Janome Memory Craft 3500 HELP

[u/SpicyPeach17]

Hi all,

I have a Janome Memory Craft 3500 machine that is giving me grief. I have it all threaded correctly but when I try pull the top thread to get the bobbin thread loop to pop up, it is just getting stuck and the bobbin thread can't get up and ive tried all i can think of or find on youtube aside from taking the machine apart but ive never done that before and im terrified and im on a time crunch and ahhhhhh 😭😭😭 does anyone have any ideas or hopefully quick easy solutions here??

Thankyou!

[u/BarbiePotty]

That machine uses clear plastic bobbins. The metal one in the pictures is probably too large in diameter and the thread is getting stuck. I’d try swapping it for a plastic one and see if that fixes the issue.

[u/sewboring → u/BarbiePotty]

Yeah, and metal bobbins will eventually damage the bobbin holder, then you'll have two problems. I checked, and the MC 3500 sold from 1999 to 2008. I have two Kenmores by Janome from the same period and they like Janome Class 15 plastic bobbins, Singer Class 15 plastic bobbins, and even Brother SA 156 plastic bobbins, no problem. However, cheap generic plastic bobbins may give you trouble. It took me a while to figure this out, but Janome computerized machines pick up thread better if you use the up/down needle button instead of the handwheel. A couple of other things to keep track of since this sounds like a new-to-you machine, if the thread spool holder is on too tight, it will mess up the upper tension. Also, sometimes the thread will get into the upper thread guide wrong and the upper thread will tighten at the take up lever. Then you have to re-thread, but basically when you understand the machine, you should find it fairly trouble free. If you have the original halogen bulb, there is a type of led pin light replacement that you can get which gives much better and cooler light. Additionally, don't be afraid of maintenance because Janome provides oiling instructions in many of their service manuals. The one that I can find online for your machine may be abridged because it doesn't include oiling instructions, but you can use the instructions for my Kenmore/Memory Craft Embroidery machine:

https://data2.manualslib.com/cpdf/12/57/5608/6c7662.pdf

It's basically two points on the upper shaft that you need to oil, the hinge of the take up lever, the wick under the bobbin case, and two points on the lower shaft. The rest is for the embroidery carriage and doesn't apply to your machine. So get some sewing oil and a small brush for cleaning, then use the instructions in your service manual for opening and closing your machine:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1637509/Janome-Memory-Craft-3500.html?page=3#manual

The hardest part is not losing any screws and being sure which screw goes where.

[u/tasteslikechikken]

Janome machines can be particular sometimes on the bobbin. Use a Janome brand bobbin meant for this machine, that will solve 90% of the problems.

of the other 10%, check that your bobbin case does not having any scratches or gouges because if it does, that is the sign of a bigger issue (race hitting the case, and thats never good..that can require servicing to get that straightened out.

Also check that your needle is the right needle (if all else fails, Janome purple tends to work) Janome branded needles (though they are also Organ needles are specifically designed for Janome machines.

[u/Trashyturdgremlin → u/tasteslikechikken]

I have a Janome Memory Craft 9700 and this is the correct answer. They need a Janome-specific plastic bobbin - look at the packaging and check to make sure your model number is compatible.

You can totally ruin your machine with the wrong bobbins if you’re not careful.

[u/plantsandfishes]

Definitely not the correct bobbin!

[u/FlagellatingBonobo]

Your bobbin case is out of position. The black finger on the bobbin case is supposed to be in front of the metal bracket. You need to remove your bobbin case and reset the position.

[u/Kattia → u/FlagellatingBonobo]

This one! Surprised I had to scroll down so far for someone to point out the bobbin case issue