New Home Janome 551 Sewing Machine Manual

The New Home Janome 551 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring 15 built-in stitches, 4-step buttonhole, free arm capability, drop feed for darning and quilting, built-in needle threader, stitch length and width controls, reverse sewing, and built-in accessory storage. 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. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing machine with free arm, built-in stitches, buttonhole function, and accessory compartment.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	15 different stitch patterns including straight, zigzag, and decorative
4-Step Buttonhole	Easy buttonhole creation in four simple steps
Free Arm	Removable extension table for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Drop Feed	Lower feed dogs for darning, quilting, and free-motion sewing
Built-in Needle Threader	Automatic needle threading system
Stitch Length Control	Adjustable stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjustable stitch width up to 5mm
Reverse Sewing	Button for reinforcing stitches
Power Switch	Turns machine on/off
Foot Pedal	Controls sewing speed

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

Remove machine from packaging and place on sturdy table.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into wall outlet.
Install foot pedal and connect to machine.
Remove protective covers and prepare for threading.
Install needle following proper orientation.

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during setup. Keep fingers away from needle area.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow threading guide.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guide on machine.
Wind bobbin: Place bobbin on winder and follow instructions.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selector dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep hands clear of moving parts.

Specifications

Type: Mechanical Sewing Machine
Stitches: 15 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: Up to 5mm adjustable
Free Arm: Yes, removable extension table
Needle System: HAx1 standard domestic needles
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: Approximately 11 lbs

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selector dial, stitch length control, stitch width control, reverse button, power switch.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 15 built-in stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter or longer stitches. Stitch Width: Control zigzag and decorative stitch width. Reverse: Hold button for backstitching. Tension: Adjust thread tension dial for balanced stitches.

Stitch Selection

15 built-in stitches including utility and decorative patterns.

Straight Stitch: For basic sewing and seams
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges and appliqué
Blind Hem: For nearly invisible hems
Elastic Stitch: For stretch fabrics
Decorative Stitches: Various patterns for embellishment
Buttonhole: 4-step process for perfect buttonholes

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

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation.

Upper Threading: Follow numbered guide from spool to needle
Needle Threader: Use built-in threader for easy needle threading
Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wind bobbin
Bobbin Insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread in correct direction
Bring Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel to catch bobbin thread

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading. Always use same thread type in bobbin and needle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
Weekly: Oil moving parts as indicated in manual
Monthly: Clean entire machine and check for wear
Needle Replacement: Change needle after 8 hours of sewing

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with machine.

Accessory	Purpose
General Purpose Foot	Basic sewing
Zigzag Foot	Decorative stitches
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Bobbin (4)	Extra bobbins for thread colors
Needles (3)	Assorted needle sizes
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Screwdriver	Needle plate removal

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for sewing machine use.

Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance
Keep fingers away from moving needle
Do not sew over pins
Use proper lighting when sewing
Keep hair and loose clothing away from machine
Do not operate if cord is damaged

WARNING! Never leave machine unattended when plugged in. Disconnect power before changing needles.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread machine; adjust tension; check needle
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; re-thread
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove bobbin case; clean area; re-thread
No power	Power connection	Check power cord; ensure switch is on; check outlet
Poor buttonholes	Stitch settings	Follow 4-step sequence precisely; stabilize fabric

Service: Contact authorized Janome service center for repairs.

Support: Visit www.janome.com or contact customer service