janome manual my excel 18w

The Janome My Excel 18W is a versatile 18-stitch sewing machine designed for home use, featuring built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in buttonhole, drop feed for free-motion sewing, 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. Maintenance & Care 8. Accessories 9. Safety Information 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18 built-in stitches, free arm, automatic needle threader, stitch length/width controls, built-in buttonhole, drop feed mechanism, LED light, reverse stitch button.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	18 different stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with built-in mechanism
Stitch length control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjustable from 0-5mm
Free arm	For sewing cylindrical items like sleeves and cuffs
Built-in buttonhole	One-step automatic buttonhole
Drop feed	For free-motion sewing and darning
Reverse stitch	Reinforce seams with reverse stitching
LED work light	Illuminates sewing area
Power switch	Turns machine on/off

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface at comfortable working height.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
Install foot controller: Plug into machine's foot controller port.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and electrical outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions in manual.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedure.

Thread machine: Follow threading path indicated on machine.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in bobbin case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area clean and organized.

Specifications

Stitches: 18 built-in patterns
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Buttonhole: One-step automatic
Needle System: HAx1 standard domestic needles
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent
Free Arm: Yes, convertible
Lighting: LED work light
Power Source: Standard household electrical outlet
Weight: Approximately 6.5 kg

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine. Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch button, power switch.

Additional Features: Automatic needle threader, thread tension dial, presser foot pressure dial, drop feed lever.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 18 built-in stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter or longer stitches. Stitch Width: Adjust for narrow or wide zigzag patterns. Reverse: Hold button for reverse stitching to secure seams.

Stitch Selection

18 built-in stitches including:

Straight stitch: For basic sewing
Zigzag stitch: For finishing edges and decorative work
Blind hem stitch: For invisible hems
Elastic stitch: For stretch fabrics
Decorative stitches: Various patterns for embellishment
Buttonhole: Automatic one-step buttonhole

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

Maintenance & Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Cleaning: Remove lint and dust from bobbin area and feed dogs regularly
Oiling: Apply sewing machine oil to designated points as per manual
Needle replacement: Change needle regularly or when damaged
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation

WARNING! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Standard accessories included:

Accessory	Purpose
All-purpose foot	General sewing
Zipper foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole foot	Creating buttonholes
Darning/embroidery foot	Free-motion work
Seam ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Extra needles	Replacement needles
Bobbins	Extra bobbins

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for operation.

Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance
Keep fingers away from moving needle
Do not pull fabric while sewing - let feed dogs move fabric
Use proper needle for fabric type
Keep work area well-lit and organized
Do not use damaged power cords

CAUTION! Never operate with damaged electrical components.

Regulatory Information

Complies with international safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © 2025 Janome. For technical support and service, visit www.janome.com or contact authorized service centers. Serial number located on machine base.

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
Uneven stitches	Threading/tension	Rethread both top and bobbin threads; adjust tension
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs	Check feed dog position; clean feed dog area
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/fabric	Use correct needle type; don't pull fabric while sewing
Bobbin issues	Insertion/winding	Ensure bobbin inserted correctly; rewind bobbin if needed

Service: Contact authorized Janome service center for repairs.

Support: www.janome.com