Janome DC3050 Review

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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.

Consumer Ratings
The DC3050 is a step up from the DC1050 (in terms of both features and price) and it gets similar solid ratings.  A review of DC3050 consumer ratings from top retail websites provides the following scores – see table below.  When averaged these produce a very healthy 96.6 out of 100 (or 4.83 stars out of 5). 

Consumer Insights
When writing reviews owners often reveal areas or features of a sewing machine that they like or dislike, and when we see the same things mentioned over and over, these make our pros and cons list.  The DC3050 pros and cons list can be seen below:
 
PROS
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t jam
- Effective automatic tension
- Speed adjustment
- Easily sews through thick material
- Automatic locking stitch function
- Easy to change/select stitches

CONS
- No cover
- Extension table could be wider
- Some folks struggle with the automatic buttonhole foot

You can read more customer reviews for the Janome DC3050 on Amazon.

Many owners report that the machine is easy to thread while others find the automatic needle threader difficult to use.  We’ve seen this kind of thing with several other machines and it seems to be a common theme. It is possible that some folks more easily take to automatic needle threaders than others.  That is not to say that some needle threaders don’t have problems, but rather that when we see this 50/50 kind of split in consumer comments it may not relate to the machine itself (this is simply an opinion).

The ability of the machine to set tension automatically is very popular.  It seems that eliminating the need to manually adjust tension makes sewing that much simpler for many owners.  The Janome DC3050 is also reportedly very easy to use and almost every consumer review highlights this.  In addition, most folks feel that it is good value for the money. 

While the machine comes with a host of stitches, many owners report that they probably won’t use all them.  Another attribute that gets frequently mentioned is the variable speed control.  This is a slider that allows one to speed up or slow down stitching.  It is an attractive feature with beginners who sometimes like to slow the stitching speed while they gain confidence, but it is also useful when doing delicate or intricate work.  In addition, the DC3050 is fairly quiet.
 
People that have upgraded from older machines feel that the Janome DC3050 is quite lightweight (in comparison) and that it can easily be carried to classes.  While others, perhaps those used to more recent machines, praise the unit’s sufficient weight, indicating that it helps stabilize the machine while sewing.

Key Sewing Machine Features
- LED display
- Adjustable stitch width (0 - 7mm)
- Adjustable stitch length (0 - 5mm)
- 50 stitches
- 3 buttonholes
- 7 point feed dog system
- Drop feed capable
- Free arm capable
- Extension table (can be removed for free arm sewing)
- Up/down needle button
- 15 needle positions
- Built-in needle threader
- Built-in thread cutter
- Reverse button
- Top loading bobbin (also jam-proof and magnetic)
- Auto-declutch bobbinwinder
- Stitch table printed on front of machine
- Lock stitch button
- Speed control slider
- Automatic tension
- Electronic foot control
- Presser feet can be lifted extra high
- Snap on presser feet
- Carry handle
- Halogen light for needle area

Note – The 50 built-in stitches (selected via the LCD panel on the side of the machine) include heirloom, bi-directional blanket, buttonhole, satin decorative, sculpture, lock-a-matic, and star.  The stitch options can be seen in the image below.

DC3050 Stitches

The DC3050 weighs a fairly hefty 18.2 lbs and the warranty covers mechanical parts for 25 years, electrical parts for 2 years, and labor for 1 year.  It is also UL listed, which essentially means the sewing machine complies with UL requirements.  UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories and they are an independent product safety certification organization in the United States.

Like most machines these days the DC3050 includes a number of accessories.  These are stored inside the extension table:
- Several presser feet: zipper foot, automatic buttonhole foot, satin stitch foot
- Spool holders (large and small)
- Spool pin
- Spool stand
- Needle set
- Bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Screwdriver
- Felt

The power cord is also included.  We’ve seen cases where the power cord needs to be bought separately and nothing is more annoying that unpacking a machine only to learn that you have to go out and buy a power cord.