Adam Clapton
If you’re a passionate sewist, no matter whether you just begin or are an old hand, nothing can compare with the process of creation. And the right sewing machine at your hand makes this process simple and easy. But buying such a machine isn’t that simple at all! There are so many different models and companies right now that they will just add on to your confusion. But don’t worry! Just read our top Janome sewing machine reviews and find the right one for you!
Janome is one of the world’s most reliable producers of sewing machines. Both skilled sewists and enthusiastic beginners can find something in their expansive product line. Their machines are of the highest quality, durable, and even covered by a 25-year warranty. But to go through and learn about all of Janome’s machines can certainly be a pain. There are various things you will have to consider, such as a variety of stitches it includes, ease of use, fabrics it can stitch, and so on. Therefore, we’ve compared these very sewing machines in our own research. In order to help you in your quest to find the best sewing machine, we’ve even combed through hundreds of reviews and compared specifications and real customer opinions to decide on our favorites.
Top 3 Janome Sewing Machines Review 2018
Here, we’ve written a guide comparing the best Janome sewing machines that can be used both by beginners and professionals. Each product description is packed with features that meet your needs. We’ve also given an in-depth product review with pros and cons of each product. Our buying guide is also available so that you’re not lost on the technicalities of the sewing machine. We hope to be able to help you find the sewing machine that fits your criteria.
| Name and Features | Image | Rating | Price |
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| 1.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 (Best Janome Sewing Machine for Professionals) This electronic sewing and embroidery machine is from the top-of-the-range Janome product range. This machine features 425 built-in stitches and 13 buttonholes, built-in needle threader, and independent motor for bobbin winding. The Memory Craft is PC compatible and has a touch screen as a GUI, so it’s easy to navigate. It’s really quiet, but powerful and can handle practically any fabrics and material, from leather to tents. |
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| 2. Janome DC2013 (Best Value for Money) This electronic machine is a great halfway option for those who want most of Janome features at an affordable price. It’s suitable for both beginners and professionals. The machine comes with 50 built-in stitches and 3 buttonholes, a needle threader, and automatic thread tension control. It’s also lightweight and comes with a hard case, so you can take it with you. |
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| 3. Janome 2212 (Budget Pick) This mechanical sewing machine is very affordable and simple. Therefore, this would be the top pick for those who just begin to learn the craft of sewing. It has 12 built-in stitches and one four-step buttonhole and features manual thread tension control. Although there is no automatic needle threader, it’s still easy to thread. It’s powerful enough to sew through multiple layers of fabric. |
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Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 – Best Janome Sewing Machine for Professionals
- Embroidery and sewing machine
- Top loading full rotary hook bobbin
- Auto-DeClutch bobbin winding
- 425 built-in stitches
- 13 one-step buttonholes
- Stitch width and length adjustment
- Maximum stitch length: 5mm
- Maximum stitch width: 9mm
- Automatic thread tension control
- AcuGuide automatic cloth guide
- Built-in needle threader
- Easy reverse button
- 7-piece feed dog
- Independent motor for bobbin winding
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Real-time PC Connection with Horizon Link
OVERALL RATING: 10 out of 10
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 is a one of a kind sewing machine. It’s the easiest Janome sewing machine to get the hang of if you already have some experience with sewing. It even has a user friendly GUI to help you easily navigate through all of the 425 different built-in stitches it has. It also features an in-built needle threader as well as an automatic thread tension control, which makes the sewing process much easier. It also has AcuGuide, which makes it so that the Janome Horizon feeds fabric evenly from both the top and the bottom. And, because it is a computerized sewing machine, you have more control over the speed, which helps you sew and embroider better. This beast is so powerful that it can sew almost everything, from linen, wool, velvet, to multiple layers of fabrics and even harder fabric such as reptile skin, leather and even fur.
While having a computerized sewing machine can make life easier because most of the functions are automated, it can have its drawbacks as well. Its electrical components are more prone to damage and fixing it can be a hassle. And we would say, the Janome Horizon is not suitable for beginners and can be quite expensive.
- Has a touch screen as a GUI, so it’s easy to navigate
- Very powerful and can stitch through most fabrics
- Plenty of built-in stitches and 13 one-step buttonholes
- Sewing and embroidery options available
- PC compatible
- It is on a pricey side
- It can be difficult for a beginner to get the hang of
Janome DC2013 – Best Value for Money
- Sewing machine
- Top loading full rotary hook bobbin
- Auto-DeClutch bobbin winding
- 50 built-in stitches
- 3 one-step buttonholes
- Stitch width and length adjustment
- Maximum stitch length: 5mm
- Maximum stitch width: 7mm
- Automatic thread tension control
- Built-in needle threader
- Easy reverse button
- 7-piece feed dog
OVERALL RATING: 9.7 out of 10
The Janome DC2013 is a sewing machine which is easy to get used to. It also features 50 different built-in stitches. The DC2013 is suitable for you to start learning sewing or quilting and it has enough features for you to stick with when you gain more experience and become a professional. Some of these features include an easy stitch selection, 15 different needle positions, bright sewing area light, adjustable stitch length and width, tension control and so on. The sewing machine also comes with a hard case which keeps off dust and makes the machine easier to clean. The DC2013 can be used to stitch natural fibers such as wool, linen and cotton, fine fabric such as silk and velvet, some synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyester and blended fabric and even upholstery fabric.
However, the Janome DC2013 isn’t the best option if you’re looking to use leather, fur, rubber or multiple layers or fabric. If you’re just starting to sew and don’t have a decent foundation, then the DC2013 might seem a bit expensive. This machine, even though it has 50 different built-in stitches, does not have some of the new fancier stitches.
- Lightweight, so you can carry it around with you
- Suitable for you to start when you’re beginning or even use when you’re a professional
- A bit expensive if you’re just starting out
- Some of the fancier embroidery might not be in the sewing machine
Janome 2212 – Budget Pick
- Sewing machine
- Front loading vertical oscillating hook bobbin
- Push-pull bobbin winding
- 12 built-in stitches
- 1 four-step buttonhole
- Stitch width and length adjustment
- Maximum stitch length: 4mm
- Manual thread tension control
- Reverse lever
- 5-piece feed dog
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Snap on presser feet
- Free arm sewing feature
OVERALL RATING: 9.3 out of 10
The Janome 2212 is a simple machine suitable for those just beginning to learn the craft of sewing. Compared to other modern sewing machines, the Janome 2212 only has 12 built-in stitches, 5-piece feed dog. This makes the machine easy to navigate and operate. It’s also a lightweight so it’s easy for you to carry around with you. The Janome 2212 is cheap and gets the job done. While it doesn’t have an automatic needle threader, it’s easy to thread. The Janome 2212 can sew through fabrics such as cotton, linen, polyester, upholstery, wool, velvet and is even powerful enough to sew through multiple layers of fabric. And, because it’s a mechanical sewing machine, it’s easier to maintain because there aren’t motherboards and other electronic parts.
However, unlike computerized sewing machines, the mechanical Janome 2212 doesn’t do everything at a touch of a button, so, you’ll have to be creative and be willing to experiment. It’s also relatively noisy compared to other lightweight sewing machines. Some customers have had problems with the thread tangling itself on the feed dog, so you might have to disassemble it to fix that.
- Relatively cheap compared to other similar products
- Even though it’s light, it’s powerful enough to sew multiple layers of fabric
- Great for a beginner to use and gain experience
- Doesn’t have that many options for you to embroider
- A tad bit noisy
- You’ll need to adjust the tension manually
Buying Guide
Whether you’re buying your first sewing machine or just looking to update the one you currently have, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are many aspects you will have to consider and many features you will have to filter through, such as ease of use, type of machine, price, number and types of stitches, and many others. Our buying guide is here to make shopping for your sewing machine easier and your sewing journey a pleasant one.
Why choose Janome?
Janome was the first sewing machine manufacturer in the world and has been producing quality sewing machines since 1936. It exports its products to over 100 countries. Janome’s products continued to evolve as the need for advanced sewing technology became more apparent. It was the first to develop a computerized machine for home use, to offer professional style embroidery, to produce a long arm quilting machine alongside the latest wireless enabled sewing and embroidery machine. All this suggests that the company is constantly evolving and striving to make your sewing experience excellent. Another great feature of Janome is that they produce their machines for any level of skills you may have – from beginners to experts in sewing.
How do you intend to use your sewing machine?
The type of sewing machine you need will depend upon how you plan to use it. If you’ll be using it often for a long period of time, then you’ll be better off with an electronic machine rather than a mechanical one. However, for occasional use, you could get the mechanical machine because it provides more control. Similarly, if you intend to embroider your garments, getting one with a variety of patterns will be better, but they are often pricier than your regular sewing machines. The power of the machine is also a huge factor as most lightweight and cheap sewing machines can’t stitch through tougher material like fur and leather. So, you need to carefully pick out the sewing machine that’ll meet your needs.
What features to look for in an ideal Janome machine?
Now, let’s have some insight into particular features you’ll have to consider when choosing the best sewing machine for your needs.
Type of machine
Mechanical – In mechanical sewing machines, you’ll have to control most of the settings yourself such as the speed and tension of the machine. You can also perform basic repairs on the machine without much of a hassle, and price-wise, it’s cheaper than electronic sewing machines.
Electronic – While electronic sewing machines are pricier than mechanical machines, they are easier to operate as most controls are automated. If you sew frequently, then an electronic sewing machine is an investment you might want to look into making. However, it would be a hassle to fix if it breaks because of all the electronic components.
Embroidery or sewing – Most electronic sewing machines feature an embroidery option. You can embroider your bed sheets, curtains, pillow cases and so on with pre-programmed designs and you can even add your own designs. Some sewing machines even let you resize, reposition and mirror your designs.
Bobbin type and winding
There are different types of bobbins and you’ll need to see which one fits your machine. There are different sizes of bobbins and they are made up of different material such as plastic, metal, aluminum and so on. If you have the incorrect bobbin, then your stitches might not stitch properly. In older machines, you’d have to thread the bobbin in a small compartment, but in modern machines, you can just slide open a panel and drop your bobbin in.
Variety of stitches available
The number of stitches varies with each sewing machine. And, there are also different types of stitches such as straight, zig zag, to even decorated stitching. In addition to the type of stitch, you can even change the maximum height and maximum width of the stitch. Generally, electronic machines have more stitch options and an easier method of shuffling through them. If you’re running a business, you’ll benefit by having more stitch options available to you.
Tension adjustment and speed control
Adjusting the tension of the thread in the machine is a crucial task. If the tension is too much, it can scrunch up the fabric, but if it’s too loose, then it might result in a loopy stitch. Most electronic sewing machines have automatic tension adjustment just to make life easier.
Speed control is another major part of sewing. The speed should be set where you can stitch in your own pace without stopping rather than stopping and readjusting your fabric every few seconds.
Needle threader
The needle threader is a convenient feature that makes life so much easier. Without it, you’d have to stress your eyes and try to thread a needle which can take up a lot of your time. You’ll eventually be able to do it, but that process is extremely frustrating. Well, the needle threader pulls the thread through the eye of the needle, making life easier. It’s not the feature that we deserve, but the feature that we need right now.
Power switch and safety features
As the name implies, the power switch turns the sewing machine on and off. It can also be a safety feature, and is required if you’re a bit clumsy or have kids playing around near the machine so that they don’t get hurt.
Price and warranty
Even though the price of a sewing machine depends on its features, the mechanical sewing machine often costs less than the electronic one. A good mechanical machine can easily come under $150, while a decent electronic one can cost $500, and it can even go up to $5000 for one which is jam packed with loads of features. The electronic machines are more prone to damage, so in general, having the same warranty period is an added bonus. The general warranty period for a Janome sewing machine is 25 years.
Conclusion
With plenty of models in the market, it will be difficult to find a sewing machine that meets all of your requirements. Whether you care about durability over price or ease of use over number of features, we hope that after reading our reviews and going through our comparison list as well as our buying guide, it’ll be easier for you to come to a decision and that you’ll use the sewing machine for all the pesky little problems such as small tears or a minor stitch work, or even redo your old clothes so that they’ll fit into today’s fashion trend.
