Built-in Needle Threader

Built-in Needle Threader

What is a built-in needle threader? And how can you benefit from having one?

Photo courtesy of Sew4Home

Many Janome machines are indeed advertised as having a Built-in needle threader, and perhaps you even purchased your machine because of this, but what does it mean to you?

Or, did you buy it and never use it?

In this post, we will talk about the needle threader and demonstrate how to use it properly. 

We also have some great videos and even a close-up of the needle threader in action!

What is a built-in needle threader?

A needle threader is a convenient stress-reducing feature on most Janome sewing machines, however, some would argue that the needle threader is actually stress-inducing! The frustration is certainly understandable when something does not work the way it should. Often, we think the needle threader is broken or damaged when in fact we may just be using it incorrectly. The needle threader is a time-saving yet delicate device that can make setup and sewing much easier and certainly come in handy if you break your thread in the middle of a project.

The threader mechanism is made up of 3 main parts, they all work together to properly thread the needle:

Threader Knob – This is the bar that comes down, which holds the threading mechanism. Always be sure to have the needle in the highest position before bringing this lever down.

Guide-the guide is the first thread path to take once the Threader Knob is down.

Hook-this is where the magic happens, after you have brought down the Treader Knob, and placed your thread under the Guide, the Hook is the part that pulls the thread through the eye of the needle. It is important to note that the thread gets pulled through the needle to form a loop. So, you need to have some slack but not too much as you will have to pull the thread the rest of the way through.

For the sake of this article, we will be demonstrating two different machine types; the mechanical type, using the Janome HD1000, and the computerized type using a Janome C30 model. 

First the Mechanical machine

While the needle threaders work the same way, the actual process can be a bit tricky on the mechanical model at first.

To start, always refer to your instruction manual to determine the correct thread size. 

NOTE: The needle threader can be used with a #11 to #16 needle. Thread sizes 50 to 90 are recommended.

Needle threader for the Janome HD1000

To begin, you’ll want to make sure that your needle is in the highest possible position. If the needle is too low, the Threader Knob on the needle threader arm will not extend far enough down for the Hook to reach the eye of the needle. If you attempt to force it, you may wind up bending or breaking the delicate Hook that achieves this threading process. 

Obviously, we don’t want that, so turn off your machine and turn the handwheel towards you until you can see the needle is up. You want to stop it right before it begins to go down.

Pull down the needle Threader Knob as far as it will go. 

Gently turn the Threader Knob in a forward direction (towards the front of the machine) to allow the Hook to go through the eye of the needle. Do not force it. 

Paying close attention to the needlepoint, draw the thread UNDER Guide #3 as shown in the image, and then under Hook #2 in the image. But NOT under the needle!

Turn the Threader Knob in a backward direction (towards the rear of the machine), allowing the Hook to pull the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back, and gently let the Threader Knob back up to its starting position.

This certainly is a delicate process and can take a bit of practice so be sure to have a well-lit workspace and be patient.

Notice how the handwheel must be turned slightly in order to get the needle to the highest position.

Check out this close-up video!

Notice how the threader hook goes through the eye of the needle from back to front.

Computerized 

Needle Threader on the Janome C30

Using the built-in Needle threader on a Computerized model is very similar.

Many computerized models have a Needle Up/Down function, which is a convenient feature to have and will allow the needle to always be in the correct position.

1. Simply press the Needle up/down button to raise the needle to the highest position, and turn the power off. 

2. Pull down the needle Threader Knob as far as it will go. Gently turn the Threader Knob in a forward direction (towards the front of the machine) to allow the Hook to go through the eye of the needle. Do not force it. Lead the thread around the Guide and under the Hook.

3. Turn the Threader Knob in a backward direction (towards the rear of the machine), allowing the Hook to pull the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back, and gently let the Threader Knob back up to its starting position. 

4. Pull the thread loop through the needle eye.

Don’t fret if you don’t get it on the first try, knowing the mechanics of it will help get this routine right. 

When using a computerized machine, simply press the needle up/down button twice to raise the needle to the highest position.

Manual needle threader

Not all machines have a built-in needle threader. That’s ok, Janome has you covered!

We offer a manual needle threader that will work with any Janome sewing machine. 

So if your machine has a built-in needle threader, go on and practice using it. 

Be sure to always refer to your instruction manual for correct thread/needle size and be patient. 

A built-in needle threader is a valuable and delightful little perk of Janome Machines and a genuine time-saver once you learn how to use it correctly.

Until next time….