I have a small Janome and just FINALLY figured out what my problem with it was.
#1) It only like bobbins that are made for it, and those bobbins need to be wound on the Janome (I can't use any that are wound off my other machine)
#2) When threading the machine, the very first place you wind the thread thru in the back of the machine has a 2nd knotch in it that you have to make sure the thread goes thru. On my machine, the piece is metal -- and I was missing the first slot that's behind the machine. If you don't, the thread won't wind right on the bobbin either.

Hopefully this helps!

If you have a Sears close by go get a great Kenmore machine right now! There are many versions to choose from. The monthly payments for Sears are very inexpensive. I got to sew on the top of the line Kenmore and it sews great. It will be my next new machine if I need to get one. I have a Janome and I use all kinds of threads, no problem. If the bottom tension is messing up it's the top tension that is out of sorts. Be sure the bobbin thread is winding off the bobbin in the right direction too.

About the Kenmore, I have one and I have had it for about 6 years it is a very good one. But much to my dismay the 10$ a spool 100 cotton thread I bought last week jams up in my kenmore.

I thought something was wrong with my machine so I cleaned the bobbin area and everything trying to get it to work and it wouldnt
I put in a cheap 15 cent spool of poly from walmart and it runs like a champ.
I think with all machine they may just have a preference to thread and all you can do is keep trying til you find one that works

By the way quiltluvr if you want Pm me and I will send you my new thread that I cant use to see if it works in your machine.
Its white 100% cotton Aurifil Mako NE 50/2

Just remember, if you get evicted, you won't have any electricity. :wink:

Rather than buying a new machine, why don't you get the Janome some basic service (oil-lube-filter)? Then I would recommend taking it to the (or a) dealer and let them show you how to use the machine with all the bells and whistles. Our local dealers offer classes for different machine types. Don't give up yet.

great tip Patti, I have a problem with my Brother Inovis 1200 it messes up at the beginning of the sewing, I hate that. I am going to try your trick. But I have t say I am very disappointed with my Brother its 1 months old and been repaired 3 times. It doesn´t thread the needle anymore its got jammed. So thinking about getting rid and treating myself.
Good job I have my trusty Toyota which is about 35 yrs old.
Elle

Thanks everyone for all your responses. Today I'm just gonna stay away from it and tackle it when I'm a bit more settled with it.

I've tried the leader and end pieces and it jammed on those. I used a new needle that came with the machine. I only use Janome bobbins with that machine. It's clean as a whistle, checked that all out previously. Yes, it knots on the back. I haven't actually held the threads to get it started but left plenty of extra to draw up. I bought the machine coming up on three years ago from a chain store so any repairs and all will be out of pocket. Yes, at times the thread does slip out and this last time it's coming out from the part that goes up and down at the top of the machine (sorry to lazy to go get the book for the "proper" name). That was new.

No, my Brother didn't make clicking noises, that I remember. It would just stop and beep. It took a few times to watch to see what it was that didn't work right.

Meanwhile I just sew vicariously thru all the beautiful pictures you all post! :D

I have had Kenmores for years....one is from 1978 and still running and my computer is from 1996 and has been serviced once. I know they are made by different companies but you just can't beat them for reliability. I use the 78 one for jeans etc. that I don't want to sew on the computer.

No, my Brother didn't make clicking noises, that I remember. It would just stop and beep. It took a few times to watch to see what it was that didn't work right.
WHEN IT BEEPS , LOOK IN THE WINDOW. IT'LL GIVE YOU THE ERROR CODE E R ..E? THEN LOOK IT UP IN YOUR BOOK. I'VE HAD THAT HAPPEN BORE AND IT WAS EASY TO FIX. I HOPE THIS HELPS

I have 3 Janomes, they all preferr Sulky thread. Will not work with Madeira at all, Haven't tried a lot of other threads, just stick with Sulky now.

Is your bobbin in backwards? My Janome won't work if the bobbin isn't going counter clockwise!