janome sewing machine model 555 manual

The Janome Sewing Machine Model 555 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring 55 built-in stitches, one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in thread cutter, adjustable stitch length and width, reverse sewing function, and multiple presser feet. Powered by standard household electrical outlet with foot pedal control. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection Guide 7. Maintenance and Cleaning 8. Accessory Usage 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, built-in stitch patterns, automatic needle threader, drop feed mechanism, multiple presser feet, foot pedal control.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	55 decorative and utility stitches including stretch stitches
One-step buttonhole	Automatic buttonhole creation with consistent results
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with push-button mechanism
Drop feed	Lower feed dogs for free-motion quilting and darning
Built-in thread cutter	Convenient thread cutting on machine body
Stitch length control	Adjustable from 0-4mm for different fabric types
Stitch width control	Adjustable up to 5mm for decorative stitches
Reverse sewing	Reinforce seams with reverse stitch button
Presser feet included	Zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, blind hem, button sewing feet
Power source	Standard household electrical outlet with foot control

Installation and Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable, level surface.

Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into electrical outlet.
Connect foot pedal to machine port.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, follow threading guide, wind bobbin with bobbin winder.
Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, insert bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.

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 threading diagram for proper setup.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.
Use automatic needle threader: Push lever down and hook thread through needle eye.
Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust stitch length and width as needed for fabric type.
Test sew on scrap fabric to ensure proper tension and stitch formation.

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

Specifications

Model: Janome 555 Mechanical Sewing Machine
Stitches: 55 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
Buttonhole: One-step automatic buttonhole
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Needle System: HAx1 standard domestic needles
Presser Feet: 6 included snap-on feet
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Power Supply: 110V, 60Hz (standard household)
Machine Weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Access all functions via front control panel and dials. Main Controls: Power switch, stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch button.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 55 built-in stitches (numbered 1-55). Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (darning) to 4mm (basting). Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width. Reverse: Hold button for reinforcement stitching. Feed Dog Control: Lever to lower feed dogs for free-motion work.

Stitch Selection Guide

Reference chart for common stitch applications and settings.

Straight Stitch (1-3): Basic sewing, topstitching - Length 2.0-2.5mm
Zigzag Stitch (4-6): Seam finishing, appliqué - Width 3-4mm, Length 1.5-2.0mm
Blind Hem (15): Nearly invisible hemming - Width 2-3mm, Length 1.0mm
Elastic Stitch (22-25): Stretch fabrics, swimwear - Width 3mm, Length 2.0mm
Decorative Stitches (30-55): Embellishment, quilting - Refer to stitch chart
Buttonhole (B): One-step automatic - Follow buttonhole foot markings

Tip: Always test stitch on fabric scrap before starting project.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use sewing machine oil only)
Monthly: Clean tension discs with folded fabric or dental floss
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only Janome-approved accessories and lubricants.

Accessory Usage

Proper use of included presser feet and accessories.

Accessory	Purpose	Installation
Zigzag Foot A	General sewing, zigzag stitches	Snap onto presser bar
Zipper Foot E	Zipper insertion, cording	Snap on, adjust position
Buttonhole Foot	Automatic buttonholes	Snap on, lower engagement level
Blind Hem Foot G	Invisible hemming	Snap on, align fabric edge
Button Sewing Foot	Attaching buttons	Snap on, disengage feed dogs
Overedge Foot M	Seam finishing, overcasting	Snap on, guide fabric edge

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for machine operation.

Always disconnect power when changing needles, bobbins, or cleaning
Keep fingers away from moving needle and take-up lever
Do not place anything on foot pedal when not in use
Use proper lighting to see sewing area clearly
Keep machine away from water and moisture
Do not operate with damaged power cord or foot control
Supervise children and beginners closely
Use only Janome-approved accessories and replacement parts

Warranty Information

Janome Model 555 comes with 25-year limited warranty covering mechanical parts. Electronic components covered for 2 years. Labor covered for 1 year. Warranty valid only with proof of purchase from authorized dealer. Does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. For warranty service, contact authorized Janome service center.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Needle breaks	Wrong needle size, bent needle, improper insertion	Replace needle, ensure correct insertion, use proper size for fabric
Thread bunching	Improper threading, tension issues	Rethread completely, check bobbin insertion, adjust tension
Skip stitches	Dull needle, wrong needle type, timing issue	Replace needle, use correct needle type, check hook timing
Machine won't run	Power issues, foot pedal connection	Check power cord, outlet, foot pedal connection
Uneven stitches	Poor quality thread, tension problems	Use quality thread, clean tension discs, adjust upper tension
Noisy operation	Lint buildup, needs oiling	Clean lint from bobbin area, oil moving parts

Service: Contact authorized Janome dealer or 1-800-631-0183 for technical support.