Janome Cat Fancy Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine with Interior Metal Frame, Bobbin Diagram, Tutorial Videos, Made with Beginners in Mind for Garments, Patchwork, Light Quilting

Did you know that many of the high-quality machines out there under $500 - regardless of what brand they say they are - are made by Janome? Those other brands who specialize in something else but want to sell a starter sewing machine (from Baby Lock to Sears' Kenmore brand, and I think Juki and even some of the European labels) just use a Janome and put a slightly different "skin" on it (this is true in almost every industry, BTW). I'd never heard of them and was a diehard Singer user ever since learning on my great-grandmother's 1950s Singer 301, until I went shopping for a serger and something that did a zigzag stitch a long time ago, and discovered that the friend's machine that I loved (A Kenmore from Sears) was a 20-year-old Janome. The steel frame matters a lot (the other popular brand at this price point doesn't have that), as does Janome not calling something "Heavy Duty" when it's really not (looking at you, famous grey machine). People who are struggling with this probably are using cheap thread or the wrong needle, btw. It matters a lot. When we had to solve a slight emergency I was skeptical that this machine at this price point was "really a true Janome" (used to be, heavy steel-framed machines weren't on Amazon because of the shipping cost) but wow is it ever! I did spend a few hours looking through YouTube reviews (ones that aren't compensated to pretend to try several and have the Singer HD "win"), and there were rave reviews of this little guy (including the fact that it goes through 10 layers of denim, like so-called HD machines -- it's motor is equally powerful, Janome just has higher standards for using the HD label). I considered getting a higher end one (I'm a buy-it-for-lifer) but the immediate problem was a kid needing to sew a costume for an event 48 hours later, with minimal lessons from me because I was up against a work deadline at the same time, and the YouTube videos for getting started with this machine are especially good. IE I needed the kid to learn it themselves, and if a problem arose I needed to be able to jump in and solve it despite not being familiar with this machine. This passed that test with flying colors: The kiddo (who hadn't even sewn before) watched the YouTube videos, got the machine threaded, and started sewing with just one brief check-in from me. The book and another YouTube were sufficient for us both to dive into a sewing technique neither of us had done before (applique), again with maybe 5 minutes attention from me. Twice the machine sort of "jammed" (where the thread tension was so tight it wouldn't go), which isn't a machine thing it had to do with user errors. Importantly, it was easily resolvable with the usual "tug lightly while turning the hand crank). Crucially, this machine has a metal bobbin case: you'd be surprised how much that matters. The finished project is pristine: very straight stitches, and -- SO IMPORTANT -- a kiddo who now feels that sewing is easy and awesome!! This is the same kid who has been resistant to learning to sew for 6 years after a run-in with my antique Singer. I'm now officially changing the family tradition from learning on the 1950s Singer 301, to learning on one of these! THE ONE THING that really, really, really, really bugs me is the color. It's way brighter in person, so to me it looks really cheap, it's an eyesore in a tidy sewing space, and the color "fights" with the color of what I'm sewing. If I had to repurchase I'd bump up one notch to the 212 that comes in white (and has feed dogs which drop), or a couple notches to the Babylock Joy (which is made by Janome). Another useful bonus of all these similar machines having Janome as an OEM: Lots of interchangeable parts and accessories, and knowledge. Being similar to the 212 and the Babylock Joy means local repair shops know this machine and can repair it. If you start to look, you'll notice lots of machines that are some variant on this same machine, under several brands, so if you watch a YouTube by someone using that machine it'll be really similar to do the same thing on this one.

I've been sewing since I was 14 years old, and today I'm 60. This machine is for everyone, not just beginners. This is a very enjoyable review to write. I have already bought four of these machines. I gave two as gifts and two were for myself. The green one I bought was called "Crystal" and now I bought this lilac one on Amazon. I gave two to my two daughter in law who love this machine. Let's talk about them now: Excellent brand: Janome, easy to use, lightweight to carry, small but large enough not to be completely flimsy, strong enough to sew jeans. Yes, on my Facebook I have a video sewing several layers of jeans ( use neddle 16 or 18)and I will also post a video here. The colors are beautiful, which helps to make the studio a more colorful and creative place, thank you Janome, we have enought white boring machines, it doesn't take up much space on the table, and it's easy to store. Some buyers complain that it's not quiet, I consider it okay, I also disassembled it and lubricated it as I do with my other machines and this helps a lot to make the machines smoother and quieter. So lubricate yours without fear of being happy, even if the manual doesn't say it's necessary. I only found the thread cutter on my fourth purchase. I thought it didn't have one, but yes, it does have a thread cutter, in addition to the zigzag stitch. Today I can say that I put away my Juki TL 2010 Q because this little Janome is capable of doing all the work I do on the Juki and I can still use the zigzag stitch. I would love can have one each colour, was not easy choose one, would love have a pink and blue one, maybe i buy to give for my granddaugther… Amazin machines

GREAT value! It was a gift for my mother in law who has sewn for years and years and this is her go to machine now. She absolutely loves the dark purple color and has named it "Pansy". :)

It's as cute as it looks in the picture. It's also really easy to use. I just wanted a quality simple machine so I could start doing basic sewing projects. I did a lot of research and I knew I wanted a Janome. This machine was well within my budget and it is so cute! It's not too heavy or large and fits well in my standard sized carry case.

A basic, simple machine. Offers a few different stitches and easy to use. It would be good for beginners. I use it to travel or classes. Nothing fancy but functions nicely! RELIABLE.

One small complaint: this was sold as like new, but arrived with one thread holder snapped off (yet helpfully taped to the top). WTH, Amazon? In spite of that, I am thrilled to the point of random hyperbole about this adorable little machine. After a multi-year break from machine sewing, I had a project done within hours of delivery. That's not a humble brag on my skills - this machine is just that simple to use. No jams (even when I fed fabric through doubled up by mistake), no issues with tension or settings to fiddle with, just load up a bobbin and go. This particular machine is part of the 311 model line, which is apparently only available in the US, parts of Latin America and, for some reason, Poland. It's made in Thailand and, aside from the slightly flimsy thread holders (easily repaired with a dab of e6000) the rest of it is nice solid metal. It's heavy enough to not skitter around the table surface at top speed, but not too heavy to lift and store in between projects. Mine came with a full set of basic accessories including a zipper foot and the feed dog covers (some reviewers seem to be missing theirs). The stich selector and length regulator both have solid, thunky dials that let you feel locked in to your choice. The zigzag width is set by the options in between B and C on the stitch selection dial. I've tested all the stitch options and the machine performed perfectly - no skips or broken threads. The light is nice and bright and changing feet is very simple. The foot pedal is a little persnickety - it goes from 0 to 60 very fast, but after about a month I'm learning how hard to press (or not press). It's also a front loader, which I grew up with so that doesn't bother me, but may present a learning curve for newcomers or people used to top drops. However, the instructions inside the bobbin housing are clearly printed and easy to follow. I had been looking at higher end machines, wanting fancy stitch options and exotic computer features, but I'm so glad I chose this one instead!

This was a gift and the person who received it, loves it!. Easy to use machine. The color is very vibrant.

I bought this machine in April and just had time to try it. I am very "Dissatisfied". It keeps breaking the thread. And now is frozen up. I have tried numerous times to rethread. With no help. I can't return it either. So I am stuck with a machine that doesn't work. I own a Janome memory craft and love it. The small machine was for traveling.

So far, this machine has been working great. Thread breaks lots but that might be the thread i been using. I love my purple sewing machine.

Llego en tiempo y forma, es una maquina muy bonita y de excelente calidad, super super hermosa

Muy buena calidad de armado se siente muy solida, y trabaja muy bien, mi novia ha confeccionado bastante prendas y no ha tenido ningun tipo de falla hasta el momento

I couldn't be happier with my beautiful pink sewing machine! Not only is the color an absolute delight, but it's also a testament to the thought and care that went into its design. It's like a piece of art in my sewing space. But beyond the aesthetics, this sewing machine has proven to be a fantastic companion for my sewing projects. As someone relatively new to sewing, I've found it incredibly user-friendly. The instructions were clear and concise, making setup a breeze. Within minutes, I was ready to dive into my first project. The ease of use extends to the machine's functionality. It stitches smoothly and consistently, producing professional-looking results every time. The variety of built-in stitches is a bonus, allowing me to get creative with my projects and experiment with different patterns and techniques. I also appreciate the durability and reliability of this machine. It has effortlessly handled various fabrics, from delicate silks to heavy denims, without a hitch. No more frustrating jams or tension issues. While I primarily use it for my sewing hobby, I can see how it could be versatile enough for more serious projects as well. It strikes a perfect balance between simplicity for beginners and versatility for those with more experience. In conclusion, this pink sewing machine has been a delightful addition to my creative space. It's not just a pretty face; it's a workhorse that delivers on both form and function. If you're looking for a sewing machine that combines style, ease of use, and performance, you can't go wrong with this one. It's the perfect companion for hobbyists and beyond. A solid 5/5 stars from me!

Excelente maquina, muy fácil de usar. Ojo: las instrucciones vienen solo en inglés.