 12 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: Up to 5mm adjustable
Presser Feet: Includes zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot
Needle System: HAx1 standard domestic needles
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg)
Dimensions: 14.2" x 6.7" x 11.4"

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

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

Side Features: Built-in thread cutter, handwheel, free arm release.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 12 stitch patterns. Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (for darning) to 4mm. Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width. Reverse: Hold button for backstitching. Bobbin Winder: Push bobbin to right for winding, return to center for sewing.

Stitch Selection

12 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

Straight Stitch: Position 1-2, basic sewing and topstitching
Zigzag Stitch: Position 3-4, finishing edges and appliqué
Blind Hem Stitch: Position 5, nearly invisible hems
Stretch Stitches: Positions 6-7, for knit fabrics
Decorative Stitches: Positions 8-12, for embellishment
Buttonhole: Special setting with 4-step process

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

Basic Sewing Operations

Fundamental sewing techniques and procedures.

Start sewing: Position fabric under presser foot, lower presser foot lever.
Control speed: Use foot pedal - press lightly for slow, firmly for fast.
Reverse stitching: Hold reverse button at beginning and end of seams.
Changing direction: Stop with needle in fabric, raise presser foot, pivot fabric.
Finishing seams: Use built-in thread cutter or lift fabric and cut threads.
Buttonholes: Follow 4-step process using buttonhole foot.
Zipper installation: Use zipper foot for invisible and standard zippers.

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

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Cleaning: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs after each project.
Oiling: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to designated points monthly.
Needle replacement: Change needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or if damaged.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use, store in dry area.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for machine operation.

Always disconnect power when not in use or during maintenance
Keep fingers away from moving needle and presser foot
Do not operate with damaged power cord or foot controller
Use only Janome-approved accessories and parts
Keep machine away from water and moisture
Supervise children and beginners during operation

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't start	Power connection	Check power cord connections; ensure foot pedal is plugged in
Thread breaking	Tension/thread quality	Re-thread machine; check tension settings; use quality thread
Uneven stitches	Threading/needle	Re-thread upper and lower threads; replace needle
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs	Check if feed dogs are lowered; clean feed dog area
Needle breaking	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric type
Bobbin issues	Insertion/winding	Re-insert bobbin ensuring correct direction; re-wind bobbin
Unusual noise	Lint/mechanical issue	Clean machine thoroughly; contact authorized service center

Service: Contact authorized Janome dealer for repairs. Visit www.janome.com or call 1-800-631-0183 for support.