Janome Model 4612 Travelmate Manual

The Janome Model 4612 Travelmate is a compact, portable sewing machine designed for travel and home use. It features 12 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, built-in thread cutter, drop feed for free-motion sewing, and comes with essential accessories. Powered by standard household current, this lightweight machine is perfect for beginners and sewing enthusiasts on the go. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Machine Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection 7. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Compact sewing head, built-in carry handle, stitch selection dial, free arm, accessory storage compartment.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	12 different stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative
4-step buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Free arm capability	For sewing sleeves, cuffs, and other cylindrical items
Built-in thread cutter	Convenient thread cutting on the machine
Drop feed mechanism	For free-motion sewing and darning
Stitch length adjustment	Variable stitch length control
Stitch width adjustment	Adjustable zigzag width
Reverse stitch lever	For reinforcing seams
Built-in carry handle	Easy portability and storage
Accessory storage	Built-in compartment for needles, bobbins, and feet

Machine Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place on stable, flat surface.

Remove machine from carrying case and position on table.
Install foot controller: Plug into machine's foot controller port.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Place bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc, press winder to engage.
Insert bobbin: Remove bobbin case, insert bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.

WARNING! Always unplug machine when changing needles or performing maintenance. Keep fingers away from moving parts.

First-Time Operation

Plug in machine and familiarize yourself with basic functions.

Thread the machine: Follow numbered threading guide on machine.
Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch position.
Practice stitching: Use scrap fabric to test machine operation.
Adjust stitch length: Set to medium length (2.5) for general sewing.
Test reverse stitching: Press and hold reverse lever while sewing.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area well-lit and organized.

Specifications

Model: 4612 Travelmate
Stitches: 12 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Free Arm: Yes, convertible
Weight: Approximately 11 lbs (5 kg)
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Included Accessories: Standard foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, darning plate, needles, bobbins, seam ripper, screwdriver, brush

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever.

Side/Bottom: Handwheel, bobbin winder, foot controller port, power switch, carry handle.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 12 built-in stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust from 0-4mm for stitch density control. Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width. Reverse Stitch: Hold lever to sew backwards for seam reinforcement. Free Arm: Remove accessory storage compartment for free arm sewing.

Stitch Selection

12 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

Straight Stitch: For basic seams and topstitching
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges and stretch fabrics
Blind Hem Stitch: For nearly invisible hems
Elastic Stitch: For knit fabrics and elastic application
Decorative Stitches: Various patterns for embellishment
Buttonhole Stitch: 4-step process for professional buttonholes

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

Basic Sewing Techniques

Fundamental sewing operations for beginners.

Starting to Sew: Position fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and begin slowly.
Seam Sewing: Guide fabric gently, don't push or pull.
Turning Corners: Stop with needle down, lift presser foot, pivot fabric.
Finishing Seams: Reverse stitch at beginning and end of seams.
Zipper Installation: Use zipper foot for invisible or standard zippers.
Buttonhole Creation: Follow 4-step process marked on machine.
Free Motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs for darning and quilting.

WARNING! Always watch needle position. Never sew over pins.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs. Weekly: Oil moving parts as indicated in manual. Monthly: Check needle for damage and replace if necessary. Storage: Cover machine when not in use, store in dry area.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only Janome recommended oils.

Accessories Included

Accessory	Purpose
Standard Foot	General purpose sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers and piping
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Darning Plate	Cover feed dogs for free motion work
Assorted Needles	Various sizes for different fabrics
Bobbins	Extra bobbins for thread colors
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint and debris
Screwdriver	Needle plate and bobbin case screws

Warranty Information

Janome Limited Warranty: 25 years on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical components. Warranty valid only for original purchaser with proof of purchase. Does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. For warranty service, contact authorized Janome dealer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine won't run	Power connection	Check power cord connection; ensure foot controller is plugged in properly.
Thread breaking	Tension/needle issues	Rethread machine; check needle for damage; adjust tension.
Skipped stitches	Needle/blunt needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; check stitch length setting.
Uneven stitches	Thread tension	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread completely.
Noisy operation	Lint buildup	Clean bobbin area and feed dogs; oil if necessary.

Service: Contact authorized Janome dealer for repairs. Customer Service: 1-800-631-0183