Janome 344 Sewing Machine Manual

The Janome 344 is a versatile home sewing machine featuring 14 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and quilting, built-in thread cutter, automatic needle threader, adjustable stitch length and width, and top-loading bobbin system. 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. Threading & Bobbin 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stitch selection dial, stitch width dial, stitch length dial, reverse stitch button, free arm, built-in thread cutter, automatic needle threader, drop feed lever.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	14 utility and decorative stitches
4-step buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation
Free arm capability	For sewing cuffs and sleeves
Drop feed system	For darning and free-motion quilting
Automatic needle threader	Easy needle threading
Built-in thread cutter	Convenient thread cutting
Top-loading bobbin	Easy bobbin insertion and monitoring
Stitch length dial	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width dial	Adjustable up to 5mm
Reverse stitch lever	For reinforcing stitches

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine from case carefully.
Install foot controller: Plug into machine and power outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup steps.

Thread upper thread: Follow threading path marked on machine.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in bobbin case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Use proper needle for fabric type.

Specifications

Stitches: 14 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: Up to 5mm adjustable
Bobbin: Top-loading, Class 15 transparent bobbin
Needle System: HA-1, 130/705 H
Max Sewing Speed: 860 stitches per minute
Presser Feet: 4 included (zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing)
Power Supply: 110V, 60Hz
Dimensions: 15.4" W x 7.1" H x 12.2" D
Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch lever, power/light switch.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 14 stitches including straight, zigzag, stretch, and decorative patterns. Stitch Length: Adjust from 0 (darning) to 4mm. Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag width up to 5mm. Reverse: Hold lever to sew in reverse for reinforcement.

Stitch Selection

Available stitches and their applications:

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching
Zigzag Stitch: Seam finishing, appliqué
3-Step Zigzag: Stretch fabrics, mending
Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hems
Elastic Stitch: Sewing elastic, stretch fabrics
Shell Stitch: Decorative edge finishing
Scallop Stitch: Decorative sewing
Multiple decorative stitches for creative projects

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

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
Place spool on spool pin and follow threading guide.
Use automatic needle threader: Push lever down and hook thread through needle.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, guide thread, press foot controller.
Insert bobbin: Drop into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Pull bobbin thread up through needle plate.

WARNING! Ensure machine is turned off during threading. Always use same thread type in bobbin and needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Clean lint: Remove needle plate and clean bobbin area regularly.
Oil machine: Apply sewing machine oil to designated points every few months.
Change needle: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for new project.
Check belt tension: Ensure proper motor belt tension.

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

Accessories

Included accessories and their uses:

Accessory	Use
Zigzag Foot	General sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Button Sewing Foot	Attaching buttons
Class 15 Bobbins (4)	Thread storage
Needles (3)	Various fabric types
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Screwdriver	Needle plate removal

Warranty Information

Janome 344 comes with 25-year limited warranty. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or commercial use. For warranty service, contact authorized Janome dealer with proof of purchase. Keep original packaging for 30 days.

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.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin insertion	Remove and reinsert bobbin; check threading.
Machine not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; clean feed dog area.
Needle breaks	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure proper insertion; check for obstruction.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread.
Machine won't start	Power issues	Check power cord; ensure foot controller is plugged in properly.

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