The bobbin thread in my S9 became tangled. I got what I think are all the threads out, but my bobbin cover plate won't open. The button that slides sideways doesn't work. The plate is on crooked just a bit.

Anybody have any suggestions for getting the cover plate off?

There is a lady on Etsy that sells 3 d printer items for sergers, maybe she could help. I’ll look for her name if you want me to.

Thanks for the idea on the 3d printer. Will have to check my local library.

Buttonholes are out of the question and pull-tabs scratch my doors.  In the past, I have tried the curtain rings in numerous sizes. Didn't work for me nor does wire. I have been everywhere and nobody carries anything but the round rings. My last option is to stop by the blind place and see what they have. Just want to say thanks for all the help and suggestions though.  If I ever do find the ring I will definitely post it.

thanks again,
mahjongg

--
Donna Brooke

My apologies for my recent suggestion for replacing the tear drop curtain rings with shower curtain rings.  They (shower curtain rings) aren’t close to what I see in the picture when I looked again at your email photo.  Somehow I saw a different picture! 😳🙄

Thanks Jim, I checked all that, she had had the machine into the mechanic three times now.  I’ll text your comments to her and hopefully she can get it fixed this time.  Thanks and regards, Mary 

Thank you from me, too.  I was nearly going to buy a new sewing machine when you solved my problem with an easy fix.  Saved me thousands and made life better!

No worries Donna. We don’t take attendance, and it’s perfectly fine to sit in the pew at the back. 

Im so sorry for lack of participation. You are the best and my favorite group. I cannot keep up Im glad that you do. Thank you so very much Jim and Diane Thank you for all that you do!!!

Donna Strode

Thanks for your input, though this survey was done two years ago.

I still use Windows.   Although im on Iphone 12 pro as you suggested I  have a Large Ipad 12 with the pencil and it still has the home button.  My phone no longer has the home button.   I do get frustrated with Microsoft trying to take over my file organization 
We dont use the Cloud.  
Thank you for all you do 

One of the most common causes of this is putting the bobbin in the machine backward. If you don't follow the diagram on the bobbin cover, the thread will pull out of the bobbin tension after a few stitches, so you have no bobbin tension at all. After threading, pulling on the bobbin thread should cause the bobbin to turn counter-clockwise. Generally changing the bobbin tension should be the very last resort, as it is set precisely at the factory. If the bobbin is threaded correctly, there may be something causing drag on the needle thread. The dealer should be consulted.

Hi, I have a friend who has the S3 machine.  When sewing the zigzag stitch the bobbin stitch shows in the front of fabric, it’s sews well on straight stitch.  On zigzag, tightening bobbin or top tension makes no difference.   I could pull the bobbin thread easily.  Needle changed, threaded properly.  I noticed the bobbin holder has no colour dot on it, would it help to change it?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks and regards Mary

Lindsey----I also have the 500e which I purchased approx 2-1/2 years ago. I use it every week at least. It delivers beautiful stitchouts. However a few months ago it developed a very annoying  problem that I will call "shaking/jumping bobbin"   I have taken it into the shop twice and getting ready for a third trip back for the same problem within 4 months.   The dealer says it is fixed, yet after an hour or so of stitch time, the problem comes right back again.  Apparently this is a well-known problem as I have had responses on this website from others who have had the problem. Plus many good suggestions from the Moderator, Jim Stutzman. But none of these things has worked for me. yet.  I would advise you to pay close attention to the noise level while your machine is stitching. If the noise begins to increase over time, I would take the machine into the dealer. To verify if it is the bobbin that is shaking/spinning/rattling/jerking, hoop some transparent topping  or other see-through stabilizer in any of your hoops and run any of your designs. You can observe the activity of the bobbin through the transparent material and the transparent bobbin cover plate.  Put a mark on the bobbin so you can see the movement more clearly. I used a dot of nail polish.  I really hope this problem does not develop for your machine-----one person responded to my query by saying that she started to hate her machine and just got rid of it.  That option is not open for me at this time. It is not just the noise level, the stitches will become less perfect, more loops on top, bird nests underneath despite having all ducks in a row, with proper needle, stabilizer, fabric, threads, hooping technique, etc , etc., etc. . Very very frustrating.    Good luck--and happy stitching on your 500e. I love the convenience of an embroidery-only machine so I can sew on my other machine at the same time.   Kathy Strabel    Camas WA

katz11west,  I purchased a Janome550e last year after much research and have been happy with the decision I made.  I am a person who doesn’t want so many bells and whistles that it gets in the way of good, consistent functionality. I like some of the very specialized types of machine embroidery, using ribbon and the like, but the items I make the most demand consistent, good quality stitching and this machine is great at providing that with little effort.  As with all machines, I find that the quality of thread used and how the bobbins are wound, is often the key to happy stitching.  Best of luck in your search. 

Well I went and looked at the Janome 550 recently.  I got sidetracked when the dealer showed me a Bernina 830 embroidery machine they had taken in as a trade .  I was immediately impressed with all the bells and whistles and normally don't impulse buy thought I was getting a great machine pretty inexpensive
Anyhow to make a long story short, found out this is a machine that had a lot of problem and was discontinued.  Luckily I got my money back and now being offered the Janome 550 at a better price since they now called it an open box item.    Still not sure at this time of what I am really looking for.  
thanks again for all the feedback I received.  Will keep everyone updated.