Objective: Sew your first secured straight seam on the Janome MC6650 by threading the machine, loading a bobbin, and running a controlled line of stitches on scrap fabric.
The MC6650 is a computerized machine, so once it is threaded correctly most of the work is done for you. Threading the top thread follows the numbered path printed on the machine: spool pin, thread guide, down the right channel, around the U-turn at the bottom, up the left channel, through the take-up lever, down to the needle guide, and finally through the needle (front to back). Keep the presser foot lever UP while threading so the tension discs are open and the thread seats between them. For the bobbin, wind thread onto the bobbin using the top winder, drop the full bobbin into the top-loading case so the thread unwinds counter-clockwise (forming a 'P' shape), and pull it through the slot. You do not need to pull up the bobbin thread by hand on this model; the machine catches it. Use the needle up/down button to park the needle, the start/stop button to sew without the foot pedal (or use the pedal), and the reverse or lock-stitch button to tie off stitches so your seam won't unravel. Starting and ending every seam with a few reverse or lock stitches is the single habit that separates finished, sellable items from loose ones.
Example: Take a 6-inch square of cotton scrap folded in half. Thread the top thread following the numbered guide with the presser foot up, insert a wound bobbin (thread forming a 'P'), and set the machine to straight stitch (center needle). Line the folded edge against the 3/8-inch seam guide on the needle plate. Lower the presser foot. Press reverse and sew 3 stitches backward, release to sew forward the length of the fabric at a slow speed, then press reverse again for 3 stitches at the end. Press needle up, lift the foot, pull the fabric back about 4 inches, and cut the threads with the built-in thread cutter. You now have a straight, backstitched seam.
Try it: Thread the MC6650 top thread and load a wound bobbin from memory, checking each numbered step. Then sew three separate straight lines on scrap fabric: line one at slow speed using the start/stop button, line two using the foot pedal, and line three keeping stitches along the 3/8-inch seam guide. Begin and end each line with reverse or lock stitches. Inspect the back of the fabric for even, non-looping stitches.