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.
Consumer Ratings
We found a total of 473 owner ratings for the 2212. Owners give the machine solid ratings and the table below provides a look at the ratings on several different popular online retail outlets. The overall weighted average rating is a healthy 88.1 out of 100. Not as high as some other Janome machines we have investigated but still good.
We found a total of 473 owner ratings for the 2212. Owners give the machine solid ratings and the table below provides a look at the ratings on several different popular online retail outlets. The overall weighted average rating is a healthy 88.1 out of 100. Not as high as some other Janome machines we have investigated but still good.
| Source | Consumer Rating | # Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.4 stars out of 5 | 458 |
| Joann | 4.4 stars out of 5 | 11 |
| Bed Bath & Beyond | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 3 |
| Walmart | 5 stars out of 5 | 1 |
You may also want to see our list (below) of the the highest rated Janome sewing machines on the site:
| Model | Avg Consumer Rating |
| Janome Magnolia 7360 sewing machine | 99.4 |
| Janome Magnolia 7330 sewing machine | 98.9 |
| Janome DC2013 sewing machine | 98.4 |
| Janome DC5100 sewing machine | 98.4 |
| Janome DC2015 sewing machine | 98.0 |
| Janome New Home 720 sewing machine | 98.0 |
Consumer Insights
Most owners feel that the Janome 2212 is a very solid and reliable machine and that it is well suited for beginners and those who want the basics. But the machine is capable enough that a more advanced sewist will find it useful. Bear in mind however, that it doesn’t include a large array of features such as an automatic needle threader, stitch length adjustment, foot pressure adjustment, a needle up/down switch, etc. As a result folks who need or want these kinds of options may want to opt for a more expensive machine.
Most owners feel that the Janome 2212 is a very solid and reliable machine and that it is well suited for beginners and those who want the basics. But the machine is capable enough that a more advanced sewist will find it useful. Bear in mind however, that it doesn’t include a large array of features such as an automatic needle threader, stitch length adjustment, foot pressure adjustment, a needle up/down switch, etc. As a result folks who need or want these kinds of options may want to opt for a more expensive machine.
Consumers feel that the 2212 is lightweight and therefore easy to carry and that it works well for a main machine or even a backup (if you have a more expensive model as your main unit). Despite the light weight folks also report that the unit feels solid. Another common thread in owner comments is that the Janome 2212 is very easy to operate.
Additional positive statements include that the machine is very good at handling thick fabrics, that it is well-priced for what you get, and that it comes with a number of accessories that store on-board.
There are, however, a few areas of contention with this machine. It doesn’t have an automatic needle threader - but a number of owners still report that it is fairly easy to thread. Nor does the 2212 have a top loading bobbin. It has a front loading bobbin instead and some feel that this configuration is more difficult for beginners.
In addition, some people have experienced issues with thread tangling/jamming and bobbin assembly. This kind of thing is a hassle and some folks have had to send the machine in for small repairs.
You can read more Janome 2212 owner comments on Amazon.
Pros & Cons
A review of owner comments has provided the following Janome 2212 likes and dislikes:
A review of owner comments has provided the following Janome 2212 likes and dislikes:
PROS
- Feels well-built & solid
- Easy to use with clear instructions
- Lightweight and compact
- Not too expensive
- Easy to thread
- Good basic stitches
- Capable of sewing through multiple layers of fabric
- Well priced
CONS
- No automatic needle threader
- Front loading bobbin
- No presser foot pressure adjustment
- Feels well-built & solid
- Easy to use with clear instructions
- Lightweight and compact
- Not too expensive
- Easy to thread
- Good basic stitches
- Capable of sewing through multiple layers of fabric
- Well priced
CONS
- No automatic needle threader
- Front loading bobbin
- No presser foot pressure adjustment
Key Sewing Machine Features
- 12 built-in stitches (dial selector)
- 1 four-step buttonhole
- Front loading bobbin
- Free arm
- Sews up to 860 stitches per minute
- Snap on presser feet
- 2 needle positions
- Drop feed dog
- 3-piece feed dog
- Built-in thread cutter
- Manual tension control
- Lamp
- push/pull bobbin winder
- zigzag width adjustment
- Maximum stitch length of 4mm
- Reverse level
- Foot controller
- 12 built-in stitches (dial selector)
- 1 four-step buttonhole
- Front loading bobbin
- Free arm
- Sews up to 860 stitches per minute
- Snap on presser feet
- 2 needle positions
- Drop feed dog
- 3-piece feed dog
- Built-in thread cutter
- Manual tension control
- Lamp
- push/pull bobbin winder
- zigzag width adjustment
- Maximum stitch length of 4mm
- Reverse level
- Foot controller
Stitches
The built-in stitches are shown in the stitch chart below:
The built-in stitches are shown in the stitch chart below:
Accessories
This is a very lightweight sewing machine at only 13.2 lbs and it can be easily carried from place to place via the foldable carry handle. It also comes with a soft cover. Like most sewing machines it includes a host of accessories such as presser feet (blind hem, zig-zag, sliding buttonhole, zipper, H). Additional accessories such as the following are also provided: needles, seam ripper, screwdriver, bobbins and instruction manual. Accessory storage is provided in the extension table.
This is a very lightweight sewing machine at only 13.2 lbs and it can be easily carried from place to place via the foldable carry handle. It also comes with a soft cover. Like most sewing machines it includes a host of accessories such as presser feet (blind hem, zig-zag, sliding buttonhole, zipper, H). Additional accessories such as the following are also provided: needles, seam ripper, screwdriver, bobbins and instruction manual. Accessory storage is provided in the extension table.
Warranty
The Janome 2212 carries a 25-year limited warranty. This breaks down as:
25-years on mechanical parts
2-Years on electrical parts
1-Year on labor
The Janome 2212 carries a 25-year limited warranty. This breaks down as:
25-years on mechanical parts
2-Years on electrical parts
1-Year on labor
We have also seen a few complaints that machines bought from certain outlets (such as Amazon) do not carry the Janome warranty. The website Sewing Summit has been in touch with Janome on this very issue and an excerpt from the reply is as follows:
“Janome machines sold new on Amazon.com would come with the Janome warranty if they are listed as either “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” or “Ships from and sold by [insert the name of one of our authorized Janome dealers selling on Amazon.com]”. Please note that there are third-party sellers selling on Amazon.com. If you purchase from one of these third-party sellers who is NOT an authorized Janome dealer, your machine will NOT have a Janome warranty.”
Sewing Machine Manual
If one is considering a particular sewing machine a walk through the manual can highlight some areas of interest. Like all Janome manuals this one is fairly detailed. It is also in English, Spanish and French. You will find information such as a breakdown and labeling of all the essential parts of the sewing machine, along with getting the machine ready for sewing, basic sewing, utility stitching, decorative stitching, care & maintenance, and also troubleshooting. View the manual: Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Manual.
If one is considering a particular sewing machine a walk through the manual can highlight some areas of interest. Like all Janome manuals this one is fairly detailed. It is also in English, Spanish and French. You will find information such as a breakdown and labeling of all the essential parts of the sewing machine, along with getting the machine ready for sewing, basic sewing, utility stitching, decorative stitching, care & maintenance, and also troubleshooting. View the manual: Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Manual.
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.