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Shopping for a new sewing machine? Then you have come to the right place. With a lot of great machines on the market, where do you start? If you did your homework, then you definitely heard the name Janome. Janome is considered to be one of the most popular brands on the market. Why is that so? They have a broad range of reliable, sturdy machines. And that’s not all. On the whole, Janome machines are considered to be affordable. You do not need to take out a second mortgage to buy a good machine.
Now that you are excited about the Janome line of sewing machines, let’s take a closer look. We have reviewed the top ten best Janome machines. Ready? Here we go.
Title | Type | Function | Built-in | Display | Table | Free | Check |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Janome 2212 | Electromechanical | Sewing | 12 | no | no | yes | Price |
JANOME 8077 | Computerized | Sewing | 30 | LCD | no | yes | Price |
Electronic | Sewing | 30 | no | no | yes | Price | |
Computerized | Sewing | 30 | LED | no | yes | Price | |
Computerized | Sewing | 50 | LCD | no | yes | Price | |
Computerized | Sewing | 50 | LCD | no | yes | Price | |
Mechanical | Heavy-Duty | 18 | no | no | yes | Price | |
Mechanical | Sewing | 18 | no | no | yes | Price | |
Computerized | Sewing and Quilting | 100 | LCD | yes | yes | Price | |
Computerized | Sewing and Quilting | 120 | LCD | yes | yes | Price |
Janome 2212 – Perfect for a Beginner
Are you looking for a stable, durable machine to learn the basics of sewing? Consider taking a closer look at this machine.
This simple to use machine comes with 12 built-in stitches. A four-step buttonhole is also included. Pattern selection is as easy as turning a dial.
Need to note that this machine was made for use in the United States only.
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to thread
- Sews through several layers of fabric
- May be louder than some would like
- No automatic needle threader
- Front loading bobbin takes time getting used to
Janome 8077 – Perfect Combination of Form and Function
The machine has a drop feed and a superior feeding system. This means it can handle a variety of fabrics without causing the material to bunch or shrink.
A free arm capability and a bright LED screen help to round out some of this machines best features.
- Fully computerized
- Automatic needle threader
- Well lit work area
- Start/stop button
- Speed control
- Sturdy
- No automatic thread cutter
- May not be suitable for an absolute beginner
Janome 3128 – Value-Priced Machine
This machine packs a lot for its price. It comes with a lot of accessories and is loaded with features. One such feature is an auto-declutch bobbin winder.
The pattern dial helps sewers to choose the desired stitch.
- Beginner friendly
- Packed with accessories
- Affordable
- Stable and durable
- Portable
- Sews 650 stitches per minute
- Dial pattern selector
- Not meant for heavy or multi-layer fabric
- No automatic needle threader
- No automatic thread cutter
- Some stitches have pre-set sizes
Janome Magnolia 7330 – For an Intermediate Sewer
The Janome Magnolia was designed with an intermediate sewer in mind. This machine can help the intermediates perfect their skills in a relatively short amount of time. So, would a beginner be able to use this machine? Yes, it is an easy to use machine that a beginner could certainly grow with.
This machine is known for its longevity, solid performance and stability. Maintenance of this machine is extremely low key.
There are plenty of features that come with this machine. The machine has 30 decorative and utility stitches, a locking stitch, a reverse button, a start/stop button and a needle up/down button.
- Bonus pack
- User friendly
- Quiet
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- 30 decorative and utility stitches
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Adjustable speed control
- Not well lit
- No carrying case
Janome DC3050 – Quilter’s Machine
On the one hand, this machine is sturdy enough to take on the thickest quilts. And on the other hand, it is gentle enough to make sewing sheer curtains a breeze. It is compact and lightweight, which makes this machine perfect to take anywhere with you.
The machine can be used in the United States only.
- Easy to use
- Easily sews through layers of material
- Easy to select stitches
- Jam-free machine
- Speed adjustment
- Automatic locking stitch
- U.S. use only
- Extension table runs small
- No dust cover or carrying case
- Presser foot is not adjustable
Janome DC2013 – Durable and Modern
Looking for something that is durable but filled with modern features? It may be worth taking a closer look at this machine. This machine weighs in at about 24 pounds, making it sturdy and durable.
- Well written manual
- Quiet
- Well-lit
- 50 built-in stitches
- Modern settings and features
- Memorized up/down needle stop position
- Superior feed system
- Automatic needle threader
- For U.S. customers only
- Missing some fancier stitches
Janome HD3000 – Best Heavy Duty Machine
The purpose of a heavy duty machine is to be reliable, durable and powerful. The HD3000 certainly meets those requirements.
It doesn’t have all the fancy features found on most janome computerized sewing machines. What does it have? It has power and a lot of it. With a 1.0 amp motor it can easily handle 3-4 layers of denim and other heavy duty fabrics. It sews 860 stitches per minute and comes with a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves.
- Heavy duty
- Quiet
- Smooth and even sewing
- Handles all fabrics
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Excellent stitch quality
- Thread cutter is positioned on the side of the machine
- Needle may get stuck when sewing extra tough material
- May seem loud when sewing lightweight fabrics
Janome Magnolia 7318 – A Beginner’s Machine
The machine is known for being easy and smooth stitching. It is portable but sturdy. It can handle sewing through quilt layers and bulkier fabrics. The aluminum body keeps the machine from jumping around.
- Easy to operate
- User-friendly manual
- Portable
- Strong and highly durable
- Very good stitch quality
- Thread cutter
- Box feed system
- Drop feed is in the back
Janome JW8100 – Rich in Features
That is just the tip of the iceberg. At top speed, the machine can sew 100 stitches per minute without compromising stitch quality. Some of the key features include a digital screen, top loading bobbin system, start/stop button, speed slider control, one-handed threader. All these features are packed into 12 pounds of machine. And yes, this machine is portable.
- 100 built-in stitches
- Lightweight and portable
- Automatic needle threader
- 7 piece feed dog system
- Extra-wide extension table
- Fully-featured
- For sewers of all levels
- No thread cutter
- May have problems sewing through several fabric layers
- Makes a very high noise when sewing through many layers
- Stitch patterns are listed on a separate attached card
Janome 4120QDC- B – A Quilter’s Machine
This well built machine comes with 120 built-in stitches and a built-in alphabet. The full LCD screen is easy to see and to use. The jam proof bobbin system, the start/stop button and the stitch lock button help to take the fuss out of sewing.
- 120 built-in stitches
- Stitch pattern memory capability
- Stitch lock button
- Easy to use
- Quiet
- Feed dog drop ability
- Built-in thread cutter
- Manual tension adjustment
- Takes time to learn the machine
Janome 2212 – Best Sewing Machine for Beginners: Video Review
Who is Janome Anyway?
Janome is a Japanese company that was started in 1921. In 1954, they were established as Janome Sewing Machine Co, Ltd. Their machines are manufactured in Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. Janome America is located in New Jersey.
Janome is a company of many firsts. They were the first company to create a computerized sewing machine suitable for home use. They also developed the first professional embroidery and long-arm quilting machines for the home. Now, they have released the first wireless machine, but more about that later.
Their mission is plain and simple. They want to produce machines that inspire but are also easy to use. They work to achieve this mission with every machine that they create.
Do I Really Need a Janome Machine?
There is no doubt that there are a lot of great machines on the market. However, Janome's machines always make it to the top of most lists when it comes to being the best. There are many reasons to choose a Janome sewing machine:
- Low price but high performance
People are under the impression that if you pay a lot for something, it will outperform the rest of the field. This could not be further from the truth. These machines are made to perform.
Why is this important? Janome wanted to create machines that everyone could afford. But more important, what if you are a beginner starting out? There is no need to empty the bank account for a machine. These machines will have you sewing in no time. But if it turns out that the machine is just going to sit around for mending and other quick jobs, you will still be pleased.
- A wide range of good quality, affordable and modern machines
Another reason why so many people love these machines is that there are so many to choose from. A beginner sewer has a chance to learn and grow. An advanced sewer is about to grow thanks to the modern features found on the machines. In this case, modern features do not add up to the high prices.
But what about money saving shortcuts? Janome does not take shortcuts in order to save money. They do not sacrifice quality. After all, they want their customers to come back. No matter the price point, Janome understands that machines are an investment.
- Important features
Features can make or break a machine. Two features that sewers find the most important is adjustable speed and stitch settings. Why are these particular features important? An advanced sewer understands the creative value of being able to choose stitches and sew at a comfortable speed for them.
For a beginner, learning to choose stitch types, widths and lengths, is a part of the game. Most beginners may not want to sew 1,000 stitches per minute just because the machine can. Being able to change stitches enhances creativity.
- Durability and stability
When it comes to sewing, these two things should go hand in hand. This is the quality that most find appealing about Janome sewing machines. The 25-year warranty doesn't hurt either.
Do I Want a Mechanical or a Computerized Machine?
After reading the reviews, you have come to realize that there are two basic categories of machines. They are mechanical and computerized. Both of these machines have their purposes. The question is what machine is right for you. Let's break it down.
- Mechanical machines tend to be less expensive
- Mechanical machines are easier to use
- For an occasional sewer, the mechanical machine may be the better option
- If you have a big budget, take a look at a computerized machine
- If you are planning to do a lot of sewing, consider a computerized machine
Also, what are you planning to create? Are you a straight stitch quilt maker or do you like fancy stitches? Are you sewing home décor projects or using the machine to sew fleece pants for the kids? All these things play into the type of machine you may want.
But There is More to Consider
There is more to consider than just choosing from computerized and mechanical sewing machines. If you are planning to do a lot of heavy duty sewing, consider choosing a machine specifically for those needs. If you are going to make curtains, choose a machine that can handle delicate materials. If embroidering is your craft, there are machines for that too. You get the picture. Select a machine for your sewing needs.
Looking Towards the Future
Janome has always been known for their cutting edge technology. This continues to be so today. As technology continues to advance, so do sewing machines. Janome's flagship machine called Horizon Memory Craft 1500 is proof of that. This is the first-ever wireless enabled machine. What does that mean? Simply put, you can send designs to your machine using a wireless connection. Sewers can now create designs on an iPad or a personal computer and send them to their machine to duplicate. This allows more creative options for a sewer. How much fun would that be? Janome also has four embroidery apps to be used with an iPad. They can be found in the Apple's app store. Janome continues to inspire sewers by creating machines for the technological world. Can't wait to see what is next.
Final Thoughts
It is not easy to choose a machine, especially when it is your first one. It is important to first figure out what type of sewer you are or want to be. Janome has made sure that there is a machine for everyone. Their price range makes their machines affordable, while their features allow for an abundance of creativity. Happy Sewing!
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