Janome 11706 Hello Kitty Sewing Machine User Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the Janome 11706 Hello Kitty Sewing Machine. This 3/4 size sewing machine is designed for ease of use, making it ideal for beginners and experienced sewists alike. Its compact and portable design, combined with a range of essential features, provides a reliable tool for various sewing projects. This manual provides detailed instructions for safe operation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your machine.

Safety Instructions

• Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using, before cleaning, or when making any user servicing adjustments mentioned in this manual.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
• Use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. This may deflect the needle, causing it to break.
• Wear safety glasses when operating the machine.
• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Do not insert any objects into any openings.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
• To disconnect, turn all controls to the off position, then remove the plug from the outlet.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.

Product Overview

Key Features:

• Eleven stitches and a four-step buttonhole for versatile sewing projects.
• Free arm design for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other small, circular items.
• Portable and lightweight, making it easy to transport for classes or small spaces.
• Heavy-duty sewing capability for various fabric types.
• Integrated accessory storage to keep your tools organized.

Machine Components:

Overall View: The Janome 11706 Hello Kitty Sewing Machine, showcasing its compact design and signature Hello Kitty branding. This image provides a general perspective of the machine's size and aesthetic.

Needle and Presser Foot: A close-up view of the needle, presser foot, and needle plate. This area is crucial for fabric feeding and stitch formation. Ensure the needle is correctly inserted and the presser foot is lowered before sewing.

Stitch Selector Dial: This dial allows you to choose from the machine's eleven built-in stitches, including straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and a four-step buttonhole. Rotate the dial to align the desired stitch pattern with the indicator mark.

Thread Tension Dial: Adjust the upper thread tension using this dial. Proper tension ensures balanced stitches. A typical setting is usually around "3" or "4", but adjustments may be needed depending on fabric and thread type.

Setup

1. Power Connection:

• Ensure the machine's power switch is in the "OFF" position.
• Insert the machine plug into the machine's power socket.
• Insert the power supply plug into the wall outlet.
• Connect the foot controller to the machine's foot controller socket.

2. Winding the Bobbin:

1. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.
2. Guide the thread through the upper thread guide and around the bobbin winding tension disc.
3. Insert the thread through the small hole in the bobbin from the inside out.
4. Place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle and push the spindle to the right.
5. Hold the thread end and gently press the foot controller. Wind a few turns, then release the foot controller and trim the excess thread.
6. Continue winding until the bobbin is full. The bobbin winder will automatically stop when full.
7. Push the bobbin winder spindle to the left and remove the bobbin.

3. Inserting the Bobbin:

1. Open the bobbin cover plate located on the front of the machine.
2. Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case, ensuring the thread unwinds in the correct direction (usually counter-clockwise).
3. Guide the bobbin thread through the tension spring and into the thread guide slot.
4. Close the bobbin cover plate.

4. Threading the Upper Thread:

1. Raise the presser foot lever.
2. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin.
3. Guide the thread through the upper thread guide.
4. Follow the numbered threading path down the front of the machine, around the tension discs, and up to the take-up lever.
5. Thread the take-up lever from right to left.
6. Continue guiding the thread down through the needle bar thread guide.
7. Thread the needle from front to back. Pull about 6 inches of thread through the needle eye.

5. Bringing Up the Bobbin Thread:

1. Hold the upper thread lightly with your left hand.
2. Turn the handwheel towards you (counter-clockwise) to lower the needle into the needle plate and then raise it again.
3. The needle thread will catch the bobbin thread, forming a loop.
4. Pull the upper thread to bring the bobbin thread loop up through the needle plate hole.
5. Pull both threads (upper and bobbin) under the presser foot and towards the back of the machine.

Operating

1. Selecting a Stitch:

Refer to the stitch selector dial (as shown in the "Stitch Selector Dial" image in the Product Overview section). Rotate the dial to choose your desired stitch pattern. The machine offers 11 stitch options, including straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and a four-step buttonhole.

2. Adjusting Thread Tension:

The thread tension dial (as shown in the "Thread Tension Dial" image) controls the tightness of the upper thread. For most general sewing, a setting between 3 and 5 is appropriate. Adjust as needed to achieve balanced stitches where the upper and lower threads interlock evenly between the fabric layers.

3. Starting to Sew:

1. Place the fabric under the presser foot, aligning the edge with the desired seam allowance guide on the needle plate.
2. Lower the presser foot lever.
3. Turn the handwheel towards you to bring the needle down into the fabric at the starting point.
4. Gently press the foot controller to begin sewing. The speed of sewing is controlled by the pressure applied to the foot controller.
5. Guide the fabric gently with both hands, ensuring it feeds smoothly. Do not pull or push the fabric forcefully.

4. Reverse Stitching:

To secure the beginning and end of a seam, use the reverse stitch lever (typically located on the front of the machine). Press and hold the lever to sew backward a few stitches, then release to continue sewing forward.

5. Finishing a Seam:

1. Sew a few reverse stitches at the end of your seam to secure it.
2. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel towards you.
3. Raise the presser foot lever.
4. Pull the fabric towards the back of the machine.
5. Cut the threads using the thread cutter located on the machine or with scissors, leaving about 4-6 inches of thread tails.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning the Machine:

• Always unplug the machine before cleaning.
• Remove the needle and presser foot.
• Remove the needle plate and bobbin case.
• Use a small brush (often included with the machine) to remove lint and dust from the feed dogs and bobbin area.
• Wipe the exterior of the machine with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

2. Oiling (if applicable):

Consult your machine's specific instructions regarding oiling. Many modern sewing machines are self-lubricating in key areas and do not require regular user oiling. If oiling is recommended, use only high-quality sewing machine oil in the designated points. Over-oiling can cause issues.

3. Needle Replacement:

• Replace the needle regularly, especially after 8-10 hours of sewing or if it becomes bent or dull.
• Loosen the needle clamp screw, remove the old needle, and insert a new one with the flat side facing the back of the machine.
• Tighten the needle clamp screw securely.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Brand: Janome
• Model Number: 11706
• Color: Blue (referring to the machine's accent color, often mint green in images)
• Material: Metal (internal components)
• Item Weight: Approximately 12 Pounds
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Stitch Count: 11 stitches, including a 4-step buttonhole
• Features: Free arm, accessory storage
• UPC: 798804936464, 732212178757
• ASIN: B0012PTMAG

Warranty and Support

The Janome 11706 Hello Kitty Sewing Machine comes with a 5-year limited warranty. For detailed terms and conditions of the warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Janome website.

For technical support, service, or to purchase accessories, please contact Janome customer service or visit the official Janome store online: Janome Store.