Janome Overlocker Troubleshooting Guide

Knowing the troubleshooting methods of a Janome overlocker can be very helpful to you in the future especially if you have this machine. This is because while the Janome overlocker might seem like a good machine, it develops problems of its own overtime. Below we look at some of the problems of a Janome overlocker and how you can troubleshoot them at home.

Table of Contents

What Is Janome Overlocker?

A Janome overlocker also known as serger, is a machine that is used to trim and neaten fabric edges so that they can have professionally finished seams. The Janome overlocker is very durable and when serviced regularly it can last you a lifetime.

Janome Overlocker Troubleshooting

NB: The Janome overlocker is sold without any defective parts, and the problems indicated below are usually as a result of mishandling or wear and tear of the machine.

1. Trouble Feeding Fabric

This is one of the most common problems with the Janome overlocker and it usually happens when the feed dog is packed with a lot of lint. In order to troubleshoot the problem you should remove all lint from the feed dog and surrounding areas of the machine. If the pressure foot is raised it can also be hard to feed fabric through the feed dog, and if this is the case make sure you lower the pressure foot.

2. Thread Breaks

The Janome overlocker usually faces troubles with thread breakages. This problem is usually caused by improper threading of the machine and in order to solve it, make sure you rethread your machine. You can always make reference to your manual in order to identify the correct threading technique. A tight looper thread tension can also cause the thread to break and in this case you will have to adjust the tension. A worn out needle or a wrongly inserted needle can also cause the thread to break. Therefore, always ensure that you are insert your needle the correct way and make sure that it is not damaged or worn out.

3. Machine Does Not Sew

Another common problem with the Janome overlocker is that the machine does not sew sometimes. This problem usually occurs when the machine is loosely plugged in or when the power switch is turned off. In order to troubleshoot this problem make sure that you firmly plug in the machine and switch the on button.

4. Skipped Stitches

If you notice that your Janome overlocker is producing garments that have skipped stitches it means that there is a problem with the needle. In most cases you would have threaded the needle the wrong way or you will be using a bent or blunt needle. In order to troubleshoot the problem you have to start by checking your needles and ensuring they are inserted the correct way. If they are, you should rethread your machine and hope that the problem will be solved.

5. Seam Puckering

Puckered seams can be produced by a Janome overlocker that has a looper thread tension that is too tight. In order to troubleshoot the problem, its best that you adjust the looper thread tension. Improper threading of the machine can also cause seam puckering so you have to check your threading technique and make sure everything is on point. Lastly, you should check the deferential feed dial and make sure it is correctly adjusted.

6. Needle Breaks

The Janome overlocker also faces needle breakage problems. This problem is caused by a number of factors. For starters, the needle usually breaks when it is wrongly inserted. In order to solve this problem make sure you insert the needle using the right method. A bent or blunt needle can also break during the sewing process. Therefore, it is important to regularly replace needles on the overlocker. Lastly, excessive pulling of the fabric can cause the needle to break. Therefore, you should never pull fabric but instead let it glide through the feed dogs.

7. Seam Sewn Untidily

The seam of a fabric can be sewn untidily when the looper thread tension of a Janome overlocker is not adjusted correctly. Therefore, it is important to always check the tension and adjust it before working on any project. Improper threading of the machine can also result in untidy seams which is why it is important to always refer to the manual when threading your machine. A wrong needle to thread combination can also cause untidy seams which is why you should research on the type of needle and thread to use when making certain patterns. Lastly, using poor quality thread can cause untidy seams so make sure you purchase your threads from reputable fabric stores.

Why Does My Overlocker Keep Jamming?

Your overlocker might keep jamming if the dog feed has a lot of lint, dust or debris trapped inside. Therefore, you should regularly clean it in order to avoid this. Another possible reason why your overlocker might keep jamming is because the needle is not inserted the correct way. Lastly, an overlocker may keep jamming because of corrosion. Therefore, it’s wise to always lubricate the machine in order to avoid this.

Why Is My Overlocker Machine Not Stitching?

There are a few reasons why your overlocker machine might not be stitching. For starters maybe you inserted the needle the wrong way. In order to solve this, check the manual and insert you needle the right way. Another possible reason is that you might have threaded the machine wrongly, in order to solve this make sure you re-thread the entire machine correctly. Lastly, an overlooked reason why an overlocker might not be stitching is because the power button is off.

Why Does My Thread Keep Bunching Up Underneath?

Your thread keeps bunching up underneath mainly because your thread tension is too tight. In order to solve this make sure you adjust your thread tension.

Conclusion

While the Janome overlocker might seem like a terrible machine because of the multiple challenges it can succumb to in the future, it is still a decent machine to buy. So if you are thinking of purchasing the Janome overlocker, don’t let this article put you off.