Are Janome Sewing Machines worth the money? Which one is best? Read our reviews to find out. We investigate features, pros & cons, owner ratings, specifications, warranty, and more.
Janome started in 1921 as The Pine Sewing Machine Factory and became the Janome Sewing Machine Company Ltd in 1954. They were the first company to offer a computerized sewing machine for the home and the group now manufactures basic sewing machines, treadle powered sewing machines, computerized sewing machines, embroidery machines, and more. Janome means "eye of the snake". The company now has operations in the US, Canada, Central & South America, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
| Model | Avg Consumer Rating |
| Janome 4120QDC sewing machine | 97.5 |
| Janome Sewist 725S sewing machine | 97.1 |
| Janome Skyline S3 sewing machine | 96.9 |
| Janome HD3000 sewing machine | 96.0 |
| Janome 41012 sewing machine | 94.8 |
| Janome DC1050 sewing machine | 94.3 |
| Janome 3160QDC sewing machine | 93.2 |
92.2 The Janome Sewist 721 is a reasonably affordable mechanical sewing machine. It is a good fit for both the beginner and the intermediate sewist. The 721 sews smoothly and is quiet. Owners like that the unit is fairly lightweight, making it a respectable choice for taking to classes or sewing events. It is also easy to use and the manual is well written and easy to understand. However, there is a lot of plastic in the 721 construction and the unit has a limited number of features.
91.7 The Janome HD5000 comes in two colors and is fully mechanical – there is nothing computerized on this sewing machine. It is described by Janome as “Heavy Duty” and consumer comments, for the most part, bear this out. Owners describe the HD5000 as a sturdy workhorse. It has a limited number of stitches (18) and some folks wish there were more, although stitch quality is said to be very good. This is an uncomplicated machine and is easy to setup and to operate. It may be a good fit for both the beginner and the more experienced seamstress.
97.1 The Janome Sewist 725S is a mechanical sewing machine and it is rather “bare bones”. It includes the essentials, but there are not a lot of fancy features. As such, many owners report that it is simple, very easy to use, and a great fit for beginners. The unit is also fairly quiet and it sews smoothly. The manual is easy to follow, with well written content and good illustrations. Despite the simplicity of the 725S, you will get a needle threader (one hand), 23 built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole, a reverse sewing lever, and a host of accessories.
94.8 This is an inexpensive Janome sewing machine that is a good choice for beginning sewists. It is also mechanical (as opposed to computerized), lightweight, and many owners report taking it to classes or sewing groups. In addition, you get basic, stretch and decorative stitches – a total of 12 stitches. However this is not the best machine for projects that require sewing through multiple layers of fabric or dealing with heavy fabrics. It just doesn’t have the power. Also, you cannot lower the feed dogs so if you want to do free motion sewing you have to cover the feed dogs with the darning plate.
93.0 The Janome MOD-30 is a reasonably priced, computerized sewing machine. This is not a heavy-duty Janome so it isn’t really a fit for those looking to sew the likes of thick denim or leather. It is, however, quite good for light/medium sewing work – garments, home decor, quilting, etc. It is also very easy to use and a great fit for the budding sewist. In addition, it is lightweight and comes with a carry handle for portability. The MOD-30 has 30 built-in stitches and it runs smoothly and quietly. However, some owners feel the unit is constructed with too much plastic and that the lighting is a little dim.
92.4 Owner ratings for this sewing machine are good. Janome’s often have good owner ratings. The Sewist 740DC is a sturdy computerized sewing machine that runs smoothly, makes great stitches, and is fairly easy to learn and operate. It also comes with a host of handy features. However some owners report issues, more-so than we see with some other Janome machines. Is it a good buy? Probably - given the significant number of happy owners. But it may still be a little bit more of a risk than some of the other Janome machines on the market today.
92.2 The Janome Memory Craft 6650 is a very versatile sewing machine. It has a host of features including 170 stitches, 2 alphabets, independent bobbin winding, and a max sewing speed of 1000 stitches per minute. It is great for quilting and all manner of home projects. This is a sturdy and powerful, yet quiet machine. The outer body and interior frame are metal so the unit is on the heavy side but not too bad. Owner ratings for the MC6650 are excellent, however it is probably best for the more experienced sewist. It is not really a good candidate for a beginner or for someone looking for portability.
97.3 If you are looking for the ultimate mechanical sewing machine that only sews straight stitches, then look no further than the Janome 1600P-QC. This is a sturdy, workhorse of a machine that is as close to industrial as you can get without paying the really big bucks. Owners like their 1600P and praise it for its ability to sew through almost anything and to sew extremely fast (up to 1600 stitches per minute). This is also a very popular machine with quilters. On the other hand if you want a lightweight unit, something with a host of stitch options, or if you are a beginner, then this is likely not the best machine for you.
82.8 The Janome Arctic Crystal is an entry-level mechanical sewing machine. It is compact, lightweight and fairly basic. It’s a sturdy unit that comes with 15 built-in stitches and it is also easy to setup and to operate. As a result, it is a popular choice with beginners. Most owners are pleased with the Arctic Crystal but some report that the lighting is too dim and that they have to deal with thread tangling issues.
93.2 The Janome 3160QDC is a lightweight, computerized sewing machine. It is more affordable than the popular 4120QDC and is a great fit for quilters, home crafters, and those who want a portable machine for classes, sewing groups, etc. The 3160QDC is also very easy to use and a good choice for the beginner and even the more advanced sewist. It sews smoothly, includes many useful features, and comes with a host of built-in stitches. However, there are some complaints that the lighting is a little weak.
94.9 The C30 is an entry level computerized Janome sewing machine. But don’t be fooled. This is still a very capable machine, it simply doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you may find on more expensive units. Consumer ratings for the C30 are excellent and owners like that it is very easy to setup and operate. They also like that it is lightweight and portable (has a built-in handle). In addition, the C30 has a one handed needle threader which owners absolutely love. There are very few complaints about this machine, although several folks wish it had a higher quality soft cover.
86.1 The Janome 128 is a very simple and basic sewing machine with only 8 stitches. It is also relatively inexpensive. Janome often refer to the 128 as a “value-priced” sewing machine. Owners like the unit’s ability to tackle thick materials, its light weight, and its ease of use. It is popular for taking to classes, and the compact size, aluminum frame, and built-in carry handle make it very mobile. However, some folks have had issues with thread jamming and inconsistent stitches. Many owners are also disappointed that it does not come with a built-in thread cutter.
92.8 The Janome 49018 is a computerized sewing machine with an aluminum interior frame. As a result of the frame the machine is very lightweight and is a great choice for taking to classes. This is also a fairly basic unit that is easy to use and to setup. It is a good fit for the beginner or novice sewist. Owners are pleased with the high quality of stitch, the smooth operation (little vibration), and the ability to tackle thicker materials. On the downside some people have had issues with the machine-winding bobbin and the 49018 does not come with a large number of stitch options
88.1 This is a rather plain mechanical sewing machine that is simple and easy to use. It is solid and reliable and likely a good fit for a beginner or even an experienced seamstress who only requires the basics. Consumer ratings are quite good and the machine is well-priced for a Janome. It doesn’t come with some of the usual bells and whistles like an automatic needle threader or a needle up/down button but this doesn’t seem to detract from the praise heaped upon this unit by owners.
99.4 The Janome Magnolia 7360 is at the top end of the Magnolia series of sewing machines. This is a computerized unit and it sports 60 stitches and 8 one-step buttonholes. Consumer ratings for this machine are nothing short of fantastic. Owners are very, very pleased with their Magnolia 7360 and cite quality stitches, ease of operation, durability, and light weight as some of the reasons. There is very little negative to say about this sewing machine except perhaps that it does not come with an extension table.
89.7 The Janome JW8100 is a computerized sewing machine with 100 built-in stitches. It lies at the more affordable end of the scale for a Janome sewing machine and is a good fit for beginners, but the host of features also makes it suitable for even more experienced sewists. Owners report that the JW8100 sews smoothly and quietly, and they like that it is lightweight and easy to use. It also has a good fit and finish, and comes with a hard cover and an extension table. However it does not have an automatic thread cutter, it does not include a quilting foot or a free motion foot, and the sewing area is dimly lit.
96.9 The Janome Skyline S3 is the most affordable sewing machine in the Janome Skyline Series. The Skyline series is mid-range and designed for every day projects, garments/fashion/alterations, home décor, quilting, bags, patchwork, crafting and more. The S3 is capable of precision sewing and is also powerful enough to handle denim, leather and multi-layered fabrics. Owners report that it sews very quietly and smoothly, and that it is intuitive and easy to use – despite having a large number of features and capabilities. Consumer feedback and ratings are absolutely top-notch. However, while the S3 is the most affordable machine in the Skyline series, it is still not cheap.
97.5 The Janome 4120QDC sewing machine is good for quilting, garments & alterations, home décor, and all sorts of projects both small and large. It has 120 stitches, a built-in alphabet, and a very popular thread cutting button. It is also remarkably easy to use. In addition, the 4120QDC comes with a host of accessories as well as an extension table, a foot control and a hard cover. Owner ratings are excellent and almost all people are very pleased with their purchase, describing the machine as a quality product that is worth the price. Some feel it is a bit on the heavy side however.
92.2 The Janome New Home 49360 computerized sewing machine gets good reviews and ratings from owners. The machine is praised for its light weight, quiet operation and ease of use. Quite a few folks also report that this is a great sewing machine for quilting and for taking to classes. It comes with 60 stitch patterns, 6 buttonholes, a control panel with LCD display, and a host of useful features. The stitch patterns are printed directly onto the machine's front panel which is also very handy. However, it doesn’t come cheap. Prices start at about $450 and work their way up.
91.0 The Janome NQM2016 is a computerized sewing machine that's great for quilting and is getting solid reviews and ratings from owners. It is quiet, powerful and also fairly easy to use. In addition, it comes with some 60 stitches (essential, hemming, decorative, heirloom) , 6 one step button holes, and features like an automatic thread cutter, a built-in needle threader and an automatic bobbin winder. It also weighs just over 18 lbs (not as heavy as one might expect). On the downside it could have more decorative stitches and it is not an inexpensive sewing machine.
95.0 The Janome JW7630 is a computerized sewing machine with 30 built-in stitches. This is one of the more moderately priced Janome units but like many of this company’s machines it is getting very good ratings and reviews from owners. The JW7630 is a good fit for those doing crafting and home decor projects. It is also popular for quilting as well as clothing construction & alterations. It handles thick fabrics easily and is sturdy and quiet. In addition, it comes with an instructional DVD that most owners report is very easy to use and helpful.
87.2 The Janome 5812 is a “no bells & whistles” mechanical sewing machine. It has 12 stitches and is lightweight, reliable and sturdy. It is easy to use and is a good fit for purists, but folks who want more features – like an automatic needle threader or needle up/down – may be disappointed. Consumer ratings are good and owners highlight the unit’s ability to successfully sew through very thick fabric as well as its quiet operation. It is also reasonably priced for a Janome.
93.0 The Janome Memory Craft 6300P is a computerized sewing machine that is getting top notch reviews and ratings from owners. It is well suited for quilting, garments or home decoration and is fairly easy to use. It’s a good fit for the professional crafter and it can handle both heavy duty and large projects. This is a sturdy workhorse of a machine that is capable of sewing through multiple layers of heavy material while still producing a high quality stitch. It does not have a free arm however and this can be a deal breaker for some seamstresses.
90.8 Compact, durable and cute. These three words describe the Janome 11706 ¾ Size Hello Kitty Sewing Machine well. It is a popular choice with parents or grandparents looking for a beginner machine for their children/grandchildren. It is also well-liked by adults, and some feel it is good for quick fixes and repairs, and also for travel and classes. It is lightweight, easy to use and it sews smoothly. It is not particularly feature rich however and it comes with a limited number of stitches.
91.0 The Janome 712T is a treadle sewing machine. It uses a treadle, which is a lever operated by the foot, to power the sewing machine. In other words it is a modern Janome machine that uses old fashioned principles. Consumer ratings are quite good and most owners find it easy to thread and like the fact that it does not require electricity. It’s a great machine for people that live off the grid or just want to get some exercise while sewing.
98.0 The Janome DC series continues this year with the DC2015, and like the other Janome DC annual machines we have reviewed (DC2011, DC2012, DC2013, DC2014) it is getting top notch consumer ratings.
The Janome DC2015 is a computerized sewing machine with 60 stitches and owners praise its quiet operation, ease of use and quality of stitches. It is a bit on the heavy side however and, like most DC units, it is not cheap.
98.0 The New Home 720 is a lightweight, ¾ size sewing machine that is getting excellent consumer ratings. Many owners like the compact design and find it a great choice for taking to classes. There is little negative written about this machine aside from the fact that it is a bit expensive. The name can also be confusing as it is often a combination of several words such as “New Home”, “720”, Jem Platinum”, JNH720” and “JP720”. These generally all refer to the same machine but check the specifications first to be sure.
97.7 Janome’s latest Decor Computer sewing machine, the DC2014, is getting excellent ratings from owners. Owners like the range of stitch options, the host of useful features, the fact that the unit is sturdy and reliable, and the ease of use. It also comes with many accessories as well as a hard-shell carrying case. All this comes at a price however, and the DC2014 is not cheap. But even so, most owners still sing this sewing machine’s praises.
76.2 The Janome Purple Thunder is a compact, lightweight, no-frills, mechanical sewing machine designed for quick projects. It is fairly popular with beginners and is also commonly purchased by parents or grandparents for children aged 5 to 10. In addition, a number of owners report buying the Purple Thunder to use as a second (or backup) machine.
90.9 The Janome 2206 is definitely worth looking at if you are in the market for an inexpensive and easy-to-use sewing machine. It is a no-frills, solid, mechanical sewing machine and it is getting good consumer ratings. The 2206 is designed for beginners or those who have been away from sewing for awhile. However it is also fairly popular with experienced seamstresses and, on more than one occasion, we have seen this unit recommended by sewing teachers.
97.0 The Janome DC4030 Pink Ribbon, or DC4030PR, is a limited edition computerized sewing machine designed to commemorate The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. - Janome is a sponsor of this foundation. The machine is user friendly and has been designed to handle both delicate and heavy-duty sewing. It comes with 30 built-in stitches, 6 one-step buttonholes, an automatic needle threader and quite a bit more. Consumer ratings for this machine are few but those available indicate a high level of owner satisfaction.
86.1 Janome describe the Sewist 500 as one of their value priced machines but it still isnt that cheap and will set you back about $300USD. Owners like the fact that the machine is easy to use, that it produces even stitches, and that it easily sews through thick fabrics. It also comes with a great manual and a host of accessories. However some owners have had issues and report a grinding sound after unboxing and first starting up the machine. This problem seems sporadic and while some consumers have experienced it, most have not.
86.3 The Janome Sew Mini is a small, lightweight, basic sewing machine that can be purchased at a very reasonable price. It is good for beginners and as a backup machine or a machine for travel/classes. It doesn't come with many accessories or features nevertheless consumer ratings are quite respectable.
98.4 Like many Janome sewing machines the DC2013 receives very good ratings from owners. And like most Janome sewing machines it is not cheap, at close to $500. The DC2013 is intuitive and easy to use but also has many features including 50 stitches selectable via an LED panel. As a result this machine is suitable for both beginners and the experienced seamstress. It includes a hard carry case, many accessories and carries a 25 year warranty.
92.9 The Janome Memory Craft (model 6500P) is a sewing machine for those who dont like compromise. It has an extremely wide array of features and is also powerful and solidly built. Despite its many options the 6500P is still easy to use and it has intuitive controls. Most owners give the machine rave reviews and consumer ratings are very good. The unit also includes many, many accessories. If there are any downsides they may be that the Memory Craft does not have a free arm and that it is also rather heavy, making it a poor candidate for those who like taking their machine to classes.
96.6 The Janome DC3050 is a computerized sewing machine and like many of the machines manufactured by Janome, it gets very good consumer ratings. Owners report that it is very easy to use, that it rarely jams and that it is capable of sewing through many layers of material. The auto-tensioner is also a very popular feature. There are few unfavorable things said about the DC3050 but some folks lament the lack of a cover while others find the automatic buttonhole foot a little difficult to work with.
98.4 The Janome DC5100 gets glowing reviews and ratings from owners. This is a structurally solid and quiet sewing machine with a tremendous number of features and accessories. It is also fast, smooth, and it easily sews through multiple layers of fabric. However, like many good things, it is expensive and it retails for as high as $899. But you should be able to find it for much less, and $599 is a commonly quoted price online.
85.8 The Janome 3128 is an entry level mechanical sewing machine that gets very good consumer ratings. Janome sewing machines have a good reputation and are generally not cheap, but the 3128 can sometimes be found for as little as $120. It is lightweight, quiet and sews a nice stitch. Most owners report feeling that they got their moneys worth with this machine. However, it is also limited in terms of features and accessories, so it is important to understand what you are buying.
95.7 This is a computerized sewing machine with 50 built-in stitches, a host of features and many accessories. Consumer ratings are very good, however we should note that ratings for almost all of the Janome sewing machines we have reviewed are very good. The DC2012 is quiet, has even stitching, 3 one-step automatic buttonholes and many, many additional features. It also includes a hard case and quite a few accessories. This machine is not cheap however and one can expect to pay almost $500.
96.0 The Janome HD3000 is a sturdy sewing machine that is getting great reviews and ratings from owners. It feeds material smoothly, is capable of dealing with thick materials, and is also reportedly very easy to operate. Unfavorable comments are few but some consumers feel that the stitch selection light is a little dim and the turn wheel a bit stiff. [REF Janome Sewing Machine Reviews]
86.6 There are a limited number of online consumer ratings for the Janome DC2011 at this time but a total of 45 were still found. Quite a few owners gave the machine a perfect 5 out of 5. Folks seem impressed with how easy the machine is to setup and operate and also feel it is solidly built, sturdy and reliable. Owners like the large number of included accessories as well as the units ability to easily sew through multiple layers of fabric and the needle up/down feature. [REF Janome Sewing Machine Reviews]
94.3 Like most of the Janome sewing machines we have investigated to date, the Janome DC1050 gets very good ratings from consumers. It is a lightweight machine that is also very quiet. Owners report that it is sturdy, user friendly and very easy to setup and get running. There is some grumbling about the lack of illumination provided by the built-in LED light however. [REF Janome Sewing Machine Reviews]
96.4 The Janome Jem Gold 660 is another Janome sewing machine that gets very good consumer ratings. This unit can be found online for under $200 (at some outlets) and owners really like it for its simple and straightforward design, ease-of-use and very light weight. [REF Janome Sewing Machine Reviews]
98.9 The 7330 is the most advanced sewing machine in Janomes Magnolia Line. It is not a cheap machine and it costs about $400 or so, but if consumer reviews and ratings are anything to go by, it is worth every penny. This is the highest rated sewing machine we have reviewed to date, and owners feel that it is a sturdy workhorse that is also quiet and easy to use. [REF Janome Sewing Machine Ratings]
92.6 The general consensus is that this is a great sewing machine. It doesnt have a computer interface but a number of owners actually like this, and it gets a lot of praise for being able to sew through heavy duty materials easily. Consumers also feel that it is a sturdy machine but some struggle a bit with the front loading bobbin. [REF Janome Sewing Machine Ratings]
92.6 The 7318 is another Janome sewing machine that is getting good comments from owners. The Magnolia 7318 is popular for its ease of use and solid, yet light aluminum construction. It comes with 18 built-in decorative and utility stitches and a large number of features and accessories. The Magnolia also carries a 25 year limited manufacturers warranty and is fairly well-priced at about $200 (at some retail outlets). [REF Janome Sewing Machine Ratings]
96.8 The Janome 8077 computerized sewing machine is getting very good consumer ratings and reviews. Reviews are limited however, but those that were found indicate that consumers have very few negative things to say about this machine. 8077 owners praise its quiet operation, light weight and ability to easily sew through thick fabrics.[REF Janome Sewing Machine Ratings]
Hello! My name is Alison and I started Sewing Machine Ratings over 10 years ago. Since then I’ve reviewed scores of sewing machines. Sewing has been a hobby for me since I was a young and I love to make my own clothing.Sewing-machine-ratings.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
