When shopping for a sewing machine, it’s hard to find a high-quality machine that is also capable of excellent output. Janome presents two models, the MOD-19 and the MOD-15, that have excellent features and great quality. We are going to compare the two based on user skills as well as project needs.
Janome MOD-19
The Janome MOD-19 offers 19 built-in stitches, a metal interior, and a needle threader. It has a fairly basic appearance although it is sleek and polished. It weighs almost 12 pounds and is comparable in size to a small microwave.
The 19 built-in stitches include straight, zigzag, decorative, and satin stitches. The machine also includes one four-step buttonhole. The stitch you need can be easily selected from the dial on the front of the machine.
Additionally, threading the needle will no longer be a problem. The MOD-19 comes with a built-in threader. It automatically does the threading for you, so you won’t need to pull out that magnifying glass ever again.
The sewing machine also features a top-loading, drop-in bobbin. This makes for easy loading as well as provides easy access when you have to deal with jammed threads.
It also comes equipped with a five-piece feed dog system. Your fabric will move flawlessly through the machine without missing a stitch or hitting a snag. By dropping the feed dog, you can enable free-motion sewing and quilting. This is done by flipping a lever. This is also done when sewing a buttonhole.
You can easily adjust the length and width of your stitches with a dial on the front of the machine. There is also a lever that enables reverse stitching. You will be able to lock your stitches so that all of your work does not become undone.
There is a detachable storage compartment that doubles as a free arm. So, whenever you are working on a shirt sleeve hem, you can make the process so much easier.
The MOD-19 features a built-in LED light so that you will have an excellent view of your project. If the lighting is poor in the room you are working in, it’s not a problem anymore.
The machine also operates very quietly. You won’t keep the entire house up when you want to sew late into the night.
While the overall build is high-quality and durable, the presser foot is made of plastic and is hard to change out. This makes it less durable than the machine itself. The machine is also not powerful enough to handle thicker fabrics like denim.
Janome MOD-15
The Janome MOD-15 features 15 built-in stitches, a top drop-in bobbin, and a snap-on presser foot. It features great ease of use with a window to monitor the bobbin and the presser foot being very easy to change.
Like the MOD-19, the MOD-15 weighs in at 11.7 pounds and it includes a four-step buttonhole. However, the MOD-15 only has 15 built-in stitches to the MOD-19’s 19 stitches.
The MOD-15 can perform free motion quilting at the flipping of a lever; however, you have to remove the onboard accessory storage container to access the lever, which is very inconvenient. It features a free arm that comes from the accessory storage extension table.
Stitch selections are made with the turning of a dial. The maximum width is 5 mm, and the maximum length is 4 mm. You can also adjust thread tension with a dial. Reverse sewing is an option, and the lever is located in a convenient location.
The MOD-15 lacks an automatic needle threader, which is a drawback. It can be quite difficult for some people to see the needle to thread it, taking precious time away from their sewing projects. While it is not a deal-breaker when it comes to this machine, it would have been a nice addition.
Our Recommendation
Clearly, both sewing machines offer many excellent benefits. The MOD-19 features 19 built-in stitches, a top-loading drop-in bobbin, and an automatic needle threader. We recommend this sewing machine for enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the MOD-15 features 15 built-in stitches and a top-loading drop-in bobbin but does not have an automatic needle threader. We recommend this sewing machine for beginners.
Click here to purchase Janome MOD-19 on Amazon.com
Click here to purchase Janome MOD-15 on Amazon.com