If you’re new to sewing, or picking it up again after a long absence, it’s nice to have a reliable sewing machine that’s easy to use. These three models from Janome may be just what you want. Let’s take a look at each one to see which will be the best for you.
Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is a mechanical sewing machine unlike the 7330 and the 7360 below. It’s a good machine for both beginner and intermediate sewers.
Many of the features are very well-designed indeed. For one, the controls are very clearly marked and easy to use. There are separate controls to adjust stitch length and width. The sewing surface has ruler markings for seam allowance measurements on both sides of the needle.
Underneath the sewing surface is an accessory drawer to hold things like bobbins and a seam ripper. The bobbin itself is drop-in top-loading and jam-proof. The sewing surface is pretty large at 7 by 9 inches in size.
While you have to control the sewing speed with the foot pedal, the pedal is responsive and not difficult to use. The buttonhole maker takes 4 steps instead of only one like the other machines, but it’s not hard to use.
The Magnolia 7318 has an adjustable needle position that moves it from the center to the far left. That’s great for edge stitching and it’s one of the reason why more advanced sewers would appreciate this machine.
There is no automatic needle threader and you can’t raise the needle up or down, but the 5-piece feed dog keeps fabric feeding through smoothly when you sew. There are 18 pre-programmed stitches, and that includes a buttonhole stitch.
More features of the Janome Magnolia 7318 sewing machine:
- Comes with 4 presser feet: regular, zipper, buttonhole, and sliding buttonhole, as well as other accessories like a seam ripper, spool holder, bobbin, lint brush, and more
- It’s possible to use some generic feet with this machine
- Covered by Janome’s 25-year warranty on the frame, 5-year warranty on internal parts, and 1-year free labor for adjustments
Janome Magnolia 7330 Sewing Machine w/ FREE BONUS Package – 30 Stitch Computerized w/ 5 Year Extended Warranty
Unlike the 7318, the Janome Magnolia 7330 is computerized. It has a backlit LCD screen that confirms your selection and chosen size of one of the 30 pre-programmed stitches available. Six of those stitches are for making buttonholes. It has automatic threading, it winds bobbins for you, and it does one-step buttonholes.
If you prefer to sew without using the foot pedal, you can. The 7330 has a start-stop speed control button for the needle. The motor has no problem sewing multiple layers of fabric. With the many built-in decorative stitches and the extra-high presser foot lifter, you can use this machine for quilting and embroidery.
The Magnolia 7330 has a free arm design for sewing cuffs on sleeves and hemming pants. You can also reverse over your stitches to reinforce them with the lockstitch button. The needle memory feature will remember to halt in the up or down position when you stop stitching.
More features of the Janome Magnolia 7330 sewing machine:
- Comes with a bonus package that includes accessories like a concealed zipper foot, a ¼-inch seam foot, and size 12 universal needles
- The warranty on the Magnolia 7330 can be extended by an additional 5 years
Janome Magnolia 7360 Sewing Machine and Accessories
The Janome Magnolia 7360 is also computerized like the 7330 described above. It has 60 built-in stitches, 8 of which are for making one-step buttonholes. It threads itself automatically and winds bobbins for you. The bobbins are top drop-in and jam-proof. Plus, you can see how much thread you have left through the transparent cover.
You may notice that the front of the machine looks a little less cluttered than the others. The backlit LCD screen is there to help you select the stitch and size you want to use.
Once you choose the stitch you want, you can use the plus and minus buttons to adjust its width up to 7mm and length up to 5mm. Thread tension is automatic and this quiet machine makes very tight, smooth stitches as a result.
You can adjust the snap-on presser feet to three different levels including extra high for sewing quilts and multiple layers of fabric. Lower the presser foot and press the start button to sew without using the foot pedal. You can set the speed with a slider.
Choose one of three needle positions and use the needle memory feature to have it stay in the up or down position when you stop sewing. Leaving it in the down position helps when you want to turn a corner without losing your place on the fabric.
The Janome Magnolia 7360 won’t sew off the edge of the fabric so it avoids jams. That’s great news for beginning sewers. The 7-point drop feed dog system keeps material moving smoothly under the needle even if you’re stitching quilts. In fact, you can do free motion quilting and embroidery with the 7360.
More features of the Janome Magnolia 7360 sewing machine:
- Comes with an assortment of presser feet: general, zipper, R buttonhole, blind hem, ¼-inch seam, and satin stitch, as well as other accessories like quilting bar for the walking foot, a seam ripper, spool holder, bobbin, lint brush, spool pin, and a hard cover
- Covered by Janome’s 25-year warranty on the frame, 5-year warranty on electronic parts, and 1-year free labor for adjustments
Recommendation
Some people prefer mechanical sewing machines because they have fewer parts that can fail. Although they aren’t usually as flush with stitches and features, their reliability makes up for that. If you’re looking for a powerful and dependable machine with good features for beginner and intermediate sewers, consider getting the Janome Magnolia 7318.
If you like sewing without a foot pedal and you want more advanced features like automatic threading, more stitches, and a free arm, take a look at the Janome Magnolia 7330 and 7360. Choosing between them is a bit more difficult as they have quite similar features and abilities. The main difference between them is the number of available stitches. For the most stitches possible, get the Janome Magnolia 7360. Otherwise, if you perform fewer decorative projects, get the Magnolia 7330.
Click here to purchase Janome Magnolia 7330 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Janome Magnolia 7360 on Amazon.com!