The Best Choice for Home Sewers, Beginners and Kids
There’s a reason why Janome is the first brand to pop into your head when you think about sewing machines. They’ve been a forerunner in sewing machine innovations, and remain a globally recognized brand with a broad base of highly satisfied customers.
If you’re looking to buy a new sewing machine, there are a plethora of reasons why the brand Janome should be one of your top picks – and the high performance delivered at a budget-friendly price is only one of them.
The real question is:
Which one of their models might be the right choice for you?
The Janome 2212 is certainly a sewing machine that’s worth considering.
Are you interested in learning why?
Check out my detailed Janome 2212 sewing machine review and find out!
The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Specs Table
Before we get to the in-depth review, let’s take a quick look at the specs of the Janome 2212 sewing machine, as listed in the table below.
Now that you have an idea of what the Janome 2212 has to offer, it’s time to get up close and personal with its features.
The Top Features of The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
Every sewing machine you’ll come across has a specific set of features to offer to the user – and the Janome 2212 is no different.
Here’s a breakdown of this model’s most notable features!
12 Built-In Stitches
The unit features a clearly labeled and conveniently placed stitch selector dial that lets you switch between 12 built-in stitching patterns easily. You’ll get the hang of it fast, but until then, use the stitching chart as a point of reference.
Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
If you wish to customize your stitches further, the stitch length adjustment dial allows you to do so, with the maximum length being 4 mm, or 2.5 mm for reverse stitching. Moreover, the width is customizable, too – turning the knob lets you adjust the stitch width by up to 5 mm.
Free Sewing Arm
For added maneuverability and easier manipulation of the fabrics when working with tubular-shaped pieces, such as collars, cuffs, sleeves, and pants, the Janome 2212 features an easily-accessible free arm option.
3 Different Specialty Sewing Feet
Another factor that adds to the overall versatility of this model are the three additional specialty sewing feet that come with it – the blind, buttonhole, as well as zipper foot. More importantly, the presser feet are easy to use due to their snap-on design.
Multiple Accessories
Another thing worth mentioning is that it comes with several useful accessories – apart from the specialty sewing feet, of course – including a set of needles, a foot controller, a seam ripper, a small screwdriver, a bobbin, a vinyl dust cover, and an instructions manual.
The Rest of the Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Features
We’ve had a closer look at some of the prominent features of the Janome 2212 – but the list doesn’t end there.
Here are a few more features that are worth considering:
- Built-in light
- Four-step buttonhole
- Five-piece feed dog
- Reverse stitching
- Push-pull bobbin winder system
- Retractable handle
- Slide-off storage compartment
- 25-year limited warranty
My Complete Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Review
Even though the brand Brother is launching fantastic beginner sewing machines these days, the Janome’s 2212 model is a force to be reckoned with – and a model that has the most potential to give the Brother sewing machines a run for their money.
The first thing you’ll notice about this model is its compact size and straightforward design. The element of portability is worth mentioning, as well:
Although slightly heavier than some other models I’ve reviewed recently, at 16 pounds, it’s still relatively lightweight, and the retractable handle makes for a handy addition, too.
As mentioned previously, this model comes with 12 built-in stitch patterns, all clearly labeled and easy to access. Compared to some other models, the number of stitching options is somewhat limited, but in Janome 2212 defense, if you’re looking for a kids sewing machine or a beginner sewing machine, this is more than enough to get you started.
Plus, it makes up for it by including a few more handy features!
Thread tension control is manual, but it’s there – and something’s always better than nothing.
Considering that this is a mechanical, not a computerized sewing machine, the amount of automatic features and overall level of customizations available to the user is pretty good.
I found it to be quite versatile, with a decent amount of accessories and equipment, such as three specialty snap-on presser feet, a four-step buttonhole, a built-in thread cutter, and a seam ripper, to name a few. Overall, I’d say it’s suitable for most sewing tasks, from basic sewing and mending to quilting.
One might think that the lack of attachments is a downside, but I believe it to be a good thing – it’s not making the sewing machine overly complicated. Of course, a professional tailor or seamstress might be left wanting more in this department, but it covers most of what home sewers might need.
And while I was impressed with its high-speed, 1000 stitches per minute performance – it’s a compact unit, but it packs a mighty punch – I couldn’t help but wonder if the lack of speed control slider might be its biggest downside:
Even though it’s highly regarded as a beginner-friendly sewing machine, it doesn’t have built-in speed control, and you have to do it manually by adjusting the pressure on the foot pedal, which can be quite tricky for an absolute beginner.
Another thing that kept bugging me about it was that it straight-up refuses to stay in place. Here’s what I mean:
I was pleasantly surprised by its decent performance with thicker fabrics and multiple layers. While you can hear that it’s struggling a bit, it pushes through like a champ.
However, during these heavy-duty sewing jobs, I noticed that it tends to slide around the table quite a lot – possibly as a result of its relatively lightweight design – which left me continually readjusting not only the fabrics but the entire sewing machine, as well.
Who is this model for, then?
Well, one way to sum it up would be:
It’s basic enough for a beginner, but sturdy and versatile enough for a somewhat experienced sewer looking for a portable sewing machine.
The bottom line is, if you want a budget-friendly, simple-to-use sewing machine that won’t let you down, the Janome 2212 might be a perfect choice for you.
The Pros and Cons of The Janome 2212
Pros
- Features 12 built-in stitches with adjustable length and width
- Has an easy-to-use free arm
- Marked needle plate for sewing along straight lines
- Comes with several additional accessories
- Handles thicker fabrics and multiple layers
- Relatively lightweight with a built-in handle for portability
Cons
- It uses a 110V input, which is limited to the USA only
- Tends to slide around the table
- Speed control can be troublesome for beginners
My Final Thoughts
I know you’re waiting for me to give you a final verdict, but the truth is, there’s no right or wrong option here – it all comes down to how comfortable you are with working on this particular model.
If there’s one thing I’d like you to take away from this Janome 2212 review, though, it’s that this is a reasonably priced sewing machine equipped with straightforward features meant to make your sewing projects easier – not more complicated.
You have all the facts now – if you feel like it suits your needs perfectly, all that’s left is to get yourself one of these, and start your sewing journey!
Okay, time to wrap things up! If you want to share your experience with this model – or you need some extra help figuring out if it’s the right choice for you – let me know in the comments below!