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

Janome began as The Pine Sewing Machine Factory in the 1920’s and became the Janome Sewing Machine Company Ltd in 1954. They were the first company to offer a computerized sewing machine and professional style embroidery for the home. The group now manufactures basic sewing machines, treadle powered sewing machines, computerized sewing machines, embroidery machines, and even high precision robots. The company has operations in North America, Central & South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
We found 15 owner ratings at 4 different online retail outlets – see table below. When these ratings were averaged (weighed average) we found that the Janome 49018 had an overall score of 92.8 out of 100. This is a high rating for a machine at this price point. To compare you may wish to view our list of all sewing machine ratings.
Source | Consumer Ratings | #Ratings |
Amazon.com | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 6 |
Overstock | 4.8 stars out of 5 | 6 |
Walmart | 5 stars out of 5 | 2 |
QVC | 5 stars out of 5 | 1 |
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 |
A careful review of owner comments has provided the following list of 49018 likes and dislikes:
- Lightweight
- Handy start/stop button
- Makes a high quality stitch
- Runs very smoothly
- Good lighting
- Easy to use
- Easy to setup
- Capable on reasonably thick material
- Not a lot of stitch options
- Machine-winding bobbin doesn’t always work well
- Small accessory storage area
- Relatively basic machine
One of the most common comments about this sewing machine is that it is very lightweight. Owner’s repeatedly praise the 49018 for being portable and easy to carry. They highlight that it is a great machine for taking to classes. In addition, it feels quite sturdy and solid despite its light weight, and it runs smoothly.


- 18 stitches (basic, fashion, quilting, home decor)
- 3 one-step buttonholes
- Stitch chart printed on side of machine
- Speed control slider
- 7-piece feed dog system
- Backlit LCD control panel
- Drop-in, top loading bobbin (full rotary metal hook)
- Auto-declutch bobbin winding (prevents overwinding)
- Start/stop button (sew without foot pedal)
- Reverse button (backstitch for locking seams or stop a stitch pattern)
- Locking stitch button (tie off the end of the thread)
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Max stitch width = 7mm
- Max stitch length = 5mm
- Needle up/down (memorized)
- Manual thread tension controls
- Built-in needle threader
- Free arm
- Drop feed capable (for free motion sewing)
- Snap-on presser feet
- Specialty needle plate with measurements and angle markings
NO extra-high presser foot lift
NO foot pressure adjustment
NO twin needle guard
NO last stitch recall ability
NO knee lift

Weight
The machine weighs in at a very lightweight 12 lbs. The 49018 is therefore light enough AND highly rated enough to make our list of the best portable sewing machines. It also has a built in carry handle which makes it great for taking to classes.
Accessories provided with the machine include a needle set, a class 15 bobbin, a spool holder, a spool stand, a spool pin, felt, a lint brush, a screwdriver, and a seam ripper (buttonhole opener). You will also get an instruction manual, a power cable, a foot control, and a dust cover.
- Sliding Buttonhole Foot
- Zig-Zag Foot

The machine carries a 25-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Many people assume that this means that their machine is “fully” warranted for 25 years. Unfortunately this is far from the case. This 25-year warranty means:
2-Years on electrical parts
1-Year on labor

The Janome 49018 is a UL listed sewing machine. What does this mean? UL are the initials for a non-profit group known as Underwriters’ Laboratories who certify that products meet specific safety standards. This is an independent group that has been in operation for over 100 years. If a product has been UL listed then it has met their safety standards.
The manual for this sewing machine is provided in English, Spanish and French. It covers setup and getting ready to sew, straight stitch sewing, zig-zag stitch sewing, utility and decorative stitches, buttonhole, stretch stitches, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Illustrations are clear and useful and the 81 page manual contains a good deal of detail. You can view a copy of the manual here: Janome 49018 Manual