Janome 2212 Review: A Great Entry-Level Choice

It doesn’t matter if you are new to sewing or you have been at it for a long time, you can’t deny the abundance of choice there is when it comes to sewing machines. With all the models and different features that there are available, choosing the right sewing machine can get confusing and frustrating. However, if you are in the market for a non-digital, durable and reliable model, we have a suggestion.

Introducing the Janome 2212 sewing machine. In this article, we will go through all the features and answer any questions that you may have about this model.

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Whom is the Janome 2212 Made For?

If you are someone who is just starting to sew or someone who is looking to go back into sewing, this mechanical sewing machine is the perfect choice for you. There are only two stitch selection dials, one for the stitch itself and the other for the size; this means the dials give you bigger control over your work.

The Janome 2212 is an at-home reliable sewing machine that is perfect for beginners because it is very easy to use. It has 12 different functional stitches that can be sown both straight and zigzag, as well as a four-step buttonhole.

A Feature-Packed Powerhouse

12 Built-In Stitches

As we mentioned, the sewing machine has 12 built-in stitches, which include non-stretch stitches, darning stitches, zigzag, blind hem stitches, knit stitches, decorative, and so on. The Janome 2212 can stitch at a speed of 860 SPM. This is pretty standard for economy at-home sewing machines. If you are a beginner, speed won’t be an issue for you.

Manual Needle Threader

The Janome 2212 also allows you to manually adjust the automatic needle threader to the maximum of 4mm stitch length and 5mm stitch width so the limited stitch option will not be an issue because you can adjust the sizing to your liking leaving a lot of room for creativity for your projects.

Reverse Stitch Feature and Free-Arm Extensions

Also, it has the option to reverse stitch, a feature you can use to secure the fabric on your garment, so it does not fall apart. Another useful feature is the free motion quilting extension that allows you to get into the hard-to-reach spots, such as sleeves and other circular parts of your garments.

Other Useful Features

There is a four-step buttonhole that requires manual adjustment. To be more specific, as soon as the machine halts the stitching of one of the sides of the buttonhole, you have to manually turn the selection dial.

If you have used an older model sewing machine, you won’t be surprised to find the bobbin on the front. The Janome 2212 has a front-loading bobbin which, as the name suggests, the thread goes in the front.

The sewing machine also has a drop feed system that can help you to create a stitch without having to move the fabric manually.

And last, it comes with a lamp which comes in handy when you are sewing in the dark corner of your room or don’t want to disturb your family with additional lighting. Also, it allows you to better see what are you sewing and whether you are following a straight line.

What Accessories Are Included in the Box

The Janome 2212 does come with a variety of accessories that can be used in different projects. As with many other machines out there, the Janome 2212 is packed with a zipper foot. In order to change the position of the presser foot, you will have to adjust the zipper foot using only a screw.

You can create hem shells using the picot foot or use the non-stick zigzag foot for tackling thicker fabric. You can also sew invisible hems using the blind hem foot or use the gathering tool.

If you don’t have scissors lying around you can always use the thread cutter and if you are not using your machine daily, there is a handy dust cover you can use to cover it up.

Sew Through A Variety of Fabrics

There are a couple of fabrics that are suitable for the Janome 2212, however, the sewing machine is not powerful enough to sew through anything you put through it. It can easily tackle natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and linen, most synthetics like polyester and rayon, soft fabrics like silk, and most knits and upholstery fabrics.

However, it is not a heavy-duty machine, therefore, it cannot tackle thick materials like leather, fur, rubber, sail canvas, and so on. If you try to sew any of these thick fabrics you might burn the motor, break the needle, or overall lose tension and get an uneven stitch.

Also, read a great review of the Janome HD1000.

Is This Sewing Machine Worth It?

Different people have different preferences, and even though the Janome 2211 is a good affordable sewing machine, it does have a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing. The tension is adjusted manually, so you probably need to test the fabric before you start. The needle threader Is also manual, so if your hands are shaky and your eyesight is bad, this can get tricky, the lamp helps, however.

Some people also don’t like the limited stitch options and the smaller stitch width of 5mm instead of 7mm. Also, after you finish sewing you need to manually turn the machine around in order to put the needle in the up position. Speaking of the needle, you can’t move it and you can only sew from the center position.

Another thing is that some people find it too noisy to use when there are other people around, so maybe use it when home alone or in another room and avoid using it late at night.

Also, read a great review of the Janome C30.

Conclusion

When looking to buy any product, it is important to look at all the pros and cons before making a decision. When it comes to Janome 2212, we went through both.

The sewing machine is simple, intuitive, and solid; it has a high-pressure foot and easy to follow thread-diagram, don’t expect computerized sewing machine features.

However, it cannot sew through tough fabric or thread the needle automatically. It doesn’t have speed control and it can be noisy for some.

After taking all of this into consideration is completely up to you if the Janome 2212 will satisfy your needs and standards, just like most Janome sewing machines.