Janome Memory Craft 6600 Problems: Troubleshooting

Janome memory craft 6600 has been a hit since its launch. However, due to this small machine having too many moving parts, many issues arise over time.

So, what are the common janome memory craft 6600 problems?

The most common problem with Janome Memory Craft 6600 machine include bobbin thread breaking, needle breaking, machine making grinding noise etc. In most cases, using the wrong type of needle is the main reason behind these problems. If the bobbin is damaged, or there’s lint or dust buildup or a thread jam, such a problem may arise.

Regardless, if you need a more detailed understanding on the ways to fix it, this article is for you.

Table of Contents

5 Common Janome Memory Craft 6600 Problems

janome memory craft 6600 tension problems — Source: mrslja.com

Here are 5 most common Janome MC problems, reasons and their solutions.

Problem	Reason	Solution
Bobbin thread breaks	Bobbin thread is not threaded properly Lint buildup in the bobbin holder Damaged bobbin	Insert the bobbin thread properly Clean the bobbin holder
Needle breaks	Loose clamp screwWrong type of needle	Tighten the needle clamp screw Use the right size needle
The machine makes grinding noise	Thread jam	Clean the lint off of the bobbin are, feed dogs, upper thread path
Skipped stitches	Bent or dull needle Wrong type of needle	Replace the needleUse the right needle sizeset the upper tension settings a number higher
Loops on the Seams	Needle thread tension too looseNeedle too fine/ too thick	Tighten the needle tension Change the needle

Problem 1: Bobbin Thread Breaks

Suppose you are sewing quilt square, and you notice thread repeatedly snapping or fraying from the needle. How frustrating would it be that you can’t continue with your project. That is until you figure out the reasons at play and how to fix it.

Reason:

When you fail to thread the bobbin thread properly in the holder this issue arises. Any lint buildup inside the bobbin holder can cause the bobbin thread to break as well.

Another reason might be a damaged bobbin. When your bobbin is damaged, it can’t turn smoothly and thus, the thread keeps snapping.

Solution:

Here I have included some easy fixes for you.

Inserting the Bobbin Thread Properly:

If the bobbin thread is not threaded properly follow these steps:

Firstly, set the bobbin into the bobbin holder. Make sure to keep the thread running off counterclockwise.

Then guide your thread inside the notch that is located on the front of the bobbin holder.

Pull out the thread to your left and slide it in between the spring blades.

Keep drawing the thread carefully until it glides inside the side notch. Remember to turn the bobbin counterclockwise while tugging the bobbin thread.

Now pull out some of the thread to the rear. Keep it about 10 cm/ 4 inches.

And finally, complete the process by reattaching the hook cover plate.

Cleaning the Bobbin Holder:

Cleaning the lint off sewing machine can be another way to fix this issue. Before starting the process, remember to turn off the power button. The steps include-

Start by taking out the needle and the presser foot. After removing the screws there, pull out the needle plate.

Now remove the bobbin. For that you need to first lift up the bobbin holder carefully.

Using a lint brush and a dry cloth, clean the bobbin holder thoroughly.

Next, move towards the feed dog and clean it. While you are at it, clean the auto thread cutter as well as the hook race.

Remember to always use a cloth that is soft and dry to clean the hook race.

And hopefully the bobbin thread won’t break again.

Problem 2: Needle Breaks

Needles repeatedly breaking while working on your project can be really frustrating. Janome Memory Craft 8800 also has the same issue.

Here I have shown why it happens and how to fix needle breaking problem.

Reason:

The needle breaks mostly when the clamp screw is loose. It causes the needle to fall down, catch in the bobbin area and break.

Also, using the wrong type of needle for your project fabric might be the cause. As sometimes the needle can be too fine for a certain fabric which leads it to break.

Solution:

First of all, start by tightening the needle clamp screw all the way to avoid the needle snapping.

Now go ahead and check the type and size of your needle. It needs to match the weight, texture and type of material you will be using.

While sewing, let the feed dogs move the fabric under the needle. Rest your hand gently on the fabric. This will guide the stitching to the right direction without extra pulling and pushing. This way, you can save the needle from snapping.

Problem 3: The Machine Makes Grinding Noise

The sewing machine making loud grinding noises is another common issue with Janome Memory Craft 6600. Along with the noise you may notice the machine struggling to sew and can’t move the cloth.

Reason:

A thread jam can be responsible for this noise. When you do not clean the machine regularly and properly, it has lint and dust building up inside its moving parts. It causes thread jam and hence the noise.

Solution:

I have provided a quick run-through of the cleaning steps you need to take to stop the grinding noise.

First of all, using a lint brush, clean the bobbin area. Then remove the the bobbin case and bobbin from the machine as some lint may also build up there. You need to clean it all.

Now move to the feed dogs and clear any lint away from there. Remember to be very careful while you’re at it.

Now clean the upper thread path. The path tends to be very narrow so you need to run a thread through that path a few times. It will clean out any lint that may have been stuck there.

Finally, brush the machine body all over and you are good.

Always try to put a cover over your machine. That way you can avoid any unwanted lint buildup which can lead to unwanted noise!

Problem 4: Skipped Stitches

If you notice gaps between the stitches within the seam, you immediately need to fix that. Otherwise you are going to ruin your project. You will also face the skipped stitches issue on janome horizon 7700.

Reason:

A bent or dull needle might be the problem. Or perhaps the needle you are using is not suitable for a specific fabric.

Whatever it may be, I have provided some easy solutions for you.

Solution:

Any time you have this skipped stitches issue or any stitching issue for that matter, you need to start by rethreading the machine. In case it does not work and the skipped stitches are still there, try the following steps:

Start by replacing your needle. If the needle is dull or bent, it will not be able to deliver the thread to the bobbin hook. But the right needle will help the upper thread catch the bobbin thread properly to create even stitches.

Similarly, use the appropriate needle for each sewing project. If you are working with silky material, use needle size 60/ 8 or 70/10. Schmetz is a good brand to use. For cotton fabric, use a 90/14 size needle.

Finally, you need to set the upper tension settings a number higher and look for any changes. If there is none, try a number lower. Keep repeating this technique and it will produce enough tension for the machine to correct the skipped stitches.

Problem 5: Loops on the Seams

This is another one of the most common Janome memory craft 6600 stitching issues. Here are the reasons and fixes for Janome memory craft 6600 loops on the seams.

Reason:

This issue occurs when needle thread tension becomes way too loose.

Similarly, another reason is the needle being too thick or fine for the cloth.

Solution:

I have provided here two separate fixes for two separate reasons for why this issue occurs.

Tightening the Needle Tension:

If you notice needle thread appearing on the wrong side of your fabric, that means the needle thread tension is loose.

In such a case, you need to tighten the needle thread tension. Do it by simply rolling the dial to a higher number.

Changing Needles:

If the needle is too thick or too thin, you should change the needles.

Start by raising the needle. You need to press the up/down needle button and along with that, lower the presser foot.

Next, the power switch needs to be turned off.

Now turn the needle clamp screw counterclockwise to loosen it. Also, take out the needle from the clamp.

Stick in a new needle inside the needle clamp. Keep the flat side to the back. Also while doing it, push the needle up against the stopper pin. Then tighten that clamp screw well.

Now you need to check needle straightness. For that, put the flatter side of your needle on a flat surface. It can be a needle plate or glass. Notice if the gap between your needle and that flat surface is even. If yes, you’re good to go.

Also, refrain from using a blunt needle.

When you are done, test the machine again. The loops should not appear anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why did my Janome sewing machine suddenly stop working?

A Janome sewing machine can suddenly stop working when the motor belt slips or jumps off the handwheel. Resetting the belt and adjusting it to the correct tension should fix this. If not, then the belt needs to be replaced.

Why is my Janome sewing machine jamming?

One reason for why Janome sewing machine jams can be that the thread got tangled. It leads to the machine getting all locked up. Another reason is the fabric is not fed evenly. Or it can be due to a lint or dust build-up that’s clogging and jamming the machine.

Do Janome machines need oiling?

Yes, Janome sewing machines do need oiling. However, it’s only a drop of oil that you’d require to place on the wick. It is located below the bobbin case.

Wrapping Up

Hope you now have the basic idea on how you can fix the Janome memory craft 6600 problems. You know all the reasons and possible ways to fix them now!

Proper care and maintenance will make sure your sewing machine runs smoothly. Along with that, it will ensure your machine’s longer lifetime.

That is all as of now. Have a great day ahead!

Helen Grant

Hello! My name is Helen Grant. I am glad to welcome you on my site about sewing. If you came here then you are probably interested in the sewing craft and everything connected with it. On my site you will find visual aids for sewing, subtleties and secrets. I worked as a seamstress for a long time and helped a lot of girls to master this profession in my footsteps. All who used my personal secrets, life hacks, now have an excellent reputation, have reached great heights and independently conduct master classes for beginners. If you are interested in the topic of sewing, sewing life hacks, as well as detailed analyzes of sewing machines and materials, then you are definitely in the right place!