Janome Skyline S5 Computerized Sewing Machine Review

If you’re a beginner, you may be wondering if investing in a costly, high-end sewing machine is worth it.

Last month, I had the chance to try out the Skyline S5.

I also bought it shortly after. I was that impressed. It’s a premium sewing machine but is it really worth it? Today, I will take a closer look at the Janome Skyline S5.

I will share everything you need to know about this machine before you purchase it and finally answer the question – it is worth investing in a costly sewing machine?

Without any further ado, let’s dive into my Janome Skyline S5 reviews.

Product Specifications

Overall Review

When setting the Janome Skyline S5, you will notice many diagrams and a beautiful digital screen on the right panel. The screen provides you complete control of your machine’s features.

You can control stitches, needle position, length, and so on. It’s easy to use and read and has a sensitive touch for quick selection.

You will also see an automatic declutch bobbin winder at the top of your machine. There is also a cutter that enables quick cutting of the bobbin thread.

Moving to the left side of your machine, you will notice many convenient buttons that will show you how to use the Skyline S5.

First Impressions

The Skyline S5 represents a user-friendly sewing machine equipped with different useful features.

Some of those features include one-step buttonholes, 170 built-in stitches, a start/stop button, an automatic thread cutter, snap-on presser feet, and great lighting.

You will also get foot pressure adjustment, speed adjustment, and an intuitive interface. As you can see, this workhorse has a lot of stitches to select from.

One of my favorite features is the 4 separate buttons for the common stitches like a left straight stitch, zig-zag, middle straight stitch, and buttonhole.

This feature provides you easy access to your favorite stitches without having to search all 170 stitches. It is very thoughtful of Janome to include this feature.

The throat space is also impressive. It’s really big and has LED lights for a brighter workspace. If you’re a fan of my reviews, you will notice that I am very appreciative of good lighting.

When I first saw the large throat space, I thought that I wouldn’t need it since I mostly work with garments. However, having the extra space makes my sewing a lot easier.

It’s perfect for quilters who appreciate extra space. If you’re a quilter, you will adore this sewing unit. It’s a real workhorse and sews like a dream. I also like the quiet operation.

If you’re looking for a quiet, highly-efficient sewing machine, look no further than Janome Skyline S5. It’s definitely worth the cost.

I highly recommend this sewing machine, even for beginners. It’s easy to set up and use. Intermediate or advanced users will enjoy the S5 for sure. It’s super versatile.

You can use it for crafting, sewing, and quilting. At the start of this article, I said that I would address the question, is this machine worth the price? My answer is yes.

Buying a high-end sewing unit will definitely make your work a lot easier and help you experience problems and frustrations you encounter with low-quality sewing machines.

Features of Janome Skyline S5

The Skyline S5 is the perfect combination of modern sensibility and convenience. It includes the features you need to take your sewing to the next level.

The spacious bed makes this machine perfect for home décor tasks and larger quilting with ease. Also, I like the memorized needle up/down and automatic thread cutter.

They’re time-saving features that will take your sewing to new heights. As you can notice, the Skyline S5 is loaded with top-notch features at a mid-level price.

Some of the main features include 91 needle positions, 170 built-in stitches, a maximum stitch width of 9mm, a maximum stitch length of 5mm, and 6 ultra-bright LED lights.

You will also get an auto-tension system, a digital LCD screen, start/stop button, easy reverse button, automatic thread cutter, locking stitch button, and 1-step plate converter.

The Skyline S5 has a memorized needle up/down and a superior plus feed system, which makes it even more appealing. Let’s review some of the features in detail.

Start/Stop Button

These buttons will control the machine’s operation. You will need to press the start button to start your machine’s computerized sewing.

Thanks to the speed controls, you will never have to use your foot to control the speed. The stop switch slows the machine into the stop position.

Needle Up/Down

If you want to move your fabric or remove it, the needle up/down position can be very useful because it can memorize your needle’s position.

This enables you to continue exactly where you stopped. This is a great addition to projects that require moving the fabric.

Thread Cutter

The thread cutter is also controlled with the press of a button. It allows you to cut the thread at the end of your project with ease.

Reverse Stitch

The ability to reverse stitch is important because it allows you to stitch in reverse super fast at the push of a button.

Speed Control

Thanks to the speed control slider, you will gain control of speed. It allows you to set up the speed of your machine and keeps consistent speeds.

91 Needle Positions

One of the most impressive features of this machine is the 91 needle positions. You can choose from 91 needle positions along with 170 inbuilt patterns.

In my opinion, this is more than enough to realize any project you have in mind, from decorative to basic sewing projects.

Superior Feed System

The feed system of this sewing unit has a 7-piece feed dog system that makes sewing easy. It allows you to enjoy the advanced feed system that helps feed fabric fast and even through the unit.

It has a 1-step plate converter and an automatic thread tension system. You will get ten buttonholes so you can create perfect buttons with ease.

The drop feed is easy to use, but one of my favorite features is the locking stitch button. A knee lift is also included.

If you want extra control over your sewing, you can use the foot pressure adjustments. When you finish a session and want to continue it, you don’t need to remember the last stitch selected.

Instead, you can recall your last stitch and continue the work you stopped.

Another feature that I like is the memorized needle up/down position. It allows you to continue the task that you stopped weeks from now.

Usability

If you appreciate quiet operation, you will adore the Janome S5. It’s stable at high speeds. As you expect from Janome, the construction of this unit is top-notch as well.

The stitch quality is excellent, and most people like the wide array of inbuilt stitches they can select from. Threading is also easy even for beginners without any experience.

All you need to do is follow the thread numbers and paths. The machine can handle thick layers of fabric with ease. If you need a heavy-duty machine, the S5 might be the right choice for you.

Is It Worth Buying?

The quality, performance, and features of Skyline S5 were never in question. It’s the price that makes me worried. Usually, Janome units are costlier than Singer or Brother.

The Skyline S5 isn’t an exception but brings great value for money. In my opinion, it is definitely worth it. If you can afford it, buy it today. You will get a sewing buddy for life.

Benefits of Janome Skyline S5

The Janome Skyline S5 is light enough to carry.

However, it’s not the most portable sewing machine on the market. It’s a bit heavy, but I like the weight.

It allows you to sew fast and reduces vibrations. My last sewing unit was lightweight and portable, which made it travel-friendly. However, it also moved at higher speeds.

The second thing I love about this machine is the storage. All that came in with this machine fit inside of it, except the knee lift lever and instructions.

The presser foot level is big and easy to locate on the back of the unit. It includes a soft cover with small pockets for your scissors, rulers, and so on.

The bobbin winder includes 5 inbuilt cutters under to use before you wind it. You will also get a separate one for when you have filled the bobbin.

This is why I love Janome. They think of everything. I forgot to mention; you will get 2 cutters.

One where you install the bobbin and a regular one on the side of the unit for when you don’t utilize the thread cutter switch.

Threading the Skyline S5 is super easy.

I am very appreciative of easy threading. What I appreciate in this unit is the automatic needle threader.

The tension is also adjusted with a convenient dial on the top of the unit. I like that this machine has an auto-tension setting.

However, one thing I cannot do on my Skyline S5 is to turn up the tension to gather fabric. If the tension is set higher, your fabric will gather as you sew on many sewing machines.

This issue is easy to fix. If you keep the thread lightly as it comes off the spool, it gives it enough tension that it gathers “automatically.”

Another thing I like about the Skyline S5 is the wide selection of stitches. You will get 170 inbuilt stitches with a maximum stitch width of 9mm. The maximum stitch length is 5mm.

I have noticed that many customers love the 91 needle positions and start/stop button. This sewing unit allows you to remember stitches and will sew them in order by itself.

All you need to do is press the start/stop switch to run the programmed patterns.

The operation of this machine is quiet and smooth. Last night, I had a friend over. She wanted to try and review my Janome. The first thing she mentioned was the quiet operation.

This machine purrs like a little kitten.

She also liked the 6 built-in LED lights because they illuminate the work area perfectly. The foot pedal is super responsive.

You can stop and start your unit whenever you want. It’s more responsive than other sewing machines out there. My friend also liked the automatic thread cutter button.

I also love it. I cannot lie. I still grin every time I press it. It produces a calming mechanical noise. Just lift the presser foot and pull the fabric away. You don’t need any scissors.

I also want to mention that you can run your Janome without using the foot pedal. All you have to do is press the start/stop switch. I have tried it but failed every single time.

However, many sewers claim that this is possible. Perhaps they’re more skillful than me or have done it a lot of times, so it’s nothing new and hard to achieve.

The broad regular sewing foot is also worth mentioning.

The edge of the foot is at the 3/8 inch mark as opposed to the 1/4 inch mark on my previous machine. I personally think this extra width helps feed the fabric through better.

As I already mentioned, quilters will love this machine. I am not that much into quilting, but I utilized the 1/4 inch quilting foot to put together a few quilt blocks.

I can honestly say that this machine sews much better than my previous machine, thanks to the 1/4 inch stitch setting.

A free-motion foot and walking foot are also included. Although I haven’t tried them yet, customers that already did, claim that they work perfectly.

Lowering and raising the feed dogs is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is flip the switch on the side of your machine.

Sewing knits is also easy with the S5.

Knits can be harder to stitch because they stretch underneath the presser foot. I don’t know about you, but simple knit sewing makes me feel happy.

This is because of the 7-piece feed dog. I also had it on my other sewing unit, and I just love it. It pulls the fabric through easier and smoother.

It helps eliminate the extra stretching you get when stitching knit fabric. Hemming isn’t a daunting task anymore.

Double-needle sewing is enjoyable on the Skyline as well. I used a super long stitch of 4 to hem a pile of leggings into shorts.

This unit even has a setting for a double-needle, which makes it impossible to select a stitch that will lead to needle breakage.

Another thing I like about this Janome machine is the broad selection of feet. I cannot remember the last time when I purchased feed for any of my Janome sewing machines.

You will get a rolled hem foot, a free motion foot, a walking foot, a zipper foot, and so on. I also like that the presser foot pressure is simple to change.

It’s flexible with a dial on the top of the unit.

Although I have never used a straight stitch needle plate, the user manual says that it’s ideal for piecing and lightweight fabrics. I will have to try it out soon.

This unit comes with this needle plate, and it only needs pulling a lever that is easy to access in order to remove the current plate before switching.

Downfalls of Janome Skyline S5

One of the biggest disadvantages of this sewing machine is threading. Many people dislike the fact that threading isn’t automatic.

The fact that you can thread this unit like many sewing machines in the market makes potential buyers skeptical about buying it.

At this price, they expect automatic threading. However, if you have experience with threading units, it will not be a problem for you.

The lighting is bright, so you can clearly see your sewing and working space. This means that you will not experience any problems with threading.

The Skyline S5 comes with all the features necessary to start your first project or realize the advanced tasks you throw at it.

Made with simplicity in mind, the S5 provides user-friendly speed controls. It also delivers speed options to work on thick and thin fabrics.

Janome provides 9mm stitch width and 5mm stitch length, which makes it perfect for projects that need additional support for the fabric.

Overall, the Janome Skyline S5 is nice and efficient. It’s a high-end, long-lasting quilting and sewing unit with a wide selection of stitches.

You will never run out of options or creativity if you purchase this machine. It also has other high-quality features that will take your projects to a whole new level.

What People Have to Say About Janome Skyline S5?

The Skyline S5 is a great unit for people who love sewing and show interest in machine quilting.

It’s also perfect for users who don’t have enough space to accommodate a long arm quilting machine or a large quilting frame.

The Janome Skyline S5 is sturdy and big enough to handle heavy-duty sewing and quilting projects but compact enough to be stored easily when not in use.

It’s super easy to work with, and many people seem satisfied by the quiet operation. It doesn’t move or vibrate and delivers impressive stitch quality.

It’s time-efficient and user-friendly. However, as I already mentioned, customers don’t like the fact that threading isn’t automatic.

At this price, they expect automatic threading. However, if you have experience with threading units, it will not be a problem for you.

It’s perfect for people with busy lives thanks to the time-saving features like automatic thread cutter and so on. You will finish more in less time with the Skyline S5.

This machine brings great value for money and offers fast and efficient sewing in many ways. This is why I like Skyline S5 so much. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Beginners around the world express their satisfaction with the Janome Skyline S5 because it comes with all the whistles and belts necessary to complete basic and complex projects.

No matter your skill level, you will enjoy this machine. Advanced and intermediate users enjoy it as well. They love the durability and wide selection of stitches.

They also say that the location of the drop feed control is perfect and thoughtfully positioned. Janome is known for taking care of their customers and putting effort into their machines.

Their Janome Skyline S5 is a product of their effort and makes the perfect choice for enthusiastic sewers and crafters.

The only real disadvantage is the high price that forces beginners or people with a limited budget to opt for something cheaper.

Conclusion

The Skyline S5 is my new sewing buddy. Previously, I had a budget-friendly machine that didn’t cost me much. This one came at a higher price, but it was worth it.

If you cannot afford it at the moment, opt for a cheaper sewing machine and upgrade as soon as you start can.

I am living proof that creative sewers don’t need a high-end sewing machine to realize their ideas but, to be honest, I really enjoy the benefits that come with this one.

Usually, I would suggest that you buy something that will not break your bank account. However, if you can afford the Skyline S5, buy it immediately.

You will not regret your purchase. Hopefully, my Janome Skyline S5 reviews answered all the questions you had about this machine.

Feel free to contact me for more information. I would love to hear your opinion on this sewing machine, so make sure to drop a comment below.