Janome 400e questions-

[oldmanquilts]

Anyone here using one? The question is... Is there an stitch count display somewhere? What I want to do is track the number of stitches after a full bobbin is installed. I'm currently noting the design stitch count so a bobbin change can be made before it runs out mid-design. That's a pain and handwritten notes are so 20th century. BTW I'm getting about 34,000 stitches out of a full bobbin. What's your experience?

I've only had this a couple weeks so I'm still learning. Too much fun. Shoulda bought one a long time ago.

[Rhonda K]

Are you using pre-wound bobbins?

I use them and haven't done a stitch count with them yet. The specifications indicate 145 yards on a bobbin for my machine size. Wow, that's a lot of stitches and fun to know! I check the bobbin in between thread changes or when the machine stops in a spot before it picks up the next area. My machine has the sensor to let me know when a change is needed but I hate doing that in the middle of a stitch out. It does go right back in place afterwards without issues.

PS; I will also write down the stitch count if there is a problem. Easy to go back to same spot. Write down the position if you move the design out of the original center position too.

[bubba]

I've never checked the stitch count for bobbins before. Might be interesting as I use Superior Bottomline on my bobbins and they hold about 3x more. Also with the big Bernina bobbins, it could be at least a gazillion!

[oldmanquilts]

Here's a little info that some may find useful- well, at least those who have machines using class 15 size bobbins. You guys with the oddball sizes(Bernina, Pfaff, etc) are on your own.

I ran a bobbin out and the "low bobbin" message showed at 59,000 stitches. I ran over that and pulled the bobbin at 62050 stitches. There was a bit left, but after about 60,000 it had thread break issues. It actually wasn't the thread breaking, but a failure to pick up the bobbin thread when starting at a new position. I haven't changed the bobbin tail cutting length yet, but I suspect that will fix it.

I haven't tried any pre-wounds yet because they (Bottom Line) are almost 2x the $/yd. I can change bobbins more often possibly, but I consider it pretty cheap labor.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I use a Janome 15000 embroidery machine and when winding my own bobbins, using Janome bobbin thread, Bottom Line or SoFine, I would only get about 25000 stitches per bobbin. This machine has the low bobbin warning, and reassess at each color change. But I bought some prewound bobbins made for a different machine ( still Class 15 bobbins) and I got upward of 80000 stitches using these bobbins. WhhhhAaatttt? I was shocked but the difference! My only guess to why this difference occurs is how much of the top thread wraps under each stitch. These bobbins are very inexpensive and I can pick them up at a local quilt shop.

[cv quilter]

Jean, what brand of pre-wound bobbin are you referring to? I am interested. I have never used pre-wounds.

[oldmanquilts]

Yes- would like to know the brand also. 80,000 stitches?!! That would be helpful