Janome 555 Sewing Machine Manual

The Janome 555 is a versatile electronic sewing machine featuring 55 built-in stitches, one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in needle plate window, top-loading bobbin system, and variable speed control. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Threading and Bobbin 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic control panel, built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop feed lever, bobbin winding system, accessory compartment.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	55 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
One-step buttonhole	Automatically creates perfect buttonholes
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with push-button operation
Drop feed lever	Enables free-motion quilting and darning
Top-loading bobbin	Easy bobbin insertion and viewing
Variable speed control	Adjustable sewing speed with slide control
Stitch length/width	Adjustable for custom stitch settings
Reverse stitch	Reinforce seams with reverse sewing
Needle up/down	Programmable needle position
Accessory storage	Built-in compartment for feet and accessories

Unpacking and Setup

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

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by base, not handwheel.
Install foot controller: Connect to machine port, place on floor.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
Attach presser foot: Lower presser foot lever, snap foot into place.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care. Ensure stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedure.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder tension.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread counterclockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
Use needle threader: Push lever down and forward to thread needle.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch and tension settings.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation.

Specifications

Stitches: 55 built-in stitches
Buttonholes: One-step automatic
Needle Positions: Left, center, right
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Bobbin: Top-loading, Class 15 transparent
Presser Feet: 6 included (zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, etc.)
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz
Machine Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch width dial, stitch length dial, reverse button.

Basic Controls: Power switch, foot controller, handwheel, presser foot lever, bobbin winder.

Stitch Settings: Select pattern with dial, adjust width (0-5mm), adjust length (0-4mm). Tension: Upper thread tension dial (0-9). Special Functions: Reverse stitch button, drop feed lever, needle threader lever.

Stitch Selection

55 built-in stitches organized by function:

Utility stitches: Straight, zigzag, stretch, blind hem
Decorative stitches: Scallop, honeycomb, diamond patterns
Buttonhole: One-step automatic with sensor
Satin stitches: For decorative embroidery effects
Overcast stitches: For seam finishing

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

Threading and Bobbin

Upper Threading:

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position
Place spool on spool pin
Follow numbered threading path on machine
Use automatic needle threader for final step

Bobbin Winding:

Place empty bobbin on winder shaft
Guide thread through bobbin winding tension
Push bobbin winder to engage
Press foot controller to wind
Stop when bobbin is full

WARNING! Always disconnect power before threading or maintenance.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug machine before cleaning. Use soft brush to remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.

Daily: Brush lint from bobbin case and needle area
Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use sewing machine oil only)
Monthly: Clean feed dogs with soft brush
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Do not spray cleaners directly on machine.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Copyright © 2025 Janome America, Inc. For technical support, visit www.janome.com or contact 1-800-631-0183. Made in Taiwan.

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 type for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin insertion	Remove and reinsert bobbin; check threading path.
Machine not running	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in properly.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper tension; rethread both upper and lower threads.

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

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