Janome N190 Sewing Machine Manual

The Janome N190 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 19 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in needle threader, stitch length/width adjustment, reverse sewing, and free arm capability. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. 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. Threading the Machine 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with 19 stitches, free arm, built-in needle threader, stitch selection dial, tension control, and bobbin system.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	19 stitches including straight, zigzag, stretch, and decorative
4-step buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation in 4 simple steps
Drop feed	For free-motion sewing and darning
Built-in needle threader	Automatic needle threading assistance
Free arm	For sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other tubular items
Stitch length control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjustable up to 5mm
Reverse sewing	For reinforcing seams
Bobbin system	Top-loading with clear cover
Power switch	On/off power control

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove machine from packaging: Carefully lift machine from box.
Attach accessories: Install foot controller and power cord.
Position machine: Place on flat, stable surface at comfortable height.
Connect power: Plug into 120V AC outlet.

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

First-Time Setup

Prepare machine for first use with proper threading and bobbin winding.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, wind bobbin following guide.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in bobbin case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality and tension.

CAUTION! Ensure needle is properly inserted and tightened. Use correct needle for fabric type.

Specifications

Stitches: 19 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: Up to 5mm adjustable
Needle System: HAx1 standard needles
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Max Sewing Speed: 860 stitches per minute
Presser Feet: Zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot included
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 13.2 lbs (6 kg)

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine body.

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

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 19 stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter/longer stitches. Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width. Tension Control: Upper thread tension adjustment (2-6 recommended). Reverse: Hold for backstitching. Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable for different fabric thicknesses.

Threading the Machine

Proper threading ensures smooth operation and quality stitches.

Raise needle: Turn handwheel to raise needle to highest position.
Place spool: Put thread spool on spool pin.
Follow guide: Thread through numbered path on machine.
Use needle threader: Pull lever down to automatically thread needle.
Pull up bobbin thread: Turn handwheel to bring bobbin thread up.

Tip: Always thread with presser foot raised to allow thread through tension discs.

Basic Sewing Operations

Fundamental sewing techniques and stitch applications.

Straight stitch: Select stitch 1, adjust length as needed.
Zigzag stitch: Select stitch 2-5, adjust width for desired effect.
Buttonhole: Use 4-step process with buttonhole foot.
Reverse stitching: Hold reverse button to reinforce seams.
Free-motion: Drop feed dogs for darning and quilting.
Gathering: Use longer stitch length with tight upper tension.
Zipper installation: Use zipper foot for precise placement.

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move fabric. Keep fingers clear of moving needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Weekly: Oil moving parts as indicated in manual (use sewing machine oil only).
Monthly: Clean tension discs with soft brush.
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed for safety standards. Complies with FCC Part 15 for electromagnetic interference. Copyright © 2025 Janome; trademarks of Janome America, Inc. For technical support and service, visit www.janome.com or contact 1-800-631-0183.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric type.
Uneven stitches	Improper tension	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread both.
Machine not running	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in properly.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered/dirty	Raise feed dogs; clean feed dog area of lint.
Needle hitting bobbin	Timing issues	Stop immediately; consult authorized service center.

Service: 1-800-631-0183; www.janome.com for authorized service centers.