by tfk 01 Mar 2015

Hi there all! Last night I was worried that theres something wrong with my janome mc350e!

I would like to share the problem I was having and the solution which I guess so far seems that it made a big difference for me!
Since I had purchased my machine few months back I had been sewing at a tension of around 1 or less which did seem odd to me but I thought maybe its because I am using a different thread or something and wasnt worried as long as I was getting properly embroidered results!
Last night when I wanted to monogram I could see the white specks of bobbin thread around the text which was troubling me! Took the tension knob down to 0 but still had it....what to do now??!!
Then after reading a bit online I tried adjusting the bobbin tension screw....this maybe no big news for most of you experienced sewers or embroiderers but hope it helps someone with a similar problem!
Anyway....first I went a little at a time but in the end had to take a good one and a half turn (clockwise) to see an improvement and now atleast I can stitch at a tension of 1.5! (2 still didnt work when I tried) I will stick with this for now and go further if I still feel the need to!
I want you to see the difference it made in the pic I have attached. ...the 1st and 3rd is with the tension problem and the middle one after fixing it!
All experts out there please correct me if I am wrong and let me know the best solution!
Thank you :)

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by Sewmum1 05 Mar 2015

Some great tips here thanks.

I might have to bookmark them.

1 comment
tfk by tfk 05 Mar 2015

Thats great. ...this serves the purpose :)

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by baydreamer 04 Mar 2015

I have a Janome 350e and when I due fonts I always use the same bobbin colour as the thread.

1 comment
tfk by tfk 04 Mar 2015

If you dont do you see it on the right side of the design? ?

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by mpo14011 04 Mar 2015

Don't fiddle with the bobbin tension. That has been precision set at the factory. Have your tension at about 3. Use a Janome Blue tip needle.
And any good bobbin fill will be fine. You do not need Janome bobbin fill.
Janome's are very reliable machines. I have use Coats and am now using Outback bobbin thread which is only available in Australia.
Which thread did you use?
A tip. Because you have used a dark thread on a black background, try using a matching colour embroidery thread in the bobbin.
If you still have a problem with the tension, I would suggest you take it back to the dealer. He will be able to adjust your bobbin tension much more precisely then you could.

1 comment
tfk by tfk 04 Mar 2015

Thanks for your suggestions!
But what adjustments I have already done luckily worked for me and I don't have problem of bobbin thread showing anymore :) and I am able to stitch with tension at 4 for the threads I am using!

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by graceandham 03 Mar 2015

One more thought. Did you purchase your machine new? My tension gets all out of whack when it just needs a good servicing, clean out of thread bits and overall checkout. I used Robison Anton big spool of bobbin thread and wound my own bobbins and it stitched just fine. Now I am using other bobbin thread that is a fine thread, but only fill them about 3/4 full or it gets ticky.

1 comment
tfk by tfk 03 Mar 2015

Yes I purchased it brand new :)
Maybe it needed some tuning up for the threads I was using ....but now I am happy its sorted out :)
Thanks for your comments!

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by aussiequilter 03 Mar 2015

I have b been told that Janome machines only like Janome bobbin fill ,it is expensive, I bought a large reel from Happy Embroidery ,and my machine mechanic altered my bobbin tension to suit

3 comments
tfk by tfk 04 Mar 2015

I dont think janome are picky about thread ...i felt this after reading so many reviews about janome machines even before I purchased my machine and this was one of the reasons for choosing janome because I dont have any of the brands of thread available here!
Happy to say that my machine is fine with whatever I use on it :)
Have a good day!

mpo14011 by mpo14011 04 Mar 2015

Aussiequilter, I don't know who told you this, but. It is just not true.Tfk is correct. Janomes are not picky. They are very reliable.

granniebea by granniebea 04 Mar 2015

I use all sorts of thread in my Janome 300E and have no problems. My favourite threads are from Creek Creations in Vic. Aussie, how is the quilt going? Finished yet?.

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by airyfairy 02 Mar 2015

It seems to me that different machines like different threads for the bobbin. I used to have terrible problems with the lower thread showing, especially embroidering fonts. I know that many Cuties will disagree with me but ever since I have used prewound bobbins (they are very tightly wound) I have never had the bobbin thread showing. I also reduce the speed when embroidering fonts.

1 comment
tfk by tfk 02 Mar 2015

I think like every child differs in nature even if from the same family....same is with the embroidery machine!
LoL I know a weird example I am referring to...but you guys get my point :)
Its just important we know and understand our machines and are able to tame them... ( LOL another weird term for me to use)
Well good luck to us all :)

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by katydid 01 Mar 2015

I am glad you resolved your problem. I have had 3 Bernina embroidery machines and have never adjusted the bobbin screw on any. However I do remember years ago an instructor holding the the thread in the air with the bobbin case attached and showing the proper setting. It should move smoothly but not fall to the floor. Does any one else remember this method as I am vague on the details. Kay

3 comments
tfk by tfk 02 Mar 2015

Thank you so much....this will come handy for me to check and make sure I did the right thing:)

tfk by tfk 03 Mar 2015

Thank you....after reading your comment I checked on youtube and found a helpful video.....I was happy to know I did the right thing :)

sharonleekesner by sharonleekesner 05 Mar 2015

I remember being shown this method in a machine class. Very good reminder. Thank you.

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by grandmamek 01 Mar 2015

I have a Janome 350E and recently took it in for service as it was breaking the thread all the time. When I picked it up the repair man said he changed the tension to number 5 and that took care of the problem. It has been working like a charm ever since. I use prewound bobbins in this machine and if I need to have a color bobbin I wind one with the thread that I am using for the design. Hope this information helps.

3 comments
tfk by tfk 02 Mar 2015

Thank you!

airyfairy by airyfairy 02 Mar 2015

Kay - I remember being shown this with my sewing machine - I have never forgotten the tip. I also have Bernina sewing and embroidery machines.

tfk by tfk 03 Mar 2015

I am happy to say that after adjusting the bobbin tension even I am stitching at 5 :) thank you!

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by tfk 01 Mar 2015

I am putting the trials which I just took....sorry for terrible pics but these are just my test pieces...... (oops even sewed over a part on a previous design...hahaha)
The red flower and the navy blue flower....similar fabric and same thread!
The red heart and the other which looks white with bobbin thread instead of red....on the same fabric with the same thread!

2 comments
vickiannette by vickiannette 01 Mar 2015

As well as experimenting with different bobbin threads, try some different stabilizers. This can sometimes be the problem.

tfk by tfk 01 Mar 2015

Oh ok...thank you :)

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by pennifold 01 Mar 2015

Hi Therese,

I'm with Sue, I often use the same thread in the bobbin. I'm glad you worked it out. Also using a finer weight 50 or 60 bobbin thread may help. Love Chris

"Generally, a 20 - 30 wt thread is used for a heavy thread used for decorative stitches. 28 wt. or 30 wt. thread is used for in the bobbin for decorative work. 40wt thread is a quilting thread and 50 wt is a piecing thread. 50wt and 60wt can be used in the bobbin and is also good for appliqué." Taken from the Quiltbug.com

4 comments
tfk by tfk 01 Mar 2015

Yes Chris thats what worked for me too if even tension at 0 didnt work. ..lol :)
The bobbin thread I am using doesnt say what weight it is but comparatively its definitely finer than the 40wt ployester I have!
It might seem weird to many of you but where I live...I dont have access to much supplies...like the branded threads or stabilisers! I ordered the stabilisers online but using threads whatever is available! :)

spendlove by spendlove 01 Mar 2015

Janome machines do not like fine bobbin thread.

tfk by tfk 01 Mar 2015

Oh ok....so what weight is best then? 40wt polyester?
What details can you give me about the specific janome bobbin thread? I will see what I have that can best match it! Thank you :)

pennyhal2 by pennyhal2 01 Mar 2015

The weight in the top thread should be 40wt embroidery thread. The bobbin should have bobbin thread that you can buy in 10,000 yard cones 50wt or 60wt. Read the post above about the wt.

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by Trish56 01 Mar 2015

I am NOT an experienced embroidery person, I haven't had my machine long, this too happens to me, sometimes I change my needle and that fixes it, also I found it happens if I forget to lay the cotton in an horizontal position, (the cotton pulls tight) it has happened with birdnest on the back if I try to embroider small lettering, it is a tension thing, but I too like you would like to avoid this happening, I will be watching for the cutees response as well. All the best for future embroidery. Trish (Australia)

1 comment
tfk by tfk 01 Mar 2015

Which machine do you have?have you tried adjusting the tension top and bobbin??
I tried everything before taking this step...changing needles...clraning up....trying different fabric and stabilizer. ..even threads!
But I am still taking test trials and I see a massive change!
Before sewing with finer rayon thread was very disappointing. ..I had assumed my machine hates it....but see the difference!

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by spendlove Moderator 01 Mar 2015

I've had similar problems when stitching out small text designs on each Janome I've had. I've found that using Janome bobbin thread makes a big difference, but I've had best results with using matching bobbin thread so this type of designs.
With the new MC15000 machine, Janome supply an extra bobbin case with the tension preset for using the thinner bobbin threads.

1 comment
tfk by tfk 01 Mar 2015

Thank you for your suggestions :)

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