Janome. J3-24 goes too fast....any ideas please?

[Marcipex]

I have been given it as a present (lovely DH) but it's much too fast for me, trying to sew small pieces for soft toys etc. it just gobbles in the pieces almost before I've begun.
There's no speed regulator on it. Shortening the stitch length helps a bit, but nothing like enough.
It's fine for mostly straight sewing, but I can't make toys or do appliqué.

Is there anything I can do? There's no way I can buy another machine.

I had the same problem with my Janome machine. In the end I had to buy a different foot control (it wasn’t cheap) that has a high/low setting. This has helped a lot, but I still lust after my friends Janome machine that can be set at whatever speed she likes.

Roll up a piece of fabric into a tube which is longer than the width of the pedal and tuck it between the presser bit of the pedal and the base so that it sticks out on either side. Push it down as close to the axis as you can. You won't be able to depress the pedal all the way so you'll have better control of the speed. If it still goes too fast use more fabric.

Thank you SongsAbout, I will try the fabric.

Joolly2, where did you get a different foot pedal and what make is compatible? Thank you for your help.

I bought my foot pedal on ebay. It did specify that it was for a Janome and it had a picture of the machine socket and plug so I could see it was the right one.
This is a similar one
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JANOME-2-SPEED-SWITCH-SEWING-MACHINE-FOOT-CONTROL-GENUINE-high-low-SLOW-FAST-/271501209563?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
If you scroll down you can see the plug. Sorry I can't remember the seller I bought mine from but it was a similar price!!

Thank you Joolly, I'm on my way to work but will look later.

Does it slow it much? I need at least half speed I think.

After some practise I can now do one stitch at a time if I need to. You still have to control it with your foot but it is much easier. I am still envious of my friend who can just set a speed and the machine keeps to it, however her machine was a lot more expensive than mine.

Thanks very much, I have ordered it.

My new speed control foot pedal has arrived, with a warning not to use it too much or the motor will overheat.

No idea how much is too much.

I never had that message with mine. How strange. Mine is used quite a bit and when I get to a long stretch of straight sewing I really put my foot down. Are they just trying to cover themselves? Perhaps someone has bought one and used it on an industrial scale? I can imagine it would overheat if used for 8 hours a day non stop. Would it be worth enquiring how much is too much? I am a bit worried now.

Well, mine is working beautifully! Very grateful for the advice, thanks

Hi Marcipex. I found this message thread very interesting as I too have been having trouble controlling the speed on my J3-24. Please could you tell me if you think buying the foot controller was worth it and has it made a difference? I want to do appliqué, but that is impossible with current speed of machine. Have you tried appliqué with the new foot? Thanks so much in advance for your help.

Very much worth it Sunshineshoes.
Everything is much easier and more controllable.

Well I never... I've a Janome 14-something, about 20 years old, and had no idea one could adjust speed - mine depends how much pressure I put on the foot-thingy, which does seem like a really good idea, Am amazed that only the more expensive machines will go slower, as I bought mine for the simplicity of use, so quite cheap. Loved the tip from Songs About, and so pleased that Mumsnetters have solved yet another problem.