Janome JEM 639 Sewing Machine Manual

The Janome JEM 639 is a compact and portable sewing machine designed for beginners and hobbyists. It features 12 built-in stitches, a 4-step buttonhole, easy stitch selection dial, built-in thread cutter, free arm capability, and automatic bobbin winding. Powered by standard household electrical outlet. 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 Functions 6. Stitch Selection 7. Basic Sewing Techniques 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Compact sewing machine body, stitch selection dial, reverse stitch button, free arm, built-in thread cutter, bobbin winder, foot pedal, and accessory compartment.

FeatureDescription
Built-in stitches12 utility and decorative stitches including straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches
4-step buttonholeEasy buttonhole creation with automatic sizing
Free arm capabilityFor sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other cylindrical items
Built-in thread cutterConvenient thread cutting on the side of the machine
Stitch length adjustmentAdjustable from 0-4mm for different fabric types
Stitch width adjustmentAdjustable up to 5mm for zigzag and decorative stitches
Reverse stitch leverFor reinforcing stitches at beginning and end of seams
Drop feed dogsFor free-motion sewing and darning
Automatic bobbin windingEasy bobbin winding without unthreading needle
LED lightBuilt-in lighting for better visibility

Installation & Setup

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

  1. Remove machine from packaging and remove all protective covers.
  2. Attach foot pedal to machine using the connector cable.
  3. Plug power cord into machine and then into electrical outlet.
  4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  5. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disk, press bobbin winder.
  6. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, insert bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; begin with basic straight stitch.

  1. Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path from spool pin to needle.
  2. Raise presser foot and pull thread under foot toward back.
  3. Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch symbol.
  4. Set stitch length: Adjust to medium setting (2.5-3.0) for general sewing.
  5. Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and begin sewing with gentle foot pressure.
  6. Use reverse stitch at beginning and end to secure stitches.

CAUTION! Always start with scrap fabric to test stitches and tension.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on front and side of machine. Stitch Selection Dial: Turn to select desired stitch pattern. Stitch Length Dial: Adjust from 0-4mm. Stitch Width Dial: Adjust zigzag width up to 5mm.

Additional Controls: Reverse Stitch Lever, Bobbin Winder, Thread Tension Dial, Presser Foot Lever, Handwheel, Power/Light Switch.

Basic Settings: Thread tension (4 for normal fabrics), stitch length (2.5 for medium weight fabrics), stitch width (0 for straight stitch, 2-4 for zigzag).

Stitch Selection

Turn stitch selection dial to choose from 12 built-in stitches:

  1. Straight Stitch: Basic sewing, topstitching
  2. Zigzag Stitch: Finishing edges, appliqué
  3. 3-Step Zigzag: Stretch fabrics, mending
  4. Blind Hem Stitch: Nearly invisible hems
  5. Elastic Stitch: Sewing elastic, decorative
  6. Shell Stitch: Decorative edge finishing
  7. Multiple Decorative Stitches: Various patterns
  8. Buttonhole Stitch: 4-step buttonhole creation

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

Basic Sewing Techniques

Follow these steps for successful sewing projects:

  1. Seam Sewing: Use straight stitch with medium length for most seams.
  2. Edge Finishing: Use zigzag stitch to prevent fabric fraying.
  3. Buttonholes: Follow 4-step process using buttonhole foot.
  4. Zipper Installation: Use zipper foot for invisible or standard zippers.
  5. Gathering: Use longer straight stitch and pull bobbin thread.
  6. Free Arm Sewing: Remove accessory compartment for sleeves and cuffs.
  7. Reverse Stitching: Use at beginning and end to lock stitches.

WARNING! Always keep fingers away from moving needle. Use handwheel for precise needle positioning.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use sewing machine oil only).
  3. Monthly: Clean tension disks with soft brush.
  4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
  5. Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories Included

Standard accessories with Janome JEM 639:

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine operation:

EMERGENCY: Use handwheel to manually raise needle if machine jams.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine won't startPower connectionCheck power cord connection; ensure switch is on
Thread breakingTension/needle issuesCheck thread tension; replace needle; rethread machine
Skipped stitchesWrong needle/threadUse correct needle for fabric; ensure proper threading
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; check presser foot pressure
Uneven stitchesTension problemsAdjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread completely
Machine jamsThread buildupRemove bobbin case and clean; check for tangled thread
Noisy operationLack of oil/lintClean and oil machine; check for loose parts

Service: Contact authorized Janome dealer for technical support. Warranty service available through certified technicians.

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