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Buying guide

Janome sewing machines 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 HD3000BE: metal heavy duty with quilting kit

    At 9.53 kg with a metal body it stays steady over thick seams and bulky bags.

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  • Best value

    Janome 360DC: compact computerised with 60 stitches

    A 7 mm zigzag width gives bolder satin and decorative stitches than 5 mm machines.

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  • Most features

    Janome 5270QDC: 270 stitches, thread cutter, knee lifter

    Twelve buttonholes give a style for shirts, coats, knits and heirloom work.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Janome has a reputation for solid, long lived machines, and its range splits into three broad groups. Mechanical models such as the J3 and 725S use dials, have fewer stitches and suit beginners and repairs. Heavy duty models such as the HD3000 add metal bodies for denim and canvas. Computerised models, including the QDC machines and the Skyline series, add screens, needle up or down, start/stop, thread cutters, wider stitches and more space to the right of the needle for quilting. Moving up the range buys feeding control, space and convenience more than raw stitch count. This guide lines up seven Janome machines by type, stitch count, buttonhole, the key extra each adds and weight, using only what each listing states, so you can see where each model sits.

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 · Janome

Janome HD3000BE: metal heavy duty with quilting kit

A metal bodied Janome with 18 stitches, a one-step buttonhole and a 6.5 mm stitch width. This Black Edition adds a walking foot, open toe foot and free motion foot, plus a stated 25 year limited warranty.

In its favour

  • At 9.53 kg with a metal body it stays steady over thick seams and bulky bags.
  • The bonus kit adds a walking foot, quarter inch foot, open toe foot and free motion foot.
  • Extra presser foot lift and a convertible free arm are listed for bulky items and jeans hems.

Good to know

  • Eighteen stitches is a short list if you also want decorative work.
  • There is no speed slider or screen; control is through the pedal.
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Listing title: Janome HD3000BE Sewing Machine, Metal, Black

No. 2 · Janome

Janome 5270QDC: 270 stitches, thread cutter, knee lifter

A full sized Janome with 270 stitches, 12 buttonholes, an auto thread cutter and a knee lifter, plus a wide extension table and hard cover. It suits regular dressmaking and home sewing.

In its favour

  • Twelve buttonholes give a style for shirts, coats, knits and heirloom work.
  • A knee lifter raises the foot hands free, which helps when easing sleeves and curves.
  • Foot pressure adjustment, a wide extension table and a hard cover are all listed.

Good to know

  • At 10.7 kg it is heavy to carry to a class.
  • The listing does not mention a dual feed or walking foot in the box.
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Listing title: Janome 5270QDC Sewing Machine

No. 3 · Janome

Janome Skyline S6: 9 mm stitches, auto tension

A sewing and quilting Janome with 196 stitches, 91 needle positions, a 9 mm stitch width, auto tension, an automatic thread cutter and six LED lights. It suits keen sewists and quilters.

In its favour

  • An automatic thread cutter, a locking stitch button and start/stop are all listed.
  • A 9 mm stitch width and 91 needle positions give fine control and bold decorative stitches.
  • Auto tension is listed for consistent stitches across fabrics.

Good to know

  • The listing describes it as mid size but does not give the sewing space.
  • At 11.3 kg it is not one to carry to classes.
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Listing title: Janome Skyline S6 Sewing and Quilting Machine with 9mm Stitch Width, M...

No. 4 · Janome

Janome 360DC: compact computerised with 60 stitches

A compact computerised Janome with 60 utility and decorative stitches, six buttonholes, a 7 mm zigzag width and a large LCD that shows tips for the chosen stitch. A hard cover is included.

In its favour

  • A 7 mm zigzag width gives bolder satin and decorative stitches than 5 mm machines.
  • Adjustable presser foot pressure and a 7 segment feed dog are listed for even feeding.
  • Six presser feet are listed, including zipper, satin, blind stitch and automatic buttonhole feet.

Good to know

  • There is no automatic thread cutter in the listing.
  • At 5.5 kg it is light, so it may shift when sewing heavy layers.
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Listing title: Janome Decor Computer 360 DC Sewing Machine

No. 5 · Janome

Janome 725S: 25 stitch mechanical with drop feed

A mechanical Janome with 25 stitches, a one-step buttonhole, a jam proof drop-in bobbin and foot pressure adjustment. It suits beginners who prefer dials to screens and want room to grow.

In its favour

  • The listing states a jam proof drop-in bobbin and auto-declutch bobbin winding, which keep setup simple.
  • Foot pressure adjustment and an extra-high presser foot lift help with thicker layers later on.
  • Drop feed is listed for free motion work, and a hard cover and a 2 year manufacturer warranty are stated.

Good to know

  • There is no speed slider or start/stop button listed, so all control is through the pedal.
  • The listing does not give maximum stitch width or length.
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Listing title: Janome 725S Sewing Machine

No. 6 · Couling

Janome J3-24: simple 24 stitch starter

A straightforward Janome with 24 built-in stitches, quick foot conversion, an automatic one-step buttonhole and a free arm for cuffs and hems. A sensible choice for repairs and first garments.

In its favour

  • An automatic one-step buttonhole and a built-in needle threader cover the two jobs beginners find fiddliest.
  • Quick foot conversion is listed, so changing to a zipper or buttonhole foot is simple.
  • The free arm makes sleeves, cuffs and trouser hems easier to reach.

Good to know

  • The listing is short and does not state bobbin type or stitch width.
  • No speed control or screen is mentioned, so it is pedal and dial only.
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Listing title: J3-24 Sewing Machine

No. 7 · Janome

Janome Skyline S3 AE: 120 stitches, extra-wide space

An anniversary edition Skyline S3 with 120 utility, decorative and quilting stitches, an extra-wide 8.25 by 4.7 inch sewing space, a 7 piece feed dog and drop feed for free motion quilting.

In its favour

  • The same 8.25 by 4.7 inch space as the larger Skyline, in a lighter 8.39 kg machine.
  • A 7 piece feed dog and drop feed for free motion quilting are listed.
  • Start/stop, a speed control slider and an automatic needle threader are included features.

Good to know

  • There is no automatic thread cutter or stitch regulator in the listing.
  • A walking foot is not listed among the accessories.
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Listing title: Janome Skyline S3 Anniversary Edition Sewing Machine

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