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Buying guide

Janome overlockers compared

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Janome 8004D: pre-threaded, colour coded guides

    Pre-threaded from the factory, so you can sew a first seam straight out of the box.

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  • Best value

    Janome 8002D: 2 to 4 threads, 3.1 to 7.3 mm cutting

    Differential feed and an easy rolled hem changeover are both listed.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    AirThread 2000D: one push air threading, 2 to 4 threads

    One push air threading takes the hardest step, looper threading, out of setup.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Janome's overlockers range from simple 3 and 4 thread machines to models with 2 thread stitches and air threading. All of them trim and finish seams in one pass, so the differences lie elsewhere. Threading is the big one: the lower looper is the fiddly part, and Janome's lay-in and air threading systems exist to make it easier. Next comes the number of threads. A 2 thread option gives lighter finishes and flatlock, while 3 and 4 thread are the everyday seams. Differential feed stops knits stretching and fine fabrics puckering, and an easy rolled hem change matters if you sew scarves or napkins. This guide compares six Janome overlockers in the current collection: the AirThread 2000D, MyLock 654D, 9300DX, 8002D, 8004D and MyLock 454D. Each is judged by thread options, differential feed, rolled hem, threading system and weight, using only what the listings state.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Quiltlines

Janome 8004D: pre-threaded, colour coded guides

A three or four thread Janome overlocker that arrives pre-threaded from the factory, with colour coded guides, adjustable differential feed, cutting width and tension, rolled hems and flatlock seams.

In its favour

  • Pre-threaded from the factory, so you can sew a first seam straight out of the box.
  • Adjustable differential feed, cutting width and tension are all listed.
  • Rolled hems and decorative flatlock seams are both stated.

Good to know

  • There is no lower looper threading aid in the listing beyond colour coding.
  • Top speed and included feet are not given in the listing.
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Listing title: Janome 8004D

No. 2 · Janome

AirThread 2000D: one push air threading, 2 to 4 threads

Janome's air threading overlocker, with one push air threading for the loopers, lay-in needle threading, a built-in one step converter, an 8 piece feed dog system and 2, 3 and 4 thread stitches.

In its favour

  • One push air threading takes the hardest step, looper threading, out of setup.
  • A built-in one step converter is listed, so the 2 thread stitches need no separate part.
  • An 8 piece feed dog system and adjustable foot pressure are stated.

Good to know

  • The listing does not mention differential feed or rolled hem settings, so confirm them.
  • It is the most expensive Janome overlocker here by a wide margin.
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Listing title: Janome AirThread 2000D

No. 3 · Janome

Janome 8002D: 2 to 4 threads, 3.1 to 7.3 mm cutting

A 2, 3 and 4 thread Janome with differential feed, easy rolled hem changeover and an adjustable cutting width from 3.1 to 7.3 mm, sold with a blind stitch foot and needles.

In its favour

  • Differential feed and an easy rolled hem changeover are both listed.
  • Cutting width adjusts from 3.1 to 7.3 mm for fine or chunky edges.
  • The bonus package adds a blind stitch foot and a 5 pack of 90/14 needles.

Good to know

  • Threading relies on a chart; no lay-in or air threading system is listed.
  • The bonus items may be substituted, the listing warns.
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Listing title: Janome 8002D Serger Includes Bonus Accessories

No. 4 · Janome

Janome 9300DX: differential feed and rolled hem

A standard three or four thread Janome overlocker with differential feed, rolled hemming, a 5 mm maximum stitch length and a top speed of about 1,500 stitches a minute. Needle guards front and back are listed.

In its favour

  • Differential feed and rolled hemming are both listed.
  • A top speed of about 1,500 stitches a minute is stated.
  • Front and back needle guards are listed as a safety feature.

Good to know

  • No threading aid is mentioned, so expect to learn threading from the manual.
  • Included accessories and feet are not described in the listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome 9300DX

No. 5 · Janome

Janome MyLock 454D: light 6.1 kg, easy rolled hem

The lightest Janome here at 6.1 kg, a 3 or 4 thread overlocker with flatlock, easy rolled hem conversion, slide-in pre-tension threading and a retractable upper knife.

In its favour

  • Colour coded guides plus a threading chart inside the front cover help setup.
  • An easy lower looper threading mechanism is listed.
  • Stitch length adjusts from 1 to 4 mm and the upper knife retracts with a push release.

Good to know

  • Differential feed is not mentioned in the listing.
  • Only 3 and 4 thread stitches are listed.
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Listing title: Janome Mylock 454D Overlocker

No. 6 · Quiltlines

Janome MyLock 654D: 2/3/4 thread, low vibration

A 2, 3 and 4 thread Janome overlocker described as strong and low vibration with precise stitch control, for everyday garments and special fabrics.

In its favour

  • Offers 2, 3 and 4 thread stitches according to the listing.
  • Described as low vibration, helped by a stated weight of 8.94 kg.
  • Country of origin is given as Japan in the listing.

Good to know

  • The listing is brief: differential feed, rolled hem and threading are not described.
  • Sewing speed and cutting width are not stated.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Janome ML654D

More buying guides: Brands and models

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