I have been given an old Novum sewing machine and needs to know which way to put the needle in

Sharon, I am not a sewing machine expert, but will post some links that may help you get your machine up and running. You can also google search your problem for a lot for info. on this issue. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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My Needle is Stuck My Hand Wheel Won Move HELP It Just Sewing
HOW TO FIX YOUR SEWING MACHINE IN 5 EASY STEPS
Help me diagnose and fix problem with my sewing machine

Consult your manual and verify that you have the machine set to straight stitch, not zig-zag.

Perhaps this web site will be helpful:
http://sewingonline.co.uk/novum-manuals.html

...

email these sites about a manual
sewvacdoctor.com
a1sewingmachines.com
sewusa.com

If your Novum New Mark IX looks like this (see pic), I may be able to help you.

John Dixon, Isle of Wight

Hi, Try going to http: www.sewingonline.co.uk/novum-manuals.html. I don't kow what you machine looks like but they show pictures, so I am sure that you can get one there. Good luck

Novum is actually a Janome and was made for the small dealers, have a look on ebay you can get some brilliant buys on there.

You can use any brand of needle. The flat part of the needle faces back. Undo the little screw that holds the needle slightly until you can remove the old one. Put the new one in all the way up as far as it will go (flat to the back) and tighten the screw. I would recommend a size 14 ballpoint for regular sewing

Novum is made by Janome, if you haver a main dealer for Janome or New Home you can get the controls quite easily.

Go here and ask the seller if he has a manual for his, and if you can get a photocopy of the manual:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/COLLECTABLE--SEWING-MACHINE-NOVUM-MADE-IN-IRELAND-_W0QQitemZ250481893033QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090813?IMSfp=TL090813145001r18235

We'll here is a picture of what I need help on I need to know how to put the needle back along with the needle clamp screw