Janome MC6500 Manual

The Janome MC6500 is a high-performance sewing machine with advanced features including 170 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in needle plate thread cutter, superior needle penetration system, adjustable presser foot pressure, jam-proof bobbin system, and memory function for stitch patterns. 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. Advanced Functions 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD display, automatic needle threader, stitch selection dial, bobbin winding system, presser foot lever, reverse stitch button, speed control slider.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	170 stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting stitches
Automatic needle threader	Easy needle threading with push-pull mechanism
Drop feed	For free-motion sewing and quilting
Built-in thread cutter	Convenient thread cutting on needle plate
Memory function	Stores up to 30 stitch patterns
Jam-proof bobbin	Top-loading, jam-proof bobbin system
Speed control	Adjustable sewing speed with slider control
Needle up/down	Programmable needle position
Presser foot pressure	Adjustable for different fabric types
LCD display	Shows stitch selection and settings

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove packaging materials and protective covers
Install foot controller: Plug into machine port
Connect power cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet
Install needle: Ensure flat side faces back
Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions
Thread machine: Use automatic needle threader

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn off power when threading or changing accessories.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedure.

Select basic straight stitch: Turn stitch dial to position 1
Test sew on scrap fabric: Check tension and stitch quality
Adjust stitch length and width: Use control dials
Practice reverse stitching: Press reverse button
Experiment with speed control: Use speed slider

CAUTION! Always use proper needle for fabric type. Replace dull or bent needles immediately.

Specifications

Stitches: 170 built-in stitches
Stitch Width: Up to 7mm
Stitch Length: Up to 5mm
Buttonholes: 10 one-step buttonholes
Needle System: HAx1 SP
Bobbin: Janome style, top loading
Presser Feet: 7 included, snap-on style
Power Supply: 110V, 60Hz
Motor: DC servo motor
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel and dials. Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch width dial, stitch length dial, reverse button, needle up/down button.

LCD Display: Shows selected stitch number, stitch length, stitch width, and memory functions.

Stitch Settings: Length (0-5mm), Width (0-7mm), Mirror image, Memory storage. Tension: Adjust upper thread tension dial (0-9). Feed Dogs: Lower for free-motion sewing. Presser Foot: Adjust pressure for fabric thickness.

Stitch Selection

170 stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting stitches.

Turn stitch selection dial to desired stitch number
Check LCD display for stitch confirmation
Adjust stitch length and width as needed
Select appropriate presser foot for stitch type
Test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing project

Tip: Refer to stitch chart for recommended settings and applications.

Advanced Functions

Memory Function: Store up to 30 stitch combinations.

Select desired stitch, length, and width settings
Press MEMORY button to store combination
Recall stored settings with MEMORY recall button
One-step buttonholes: Automatic sizing and stitching
Mirror imaging: Create symmetrical decorative stitches
Needle stop position: Set needle up or down when stopping

WARNING! Always lower presser foot before sewing. Do not pull fabric while sewing.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Remove lint buildup regularly.

Clean bobbin area: Remove bobbin case and brush out lint
Oil machine: Use Janome sewing machine oil as directed
Clean feed dogs: Use small brush to remove debris
Check needle: Replace after 8-10 hours of sewing
Store properly: Cover machine when not in use

CAUTION! Use only Janome recommended needles and accessories. Do not use compressed air for cleaning.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © 2025 Janome America, Inc.; trademarks of Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. For technical support, visit www.janome.com or contact 1-800-631-0183.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Remove and rethread bobbin; check bobbin case.
Machine not running	Power connection/foot control	Check power cord; ensure foot control is plugged in.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues/thread quality	Adjust upper tension; use quality thread.

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

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