Our Favorite Janome Sewing Machines: 6 Awesome Options, Depending On Your Needs
Janome believes that the most important thing about their machines is what YOU make with them. Based on this value, Janome sewing machines are designed not only for durability and reliability that you need, they are all about ease-of-use, comfort and quality. The company is based in Japan and very popular there as well as here in the U.S.
Fun fact – Janome (ja-NO-me) means “eye of snake” in Japanese. The company earned this nick-name in the 1920s when the founder started using a round metal bobbin system instead of the traditional long shuttle. It looked like the eye of a snake and with that the company started using that name.
There is no doubt that Janome makes excellent sewing machines, but the question is, how do you go about picking the right one for you? Look no further, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Janome sewing machines.
Alongside this, we’ve written a buyer’s guide and answered some frequently asked questions you might have thought of.
Check out our top Janome sewing machine picks below.
| Category | Model | Built in Stitches | Warranty | |
| Best Overall | Janome 3160QDC | 60 | 25-year | |
| Computerized | Janome 4120QDC | 120 | 25-year | |
| Basic | Janome Sewist 725S | 23 | 25-year | |
| Best Value (“Cheap”) | Janome 2212 | 12 | 25-year | |
| Embroidery | Janome Memory Craft 500E | 160 (designs) | 25-year | |
| Heavy Duty | Janome HD1000 | 14 | 25-year |
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Best Janome Sewing Machine Reviews: Six Top Picks
Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine (New 2020 Tan Color) w/Hard Cover
The Janome 3160QDC is a computerized sewing machine fully loaded with features. This model allows for a variety of sewing and seems to have been designed with quilters in mind. It is light weight and comes with a hard shell carrying case (great for toting it to quilting guild meetings or classes). It also has an extension table to increase your work space, another feature that is helpful for quilting.
Janome’s Exclusive Superior Plus Feed System offers specialized box feeding on top of Janome’s SFS system, ensuring even, stable feeding with any fabric.
This sewing machine boasts lots of time-saving features, including memorized needle up/down, one hand needle threader, and lock stitch button – and it can sew up to 820 stitches per minute.
In short, it’s a work horse of a machine.
Pros
- Only weighs 12lb! This lightweight machine is easy to transport for your convenience.
- This machine comes with a convenient thread cutter and many more useful accessories!
- Easy to use! This machine is perfect for beginners and more experienced sewers as you begin to get more confident.
Cons
- A few customers claimed that the foot peddle cord was unusually short.
Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine (New 2020 Tan Color) w/Hard Case
The Janome 4120QDC Computerized Sewing Machine is a step up from the 3160QDC (120 stitches vs 60 stitches, 7 buttonholes vs 6 buttonhole). It is another great example of a model that is designed for every type of sewing from home décor to high fashion to patchwork. That said, it is especially loved by quilters thanks to the extra high presser foot, extension table, lightweight portability and time saving features (see below).
The Janome 4120QDC boasts a full LCD screen, automatic thread cutter, on-screen stitch editing, easy reverse button, start-stop button and much more to make your sewing experience as convenient as possible.
It also has a ton of features that allow for customization including 120 stitches, alphabet fonts, twin-needle functionality, mirror stitching, 7 one-step buttonhole styles,
This sewing machine comes with multiple different accessories – a hard cover, extension table, instructional DVD, Zig-Zag “A” Sewing Foot, and more.
Pros
- The easy-to-use control panel and LCD screen allow for more detail in decorative stitches, and incredible fine adjustments in all stitches.
- The precision tension dial lets you set your tension and remains the same throughout, so you don’t have to worry about readjusting it.
- Excellent stitch quality! Is capable of speeds of up to 820 stitches per minute!
Cons
- One customer noted that they struggled with the alphabet font options with this particular sewing machine. It’s important to note that alphabet fonts are not the same thing as full featured embroidery which requires a different machine altogether.
Janome Sewing Machine Sewist 725S
The Janome Sewing Machine Sewist 725S is the ideal modern mechanical machine for beginners. Mechanical machines keep things simpler than computerized models. However, this machine still packs it in with all the essentials.
This sewing machine boasts a quick set bobbin and an LED light that makes it easier to see exactly what you’re doing when you’re sewing for a precise result. Twenty three built-in stitches that include the necessary straight and stretch stitches along with decorative stitches and a one-step buttonhole. Built-in needed threader makes it quick and easy to get started. An extra high foot level makes it easy to work with thick fabrics so even though this is a “simple” machine, you won’t feel restricted by what fabrics you can use or what projects you can tackle.
Pros
- This sewing machine comes with a hard cover so that you can neatly store it away.
- The accessories can be stored in the convenient drawer at the front of the machine to ensure nothing is lost!
- This sewing machine is perfect for beginners! Quiet and easy to get to grips with.
Cons
- Although great for beginners, this machine lacks the bells and whistles that keep things interesting once you gain experience and higher skill level.
Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine is lightweight, entry-level mechanical machine at an affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
This basic, yet reliable sewing machine operates smoothly, allowing you to sew through several layers of fabric with ease. That means, even though it’s “entry level,” it won’t minimize your sewing possibilities.
The Janome 2212 includes a host of accessories such as presser feet (blind hem, zig-zag, sliding buttonhole, zipper, H) and additional accessories such as needles, a seam ripper, a screwdriver, bobbins, and an instruction manual for beginners!
Definitely a great-value-for-the-money option.
Pros
- This sewing machine is lightweight and compact, meaning that you can transport it and store it away with ease!
- The Janome sewing machine can handle thicker fabrics without hassle! Meaning that you don’t have to worry when it comes to sewing multiple layers of fabric.
- This machine can sew up to 860 stitches per minute, meaning that your output won’t be slowed down!
Cons
- A few customers noted that it doesn’t include a large array of features such as an automatic needle threader.
Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine
The Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine is a stand alone embroidery machine (not an embroidery / sewing machine combo) that features on LCD color touchscreen for easy on-screen editing.
It’s a nice option for fabric artists that want to personalize their projects and embellish their makes. Monograming home decor items, accessories and garment becomes an addiction with one of these in your home. This machine is also a big hit with quilters that use embroidery to embellish their quilts.
The Janome Memory CraftE has 160 built in designs and can has a sewing speed of 400 – 860 stitches per minute. It also comes with 4 hoops of various sizes giving you more options for design sizes.
Pros
- It comes with 4 different sized hoops for greater versatility in your designs.
- LCD screen with quick selection buttons for your convenience!
- Easy for beginners to get started.
Cons
- Does not come with digitizing software so if you want to create your own custom designs (logos or whatnot), than you’ll need to invest in software separately.
- Not exactly “cheap” but most embroidery machines are pricey so this is to be expected.
Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
The Janome HD1000 Sewing Machine is a hard working, heavy duty machine. Its super sturdy construction can handle thick fabrics / layers and provides a no/low vibration sewing experience.
This mechanical sewing machine comes with an array of useful features – 14 stitches and a four-step button hole, built-in needed threader and storage tray. It also includes a seam ripper and hem guide, two things that are especially helpful for beginners and experienced sewists alike.
We spent a lot of time with this machine in my daughter’s sewing class. For more details, check out our in-depth Janome HD1000 review.
Pros
- The heavy-duty aluminum body construction with a .75 AMP makes this a hard performing work horse.
- The automatic needle threader allows you to thread your needle with ease and without eyestrain.
- This machine comes with a hidden compartment inside the casing where you can keep your extra accessories, such as spare feet, bobbins, and more.
Cons
- One customer noted that this particular sewing machine was louder than they were anticipating.
Buyer’s Guide
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a sewing machine, but it mainly comes down to its durability, versatility and intended use, as well as your level of experience.
Don’t be persuaded into buying a cheaper quality machine or a machine that is designed specifically for advanced sewers if you’re a beginner. What you initially save, you may have to pay for later if your sewing machine breaks sooner than you had anticipated.
Also, if you buy a machine that is above your experience level, then it is likely that you will struggle to pick it up and could risk giving up your new hobby!
Check out the features below before choosing the best Janome sewing machine for you.
Durability
An important factor to consider when purchasing a sewing machine is whether or not it is durable.
Generally speaking, a good quality sewing machine is not a cheap investment, and you’ll want it to be able to not only withstand frequent use, but also the test of time.
A good indicator of whether a product is durable or not is to check the product reviews. If a customer is unhappy with the quality of the machine or has experienced a fault, it is highly likely that they will have informed other customers about it in the reviews section.
Not only this, but the reviews section will also highlight any problems the customer may have experienced with the brand itself or their customer service. If someone has had a negative experience that they wouldn’t recommend, you are sure to find it in the product review section.
As a result, you should always do your own research and be sure to check the product reviews to ensure that you’re happy with the outcome before clicking ‘buy’.
Versatility & Intended Use
An important factor to consider when purchasing a sewing machine is its versatility and its intended use. Have a think about the types of projects you want to carry out with your new sewing machine and go from there.
Different types of sewing machines are designed for different purposes. For repairs and alternations, a basic mechanical machine might be all that you need.
However, for more complex projects, such as dressmaking, you’ll want to look for the terms ‘buttonhole stitches’ and ‘free arm.’ The latter will make sewing sleeves and trouser legs much easier.
You don’t want to limit yourself in terms of what you can and cannot sew. Ideally, you want a sewing machine that is able to easily sew the wide variety of fabrics that are readily available today. As a result, you’ll want to make sure that your sewing machine is versatile enough to handle different kinds of fabric, too.
Level of Experience
Something you’ll need to take into account when purchasing a sewing machine is your level of experience and buy a machine accordingly.
For instance, if you’re a beginner, you’re not going to need a machine that is designed for intermediate or advanced sewers. Sewing newcomers should opt for something simple to begin with, such as an entry-level machine.
These sewing machines are specifically designed for people just starting out, and thus, you there’s a lower risk of you getting overwhelmed if you are struggling to get the hang of it. Be patient and stick to the basics to start off!
However, it is worth mentioning that you might also want to think ahead and buy a machine that is going to allow you to grow with it, to prevent having to buy another machine as you become more experienced.
There are some great all-rounder Janome sewing machines out there that are perfect for beginners and more advanced sewers, as you’ll be able to tell from the machines we found in this article.
Weight & Storage
An important factor to consider when looking for the right sewing machine is the weight and storage.
Ask yourself, will your machine need to be packed up and put away after each use? Will you be traveling with it to take it to classes? Consider the weight, as you don’t want to lift a heavy machine more than you need to.
Try to look for a sewing machine with a cover that will help you conveniently store it away when you’re not using it. Many sewing machines also come with handy compartments to store your accessories, so this is also something you’ll want to consider.
Accessories
Something to take into account when purchasing a sewing machine is the accessories that it comes with, as they can make your life significantly easier if you have them at your disposal.
Many Janome sewing machines come with extra accessories, depending on the price of the machine that you pay for. Generally speaking, they always come with basic accessories such as a foot control, a hem guide, a screwdriver, and many more, but this is likely to change depending on how much you pay for your machine and the level of experience of the machine.
If you purchase a sewing machine that is designed for intermediate and advanced sewers, they are likely to have some different accessories to beginner machines.
Typically speaking, more expensive machines will include more accessories. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get by on the basic accessories that most machines include. It does mean, however, that if you progress further, you might want to invest in some others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is Better, Janome or Singer?
The answer to this question is likely to change, depending on who you ask. Both Janome and Singer are excellent manufacturers of sewing machines, although there are some significant differences. Both are in the 3 top selling brands of sewing machines (with Brother too).
Which brand you prefer will largely come down to your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a sewing machine. We suggest that you do your own research as well as use this article for reference!
Finishing Touches (final thoughts)
You really can’t go wrong with Janome sewing machines. Known for reliability, quality and innovation, this brand delivers on its promise and helps its customers bring their creative visions to life.
Are you a Janome sewist? What’s your favorite Janome sewing machine?
