Janome 49018 Computerized Sewing Machine

 

A Quick Word on Janome
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.

 

The point here is that the company has been around for some time, they are innovative, and also a world leader in the development and manufacture of sewing machines.  This capability is borne out in the results we have seen in our reviews (in which we investigate owner satisfaction and ratings).  Janome sewing machines are very highly rated by owners.

 

Consumer Ratings
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

 

If Janome is your brand of choice the following table provides the highest rated Janome sewing machines on our site:

 

 

Pros & Cons
A careful review of owner comments has provided the following list of 49018 likes and dislikes:

 

PROS
- 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

 

CONS
- Not a lot of stitch options
- Machine-winding bobbin doesn’t always work well
- Small accessory storage area
- Relatively basic machine

 

What Are Owners Saying?
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.

 

 

Owner’s report that the unit makes a high quality stitch, with some folks even describing the stitches as “beautiful”.   While the number of stitches is limited, most people who own the 49018 are satisfied with the stitches provided as there is an understanding that this is a fairly basic sewing machine.

 

Folks also like the handy start/stop button, that the lighting is good, that it is easy to change the presser feet, that there are generally no tension issues, and that the manual provides good, clear instructions.  Most people find the sewing machine easy to setup and easy to use as well.

 

 

Finally, there are reports that the 49018 is able to sew through reasonably thick materials.

 

On the downside, we have read that some folks have had issues with the bobbin winding.  Also many people like it for quilting, but others do not.  The fact that this is a basic machine is something of a pro and a con.  It appears to be a good fit for a beginner as there are not too many fancy features, however more advanced sewists could find it limiting.

 

You can read more 49018 owner comments on Amazon.

 

Key Specifications
- 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

 

Some features you may want that Janome state are NOT provided (according to Janome site) are included below:
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
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. 

 

In addition, according to Janome, the 49018 comes with the following sewing feet:

- Satin Stitch Foot F
- Sliding Buttonhole Foot
- Zig-Zag Foot

 

With respect to the sewing feet provided, we would suggest checking with the retail outlet you intend to purchase your Janome from.  Many report different presser feet than those indicated by Janome.

 

 

Warranty
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:

 

25-years on mechanical parts
2-Years on electrical parts
1-Year on labor

 

Most sewing machine warranties apply a similar approach to that shown above (but time frames and exactly what is covered may vary).

 

 

UL listed
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.

 

Sewing Machine Manual
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