Janome MB4 Embroidery Machine Manual

The Janome MB4 is a professional 4-needle embroidery machine designed for commercial and advanced home use, featuring automatic thread trimming, jump stitch trimming, large embroidery area, USB connectivity, built-in designs, color touch screen, automatic needle threader, bobbin thread sensor, and advanced editing capabilities. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Embroidery Operations 8. Maintenance Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 4-needle embroidery head, Color touch screen display, USB port, Automatic thread trimmer, Bobbin winding system, Built-in designs, Hoop recognition system.

Feature	Description
4-Needle System	Automatic color changes without rethreading
Embroidery Area	Large 360mm x 200mm maximum hoop size
Touch Screen	7-inch color LCD for design editing and machine control
USB Port	For importing designs from USB flash drives
Automatic Thread Trimmer	Cuts top and bobbin threads automatically
Built-in Designs	Over 200 built-in embroidery patterns
Hoop Recognition	Automatically detects hoop size and type
Bobbin Thread Sensor	Alerts when bobbin thread is low
Automatic Needle Threader	Easy needle threading with push-button operation
Speed Control	Adjustable embroidery speed up to 850 SPM

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

Remove all packaging materials and protective covers.
Install embroidery arm and ensure it locks securely.
Connect power cord to machine and wall outlet.
Install needle plate and presser foot.
Wind and install bobbin following threading diagram.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; use proper lifting techniques. Ensure stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Setup

Power on machine; follow on-screen setup wizard.

Thread needles: Use automatic needle threader for all 4 needles.
Load bobbin: Wind bobbin and insert into bobbin case.
Calibrate machine: Follow touch screen prompts for initial calibration.
Select language: Choose from available languages in settings menu.
Test embroidery: Run built-in test design to verify operation.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving parts during operation. Always use proper hoop attachment.

Specifications

Needles: 4-needle system with automatic color change
Maximum Speed: 850 stitches per minute
Embroidery Area: 360mm x 200mm (14" x 8")
Display: 7-inch color touch screen
Built-in Designs: 200+ embroidery patterns
Connectivity: USB port for design transfer
Thread Trimming: Automatic top and bobbin thread trimming
Power Requirements: 110-120V AC, 60Hz
Machine Dimensions: 780mm x 620mm x 470mm
Weight: 48 kg (106 lbs)

Controls and Settings

Access all functions via touch screen interface. Physical controls: Power switch, Start/Stop button, Needle up/down, Speed control slider.

Touch Screen Menu: Design selection, Editing tools, Color management, Stitch settings, Machine configuration, File management.

Editing: Resize, rotate, mirror, combine designs. Color: Automatic color sorting, manual color change, thread color library. Settings: Embroidery speed, thread tension, jump stitch trim, design positioning. File Management: USB import/export, built-in design access, file organization.

Connecting Devices

USB: For design transfer and software updates. Network: Optional network connectivity for design management.

Turn off machine before connecting USB devices.
Insert USB flash drive into front panel port.
Access USB files through touch screen file manager.
For network setup, follow on-screen network configuration wizard.

Tip: Use recommended USB drives for reliable performance. Backup designs regularly.

Embroidery Operations

Supports various embroidery file formats including JEF, DST, EXP, PES.

Select design: Choose from built-in library or USB drive.
Hoop fabric: Secure fabric in appropriate hoop size.
Position design: Use touch screen to position and resize design.
Thread machine: Ensure all 4 needles are properly threaded.
Start embroidery: Press start button; machine will trim threads automatically.
Monitor progress: Watch for thread breaks or bobbin changes.
Color changes: Machine automatically changes colors as programmed.
Complete design: Machine trims final threads and signals completion.

WARNING! Never leave machine unattended during operation. Keep hands clear of moving needle area.

Maintenance Features

Automatic maintenance reminders: Oil change alerts, needle replacement tracking, cleaning schedule notifications. Built-in diagnostics for troubleshooting common issues.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Regular maintenance: Clean lint from hook area, oil moving parts as scheduled, wipe exterior with damp cloth.

CAUTION! Use only recommended oils and cleaners. Never spray liquids directly on machine components.

Regulatory Information

UL listed; complies with FCC Part 15 Class B digital device requirements. CE certified for European markets. Copyright © 2025 Janome America, Inc. All rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.janome.com or contact 1-800-631-0183.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaks frequently	Incorrect tension/damaged needle	Adjust thread tension; replace needle; check for burrs on needle plate.
Design misalignment	Hoop not secure/fabric shifting	Re-hoop fabric securely; use stabilizer; check hoop attachment.
Machine not reading USB	Unsupported format/drive issue	Format USB to FAT32; use recommended drive; check file format compatibility.
Needle threader not working	Thread path obstruction	Clear thread path; ensure needle is properly inserted; check threader mechanism.
Bobbin thread sensor alert	Low bobbin/improper winding	Replace bobbin; ensure proper bobbin winding tension.

Reset: System menu > Factory reset if available (backup designs first).

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