Janome JW8100 Review: Pros, Cons, Features, Comparison, FAQ

Janome Sewing Machine

Janome sewing machines are renowned for their quality, durability, and innovative features. They cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced sewers and professionals. Janome offers a diverse lineup of sewing machines, including mechanical, computerized, and embroidery machines.

Key Features of Janome Sewing Machines:

  1. Durability: Janome machines are known for their robust construction and long-lasting performance.

  2. Innovation: Janome often incorporates cutting-edge technology into its machines, providing users with advanced features for improved stitching and convenience.

  3. User-Friendly Design: Janome sewing machines are designed with the user in mind, making them accessible to both beginners and experienced sewers. Clear instructions and intuitive controls contribute to a positive user experience.

  4. Variety: Janome offers a wide range of sewing machines to suit different needs, including basic sewing, quilting, embroidery, and serging.

  5. Reliability: Many users appreciate the reliability of Janome machines, as they can handle a variety of fabrics and sewing projects.

Popular Janome Sewing Machine Models:

  1. Janome Magnolia 7318: A mechanical sewing machine suitable for beginners with basic features and easy-to-use design.

  2. Janome 4120QDC: A computerized quilting and sewing machine with a variety of stitches and convenient features for quilting enthusiasts.

  3. Janome Memory Craft 9900: An embroidery and sewing machine that combines advanced features with ease of use, suitable for creative projects.

Janome in the Sewing Community:

Janome has established itself as a trusted brand in the sewing community, earning praise for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The company often collaborates with designers and educators to enhance its products and provide users with the tools they need to express their creativity.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, Janome offers a range of sewing machines to meet various needs, making it a popular choice among sewing enthusiasts worldwide.

Product Overview: At a Glance

Review of: Janome JW8100  Computerized Sewing Machine 

4.7/5

Our Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Why is it Better?

Janome JW8100  Computerized Sewing Machine Janome JW8100 Fully-Featured Computerized Sewing Machine

The Janome JW8100 is a computerized sewing machine that offers versatility and ease of use for a wide range of sewing projects. Designed with precision and convenience in mind, this sewing machine is a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced sewers. With a sturdy build and thoughtful engineering, the Janome JW8100 is an ideal choice for those who seek reliability and accuracy in their sewing tasks. It features a user-friendly interface, ensuring that your sewing experience is intuitive and efficient. Whether you’re working on basic repairs or intricate creative projects, the Janome JW8100 is equipped to meet your needs. With a sleek design and a solid construction, this sewing machine not only performs well but also adds a touch of modern elegance to your sewing space. Discover the world of sewing with confidence using the Janome JW8100.

Now, let’s explore the key features of the Janome JW8100 sewing machine in more detail.

Computerized Functionality in Janome JW8100

Computerization is a central aspect of the JW8100, enhancing your sewing experience in various ways. Computerized sewing machines typically feature a digital display and controls that allow for easy customization of your sewing settings. Here’s how this computerization benefits sewers:

  • Precision and Consistency: Computerized machines are known for their precise stitching. You can rely on the machine to create consistent and even stitches, which is particularly important for professional-looking results.

  • Multiple Stitch Options: With computerization, you gain access to a wide array of built-in stitches, making it easy to switch between different stitch patterns for various projects.

  • Ease of Use: The digital display provides clear information about your chosen stitch, stitch width and length, and recommended presser foot. This simplifies the sewing process, even for beginners.

  • Automation: Many tasks, such as buttonhole sewing, can be automated with a computerized machine. This simplifies otherwise complex processes, making them more accessible to sewers of all levels.

  • Speed Control: Computerized machines often feature speed control settings, allowing you to choose the sewing speed that suits your comfort and the specific demands of your project.

Sewing Speed

With a sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute (SPM), the JW8100 offers a fast and efficient sewing experience. Whether you’re tackling large projects or small repairs, this machine can handle it with ease.

Built-In Stitches

One of the standout features of the Janome JW8100 is its extensive selection of 100 built-in stitches. These stitches are categorized into different styles, allowing you to choose the most suitable one for your project. The categories include:

  • Heirloom Stitches: With 27 heirloom-style stitches, you can embellish and decorate your projects with elegant, timeless designs.

  • Basic and Fashion Stitches: The machine offers 20 basic and fashion stitches, which are versatile and commonly used for everyday sewing tasks.

  • Quilting Stitches: Quilters will appreciate the 18 quilting stitches, perfect for creating beautiful quilting patterns.

  • Buttonhole Stitches: Creating buttonholes is made easy with the seven automatic buttonhole stitches. You can select the style that complements your garment or project.

  • Home Decor Stitches: The JW8100 includes 28 home decor stitches, which are ideal for sewing items like curtains, table linens, and pillow covers.

The vast array of stitches provides endless creative possibilities, whether you’re crafting clothing, home decor, or other sewing projects. Plus, the machine comes with a stitch chart to help you quickly identify and select the stitch you need, eliminating the need to consult the manual repeatedly.

Buttonhole Styles

The machine offers seven automatic buttonhole styles, simplifying the process of creating buttonholes for your garments and projects. These buttonholes come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

The versatility of these buttonhole styles caters to different button shapes and sizes, as well as various fabric types. Here’s a brief overview of the seven buttonhole styles:

  1. Standard Rectangular Buttonhole: This is the most commonly used buttonhole style and is suitable for standard shirt buttons.

  2. Round End Buttonhole: Ideal for buttons with rounded ends, this buttonhole style adds a touch of elegance to your garments.

  3. Keyhole Buttonhole: The keyhole buttonhole is versatile and compatible with a range of button types. Its unique shape provides a secure closure.

  4. Stretch Buttonhole: When working with stretch fabrics, such as knitwear, the stretch buttonhole ensures that the buttonhole can expand and contract with the fabric.

  5. Elongated Buttonhole: This style is perfect for longer buttons or decorative buttons that require extra space.

  6. Satin Stitch Buttonhole: The satin stitch buttonhole adds a decorative and refined touch to your projects. It’s often used on formal wear and special occasions.

  7. Knit Buttonhole: Designed for knit fabrics, this buttonhole style accommodates the stretch and flexibility of the material, ensuring a comfortable fit.

The variety of buttonhole styles gives you the freedom to choose the one that complements your project’s design and function. Whether you’re sewing a classic shirt, a stretchy jersey dress, or a formal gown, the Janome JW8100’s automatic buttonhole function takes the guesswork out of creating flawless buttonholes.

Sewing Feet

The Janome JW8100 comes with six different sewing feet, each designed for specific sewing techniques. These feet are essential for various sewing applications, and having them included with the machine enhances its versatility. Here’s an overview of the included sewing feet:

  1. Zigzag Foot: The zigzag foot is a standard foot used for most basic sewing tasks. It’s versatile and suitable for a wide range of stitch patterns.

  2. Zipper Foot: When you need to sew zippers into your projects, the zipper foot allows you to stitch close to the zipper teeth with precision.

  3. Satin Stitch Foot: This foot is ideal for creating satin and decorative stitches. It ensures that your decorative stitching appears neat and even.

  4. Automatic Buttonhole Foot: Paired with the machine’s automatic buttonhole styles, this foot makes creating buttonholes a breeze. It guides the fabric and ensures uniform buttonholes.

  5. Overedge Foot: If you’re looking to finish the edges of your fabric to prevent fraying, the overedge foot is the go-to choice. It neatly encases the fabric’s edge with an overlocking stitch.

  6. 1/4″ Seam Foot: This foot is indispensable for quilters and anyone working on projects that require precise 1/4-inch seam allowances. It helps you maintain consistent seam widths for accurate piecing.

Having these specialized sewing feet in your toolkit simplifies the sewing process and expands your creative capabilities. Each foot is designed to address specific sewing challenges and achieve the best results for your projects.

Stitch Length and Width Adjustment

The ability to adjust both stitch length and width is crucial for achieving the desired results in different sewing applications. The Janome JW8100 allows you to customize these settings, giving you full control over your stitches. Here’s how these adjustments work:

  • Stitch Length Adjustment: You can adjust the stitch length to achieve shorter or longer stitches, depending on your project’s requirements. Short stitches are typically used for delicate or tightly woven fabrics, while longer stitches may be suitable for basting or gathering.

  • Stitch Width Adjustment: The stitch width adjustment is especially important when working with decorative stitches. It allows you to make stitches wider or narrower, altering the overall look of the stitch pattern. For example, you can create satin stitches with varying degrees of width to customize your projects.

These adjustments are easily made using the machine’s controls, and the LCD screen provides clear feedback about the selected settings. Customizing stitch length and width is a valuable feature for sewers who want to tailor their stitches to specific fabrics and design preferences.

Feed Dog System

The sewing machine boasts a 7-piece feed dog system. This advanced system ensures even and smooth fabric feeding, regardless of the type of material you are working with. It minimizes fabric bunching and puckering, resulting in higher-quality stitching.

Start/Stop Button and Speed Control Slider

The Janome JW8100 offers a start/stop button, allowing you to sew without using the foot pedal. This feature is particularly useful when you need to make quick repairs or tackle long seams. Combined with the speed control slider, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred sewing speed, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.

Reverse Button

For reinforcing stitches or securing seams, the machine is equipped with a convenient reverse button. It simplifies backstitching and helps lock seams. This feature is especially beneficial when working with decorative stitches or lightweight fabrics.

Needle Threader

Threading a needle can be a challenging and frustrating task, especially for sewers with poor eyesight or shaky hands. The Janome JW8100 simplifies this process with its built-in automatic needle threader. Here’s how it works:

  • Automatic Threading: To thread the needle, you’ll follow the guides and instructions printed on the machine. These guides indicate the correct path for the thread. Once you’ve followed the steps, the machine’s automatic needle threader will pull the thread through the eye of the needle effortlessly.

  • Time-Saving: The automatic needle threader is a significant time-saver. It eliminates the need to squint or struggle with manual threading, allowing you to get started on your sewing projects quickly and with ease.

  • User-Friendly: The threader is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced sewers. It’s an excellent example of how the Janome JW8100 streamlines the sewing process.

The automatic needle threader is a feature that sewers of all levels will appreciate. It ensures that you can start sewing without the frustration of manual threading, allowing you to focus on your creative projects.

Free Arm

The Janome JW8100 features a free arm, a convenient design element that enhances your sewing capabilities, especially when working on projects that involve cylindrical items like cuffs, sleeves, or pant legs. Here’s how the free arm benefits your sewing experience:

  • Cylindrical Sewing: The free arm allows you to access cylindrical portions of your projects with ease. This is particularly useful when hemming pant legs, sewing sleeves onto a garment, or creating cuffs on shirts.

  • Versatility: Sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other circular areas can be challenging without a free arm. With this feature, you can navigate these areas more effectively, resulting in neater and more professional-looking finishes.

Compact Design

The Janome JW8100 boasts a compact and lightweight design, measuring 16 x 7 x 12 inches and weighing just 12 lbs. This compact size makes it an excellent choice for sewers with limited workspace or those who need a portable machine for on-the-go sewing. Here’s why the compact design is a valuable feature:

  • Space-Saving: The machine’s compact size allows you to store it easily in a sewing cabinet or on a small table. It’s an ideal choice for sewers who don’t have dedicated sewing rooms.

  • Portability: The lightweight design makes the JW8100 easy to transport. Whether you’re attending sewing classes, visiting friends for sewing sessions, or simply moving it around your home, you’ll appreciate its portability.

  • User-Friendly: The compact design doesn’t compromise the machine’s functionality. It’s user-friendly, offering all the features you need without unnecessary bulk or complexity.

The Janome JW8100 proves that a sewing machine can be both powerful and compact. This feature is particularly appealing to sewers who want a versatile machine without taking up too much space.

LCD Screen

The Janome JW8100 is equipped with an easy-to-read LCD screen that provides important information about your sewing settings. This feature contributes to precise and hassle-free sewing. Here’s what the LCD screen offers:

  • Selected Stitch Display: The screen displays the currently selected stitch pattern, ensuring that you’re always aware of the stitch you’re using.

  • Stitch Width and Length: It provides information about the width and length of the selected stitch. This information is crucial for customizing your stitches to match your project’s requirements.

  • Recommended Presser Foot: The LCD screen suggests the appropriate presser foot for the selected stitch. This guidance helps you choose the right foot for the job.

  • Speed Control: The screen also includes speed control settings, allowing you to adjust the sewing speed to match your comfort level and the specific demands of your project.

The LCD screen is an intuitive addition to the machine’s functionality, making it easier for both beginners and experienced sewers to work with precision and efficiency.

Wide Working Table

For sewing projects that require a larger work surface, the Janome JW8100 includes a detachable extension table. This wide working table provides extra space for handling substantial projects like quilts or large garments. Here’s how this feature benefits your sewing experience:

  • Extra Space: The extension table significantly expands your workspace, making it easier to maneuver large pieces of fabric without them dragging on the floor.

  • Quilting Support: Quilters will particularly appreciate the extra space for layering and quilting large projects. It ensures that the fabric is well-supported during quilting.

  • Easy Attachment: The extension table can be attached and detached easily, allowing you to switch between a compact sewing space for smaller projects and the extended table for more extensive work.

The wide working table is a valuable addition for sewers who engage in quilting or other sizeable projects. It ensures that you have the space and support you need to tackle these tasks efficiently.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for sewing, and the Janome JW8100 is equipped with a built-in LED light that illuminates your workspace. This feature offers several advantages:

  • Reduced Eye Strain: Adequate lighting reduces eye strain and fatigue during extended sewing sessions, ensuring that you can work comfortably for longer periods.

  • Enhanced Visibility: The LED light brightens the area around the needle, providing clear visibility of your sewing projects. This is particularly important when working on intricate details.

  • Precise Stitching: Good lighting contributes to more precise stitching. It helps you maintain consistent stitch quality and produce professional-looking results.

The built-in LED light ensures that you have the illumination you need to sew with accuracy and ease, regardless of the time of day or your sewing environment.

jam-proof bobbin

The Janome JW8100 sewing machine features a jam-proof bobbin system that is designed to prevent thread jams and ensure smooth, hassle-free sewing.

25-Year Limited Warranty for Janome JW8100

Janome stands by the quality of its products, including the JW8100 sewing machine. The machine comes with a generous 25-year limited warranty for mechanical parts and a 2-year warranty for electrical components. Here’s what this warranty means for you:

  • Long-Term Investment: The 25-year warranty on mechanical parts underscores the machine’s durability and longevity. It’s a long-term investment that offers peace of mind.

  • Electrical Component Coverage: The 2-year warranty on electrical components provides coverage for these crucial parts. It’s a warranty that ensures the machine’s electrical functions are protected.

If you are considering purchasing this excellent Janome JW8100  Computerized Sewing Machine, we have also included our standard diagram of ratings and lists of pros-cons.

Design
4.7/5
Quality
4.9/5
Price
4.7/5
Effectiveness
4.9/5

Pros

Cons

 

 

Specifications

Here’s a specification table for the Janome JW8100 computerized sewing machine:

FeatureDescription
TypeComputerized sewing machine
Sewing Speed850 stitches per minute (SPM)
Built-In Stitches100 built-in stitches
Buttonhole Styles7 automatic buttonhole styles
Sewing Feet6 included presser feet
Stitch LengthUp to 5 mm
Stitch WidthUp to 7 mm
Needle ThreaderBuilt-in automatic needle threader
Free ArmYes, with a removable storage compartment
Dimensions16 x 7 x 12 inches
Weight12 lbs.
Warranty25-year limited on mechanical parts, 2-year on electrical parts

Free Accessories Included with Janome JW8100

Six Presser Feet Included: General Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Satin Stitch Foot, Automatic Buttonhole Foot, Even Feed Foot, 1/4″ Seam Foot

Comparison

 

FeatureJanome JW8100Brother CS6000iSinger 4423Juki HZL-F600
TypeComputerizedComputerizedMechanicalComputerized
Sewing Speed (Stitches per Minute)850 SPM850 SPM1,100 SPM900 SPM
Built-In Stitches1006023225
Buttonhole Styles7 automatic7 automatic1 automatic16 automatic
Sewing Feet6948
Stitch Length (Max)5 mm5 mm4 mm5 mm
Stitch Width (Max)7 mm7 mm6 mm7 mm
Needle ThreaderBuilt-inAutomaticManualAutomatic
Free ArmYesYesYesYes
Dimensions (inches)16 x 7 x 1216 x 6.7 x 11.415.5 x 6.25 x 1217.5 x 9.5 x 11.5
Weight (lbs.)121314.621
Warranty25-year limited25-year limited25-year limited5-year limited

FAQ


Is the Janome JW8100 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Janome JW8100 is an excellent sewing machine for beginners. It’s designed with user-friendliness in mind. The computerized features, intuitive controls, and an easy-to-read LCD screen make it user-friendly. The machine offers a range of built-in stitches and features that cater to both beginners and experienced sewers. With features like an automatic needle threader and easy stitch selection, beginners can quickly learn the basics of sewing. The comprehensive user manual and online resources also assist beginners in getting started.

 Can I sew heavy fabrics like denim with the Janome JW8100?

While the Janome JW8100 is a versatile machine, it may have some limitations when it comes to heavy fabrics like multiple layers of denim. It’s capable of handling lightweight to medium-weight fabrics well. However, for heavy or multiple layers of denim, it’s recommended to use an appropriate needle and go slowly to avoid straining the machine. If you frequently work with heavy fabrics, you might consider using a heavy-duty sewing machine for those specific tasks.

 Is Janome JW8100 suitable for quilting?

Yes, the Janome JW8100 can be used for quilting, but it’s more suitable for quilting smaller projects like table runners, placemats, or small quilts. It has a variety of quilting stitches and features that make it convenient for piecing and quilting. The machine’s 7-piece feeding system ensures even fabric feeding, which is beneficial for quilting. However, for larger quilting projects, a machine with a more extensive throat space or quilting-specific features might be a better choice.

What’s the difference between “low shank” and “high shank” sewing machines?

Low shank” and “high shank” refer to the position of the presser foot attachment on a sewing machine. Low-shank machines have a lower position, while high-shank machines have a higher position for the presser foot attachment. The Janome JW8100 is considered a “low shank” machine, which is a common design for home sewing machines. This means that you should use low shank presser feet and accessories with it. It’s important to ensure that the accessories you purchase are compatible with your machine’s shank type.

Does this machine require oiling for maintenance?

No, the Janome JW8100 is a modern sewing machine with a top-loading, drop-in bobbin system, and an enclosed rotary hook. These features make it maintenance-free in terms of oiling. Unlike traditional sewing machines that require regular oiling, this machine’s maintenance is minimal. However, it’s a good practice to keep the machine clean, change needles regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations in the user manual for optimal performance.

Can I use this machine for embroidery or monogramming?

The Janome JW8100 is primarily a sewing machine, not an embroidery machine. While it does have decorative and monogramming stitches, it lacks the features necessary for full-fledged embroidery. To do embroidery or intricate monogramming, you would need a dedicated embroidery machine with specialized capabilities. There are Janome models designed for embroidery, but the JW8100’s primary strength lies in general sewing and garment construction.

What type of needle should I use with the Janome JW8100?

The choice of the needle depends on the fabric you’re sewing. Generally, for woven fabrics like cotton, a universal needle is suitable. For lightweight or delicate fabrics, use a fine needle, and for heavier fabrics, choose a needle with a thicker shaft. Opt for a ballpoint or stretch needle if you’re sewing stretch fabrics. The user manual provides guidance on needle selection based on the fabric type, and you can experiment with different needle types to find the best fit for your specific project.

Does the machine have a warranty, and what does it cover?

Yes, the Janome JW8100 comes with a warranty. It offers a 25-year limited warranty on mechanical parts, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. However, the electrical parts are covered by a 2-year limited warranty. Keep in mind that warranties typically apply to domestic use, not commercial or industrial use. The warranty ensures that the machine is free from defects under normal use conditions. It’s essential to read the warranty documentation provided with the machine for specific details and terms.

Can I adjust the sewing speed on the Janome JW8100?

Yes, you can adjust the sewing speed on the Janome JW8100. It features a speed control slider that allows you to set the maximum and minimum sewing speeds. This feature is handy when you need to slow down for intricate work or speed up for long, straight seams. Adjusting the sewing speed provides you with more control over your sewing projects, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.

Is it suitable for heavy and continuous use?

 The Janome JW8100 is designed for home sewing and can handle regular use. However, it may not be the best choice for heavy, continuous service in a professional or commercial sewing setting. Like most home sewing machines, it’s built for occasional to regular sewing projects. If you plan to use a sewing machine intensively for extended periods, you might want to consider an industrial or heavy-duty machine designed to withstand continuous use and handle more substantial workloads.

Conclusion

Considering its affordability, durability, and an extensive list of features, the Janome JW8100 stands as an excellent choice for sewers looking for a reliable and versatile sewing machine. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your sewing journey or an experienced sewist seeking a dependable companion for various projects, the Janome JW8100 is a valuable addition to your crafting arsenal. With the Janome JW8100, you can unleash your creativity and take your sewing projects to the next level.

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