Donnamb

Good day all. I am new to embroidery and have just bought the Janome MC500E. I am an experienced dressmaker so thought I wouldn't find my way around an embroidery machine to be that difficult. My problem is from the start the designs (built-in) that I have tested are not stitching correctly. I have checked my threading numerous times, switched out between the 2 bobbin holders, wound bobbin using same top thread instead of pre-wound bobbins, changed needles, stabilizers, made no changes to the built-ins, but every time you can see the outline and the fill-in is not lining up correctly. Its as if something is out of whack? You can see the outline and the thread 'thins' in some places and doesn't fill in. I am at my wits end. Any suggestions? (it won't allow me to post pics....)

patricej

show us some photos, please.
it will be easier to give you some ideas about cause and solution.

Donnamb

Donnamb

Had to resize.

Gay

Is this a new machine - or pre owned? The only time I had this issue with my Brother was when the embroidery unit needed servicing. Not all techs realize the unit as well as the machine need attention. Mine didn't.
Also, when embroidering on knitted or towelling fabric, you should use a washaway stabilizer on top as it gives a better finish.
Hoop stabilizer, fabric and washaway, so the fabric does not move.
If this does not work, and the machine is new, I would take it back to the place of purchase for testing. The shop should give you free lessons anyway to explain how it all works.
Good luck

Sheri.a

My first thought was the fabric also. Test your machine on quilters cotton to see if that is the issue. I would use a tear-away double layer light weight or one layer of medium weight for you test. If you don't have the tear-away, you can use a medium cut-away. This is just for testing.

When I started embroidery, the one hour free lesson provided by my dealer just wasn't enough. It's been a few years, but I found Craftsy.com to be a good place to learn about machine embroidery. They have classes on thread, stabilizers, and how to embroidery different types of items. The classes are much more in-depth than you-tube type classes. I am still a subscriber so I can't get the offer, but I have read that they are offering 1 year membership for new members to view all of the videos for $3.

Have fun and enjoy the learning curve. It's worth it.

Rhonda K

Try the design again using plain cotton fabric. Hoop stabilizer and fabric. Make sure to tighten down the hoop. You want everything taut but not drum cover tight.

Try a different machine design.

If you bumped the hoop or it moved accidentally between steps that will throw the design off for the next step.

If the other machine designs don't stitch correctly, have the dealer re-calibrate the arm.

PMahowald

I agree with taking it back to dealer with examples of problem designs so they can see exactly what is going on. I bought my machine earlier in the year, 500E demo floor model and have not had issues like this. Also join the Janome 500 facebook group. The women are great when trouble shooting problems. Another thought is if you have not take dealer user classes then do. They are worth the time if you are not use to embroidery and using the machine.

Donnamb

Thank you all for your valuable input. I have tried different fabrics, doubled the medium cut away. The built-in designs just do not stitch out correctly. I will have to try and get it fixed. Thx.

GwenH

Did you get your embroidery machine working better?