90.8 Compact, durable and cute. These three words describe the Janome 11706 ¾ Size Hello Kitty Sewing Machine well. It is a popular choice with parents or grandparents looking for a beginner machine for their children/grandchildren. It is also well-liked by adults, and some feel it is good for quick fixes and repairs, and also for travel and classes. It is lightweight, easy to use and it sews smoothly. It is not particularly feature rich however and it comes with a limited number of stitches.
Consumer Ratings
Ratings for the 11706 are quite good, and when averaged they generate a score of 90.8 out of 100 (about 4.5 stars out of 5). The sample size of 404 ratings is quite large and this lends a level of credibility to the score – see the table below. You can compare the score to that of other sewing machines in our sewing machine ratings table if you like.
| Source | Consumer Ratings | #Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.4 stars out of 5 | 127 |
| Joann | 4.5 stars out of 5 | 12 |
| Walmart | 5 stars out of 5 | 7 |
| Target | 4.5 stars out of 5 | 114 |
| Overstock | 4.7 stars out of 5 | 133 |
| Sewing Machines Plus | 5 stars out of 5 | 2 |
| Viewpoints | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 8 |
| QVC | 4 stars out of 5 | 1 |
Consumer Insights
A thorough review of owner comments has provided the following insights as well as likes and dislikes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very easy to use
- Sews smoothly
- Sews through thick fabrics
- Well written manual
- Good stitch quality
Cons
- Limited number of stitches
- Some don’t like the front loading bobbin
Most full size Janome sewing machines are a bit hefty, however this ¾ size machine is fairly lightweight. As a result it is quite popular with folks who like a machine that is portable and easy to take to classes.
The size of the unit makes it relatively easy to store. Also, despite its smaller size it still feels durable and solid. It is described by some sewists as something of a workhorse.
There are quite a few comments regarding the instructional material provided with the 11706. Most owners report that the instructions are well written and very easy to use. However there are a few comments indicating that the manual is almost "too easy", being largely pictorial, and that as a result it misses some detail. You can find a link to the manual at the bottom of this article and see what you think. We’ve reviewed it and it seems quite good to us.
There is no doubt that this machine is a popular purchase for those looking to provide their children or grandchildren with a sewing machine. Most buyers feel that it is a quality machine for youngsters to learn on and that it is also very easy to use. As an interesting aside, we find many parents who buy this for their child end up using it quite a bit themselves. The 11706 is great for quick jobs and repairs. Although it should be pointed out that the machine’s limited number of stitches prevents one from doing much in the way of advanced sewing work.
There are a few comments related to tension issues, breaking needles, difficulty with the bobbin setup, etc. These kinds of comments are in the minority however. Some folks report that many of these issues can be solved by simply using the right needles and bobbins, and also high quality thread.
We have also noted that quite a few people do not like the front loading bobbin and would much prefer a top drop-in bobbin. You can see more consumer reviews on Amazon if you wish.
Key Specifications
- 11 stitches
- 1 four-step built-in buttonhole
- Max stitch length 4mm
- Max stitch width 5mm
- Free arm
- 3-piece feed dog
- Extension table
- Reverse stitch lever
- Stitch selector dial
- Vertical oscillating hook
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Snap on presser feet
- Tension control dial
- Push-pull bobbin winder
- Front loading bobbin
- Carry handle
We should point out that the machine does not have presser foot pressure adjustment or drop feed.
As mentioned this is a ¾ size machine and is fairly compact with dimensions: Width = 12.6", Height = 10", Depth = 5.6". It is also lightweight at only 11 lbs (sometimes you see this machine quoted at 12 lbs but Janome website specifications indicate 11 lbs).
The 11706 comes with several accessories including 2 presser feet (zig-zag foot and buttonhole foot). There are also bobbins, a needle pack, a seam ripper, felt, and a spool holder. In addition, you will find a machine cover, a foot control, a power cord and an instruction manual. Accessory storage is built into the sewing machine.
The Janome Hello Kitty 11706 sewing machine carries a 5-year warranty and it is also UL listed. UL stands for Underwriters’ Laboratories and this non-profit group certifies that the product meets specific safety standards.
Sewing Machine Manual
You can find the find the manual here: Janome Hello Kitty 11706 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.