Janome N190 Sewing Machine User Manual

The Janome N190 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring 19 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and quilting, built-in thread cutter, automatic needle threader, stitch length and width adjustment, reverse sewing function, and built-in LED light. 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 and Bobbin 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Stitch Selection 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with 19 stitches, free arm, automatic needle threader, built-in LED light, drop feed mechanism.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	19 different stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative
4-step buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Free arm capability	For sewing sleeves, cuffs, and other cylindrical items
Automatic needle threader	Quick and easy needle threading
Built-in thread cutter	Convenient thread cutting on machine
Drop feed mechanism	For darning, quilting, and free-motion sewing
Stitch length control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjustable up to 5mm
Reverse sewing lever	For reinforcing stitches
Built-in LED light	Bright illumination of sewing area

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Carefully lift machine from box.
Attach accessories: Install foot controller and power cord.
Position machine: Place on sturdy table at comfortable height.
Connect power: Plug into AC power outlet.

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

First-Time Setup

Prepare machine for first use.

Wind bobbin: Follow bobbin winding instructions in manual.
Thread machine: Use automatic needle threader for easy threading.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in bobbin case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Test stitches: Sew on scrap fabric to ensure proper operation.
Adjust tension: Test on scrap fabric and adjust as needed.

CAUTION! Always use proper needle for fabric type. Replace bent or damaged needles immediately.

Specifications

Stitches: 19 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: Up to 5mm adjustable
Needle Positions: Left, center, right
Presser Feet: Includes zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot
Free Arm: Yes, for cylindrical sewing
Lighting: Built-in LED light
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Machine Weight: Approximately 15.4 lbs (7 kg)

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse lever, bobbin winder.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select desired stitch pattern. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter or longer stitches (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Control zigzag width (0-5mm). Reverse: Hold lever for backstitching. Tension Control: Adjust upper thread tension (0-9). Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable for different fabric types.

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
Place spool on spool pin and guide thread through threading points.
Use automatic needle threader: Push lever down and hook thread through needle eye.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, guide thread, push winder to right.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.

Tip: Always pull thread toward back when using needle threader.

Basic Sewing Operations

Step-by-step sewing instructions.

Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Position fabric: Lower presser foot onto fabric.
Start sewing: Press foot controller gently to begin.
Guide fabric: Let machine feed fabric; do not pull.
Reverse: Hold reverse lever to reinforce beginning and end.
Finish: Raise needle, lift presser foot, remove fabric, cut threads.

WARNING! Never place fingers near moving needle. Keep hands clear of feeding mechanism.

Stitch Selection

Available stitch patterns and their uses.

Stitch Number	Stitch Type	Common Uses
1	Straight Stitch	Basic sewing, seams
2	Zigzag Stitch	Finishing edges, appliqué
3	Multiple Zigzag	Elastic, decorative
4	Blind Hem	Nearly invisible hems
5	Stretch Stitch	Knits, stretch fabrics
6-19	Decorative Stitches	Embroidery, decoration

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Clean lint: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs regularly.
Oil machine: Apply sewing machine oil to designated points as needed.
Change needle: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
Cover machine: Use dust cover when not in use.
Professional service: Have machine serviced annually.

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

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Certified for safety standards. Copyright © 2025 Janome; trademarks of Janome America, Inc. For support, visit www.janome.com or contact 1-800-631-0183. Made for household use. Warranty: 25-year limited warranty on mechanical parts.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breaking	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension/threading issues	Check threading; adjust tension; clean feed dogs.
Machine not running	Power/pedal issue	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in properly.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; clean feed dog area.
Skip stitches	Needle/blunt needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type; check threading.

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