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.
Consumer Ratings
We found a total of 14 owner ratings for the C30 and these can be seen in the table below. To the extent possible, we’ve removed all the “free product reviews” from our average rating. While people state that a free machine does not affect their rating, we err on the side of caution. The average score for the unit is 94.9 out of 100 which is excellent. However, we would have preferred to see a larger sample size in order to feel more confident about the figure. You can see other sewing machine scores in our
We found a total of 14 owner ratings for the C30 and these can be seen in the table below. To the extent possible, we’ve removed all the “free product reviews” from our average rating. While people state that a free machine does not affect their rating, we err on the side of caution. The average score for the unit is 94.9 out of 100 which is excellent. However, we would have preferred to see a larger sample size in order to feel more confident about the figure. You can see other sewing machine scores in our
| Source | Consumer Rating | # Ratings |
| Amazon.com | 4.6 stars out of 5 | 5 |
| Amazon.ca | 4.8 stars out of 5 | 8 |
| Overstock | 5 stars out of 5 | 1 |
If you are wondering if Janome is the right brand for you, we would suggest reading the “Why Buy Janome” section in our Janome 128 Sewing Machine review. It compares the average owner ratings between Janome, Juki, Singer and Brother.
What Are Owners Saying?
A thorough review of owner comments and insights has provided the following pros & cons:
A thorough review of owner comments and insights has provided the following pros & cons:
PROS
- Easy to setup and use
- Quiet
- Lightweight and portable
- Very detailed manual
- Fast sewing speed
- Material feeds smoothly
- Free arm capable
- Bright LED light
- Computerized screen for easy stitch selection
- Easy to setup and use
- Quiet
- Lightweight and portable
- Very detailed manual
- Fast sewing speed
- Material feeds smoothly
- Free arm capable
- Bright LED light
- Computerized screen for easy stitch selection
CONS
- Soft cover is not high quality
- May struggle on really thick materials
- Some folks feel that you cannot make a very long stitch
- Soft cover is not high quality
- May struggle on really thick materials
- Some folks feel that you cannot make a very long stitch
Almost all owners report that the C30 is easy to setup and very easy to use. Some say it is a great fit for a beginner or novice sewist. Folks like the jam-proof top drop-in bobbin, the one handed needle threader, and the easy stitch selection interface.
Another sewing machine characteristic everyone likes is the lightweight and compact nature of the machine. This makes the unit portable and it is good choice for taking to classes. It also comes with a built-in carry handle.
On the other hand, owners are not too pleased with the cover provided. Most would have liked to see a hard cover and don’t really feel the soft cover is of good quality. It is more like a plastic bag.
We have noticed a number of comments alluding to the very helpful sewing machine manual. We’ve seen this response before with Janome machines (and unfortunately not with many other manufacturers). The C30 manual is indeed very good and it is full of pictures and details on literally every aspect of the machine.
Folks also like the stitch selection buttons and screen (very practical and easy to use), the bright LED light that illuminates the sewing area, and the speed at which the machine sews (fairly rapid).
Most owners praise the stitch quality but there are a few comments saying the stitch quality isn’t quite up to snuff (although these comments are in the minority.
See more C30 owner comments on Amazon.
Key Specifications
- 30 built-in stitches (basic, fashion, quilting, knit, home decor, overcast, decorative, buttonhole)
- One-step memory buttonhole
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Max stitch length = 4mm
- Max stitch width = 5mm
- LED screen with navigation keys
- Needle threader
- 4 piece feed dogs
- Drop feed capable (for free motion sewing)
- Free arm
- Max sewing speed = 820 stitches per minute
- Jam proof top drop-in bobbin
- Locking stitch button
- Reverse button
- Thread tension dial (manual)
- Auto-declutch bobbin winder
- Needle up/down button
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Snap on presser feet
- Built-in thread cutter
- 30 built-in stitches (basic, fashion, quilting, knit, home decor, overcast, decorative, buttonhole)
- One-step memory buttonhole
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Max stitch length = 4mm
- Max stitch width = 5mm
- LED screen with navigation keys
- Needle threader
- 4 piece feed dogs
- Drop feed capable (for free motion sewing)
- Free arm
- Max sewing speed = 820 stitches per minute
- Jam proof top drop-in bobbin
- Locking stitch button
- Reverse button
- Thread tension dial (manual)
- Auto-declutch bobbin winder
- Needle up/down button
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Snap on presser feet
- Built-in thread cutter
Stitches
Following is a chart showing the 30 built-in stitches.
Following is a chart showing the 30 built-in stitches.
These are also printed on the front of the machine for handy reference.
Other Features
The C30 weighs 11 lbs which makes it one of the lighter machines we’ve investigated. It also has a built-in carry handle which helps with portability (great for taking to classes for example). Part of the light weight may be due to the aluminum interior frame. You can see a list of the top rated portable sewing machine here: Portable Sewing Machines
The C30 weighs 11 lbs which makes it one of the lighter machines we’ve investigated. It also has a built-in carry handle which helps with portability (great for taking to classes for example). Part of the light weight may be due to the aluminum interior frame. You can see a list of the top rated portable sewing machine here: Portable Sewing Machines
Throat space on this machine is 6 inches x 4 inches.
Accessories
The C30 comes with a host of accessories including four presser feet: satin stitch foot, zipper foot, zigzag foot, and sliding one-step buttonhole foot. You also get both small and large spool holders, class 15 bobbins, a screwdriver, a needle set, a lint brush, and a seam ripper. In addition, a foot control, a power cable, an instruction manual, a dust cover, and a quick start guide are provided.
The C30 comes with a host of accessories including four presser feet: satin stitch foot, zipper foot, zigzag foot, and sliding one-step buttonhole foot. You also get both small and large spool holders, class 15 bobbins, a screwdriver, a needle set, a lint brush, and a seam ripper. In addition, a foot control, a power cable, an instruction manual, a dust cover, and a quick start guide are provided.
Many of the accessories can be stored in the removable storage compartment built into the sewing machine. Note that removing the storage compartment allows for free arm sewing.
Warranty
The C30 carries a 25 year limited warranty, but do not be fooled into thinking this warranty covers the whole sewing machine. It actually breaks down into the following:
The C30 carries a 25 year limited warranty, but do not be fooled into thinking this warranty covers the whole sewing machine. It actually breaks down into the following:
• 25 Years on Mechanical Parts
• 5 Years on Electrical Parts
• 1 Year Labor
• 5 Years on Electrical Parts
• 1 Year Labor
Sewing Machine Manual
In our experience Janome sewing machine manuals are generally excellent and this one is no exception. If you are in the market for a Janome machine just browsing the unit’s manual can be helpful as there are good pictures and plenty of detail. You can view a copy of the manual here: Janome C30 Sewing Machine Manual
In our experience Janome sewing machine manuals are generally excellent and this one is no exception. If you are in the market for a Janome machine just browsing the unit’s manual can be helpful as there are good pictures and plenty of detail. You can view a copy of the manual here: Janome C30 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.