A brand that is synonymous with quality, Janome sewing machines are among the world’s best. This is down to the build quality and performance, with many machines lasting decades without any issues. This is why they are such a desirable brand, but some of their models are better than others. With a lot to choose from, this can make the decision challenging.
This is why we have compiled a list of the best Janome sewing machines. Each one is a worthy purchase, but there is something for every budget. So, before you take the plunge and join the many Janome users around the globe, take a look at which is best for your needs.
- Editor’s Choice
Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Includes Exclusive Bonus Bundle (Amazon) – Review - Best Heavy-Duty
Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches (Amazon) – Review - Best Computerized
Janome 3160QOV Quilts of Valor Sewing Machine (Amazon) – Review - Best For Denim
Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine (Amazon) – Review - Best Value
Janome HD 3000 BE Black Edition with Exclusive Bonus Bundle (Amazon) – Review - Best High-End
Janome Skyline S5 Computerized Sewing Machine (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Includes Exclusive Bonus Bundle
This isn’t just the best Janome sewing machine for under $200, it is one of the best for the price range of any brand. There is a lot to like about the 2212 from its free arm capability to the maximum speed of 860 stitches per minute, a lot given the reasonable price. It is easy to switch between stitches and settings thanks to the diagram on the machine and the conventional dials. This makes it one of the least complicated machines available.
The 6 built-in stitches are a decent amount for a beginner although an experienced sewer will find this limited. Included are numerous accessories including 10 bobbins, 5 needles, a screwdriver, and more. This lightweight machine has a four-step buttonhole and is the ideal Janome sewing machine for beginners.
- Great value
- 860 stitches per minute
- Easy to use
- Lightweight machine
Best Heavy-Duty: Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches
When you want a machine to get through multiple layers and tough materials like leather (when using the correct needles and feet), the HD1000 is an excellent option. It offers 14 built-in stitches and a body made of cast aluminum to ensure it is as tough as a Janome sewing machine gets. There is free arm capability for sewing pants, an automatic needle threader, and a softcover to keep it safe from dust when in storage.
Because it’s not computerized, making adjustments is simple from the get-go so any newbie will appreciate how easy it is to use. Other machines offer more stitches and an LCD screen, but this does everything most sewers need it to and remains a reliable option that is built to last a long time.
- 14 built-in stitches
- Cast aluminum body
- Automatic needle threader
- Easy to use
- Built to last
- Not computerized
Best Computerized: Janome 3160QOV Quilts of Valor Sewing Machine
One of the best computerized Janome sewing machines on the market, it has a good blend of a decent price and plenty of functionality. It boasts 60 built-in stitches and 6 built-in buttonholes but the automatic needle threader is arguably the most convenient feature. The LCD screen makes it easy to switch between settings so adjusting the stitch length, width, style and more is simple.
The top-loading bobbin system is jam-proof and at the touch of a button, the machine can cut the thread off the top or the bottom. There is also a reverse stitch button for reinforcing any area and the needle up/down button makes it easy for it to accommodate multiple layers or thicker materials. There are almost too many accessories to mention ranging from multiple presser feet, a hardcover, sewing foot guide, needle set, spool pin, bobbins, and a lot more.
- 60 built-in stitches
- LCD screen is easy to use
- Automatic needle threader
- Multiple functions
- Loads of accessories
- Takes a little getting used to
Best For Denim: Janome 3160QDC Computerized Sewing Machine
Another excellent computerized Janome sewing machine and this one comes with an extension table for quilting projects and a hard case to keep it secure when in storage. What impresses are the 60 built-in stitches, easily amended on the LCD screen. The automatic needle threader takes the strain out of getting a new project started and there are plenty of convenient functions.
These include the thread cutter button, lock stitch button that finishes the current stitch, and a needle up/down button to accommodate different materials and pivot around corners. There are plenty of presser feet included and with 820 stitches per minute, it is fast enough to keep up with most experienced sewers. It is a popular and rewarding machine from Janome that rarely skips stitches.
- 60 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Lots of features at the press of a button
- 820 stitches per minute
- Not as bright in the throat as other options
Best Value: Janome HD 3000 BE Black Edition with Exclusive Bonus Bundle
Sometimes described as a workhorse, the HD3000 is as popular as it is famous. This version comes with an exclusive bonus bundle which anyone on the hunt for extras will appreciate. These include a variety of presser feet, lint brush, screwdriver, hardcover, seam ripper, walking foot, quilt guide, and more. The generous throat height of 6.5 inches means it is a comfortable machine to use and it is capable of pushing out 860 stitches per minute as a maximum.
With a built-in thread cutter and built-in needle threader, it ticks a lot of the boxes for a reputable machine. It is ok at stitching leather but it’s not its strength. Still, expect it to be able to stitch multiple layers of denim without an issue.
- 860 stitches per minute
- Lots of added accessories
- Built-in needle threader
- Not great with leather
Best High-End: Janome Skyline S5 Computerized Sewing Machine
for those who want one of the best Janome sewing machines that money can buy, the S5 is an elite model. Fully computerized, and with a spacious bed area that makes quilting projects more comfortable and easier, it is an industrial level product. There are the normal conveniences such as needle up/down and automatic needle threader, but where it stands out is in the ease of use as well as the 1,000 stitches per minute maximum and 170 built-in stitches.
There are a superior plus feed system and a max stitch width of 9mm. Another neat feature is the six bright LED lights that make the work area easy to see in low light conditions. Other notable features are the 10 buttonholes, 91 needle positions, and locking stitch button among many others.
- Elite machine for a good price
- 170 built-in stitches
- Spacious bed area
- 1,000 stitches per minute
- Superior feed system
- Can be a bit pricey for some
The name is famous, but unless you are familiar with the models under their sewing machine brand, it can be difficult to tell which are the better options. Like any company, some of their products are better suited to different people’s needs than others. If buying your first Janome, there are certain traits to look out for to make sure you get the right machine for you.
To help make this important decision easier, we have created the following buyer’s guide. By the end of it, you’ll know what they are capable of.
This Japanese company is known for its high-quality sewing machines and was founded in 1921. Its name literally means snakes eye, a homage to the bobbin design of the time as a round bobbin system replaced the traditional long shuttle variety. They employ over 3,500 people and their machines are manufactured in Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, and can be found in all corners of the world.
Quality build
A lot of their models are made with a cast aluminum body. This is their way of making sure their machines last, by building them with similar material to traditional manufacturing methods. Look out for heavy-duty Janome sewing machines as these are the products that are better for sewing multiple layers and thicker materials such as leather and denim.
Built-In Stitches
Rather than supplying 600 stitches where 90% of them are unlikely to be used, most Janome sewing machines tend to have the most common and important stitches built-int. Expect fewer, anything between 16-60 is a common number although they do make machines with more.
Stitches Per Minute
One of the good features of these machines is that they are known for providing reliable stitches, rarely skipping any. Anything above 800 is a good amount for even an experienced sewer working at top speed. Thankfully most of the products we have reviewed provide 860 stitches per minute and above to help get through those new projects efficiently.
Easy Set-Up
Features such as an automatic needle threader can help take some of the pain out of setting up and take the strain off of the eyes. Also, many of their products offer a top drop-in bobbin which is also easy to work with. Convenience is a word that many people use to describe Janome sewing machines.
Bright Sewing Area
Not only is the workspace going to be comfortable because there is plenty of space, but the throat is going to be illuminated by bright LED lights. We can’t think of a model where there is a serious lack of light, so every sewing machine is going to be easy to work within low light conditions, helping with accuracy.
Protective Cover
Do not underestimate the importance of being able to keep dust away from the working parts. Also, a hardcover can help should something fall on the machine or it is knocked when in storage.
Included Accessories
The higher the spec of the machine, the more accessories you are likely to get. Still, even with the more affordable models, what you get is of high quality. Expect plenty of presser feet opening the machine up to new sewing projects and possibilities. There are also bobbins, needles, buttonholes, and can even include a quilt guide among many others.
Easy To Use
Thankfully, most Janome sewing machines make getting started easy, so even a beginner can enjoy the various features without prior knowledge. This is especially the case for their computerized range. There can are buttons for reverse stitching, an up/down button for pivoting, a button to cut the thread off the top/bottom, and a clear instruction manual as standard.
The Janome 2212 is one of the easiest to use. It can also be purchased with an exclusive bonus bundle that provides some neat extras for those who are starting with nothing. The diagram on the body makes it easy to see what stitches can be used and switching between them is simply because of the dial.
This is not a computerized sewing machine which means it is less complicated from the first use.
The HD3000 is a popular choice for many dressmakers, and it’s easy to see why. The variety of presser feet makes it capable of taking on most projects and the comfortable throat space means that dressmaking can be done without an issue. This is also a machine that with the right needle, can get through tough materials thanks to its heavy-duty body, and 860 stitches per minute.
This is difficult since value is a word that could be used to describe every Janome sewing machine. However, we like that the Janome HD1000 can be found at a reasonable price yet it has a heavy-duty body and all the conveniences such as an automatic needle threader. It is easy to use, has 14 built-in stitches, and is a workhorse that should last a long time.
Both brands have their plus points, and Brother certainly has the edge when it comes to neat features. They tend to have more built-in stitches for a start. However, many intermediate and advanced users opt for a Janome since they are reliable, and tend to last longer than Brother machines.
This is one of the brand’s strengths since they have a machine for every budget. Even their machines under$200 such as the 2212 are known for being high-quality and reliable machines that may not have some of the features of other models but are excellent for many uses. Anyone looking to get their hands on a high-level Janome can spend over $1,000 and buy something like the Janome Skyline S5 which does it all.
