It’s time to make your sewing projects easier and more successful than ever before; with a serger from one of the leading brands on today’s market: Janome. With the overlocking and cutting capabilities of a serger, your sewing will look as if it’s done be a professional. And with so little effort!
After hours of research of Janome’s product range we picked the Janome 8002D as our winning model and Editor’s choice. It impresses with its balance of features and user-friendliness, so beginners and experts can give this one a try. Below you’ll find a complete review as well as Janome serger reviews for the other best Janome serger models that caught our attention.
To help you make your final choice of which model will feature in your sewing room, use our buying guide to understand this niche market better. Our comparison chart below will give you a basic overview of the six products. The detailed reviews contain feedback on important factors such as number of threads and the cutting width adjustment so you can determine whether it’s appropriate for the type of fabric and sewing projects you usually do. We also discuss speed, which is important if your monthly income is determined by how much work you can get done. Also look at the dimensions to ensure you pick a model that fits your work area without cluttering the space.
Ready to upgrade your sewing room in one purchase?
More features: differential feed; built-in rolled hem feature; extra-high presser foot lifter
The Janome 8002D model is a four thread machine and it makes sewing projects so easy with its array of features; it’s worth every cent.
We’ll start by mentioning easy rolled hem changeover and of course there’s a chart to make threading super easy. Self threading would have been better, but this is still a wise investment, even for beginners. Why? Because the brand worked on the finer details to make the machine user friendly no matter your skill level. The presser feet easily snap on and your purchase comes with extras such as a needle threader, specially designed by Janome.
To ensure quality sewing there are tension dials to manipulate the outcome of your project. Some users do find it difficult to get the perfect tension, but you should learn in time to get it right. With feed ratios between 0.5 and 2.25 you’ll be sorted no matter your type of project.
The machine’s cutting width is adjustable, so experts who are specific about their outcomes can be sure of the type of results they’ll have.
The brand usually pre-threads the machine which is really handy: you can start using it straight out of the box! That’s an awesome extra for first timers and when it’s time to rethread the manual along with available YouTube videos will help you get it right.
This model is even portable thanks to its small size and at the back you’ll find a notch which you can use as a handle. The compact design also makes it appropriate for smaller sewing rooms: it won’t crowd your work area.
All these features can be yours for a very reasonably priced Janome.
More features: Easy threading, quick change rolled hem
Here’s another one for newbies that is attractive because it makes tension management much easier than you’re used to on some sergers. The design incorporates lay-in tension dials and you can see it’s very different from most other models on our list. These dials adjust quickly and easily, streamlining your sewing process.
Other actions such as threading and adjusting foot pressure is easily done.
An innovative feature on the FOUR-DLB model is that you can get a dual purpose needle plate. That means easy switching between stitch types such as straight to rolled hem. That’s what we love about this model: adjusting settings is so easy! You can also retract the upper knife if you don’t need it to cut.
It’s important to note that this model was not designed with heavier fabrics in mind. It’s not as powerful as some other Janome sergers so it may get damaged if you try heavy duty sewing. But when you use it for what it was designed for it will serve you well. Also note that work surface around the foot is smaller than on some others, so if you’re used to a larger machine this may take some getting used to.
It’s slightly more expensive than some other entry level machines, but when you buy from Janome you know you’re getting value for money with long warranty periods, such as Janome’s 25-year cover on mechanical parts. That makes it worth it.
Surprising for its weight, this Janome model won’t make much of a noise during operation, so you can work with it on any surface and enjoy the quiet.
As with many of the models it’s up to you whether you want to use three or four threads, so customize according to your project.
More features: adjustable foot pressure, adjustable stitch length, quick change rolled hem
Of course, this one is our budget pick and so its price is one of the most attractive features. But that’s not all. This small machine has helped many sewers improve their skills effortlessly thanks to easy threading, a simple setup procedure and streamlined operation without too much fuss. Soon after unboxing you’ll be ready to go, especially because there is such easy access for the threading procedure. This is thanks to the left side of the machine opening wide enough. The brand even provides a DVD to help guide you through the process.
Even some experts will find this a handy addition to their sewing rooms. Because it’s so small but has a variety of features it’s an easy go-to for simple projects. And it delivers exceptional stitching, so you’ll deliver quality work. That is thanks to adjustable foot pressure, you can do narrow hems and you can pick the preferred stitch length. The rolled hem feature can work on very delicate fabrics and still deliver a quality outcome.
For such a basic machine it’s a welcome extra that it sports so many options of cutting width adjustments. It’s even better than some of the bigger models on our list.
You can see the model offers quite a lot for its low price tag, so if you’re not sure how much time you’ll invest in sewing but you want to give it a try, this is a wise first investment. Just be prepared for more manual rather than automated features, so you’ll have to learn to make all the settings adjustments yourself.
More features: Easily retractable upper knife, quick change rolled hem
In the 7034D model you’ll be impressed with nifty features that help you do more in the sewing room. By deactivating this model’s upper knife you can try out decorative sewing, making this an ideal option for experienced sewers, or newbies who are up for a challenge.
Since this model also comes with a color coded threading chart you’ll find it fairly easy to learn how to thread it. And remember, you can work with three or four threads so you’re not limited in your options: make sure your sewing suits the type of fabric you’re working on.
The Janome company promises a warranty of five years on the mechanical components and two years on the electrical ones. You’re also covered for 12 months on labor, making it a true value for money purchase.
This one is heavier than our Editor’s Choice, but it’s still portable and can be considered for small spaces.
Once you get it started you’ll love how quiet it works and thanks to modern technology used by this brand you foot control is electronic, making for less fatigue after long work sessions. This foot’s pressure can be adjusted, helping you create neat sewing pieces; you simply need to adjust the screw. This item is not electronic.
Similar to other models you get snap on presser feet, making for quick and easy adjustments or replacements. No need for screws and screwdrivers here.
You can trust this machine to work neatly on heavier fabrics too, making it a good purchase for professional sewers.
More features: Tension release device, lay-in thread tension dial
In the Harmony 7933 you get a user friendly machine to ease newbies into their new hobby, while impressing more advanced sewers with the handy features.
For beginners the brand gives you a color coded thread chart which you can view on the inside by flipping open the cover. Janome also designed it so you can pull open part of the casing. This makes it much easier to thread the machine than on many other models on today’s market.
Experts appreciate the small extras such as the fact that its stitches have elasticity. This is how you create clothing that looks stunning, fits perfectly and wears comfortably. Once again, this model allows you to choose between three and four thread settings, so you can customize according to fabric and project. You can pick one of various rolled hem styles to suit your personal preference or the type of outfit you’re sewing. With its quick change feature the rolled hem function is a crowd favorite.
Similar to other Janome models your presser feet simply snap on and you can adjust the foot pressure. Also, the feed can be adjusted to make sure your sewing doesn’t stretch or pucker.
You can also decide whether you want to use the upper knife or not, which depends on each project. The fact that you can retract it serves as a safety feature too so you don’t accidentally hurt yourself (or damage expensive garments).
We also appreciate the extras the brand includes, such as needles and screwdrivers. This is another model that’s light enough for easy portability; if you don’t have space to keep it out all the time, simply store it in a cupboard and it’s effortless to take out later on.
More features: Differential feed, extra-high presser foot lift
This model is loved for being small, but providing excellent service. And it’s quite durable so you can use it on thick, heavy duty fabrics like towels for years and it will still keep going.
Beginners will love it too as it’s easy to thread and if you’re unsure a YouTube video is enough to get you started.
A handy tip is to place this on a padded surface if you don’t want too much noise while you work. Because it’s one of the lighter models on our list it’s bound to jostle around during stitching. But its lightness makes it portable which is handy if you don’t have a permanent space for it on your desk; simply place it in a cupboard.
Another reason newbies will like this one is the low price tag. You can try out sewing without spending too much money and see what type of sewing machines you want to upgrade to. The low price doesn’t mean it’s low quality so you’ll get a real experience of working with professional equipment, without paying too much.
Although you can see this as a serger for beginners, look forward to getting creative because this one can do intricate work like picot edge stitches and rolled hem stitches. The only thing the brand should work on is improving the tension settings because many users report broken threads.
Using it is easy and also won’t cause fatigue because all the controls are easy to reach. You effortlessly stay in control of your sewing project and you can even adjust the feed, the pressure of the presser foot & whether you want the knife retracted or not. It’s an affordable all-in-one!
Make sure you pick the correct Janome serger for your sewing projects. Our guide covers all important matters to help you shop like a pro and get the best value for money.
Janome is a worthwhile brand to invest in when kitting out your sewing room, because this is a well established brand that has roots in the industry as far back as 1921. Its current name was chosen in 1954 and today, under Janome America, it manufactures in America too. The brand also owns well known Swiss brand Elna. It’s clear that the brand is synonymous with quality in the sewing machine industry and therefore a Janome serger should be considered by hobbyists & pros who value quality work.
The Janome brand is also a wise option to get to know because of their wide range. If you know you’ll upgrade later, start with one of their simpler models, like the Janome Serger 3434D but know that later on you can invest in advanced models. Janome has computerized machines, sergers and sewing machines so you can set up your sewing room exactly as you need it to, all with one brand’s models.
Lastly, Janome provides a great balance between functionality, price and durability. You know you’re getting value for money.
We discuss the most important features to consider when shopping for a Janome serger. Understand each one so you know which machine is relevant to your requirements.
One of the attractions of a serger is that you can work with multiple threads and you can get serger models that facilitate as much as eight threads. But having the maximum number of threads isn’t necessarily better.
Only if you work on extremely heavy fabrics or often add chain stitches and cover stiches will you require five threads or more. For doing seems and working on lightweight fabric, two threads are enough and three and four threads will be appropriate for medium and heavy fabrics respectively. Our Janome Serger reviews show examples of excellent four thread machines, like our Editor’s Choice Janome 8002D shows.
It’s wise to invest in a four thread machine, even if you’re a newbie, because those additional threads may come in handy with future projects. Usually you’ll be able to decide how many of the threads you want to use, such as on the Janome Harmony 7933 where it’s up to you to use three or four.
You need adjustable stitching speed to suit your level of skill. In the Janome range you’ll see it’s easy to adjust the speed. Make sure the unit you pick can work as fast as you want it to, so it suits the type of fabric you work on. When you work on delicate material you need to take it slow.
The machine must allow you to adjust quickly and easily. You can expect speeds of 600 stitches per minute or more. Professional sewers—or if you simply love working fast—may need more speed, even up to 1400 stitches per minute.
Many projects require you to adjust your stitch length, but this isn’t a feature you’ll find on all lower end or entry level machines. For different projects you’ll need different lengths, so having various options makes your machine more versatile. You may need short stitches to keep pieces of a plush toy together, but for stitching together general garments a longer stitch will suffice. Make sure your machine makes it easy to switch between different options so you can work effortlessly.
What makes a serger valuable is that it can cut off excess fabric. You need a quality cutting tool and if you know you’ll work on heavy fabrics, a heavy duty one is best. Not everyone works on thick fabric, like denim or towels, so if you know you’ll work on delicate ones this doesn’t have to be a priority when vetting different serger models.
You don’t want a complicated machine that will be frustrating to work with, so look at the user friendliness mentioned on a Janome serger review before you buy.
Yes, you should expect a learning curve where you figure out how your new equipment works. But after a few tries you should get the hang of your new Janome serger.
Ease of use also refers to your setup procedure. It should be easy to get started. Many sergers have color coded components that help you with setup tasks like threading. An even better option is when you have a self threading unit although our Janome models don’t feature this. Still, with a model like the Janome Harmony 7933, it’s relatively easy and with the Janome MOD-8933 you even get a DVD to help.
Measure out your available space on your work surface before you start shopping for your new appliance. When a work station is too cluttered or there’s no space to move items around you won’t work swiftly. Or you’ll be so cramped that you can’t deliver good workmanship.
Don’t forget to consider all dimensions. You don’t want your new machine to arrive and only then realize that it’s so high it blocks the cupboard door above your table. That’s when you’ll wish you picked a small model like the Janome 001FOUR-DLB.
Think ahead about where you’ll use the serger so you can create a comfortable work place where you have enough light falling from above.
A warranty gives you peace of mind that you’re purchasing a good quality machine. With Janome you can get up to five years cover on mechanical parts; proof of a good machine. They also have a 25-year warranty on machines, which will make your Jenome model a valuable long term investment in your business and well worth the money.
Also look for warranties on labor and electronic parts to get true value for money.
You must consider your own budget when buying your Janome serger. Luckily, as can be seen with our budget model the Janome MOD-8933 it’s clear you don’t have to purchase the most expensive one to get exceptional features. Find the balance between price and features to suit your projects.
So, which of our machines will you use to upgrade your sewing room? We suggest you invest in the Janome 8002D which yielded a 9.9 rating from our experts. With a balance of features it works for almost any sewer, no matter your skill set. It’s compact but has a long list of features.
If you know you’ll be doing some heavy-duty work you should look at the Janome Magnolia 7034D. This one will work on materials some other sergers can’t and we appreciate that it’s versatile enough that even decorative sewing becomes a breeze when using it.
You have a selection of the best Janome serger models on today’s market, of which one of these will suit your unique preferences. Which one will you try? Please leave comments below if you have tips on using this impressive brand’s appliances.
