Janome New Home 525 Sewing Machine Manual

The Janome New Home 525 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring 25 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in needle threader, top drop-in bobbin system, stitch length and width adjustment, reverse sewing function, and free arm capability. 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 Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 25 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, free arm, drop feed, built-in needle threader, top loading bobbin, stitch length/width controls.

Feature	Description
Built-in stitches	25 utility and decorative stitches including straight, zigzag, and stretch stitches
4-step buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Free arm	Converts for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and other tubular items
Drop feed	Lowers feed dogs for free-motion quilting and darning
Built-in needle threader	Automatic needle threading for ease of use
Top loading bobbin	Easy bobbin insertion and thread monitoring
Stitch length control	Adjustable from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjustable up to 5mm
Reverse sewing	Reinforce seams with reverse stitch button
Power switch	Turns machine on/off with built-in light

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
Place machine on flat, stable surface at comfortable working height.
Connect foot control pedal to machine and plug into power outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide thread through bobbin winder tension, press bobbin winder shaft.

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.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path from spool pin to needle.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.
Bring up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew on fabric scrap to ensure proper tension and stitch formation.

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

Specifications

Stitches: 25 built-in stitches including straight, zigzag, stretch, and decorative
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 5mm
Bobbin: Top drop-in, Class 15 transparent bobbin
Needle: Standard household sewing machine needles
Presser Feet: Multiple feet included: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing
Power Source: Standard household electrical outlet
Machine Weight: Approximately 15 lbs

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine. Stitch Selection Dial: Rotate to select desired stitch pattern. Stitch Length Dial: Adjust from 0 (darning) to 4 (basting). Stitch Width Dial: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitch width.

Additional Controls: Reverse Sewing Button, Bobbin Winder, Drop Feed Lever, Hand Wheel, Power/Light Switch.

Thread Tension: Adjust with upper tension dial (4-6 for normal sewing). Presser Foot Pressure: Automatic adjustment for different fabric types. Needle Position: Center position for most stitches, left position for specific applications.

Stitch Selection

25 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

Straight Stitch: Position 1-2, basic sewing and seaming
Zigzag Stitch: Position 3-5, finishing edges and appliqué
Blind Hem: Position 6, nearly invisible hemming
Stretch Stitches: Positions 7-9, for knit fabrics
Decorative Stitches: Positions 10-25, for embellishment
Buttonhole: 4-step process using positions A-D

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

Basic Sewing Operations

Fundamental sewing techniques and procedures.

Starting to Sew: Position fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press foot control gently.
Reverse Stitching: Press and hold reverse button to reinforce seam beginnings and ends.
Changing Direction: Stop with needle in fabric, raise presser foot, pivot fabric, lower foot.
Zigzag Stitching: Select zigzag pattern, adjust width as needed for application.
Buttonhole Making: Follow 4-step process using buttonhole foot.
Free Arm Sewing: Remove accessory storage to access free arm for tubular items.
Drop Feed: Lower feed dogs for free-motion quilting or darning.

WARNING! Never pull fabric through machine - let feed dogs advance fabric naturally.

Maintenance & 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 as per manual instructions
Monthly: Clean entire machine exterior with soft, dry cloth
As Needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or if damaged

CAUTION! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Janome New Home 525:

Accessory	Purpose
Zigzag Foot	General purpose sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers and piping
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Button Sewing Foot	Attaching buttons
Bobbin (4)	Extra bobbins for thread colors
Needles (3)	Assorted needle sizes
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Screwdriver	Needle plate removal

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with UL safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © 2025 Janome; trademarks of Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. For technical support and service, authorized dealers only. For support, visit www.janome.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread completely; check for burrs on needle; adjust tension.
Needle breaking	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure correct size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Uneven stitches	Tension/thread issues	Check upper and bobbin threading; clean bobbin area; adjust tension.
Machine not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; check for lint buildup under throat plate.
Skip stitches	Dull/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure proper insertion; check needle size for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunching	Bobbin threading	Rethread bobbin; ensure proper placement in case; check upper tension.

Service: Contact authorized Janome service center for repairs. Do not attempt internal repairs.