It’s time to learn to sew. You’re looking for a quality sewing machine that’s easy to use and portable. Maybe you want to know more about machines from Janome, maybe you’re wondering which machine to choose. Let’s take a look at these two models that have been delighting sewers across the country.
Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Includes Exclusive Bonus Bundle
When you’re beginning to sew, it’s great to have a machine that’s uncomplicated, reliable, and resistant to mistakes. The Janome 2212 is all that and more.
It comes programmed with just 12 stitches. That’s plenty for most home sewing projects like making clothes and quilting. It has a drop feed and free arm so it’s ready to help you sew hems and cuffs and do free motion sewing and quilting when you’re ready for those.
Some of the stitches (like straight stitch, zig zag, blind hem, and decorative shell) are customizable because you can make length and/or width adjustments to them. There is also a 4-step buttonhole maker.
One feature that is unusual on the Janome 2212 is the front-loading vertical bobbin. This may be a little bit of a challenge for beginning sewers just because they will need to remember to turn the hand-wheel to position the needle. But the advantage is that a vertical bobbin makes it possible to clear a jam and change bobbins without taking your fabric from the machine.
Just because the Janome 2212 is advertised as a beginner machine doesn’t mean it’s slow. It can go up to 860 stitches per minute. All the included presser feet snap in place without the use of tools, and the 5-piece feed dog helps your stitching stay on track. If you want to sew in reverse you can, and when you’re done, just use the automatic thread cutter to finish.
More features of the Janome 2212 sewing machine plus bonus bundle:
- Covered by a 25-year warranty
- Built-in carrying handle
- Comes with Blind foot, Buttonhole foot, and Zipper foot, as well as a seam ripper, screwdriver, and dust cover
- Bonus bundle has a pack of ten bobbins and size 14 needles
Janome Jem Gold 660 12-Stitch Compact Lightweight Sewing Quilting Machine
If you like the features of the Janome 2212 described above but were hoping for a lighter, smaller machine, take a look at the Janome Jem Gold 660. It’s only ¾-size and weighs about 12 pounds. But don’t be fooled by its small appearance—this machine can crank out up to 650 stitches per minute and sew multiple layers of fabric without stalling.
Some of the features we appreciate on the Jem Gold 660 are the built-in needle threader, the free arm and extension table that are perfect for quilting, the drop-in bobbin, and the one hand thread cutter. You can drop in a bobbin and it winds automatically for you.
You can also adjust the length and width of some of the stitches like the zig zag. The twelve stitches in total include: basting, gathering, mending, and straight stretch, overcast, shell tuck, blind hem, plus an assortment of zig zag stitches. To change between certain stitches or between regular stitching and buttonhole making, you can change between the three included snap-on presser feet.
The three feet include the general purpose foot, the buttonhole foot, and the overedge foot for the overcast stitch—the one that wraps around the edge of the fabric. Although there is no way to adjust the pressure of the feet, you can adjust the height to one higher setting if you are sewing multiple layers of fabric.
The Jem Gold 660 is great for a beginner because it’s practically impossible to jam even if you sew off the edge of your project. Plus, you can see into the bobbin compartment so you know if you’re getting low on thread. Although it won’t sew for you, it makes sewing much more pleasant to do.
More features of the Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine:
- Covered by a 25-year warranty
- Comes with 1/4″ Seam Foot and size 12 needles as well as other accessories
- Has a work light above the needle
Recommendation
If you want a lightweight, compact, very portable yet powerful sewing machine for taking to class or packing on trips, consider getting the Janome Jem Gold 660. It’s not packed with fancy stitches but it’s perfect for learning to sew and quilting on the go.
If you want an all-in-one kit that’s excellent for a beginning sewer, consider buying the Janome 2212 with bonus bundle.
Click here to purchase Janome 2212 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Janome Jem Gold 660 on Amazon.com!