1. Introduction and Overview
The Janome Sewist 780DC is a user-friendly computerized sewing machine designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It offers a wide range of features to enhance your sewing projects.
Key Features:
- Efficient Computerized Sewing: User-friendly design with convenient features.
- Versatile Stitching Options: 80 built-in stitches, including 20 direct select stitches and 60 accessible via slide-out charts.
- Enhanced Stitch Control: LCD screen displays selected stitches, recommended foot, default stitch width, and length. Includes 3 styles of one-step buttonholes.
- Time-Saving Features: Automatic thread cutter, stitch elongation for satin stitches, easy set bobbin system, auto bobbin winder, and built-in needle threader.
- Convenient Operation: Direct select keys, manual thread tension control, snap-on presser feet, and a 7-piece feed dog for smooth fabric feeding.
2. Setup
Before you begin sewing, ensure your machine is properly set up. This includes placing the machine, connecting power, and correctly threading the machine.
2.1 Machine Placement and Power
Place the machine on a stable, flat surface. Connect the power cord to the machine and then to a suitable electrical outlet. Ensure the foot pedal is connected if you plan to use it.
2.2 Bobbin Winding
- Place your thread spool on the spool pin.
- Guide the thread around the first thread guide (usually marked '1').
- Wrap the thread around the bobbin winding tension disc.
- Thread the bobbin through one of the small holes on its top.
- Place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle and push it to the right until it clicks into place.
- Hold the thread tail and gently press the foot pedal or start button to begin winding. Once a small amount of thread is wound, clip the thread tail.
- Continue winding until the bobbin is full. The machine will slow down or stop automatically. Push the bobbin winder spindle back to the left and remove the wound bobbin.

Figure 1: Overall view of the Janome Sewist 780DC sewing machine.
2.3 Threading the Machine
- Ensure the presser foot is raised and the needle is in its highest position.
- Place your thread spool on the spool pin.
- Guide the thread around the first thread guide (usually marked '1').
- Draw the thread down the right channel (marked '2') and up the left channel (marked '3').
- At the top of the left channel, hook the thread from right to left into the take-up lever (marked '4'). If the take-up lever is not visible, turn the handwheel towards you until it appears.
- Draw the thread down the left channel again (marked '5').
- Thread the needle from front to back. Use the built-in needle threader for assistance: pull the needle threader lever down, hook the thread under the small plastic hook, and then release the lever. A small loop of thread will be pulled through the needle eye. Pull this loop through to complete threading.
- Pull about 6 inches of thread through the needle eye and pass it under the presser foot.

Figure 2: Detailed view of the control panel and LCD screen for stitch selection and settings.

Figure 3: View of the needle plate, presser foot, and feed dogs, essential for threading and sewing.
2.4 Inserting the Bobbin
- Open the bobbin cover plate located on the needle plate.
- Insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case, ensuring the thread unwinds counter-clockwise (from the left-hand side).
- Guide the bobbin thread through the tension spring and into the thread guide slot.
- Hold the upper thread lightly with one hand. Turn the handwheel towards you to lower and raise the needle. This will catch the bobbin thread and pull it up through the needle plate.
- Pull both the upper and bobbin threads to the back of the machine, under the presser foot.
- Close the bobbin cover plate.
3. Operating Instructions
The Janome Sewist 780DC offers intuitive controls for various sewing tasks.
3.1 Stitch Selection
- Use the stitch selection buttons or dial (depending on model variation) to choose from the 80 built-in stitches.
- The LCD screen will display the selected stitch, along with recommended presser foot, default stitch width, and length.
- Adjust stitch length and width using the dedicated dials or buttons as needed for your project. For stretch stitches, refer to the gray section on the machine's stitch chart and adjust the stitch length dial accordingly.

Figure 4: Detailed view of the stitch selection chart, showing various stitch patterns and their corresponding settings.
3.2 Sewing
- Place your fabric under the presser foot.
- Lower the presser foot.
- Gently press the foot pedal or the Start/Stop button to begin sewing.
- Use the reverse button for backstitching at the beginning and end of seams to secure them.
- When finished, press the automatic thread cutter button (if available) or manually cut the threads.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Janome Sewist 780DC.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean lint and dust from the bobbin area and feed dogs using a small brush.
- Oiling: Refer to your full product manual for specific oiling points and frequency. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.
- Needle Replacement: Replace needles frequently (after every 8-10 hours of sewing or when they become dull) to prevent skipped stitches and fabric damage.
- Professional Servicing: It is recommended to have your machine professionally serviced every 1-2 years, depending on usage.
5. Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Skipped Stitches | Incorrect needle, bent needle, improper threading. | Replace needle, re-thread machine, ensure correct needle type for fabric. |
| Thread Breakage | Incorrect tension, poor quality thread, bent needle, improper threading. | Adjust tension, use quality thread, replace needle, re-thread machine. |
| Fabric Puckering | Incorrect tension, wrong stitch length, inappropriate presser foot. | Adjust tension, select appropriate stitch length, use correct presser foot. |
| Machine Not Starting | Power cord not connected, foot pedal not connected, safety switch engaged. | Check power connections, ensure foot pedal is plugged in, disengage safety switches. |
If you encounter issues not listed here or if the solutions do not resolve the problem, please consult the comprehensive manual or contact Janome customer support.
6. Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 16 x 7 x 11.9 inches (40.6 x 17.8 x 30.2 cm) |
| Item Weight | 21.4 pounds (9.7 kg) |
| Manufacturer | Janome |
| Item Model Number | 780 |
| Color | White |
| Material | Metal |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Built-in Stitches | 80 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 3 One-Step |
| Needle Threader | Built-in |
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Janome website. For technical support, replacement parts, or service inquiries, please contact Janome customer service directly.
Janome Official Website: www.janome.com





