The Janome 7518A sewing machine requires precise adjustment of the upper thread tension when working with knitwear, as standard factory settings often lead to skipped stitches or pulling of elastic fabric. Owners of this model are often faced with the need to manually adjust the presser foot pressure and replace the needle with a specialized stretch one in order to achieve a high-quality seam. Vertical shuttle mechanism, installed in this machine, is sensitive to the quality of the threads and the condition of the needle, so ignoring these factors will quickly damage the device.
For correct operation Janome 7518A The threading sequence must be strictly followed, lowering the presser foot before threading the needle to activate the disc tensioner. An error at this stage is the main reason why loops appear at the bottom of the fabric or thread breaks during sewing. Proper preparation of the workplace and selection of appropriate accessories allow you to unlock the full potential of this mechanical model.
During operation, it is important to regularly clean the shuttle compartment from lint and lubricate the rubbing parts with special oil, since the mechanical components of the 7518A model do not have an automatic lubrication system. Timely maintenance ensures a stable stitch length and no extraneous noise when working at high speeds. Below is a detailed analysis of the capabilities and maintenance features of the device.
Technical characteristics and functionality of the model
Model Janome 7518A is a classic mechanical sewing machine with a vertical swinging hook, which ensures high reliability of the design with minimal maintenance requirements. Powerful engine allows you to sew fabrics of various densities, from thin silk to thick denim, provided that the needle is installed correctly and the presser foot pressure is adjusted. The machine body is made of metal alloys, which gives the device the necessary stability and dampens vibrations during operation.
The sewing process is controlled by mechanical controls located on the front panel of the case, which makes operation intuitive even for beginners. Key Feature is the presence of reverse, which allows you to perform fastenings at the beginning and end of the stitch, preventing the seam from unraveling. The stitch length and zigzag width regulator has clear graduations, allowing you to accurately reproduce the specified parameters.
- 🧵 Shuttle type: vertical swinging, which makes it easier to control the amount of thread on the bobbin.
- ⚙️ Number of operations: a basic set of 18 operations, including straight stitch, zigzag and overlock stitch.
- 💡 Lighting: built-in LED or incandescent lamp (depending on the year of manufacture) aimed at the needle.
- 🦶 Presser foot: adjustable pressure allows you to work with delicate and dense materials.
It is important to note that the maximum sewing speed is limited by the design features of the mechanical drive, which, however, has a positive effect on seam quality control. The user has the ability to manually set the pace of work by pressing the electric drive pedal with varying degrees of force. This control system is considered the safest for teaching sewing.
Proper refueling and preparation for work
Threading process Janome 7518A begins with installing the spool seat and guiding the thread through all the guide hooks located on the body of the machine. Violation of the thread route, even skipping one guide element, leads to uneven tension and frequent breaks. Upper thread guide must be activated, since it sets the correct angle of entry of the thread into the eye of the needle.
After threading the upper thread, it is necessary to correctly install the bobbin into the shuttle, paying attention to the direction of rotation of the thread when pulling. A vertical shuttle is characterized by counterclockwise rotation of the bobbin when viewed from above, which corresponds to the mark on the shuttle body. The thread should click into the slot of the hook tension regulator.
☑️ Threading control
The final stage of preparation is to bring the lower thread to the top, for which you need to make several turns of the flywheel towards yourself, holding the upper thread. If the bobbin thread does not rise or is difficult to rise, check that the bobbin is installed correctly and that the thread is not stuck in the hook. Only after successfully bringing both threads under the presser foot can you begin to test stitch.
Tension adjustment and stitch quality
Stitch quality Janome 7518A directly depends on the balancing of the tension of the upper and lower threads, which is adjusted by the dial on the front panel. An ideal seam is one where the knot of threads is hidden inside the thickness of the fabric, without forming loops either above or below. Tension adjustment made experimentally on a scrap of the same fabric that is planned to be sewn.
If bobbin thread loops are visible on the right side of the fabric, the top thread tension is too loose and requires increasing the setting on the dial. In the opposite situation, when the fabric is pulled together or knots are visible at the top, it is necessary to loosen the tension of the upper thread by decreasing the number on the regulator. The mechanical regulator allows you to do this smoothly by rotating the dial clockwise or counterclockwise.
⚠️ Attention: Before adjusting the tension, be sure to raise the presser foot, since in the lowered position the disc tensioner will be released and the adjustment will be incorrect.
To work with elastic fabrics, it is often necessary not only to change the tension, but also to replace the needle with a thinner or specialized one. A dull or deformed needle cannot create the optimal loop for the shuttle to pick up, resulting in skipped stitches even with the thread tension set perfectly.
Working with different types of fabrics
Sewing machine Janome 7518A is capable of processing a wide range of materials, however, each type of fabric requires individual adjustment of sewing parameters. Thick fabrics, such as denim or wool coats, require increased presser foot pressure and a larger needle size, such as #100 or #110. Advance speed The fabric should be moderate so as not to break the needle on the dense weave of the threads.
When working with thin and slippery fabrics such as silk or chiffon, presser foot pressure should be minimized to avoid distortion of the material and the formation of gathers. Using a special satin foot or placing tissue paper under the seam helps stabilize the process and prevent the fabric from being pulled into the shuttle compartment. Needles for such fabrics should be sharp and thin, size No. 70 or No. 80.
Correspondence table for needles and fabrics
Thin fabrics (silk, chiffon) - needle 70-80 | Medium fabrics (cotton, linen) - needle 90 | Thick fabrics (jeans, drape) - needle 100-110 | Knitwear (stretch) - needle with a rounded point
Sewing knits and stretch materials requires special attention to the choice of needle and stitch length. Using a needle marked Stretch or Jersey prevents tearing of the fabric fibers, and increasing the stitch length to 3-4 mm ensures elasticity of the seam. The zigzag stitch feature on this model is also great for finishing the edges of knits, preventing them from fraying.
Maintenance and Lubrication
Durability Janome 7518A depends on regular maintenance, which includes cleaning the shuttle compartment from dust and lint after each sewing session. The accumulation of production waste in the shuttle area leads to jamming of the mechanism, thickening of the seam and the appearance of extraneous noise. To clean, use the soft brush included in the package, avoiding the use of compressed air, which can drive dust deeper into the mechanisms.
Lubrication of rubbing parts should be done with special sewing oil at least once every six months during active use. Particular attention should be paid to the shuttle shaft and needle bar guides, where the most intense friction of metal parts occurs. Excess oil is as harmful as its absence, since it can stain the fabric during subsequent sewing.
| Lubrication unit | Service frequency | Lubricant type | Signs of need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle shaft | Once every 6 months | Liquid sewing oil | Creak, tight movement |
| Needle bar | Once a year | Liquid sewing oil | Knock, vibration |
| Thread take-up | As needed | Liquid sewing oil | Grinding |
| Tension regulator | Rarely | Dry lubricant (graphite) | Sticking thread |
Before starting work after a long break, it is recommended to make several revolutions of the flywheel by hand to distribute the lubricant throughout the components. If the machine makes unusual noises, stop operation immediately and carry out diagnostics to avoid serious damage to mechanical parts.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
One of the most common problems during operation Janome 7518A is a break in the upper thread, which can be caused by many reasons, from improper threading to a needle defect. First of all, it is necessary to check the quality of the threads, since old or overdried threads lose strength and break under load. You should also make sure that the thread lies correctly in the tension disks and does not jump off the guides.
Skipped stitches often indicate improper needle placement, with the long end of the bulb facing the wrong way, or the wrong type of needle being used for the fabric. Interaction time the needle and hook can only become dislodged if there is a strong impact or an attempt to pull the fabric by force, which requires contacting a service center to adjust the gaps.
If the bobbin thread gets tangled and forms a “beard” under the fabric, this is a sure sign that the bobbin is not inserted correctly or the thread is not caught in the hook tension slot. In rare cases, the cause may be damage to the hook itself or the presence of burrs on the needle plate that catch the thread.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum thickness of fabric that the Janome 7518A can sew?
The machine is capable of sewing up to 4-6 layers of thick denim, provided that needles No. 100-110 are used and the presser foot pressure is adjusted correctly. Exceeding this thickness may cause the needle to break or damage the mechanism.
Can threads from other manufacturers be used for this model?
Yes, Janome 7518A compatible with most standard bobbin threads (Lavsan, Cotton, Polyester) up to 50-60 tex. It is important that the thread is wound onto the spool evenly and matches the type of fabric.
Why does the machine make noise when running at high speeds?
The noise may be caused by dry lubricant, lint getting into the mechanisms, or improper needle installation. It is recommended to completely clean and lubricate the machine according to the instructions.
Where can I find original spare parts for Janome 7518A?
Original spare parts and accessories can be purchased from authorized Janome service centers or specialized sewing equipment stores, indicating the exact model of the device.