Janome Reverse Not Working - Common Problem Fix - Sewing Machine - Elna, Kenmore, New Home

[@spudboy224]

OMG THANK YOUUUUUUU!!!! I was quoted over $200AUD to get this fixed!!! Your tutorial has taught me more about my sewing machine than I ever knew, helped me fix my problem AND saved me $200 bucks. You are a legend, thank you so much!

[@dijanabarich3744]

Just like everyone else here, I cannot express my gratitude to you. This was such an educational and hands on tutorial. And it helped. So simple when you know how. Thank you. IT'S WORKING!!! Thank you so much.

[@322cheryl]

The reverse on my old Kenmore hasn't worked for years. With your calm voice & clear instructions, I was able to fix it myself!! Thank you so much! Cheers 😊

[@shashisharma386]

best instructions on the web.Clear images and step-by-step instructions.

[@crubymitchell]

I just want to say thank you!!!! This video was super helpful. Saved me a ton of time and money and I learned a ton about my sewing machine. The detail was spectacular, and I was able to follow along without issue. You sir are a godsend❤

[@alicemalettethompson693]

I was so frustrated when my machine would not reverse stitch. I found your video, followed the steps. Oh, my word, it worked!!! Thank you so much for your expertise.😊

[@veyrichrin]

One more old sewing machine rescued thanks to your video! I bought the Kenmore branded version of that exact Janome for $30 untested and sure enough, the reverse button didn't do a thing. Your instructions were clear and succinct and I'm thrilled.

[@geriyoung8728]

Fixed my no forward, no reverse! Thank you for your detailed explanation including drivers and how they interact with the reverse cam/bushing.

[@hoosiergirl8727]

I was hoping that following these directions would help me fix the no forward, no reverse. I'm so glad that you mentioned it. You and the video have given me hope. I'm going to try it a little later.

[@monabolin6854]

Not enough words in the world to thank you enough for this video! What a precious gem you are! Couldn't afford to take the old machine to the professional, but with your fenomenal instruction I didn't have to. Mine is an Elna 3003, and thanks to you it it works like brand new again. Tusen, tusen tack (= a thousand thanks in Swedish)!

[@lawmanlawreaper]

Sewing shops don't like this content :) but they have had the monopoly over the customers for a long time but now People like you help keep food on the table and cloths on our backs .

[@lenacasimir-registe6163]

Thank you so very very much. Finally I fixed my Kenmore 24stitch by using your video. ❤❤❤ Thank you, may my GOD bless you and your generation!!!

[@blueyes2792]

This was such a helpful tutorial! I have a Janome My Excel 15S but everything underneath was the same and it fixed my problem quite well! Only thing to add is the screw on the longer piece that comes off needs to be tight. When it was loose, the whole mechanism still barely moved. As soon as I tightened it it did exactly what it was supposed to do! Thank you so much for posting and saving me from just tossing the machine and buying new. This was my great Grandma's and it's quite special to be using it still all these years later ❤

[@kaceyelliott5574]

Fantastic video - so easy to see and understand! This was amazing and helped me save money fixing my Kenmore that suddenly stopped reversing. I watched your video all the way through, then step-by-step as I did it myself. I felt so accomplished! Thank you so much for taking the time to help others with this easy fix.

[@magdatlm]

Like everyone else said you explain it so easy to understand!! Saved me from taking my machine in. Thank you!! ❤

[@albertagius5267]

Thank you so much. Sincerely appreciate taking the time to put this video together. Very grateful. My sewing machine is happy again and so am I.

[@nettylynnsiggy2711]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! My Kenmore would not reverse and I was ready to throw it out. It was an old trusted machine that I’ve used for 40+ years. Your clear and concise tutorial has it up and running fine once again!

[@mrbrumby3409]

Thanks for that really clear instruction. I’d also like to give some other information which may help some people as well. My wife’s Janome had the same issue so off to the repair shop it went. Response, “it’s an electronic issue and can only be fixed by replacing ‘the board’”. Also, she found that after this repair, the reverse and forward sewing direction reversed!! That is the machine ran in reverse when forward was selected and forward when reverse was selected. So machine sat for years in the corner with my wife not having the courage to “throw out” her favourite machine. So fast forward to my retirement and decided to learn how to fix sewing machines so I can fix and maintain hers. I watched your video and it was fantastic. It fixed the “slowness”, but not the reversal. I also realised she was lied to as there’s very little in these machines that is actually “computer” controlled. The lights, motor speed and needle down……..that’s about it. I played with the machine for days and realised the bar that goes from the reverse selector goes to a join and then another bar to the feed dog. And, when I ran the machine forward, the feed dog ran back and visa versa! Why I kept thinking. Then I realised this “hinge” between the selector and the feed dog was way back in the machine. So I stuck my finger in and started moving the hinge forward. And after came forward past the pivot point, bingo, the foot ran in the correct direction!!!! Couldn’t believe it. The problem was fixed! Clearly when trying to repair it, the mechanic had pushed this back and reversed the direction of the feed dog. I know this makes little sense with no photos. But hopefully you get the gist that if you have this problem, the fix is simple. Well simple after days of thinking about it.

[@anitahowe3683]

Thank you so much for your clear and calm explanation. It works! I feel as if you have given me back my old friend. My Kenmore sewing machine has been with me since I graduated from University, and now I am retired.

[@andrewwatson5360]

My wife bought a Janome 3618 that was stuck in reverse. She bought it very cheap ($30) because of that for a friend who couldn't afford much and figured that I would be able to fix it. I took off the covers and couldn't find anything wrong mechanically. In fact it looked brand new with no fluff or threads and only needed lubricating to soften time hardened greased points. But it sewed backwards. I thought it maybe electrical but the motor is AC and the enclosed wiring housing and wiring had not been touched. It was only after viewing this excellent instructive video that I realised that the actuators for the feed dogs were operating in reverse. So the motor had to be turning the wrong way. I used another foot controller from my wife's collection (she has a few machines) and the machine sewed correctly. Problem solved ! Why manufacture foot controllers that have identical plugs into the machine that are wired in reverse to each other ? Crazy or a marketing ploy. The fact that there is no evidence of use on the wearing surfaces and its spotless inside makes me think that this machine had seen very little use from new because it had the wrong controller and must have frustrated the owner from new. Thanks for the info that gave me the clue I was looking for to live up to my wife's expectations and has made it possible for a keen quilter to own a very reliable and solid sewing machine at very little cost.

[@maryknight867]

Awesome! Thank you. I managed to fix my machine easily by following your video. Great video! ❤

[@zipplicity]

Thank you!! You helped me fix my backstitch problem! I feel so proud to have saved the service fee.

[@russlenz4064]

I held a small magnet to the eclip when I pryed it off. 😊 On my Kenmore 24 Stitch the forward/reverse cam did not slide on the shaft. Needed to get some solvent in there to release and clean up the old grease. It took some time and patience. Re lubed. Works like a charm now. Thanks for your excellent video. Amazing what you can learn on the internet. God Bless.

[@harryboyadjian9683]

Great simple video! Helped me to fix my little Janome which I thought had a different reason for not clicking into reverse. All working now! Saved me so much time

[@lydzphens]

I purchased a Janome machine for 35.00 at an estate sale and knew the reverse mechanism didn't work. I figured I would take it and have it serviced but never got around to it and just used it as it was. But I found your video, and I was able to fix it myself. Thank you so much for making this content!

[@michaelh.9243]

Thank you! I have a like new +30 year old Kenmore model 390. Pulled it out of storage and found this exact problem. Also discovered my Kenmore is essentially a rebranded Janome as mechanics and parts are identical. Followed your very detailed steps, and it is back to working like new. Great video. Great help. Thank you!

[@davefranklin9372]

What a brilliant tutorial! I took a chance on a ‘New Home’ from a charity shop and everything was looking good until I hit the reverse. A quick search on KZbin brought me here and the machine is now running as sweet as a nut! Thank you so much for taking the time to help others

[@MajicInOz]

Thanks so much for this video! My Janome's mechanism is slightly different than yours but thanks to your clear instructions I was able to finally fix the reverse.

[@ForHookSakeCrochet-cr9dz]

I just acquired a necchi omega 6015 that appeared to be in fabulous shape however the reverse wasn’t working. It is an identical set up to this one so I was able to fix it on my own!!! Thank you for the amazing video!!!

[@CindyMorton-o1y]

Thanks so much! Your instructions were so easy to follow. I'm 68 and fixed my machine first time through. It works like a new machine even though it's 35 years old!!

[@gooseagle]

Thank you so much! I'm new to sewing and just purchased a Kenmore 385 from Goodwill that had this very issue. Based on your helpful, detailed instructions, I was able to fix the problem and the machine now reverses like a charm. Thanks, again!

[@jreese8284]

THANK YOU! Because of this video, we got a vintage Kenmore 385.1884180 up and running for a young family. Great video!

[@heatherm.1473]

I have to add my thanks and my absolute joy at being able to fix my own machine--this really just made my day (week). You were very clear, calm and patient and I appreciate the time and effort it took you to make this video for other. Thank you very very much.

[@Julie-rx7nr]

Thank you for sharing this video. I was quoted the price of a new machine to fix this and had decided to just sew without reversing. My gave me my New Home Best 23x used as a wedding present in 1995. Now it works as well as the day I got it. Took me about 30 minutes to fix!

[@leeblack2433]

Just fixed a mystyle 30, there is no mechanic out here. You have no idea how damn happy I am. Thankyou thankyou 💓 💖 💗 😊🎉

[@gomeranne]

Thank you! A very clear, "steady" video that explained and showed clearly how the reverse works on this Janome without making me sea-sick in the process. Have a vintage 1971 Kenmore Janome, it's my favorite machine, bought it new in '72. Long story short, my cat managed to knock over the cabinet it was in when I left the room without putting the machine away first. Now that I know what I am looking for, I should be able to fix it, as soon as I finish my sister's seized-up New Home.

[@catherinelau5239]

Thank you. This upload gave the best instructions and step by step instructions and saved me $$$$. 😊😊😊

[@shariannherrmann9019]

I followed your detailed and clear instructions and was able to fix my Janone Easy Jeans 22! The machine is at least 25 years old and I brought it to Canada with me from Europe. I didn't think anyone here would be able to fix it. After reversing by hand for a year or more (lol) I decided to look for a fix and I found your channel. My machine works like new! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills with us. ❤

[@lillianvaule]

Just bought a "new" old machine. Now it works - thanks!

[@ktbabs9141]

BEST instruction Ever! THANK YOU!!!! Just paid 90$ to have this specific issue fixed- which they failed miserably😞 THANKS TO YOU - everything is fixed now, works like a dream. Your instructions were perfect and the video Excellent. I wish I could hug you!

[@churchmythbusters1863]

Excellent trouble shooting video. My husband was able to fix the reverse following your very detailed video. Thank you! Thank you!

[@elzawhite6050]

Thank you so much for this video, I am sewing last minute wedding favors and started to freak out when my machine wasn’t working. Your voice is so soothing and calm, I felt better even before the machine was fixed. :)

[@RamonaJan]

Excellent tutorial! Very well filmed and clear. Thanks so much.

[@sueking6543]

I just received a Kenmore 385 22 stitch that looks like this so I watched your video. The reverse wasn’t working. After watching your video , it now goes in reverse. Thanks so much for this video.

[@juliamagnall8087]

Thank you so much, I can't get mine serviced until middle of January so hopefully will be able to get the reverse fixed!

[@AriaMehr]

thank u so much . tonight my sweing machin revers not working and I watch your video and I fix it with some drops of oil ... god bless u ...

[@oliviakoby]

Thankyou my reverse has been broken for years such an easy fix explained brilliantly!!!

[@paulina5520]

Thank you from Poland 🤩 Janome HD 1800 is again like a brand new !

[@drew-gray]

This was beyond helpful, and I am so grateful! Thank you for taking the time to share!

[@barts.6962]

great thanks it also aplied for a lewestein 22. the peace in your voice and perfect explantion thank you so much

[@nataliaszczypek]

Thank you so so much! You helped me fix even a larger issue with the machine with this video! 🎉

[@xaleoart]

This video saved me!! Thank you so much for making it. My secondhand Janome machine was last serviced in 1994, but now it can finally reverse!

[@juliewalker3854]

Thank you so very much for this video. You explained everything so thoroughly and clearly. I just finished fixing my machine and will be back in sewing mode tomorrow. I wish I had done this weeks ago but I was working up the courage, I was sure that little clip and spring were going to go flying off somewhere never to be found :) This is a big savings and so nice to have accomplished this myself. Thank you again.

[@JillMyers-y9k]

Thank you for your helpful video! You saved me big bucks and my 35 yr old Kenmore runs like new.

[@jamespbullen]

Thank you so much for this clear video. I bought this exact machine (Kenmore branded) for $12 at a thrift store last week and sure enough, the reverse wasn't working. I followed your instructions and in less than 10 mins, the machine was as good as new!! Love your channel! Your videos are always clear and informative. :)

[@mikechandler236]

This was very helpful! my wife has a Brothers LS-1217 and there was a problem with feed and reverse stitch. I took the side cover off and just a little oil fixed the issue. You saved me a $150 so thank you brother.

[@JohnPilling25]

Thank you. I had the exact same problem with my newhome machine - which is actually Jenome - and this fixed it. So easy.

[@victoriaszabo2155]

Thanks heaps for this great clear, step by step video. I can't believe I actually fixed my reverse button!!! Awesome video thank you very much!

[@nadiradhanaswar7249]

Thank you very much for this detailed step-by-step guidance on how to fix the reverse feature on my 30-year-old Kenmore sewing machine which is identical to the Janome in your video.

[@EkiwwaNoel]

Hey thanks for this video. You are really good patient man. I got to see thi video like 4 times, so i can fix my old Kenmore sewing machine 30 stitches. Got it fixed thanks to this video. Now i need to find another one to know how to fix the timing and the tensioner in this same machine. Thanks

[@MstrMiner]

Thank You! Pulled out my wife’s 40+ year Janome the other day and reverse stitch wasn’t working. Your tutorial was spot on and ended up being a relatively easy fix. A full service is definitely due but this at least got us up and running again!

[@andrewjg5745]

Thank you for very good explanation of the problem and the easy to follow repair instructions. Watching your video I felt very confident that my machine will be working correctly again. And it does! Excellent video!

[@MarthaJacobsen-k9n]

Thank you! Success!!!! The hardest part was popping off the plastic cover underneath on my model. This required a tip from another video which suggested using a plastic pry tool- I used a hard plastic spatula for plastering.

[@montyollie]

Thank you thank you! You saved me over $100 Canadian. Right at the part where you said don't lose the E clip, it popped out of my hand and took me half an hour to locate. LOL Other than that, brilliant video. Thank you so much. Even though mine was a Kenmore, it was identical.

[@garrettwilkerson1616]

Thank you! Your video was amazingly detailed and helped me fix my wife's machine with ease.

[@megumim6843]

Thank you so much, Gary! Your video was very helpful and clear information all the way. My husband just fixed my machine. I was waiting response from Janome Australia but no reply at all. Thank you again xox

[@VintagePugMamma]

Thank you so much for this video, it meant we could fix our machine ourselves when the reverse button stopped working!! 😊

[@megerich1355]

Excellent video and great camera work as well. I feel so proud of myself - - it works perfectly now! Thank you.

[@HulaMonster8675309]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! This tutorial was amazing and saved me a trip to the sewing machine doctor!

[@debdaigle2]

Thank you so much!!! It worked great and I had no idea how dirty the inside of my machine was!

[@gotbeads]

Thank-you for your lesson on fixing reverse on a Janome. Just what I needed!

[@dittmerg]

Thank you. Fixed my Janome in 15 minutes

[@pattyweiler7386]

Thanks very much for showing me how to fix the reverse on my machine. You made it easy! ❤

[@williamgolden6710]

Thank you for your help. This was exactly the issue I was having on my older Huskystar 224 (Viking). Same mechanism. Works perfect again!!

[@RealLatinGeek]

Thanks a million, very well explained. I was able to get one of these working and I can also use your instructions to check similar machines with similar issues.

[@deniesewilcox7664]

Thanks so much! I fixed my machine myself and reverse is working like a dream. My Janome machine is less than 20 years and hasn’t had a lot of regular use which probably hastened the parts getting stuck.

[@bookkeepingtaxservices4500]

Awesome tutorial and helped me fix my "stuck" reverse button.

[@sarag.2724]

I have the Kenmore version and that is exactly what was wrong. Thanks!!!

[@jodihendrickson1795]

Same here! The repair shop didn’t fix it and groaned when I brought it back AFTER I paid them $100. It was still quirky until today when I found this video and I fixed it myself!! Thanks for all your help!

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

Thank you for this video. I've not used this machine for a while. (I'm currently rewiring a Singer 201-2.) I have this machine in the Kenmore 24 stitch version made for Sears by Janome around 1990. Model # is 385.1764180 (if anyone wants to look up a photo online) I was selling these machines when I purchased mine brand new. I have cleaned and oiled my machine over the years and I have never had it professionally serviced. About 4 years ago, it was sewing fine one evening, but the next morning, even though the knobs would turn to different stitch patterns, the machine would only sew a straight stitch. I had to open the column/pillar and grease the wonderful metal gears. (I was so afraid I would find a busted plastic gear causing the problem when I opened him up!) Over the years, I had grown accustomed to the stitch knob making a "clunk clunk" sound as I changed stitches. Once greased, the stitch knob will glide easily and the sound is very smooth. If your knob sounds clunky when turned, your machine is in need of some grease TLC inside the column. Basically, these machines are approximately 3 decades old - time for some fresh grease. I used lithium 4 years ago as it was all I had at the time. Plus the old lithium had not solidified as my machine has never sat more than a couple of years without use. This time I will use Superlube. This machine is one of the best investments of my life. I sew primarily clothing, including winter coats, and also home Dec- draperies and upholstery. I would never want to have to replace this simple, lightweight, very reliable mechanical machine with anything computerized. It is an excellent all purpose home sewing machine with wonderful portability. The 201 I'm working on was recently inherited and I also have a Singer 15-88 treadle. I want to use the Singers for upholstery work (to lessen the load on my Kenmore) and to make jeans. No zigzag machine will sew a true straight stitch seam that will produce good results for denim top-stitching. The 201 and 15 are straight stitch only machines.

[@mua.gracestudioscq]

Thank you so much for sharing. Very easy to follow and informative. I was able to repair my machine and save hundreds of dollars, so thank you!

[@karenszatkowski]

Thank you so much for your help ! Oiled it and fixed the reverse .

[@Ray00lee]

Love you clear clean and now my machine 30 years old now like new thanks 👍🏻 again.

[@cinderelly2592]

Excellent explanation without a lot of talk about irrelevant things

[@Ray00lee]

Thanks i was right in the spot but you removing and cleaning change everything love you .

[@gavingoff4056]

Very good and helpful. Thanks a lot from Braco, Scotland.

[@ilonab6289]

Thanks so much for your instructional video! Your instructions were easy to follow and helped solve the problem with my machine ( not the same brand but it was similar enough to what I have).

[@Ellen-C414]

Worked on my Janome LE Plus 4623. Thank you for the knowledge share! 😊

[@stevemedlock6271]

Excellent - thank you. A perfect fix in about 20 minutes.

[@thu-haeaster9246]

Thank you so much for your video!! I was able to fix my Reverse not working problem

[@TimFischer-c3m]

Thank you sooo much. Such an easy fix and saved me $$$$$$.

[@mariemoremon9382]

Thankyou, I'm trying this on my old Janome tomorrow.

[@michellebjorkman712]

Thank you so much! Fixed my Kenmore Model 3851884180 (circa 1983), which is identical to the Janome you were working on. Taking the spring off was what did it, oiling was not enough. She's happy and so am I!!! I appreciate you making this video and for such a great explanation too! All the best to you!

[@cherylemery2866]

This is the same model I have and looking to fix the reverse!!! Everything else is good as I did a deep cleaning on it. What type of oil should be used???

[@michellebjorkman712]

@@cherylemery2866 I used Singer sewing machine oil. Joanns and Michaels sell it. I'm sure any sewing machine shop would carry oil too.

[@jerrys2346]

Super helpful - solved our problem!!! Thank you!!!

[@pengster2592]

OMG, thank you. It took a while, my fault not yours, but I got there.

[@sanadayoshi3131]

Thank you! Your video revive my machine!

[@ellismedavoy7314]

Thanks! Fixed my Kenmore 385 24 stitch.

[@sharonrendleman8535]

Thanks so much! You do a great job explaining!!!

[@jennymarshall8340]

Amazing and detailed video thank you so much for your time, may I ask what sort of grease I need to be looking to purchase?

[@InStitches]

Thanks. Graphite grease is good.

[@rhondamercado7527]

@@InStitches I had no idea those areas needed grease, I would’ve put sewing machine oil there instead. I was always told grease should only be applied to metal gears. Learned something new today. I’m picking up a Kenmore 24 stitch tomorrow and the lady said that when she puts it in reverse it gets stuck. I hope this is the problem because you made it look like an easy fix. Thank you.

[@wjwhitney]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Perfectly solved the problem!

[@michellebayless1035]

Thank you so much. This fixed my problem. Great video!

[@sharayahm1124]

Thank you for this video! 🙏 I was able to fix my machine!