Janome JW8100 Review: A Detailed Look At This Computerized Sewing Machine
The Janome JW8100 is a computerized sewing machine that offers a wide variety of built-in stitches and features. In this detailed review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Janome JW8100’s capabilities for sewing, quilting, and other projects.
Janome JW8100 Computerized Sewing Machine
Janome is a well-known brand in the sewing world, with almost 100 years of experience making sewing machines. They are known for making high-quality machines that are easy to use and built to last.
The Janome JW8100 is one of Janome’s computerized sewing machines. Computerized sewing machines offer convenience through their digitally controlled functions. This allows easy selection of stitches, automatic features like buttonholes, and customization of stitch settings.
The Janome JW8100 includes 100 built-in stitches, making it great for a wide variety of sewing techniques and projects. Its features and accessories also make it beginner-friendly while still having enough capabilities for intermediate and advanced sewers.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore the main features of the Janome JW8100, examine its performance and ease of use, discuss its quilting abilities, look at the included accessories, summarize pros and cons, and provide our final recommendation.
An image of the Janome JW8100 computerized sewing machine
Main Features
The Janome JW8100 comes with a variety of features that make sewing and quilting projects easy and enjoyable. Here are some of the highlights:
100 Built-In Stitches
The Janome JW8100 includes 100 built-in stitches, providing you with plenty of options for sewing a variety of fabrics and techniques.
There are stitches for:
- 20 basic and fashion stitches like straight, zigzag, stretch, and blind hem
- 18 quilting stitches like hand-look quilt stitch and stippling
- 27 heirloom stitches like cross stitch, smocking, and candlewicking
- 7 styles of one-step buttonholes
- 28 decorative stitches
With so many stitches available right on the machine, you can find the perfect stitch for any sewing project without needing to manually adjust stitch length and width.
7 One-Step Buttonholes
The Janome JW8100 comes with 7 styles of fully automatic one-step buttonholes. Making buttonholes is quick and easy since the Janome JW8100 handles all the steps automatically and consistently.
The machine will sew the sides, bartacks, and full buttonhole neatly every time. No more manually changing stitch settings and remembering all the steps!
LCD Screen
The backlit LCD screen makes selecting your desired stitches and settings on the Janome JW8100 very straightforward. The screen displays information clearly and is illuminated, so you can see the stitch settings in any lighting.
Navigational buttons near the screen make it easy to select your stitch, adjust length and width, change tension, and more. The LCD screen takes a lot of the guesswork out of settings.
The Janome JW8100’s backlit LCD screen
Speed Control
The Janome JW8100 gives you full control over your sewing speed. Use the speed control slider to limit the maximum speed from slow to fast.
For techniques that require more control, like applique or sewing delicate fabrics, you can decrease the speed. For longer seams or simple construction, you can speed things up.
Having the option to set the top speed can really improve precision and results. No need to only rely on your foot pressure on the pedal to control speed.
Extension Table
The included extension table for the Janome JW8100 provides extra support and workspace around the machine. This makes it easier to manage large quilting quilts or other big projects.
The extended surface helps fabrics feed smoothly and evenly. With more space, you can also clearly see the stitching area for more control.
Free Arm
Converting the Janome JW8100 to free arm configuration gives you more flexibility when sewing. Removing the storage compartment leaves just the arm, allowing you to more easily sew cylindrical pieces like cuffs, sleeves, and pant legs.
The free arm makes accessing tricky areas simpler and gives you better maneuverability.
Hard Cover
The included hard cover protects your Janome JW8100 sewing machine when transporting it or storing it away. Hard covers prevent dust buildup and keep the machine safe from bumps, scratches, and dings.
Having a durable cover is essential if you plan to travel with the Janome JW8100 or keep it in storage between uses.
Some key features of the Janome JW8100 highlighted
Performance
How a sewing machine performs is crucial to getting successful results for your projects. Here is an overview of how the Janome JW8100 performs in areas like noise level, stitch quality, ease of use, and fabric handling:
Smooth and Quiet Operation
The Janome JW8100 operates very smoothly and quietly. Users report that it sews with very little noise or vibration. This makes sewing for longer periods more enjoyable and comfortable.
The internal components are precisely engineered to minimize the sound levels. You can appreciate the quiet operation when sewing late at night or early in the morning without disturbing your household.
Even Fabric Feeding
The 7-piece feed dog system on the Janome JW8100 provides smooth and even fabric feeding. The teeth grip fabric firmly without slipping or jamming.
Consistent feeding allows seams and stitching to turn out neatly. As you sew, you won’t have to worry about uneven stitch length or puckered seams due to uneven feeding.
Reliable Stitch Quality
The Janome JW8100 produces beautiful, high-quality stitches on a variety of fabrics. It maintains proper tension to create balanced stitches with the thread locked neatly into the fabric.
The precise internal components ensure every stitch is sewn with reliability and consistency. Your stitching line will be neat project after project.
Handling Variety of Fabrics
This Janome sewing machine can handle everything from lightweight cottons to heavier denim and canvas thanks to its metal internal frame and extra high presser foot lift. The strong motor powers through layered sections without slowing down.
While very thick and heavy fabrics may sometimes pose a challenge for the Janome JW8100, it can manage most medium weight materials for apparel and home decor sewing without issue.
The Janome JW8100 creates neat, even stitches
Ease of Use
For both beginner and experienced sewers, an intuitive sewing machine that is convenient to use is important. Here are some of the ways the Janome JW8100 makes sewing projects easy:
Easy Set-Up
Right out of the box, the Janome JW8100 is easy to get set up and threaded. All the necessary accessories like bobbins, needle set, seam ripper, etc. are included.
The instruction manual provides clear directions for getting started sewing. Useful features like the built-in needle threader also get you going quickly.
Intuitive Controls
Switching between the 100 built-in stitches, adjusting settings, and using features like the automatic buttonhole on the Janome JW8100 is very straightforward with the intuitive control panel.
Everything is clearly labeled, so you can quickly find the buttons and settings you need. Within a few uses, operating the Janome JW8100 will become second nature.
Helpful Manual
The included instruction manual provides very clear explanations for how to use all the Janome JW8100’s parts and features. It gives step-by-step instructions for tasks like threading, changing feet, adjusting tension, and more.
Along with the images on the machine itself, the manual helps you quickly learn to use the Janome JW8100, even if you are a beginner.
Convenient Features
Details like the top loading bobbin, built-in needle threader, and drop-in bobbin make preparing the Janome JW8100 for sewing very convenient. These features speed up the process and get you to the actual sewing faster.
The automatic needle position settings also add convenience as you sew. Select whether you want the needle to stop in the up or down position when you finish sewing.
Manageable Size and Weight
Weighing in at just 12.7 pounds, the Janome JW8100 is lightweight and portable. The compact size takes up minimal space.
The smaller footprint makes the Janome JW8100 easy to use in tight sewing nooks or transport to classes. You don’t have to worry about needing a lot of space for this sewing machine.
Threading the Janome JW8100 is straightforward
Quilting Capabilities
Quilters will appreciate the quilting-friendly features and accessories included with the Janome JW8100. Here are some of the elements that make it a good quilting machine:
Variety of Quilting Stitches
With 18 built-in quilting stitches, the Janome JW8100 provides you with options like patchwork piecing stitch, hand-look quilt stitch, stippling, feather stitch, and more.
Having quilting-specific stitches programmed into the machine makes techniques like stitch-in-the-ditch quilting very simple. No need for manually adjusting stitch width and length each time.
Extension Table
The included extension table expands the work area of the Janome JW8100 to better accommodate large quilts. With more surface area, quilts and quilt blocks can glide easily through the machine during sewing.
The extended table also provides support all around the quilt as you sew, keeping layers smooth and preventing bunching or shifting.
Drop Feed Capability
By lowering the feed dogs on the Janome JW8100, you can sew in free motion for quilting or darning. With the feed dogs out of the way, you control the movement of the fabric for total stitching freedom.
Engaging the drop feed allows for stippling, free motion quilting, and thread painting.
Good for Smaller Quilts
While the Janome JW8100 may not have the largest workspace of industrial long arm quilting machines, it can comfortably handle smaller quilt projects.
The generous 8″ height to the right of the needle provides plenty of space for quilts made for baby, wall hangings, table runners, etc. Larger quilts may require more frequent repositioning.
Decorative Stitches for Quilting
The decorative stitches programmed into the Janome JW8100 like cross stitch, smocking, and candlewicking can add beautiful embellished details to your quilt.
Use them strategically on focal points like quilt borders, sashing, or on individual quilt blocks. The precision of the Janome JW8100 ensures these decorative stitches come out perfectly.
The Janome JW8100 offers quilting capabilities
Accessories
Having the right presser feet and accessories can expand the usefulness of your sewing machine. The Janome JW8100 comes with a selection of accessories:
Presser Feet
- General purpose foot – For all purpose sewing needs
- Zipper foot – For inserting zippers neatly and close to seam
- Satin stitch foot – Helps create even beautiful satin stitches
- Automatic buttonhole foot – Ensures professional buttonholes
- Even feed foot – Improves fabric feeding of slippery or stick fabrics
- 1/4 inch seam foot – Allows accurate 1/4 inch seam allowances
Bobbins and Needles
- 5 Class 15 bobbins – Janome style plastic bobbins for the top loading bobbin case
- Assorted needle set – Multiple machine needles in various sizes
Sewing Tools
- Seam ripper – For quick unpicking of stitches
- Lint brush – To keep the bobbin area clear of lint and threads
- Screwdriver – For light maintenance needs
- Spool holder – Adds a second spool pin for twin needle sewing
Other Accessories
- Stitch card – Displays all built-in stitches for reference
- Extension table – Expands sewing area for large projects
- Hard cover – Protective hard case for travel or storage
- Instruction manual – Very detailed operation guide
With all these included accessories, the Janome JW8100 has everything you need to start sewing and make the most of the machine’s features.
Some of the handy accessories included with the Janome JW8100
Technical Specifications
Here are the key technical specifications for the Janome JW8100:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Computerized |
| Built-In Stitches | 100 |
| Buttonhole Patterns | 7 |
| Max Stitch Width | 7mm |
| Max Stitch Length | 5mm |
| Needle Positions | Left or center |
| Sewing Speed | 900 stitches per minute |
| Drop Feed | Yes |
| Bobbin Type | Top loading |
| Needle Threader | Automatic |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes |
| Speed Control | Adjustable slider |
| Presser Foot Pressure | Adjustable |
| Needle Position Memory | Yes |
| Presser Foot Height | 6mm |
| Dimensions | 15.2 x 7.2 x 11.6 in |
| Weight | 12.7 lbs |
Pros and Cons
Based on our evaluation, here are the main pros and cons of the Janome JW8100 sewing machine:
Pros
- Numerous built-in stitches – 100 options for any technique
- Fully automatic buttonholes – perfect uniform buttonholes in 1 step
- Easy to navigate LCD screen – clear visibility of settings
- Adjustable sewing speed – full control over stitching speed
- Hard cover included – provides protection for the machine
- Extension table – supports large projects
- Lightweight and portable – easy to store and transport
- Smooth performance – quiet operation, even fabric feeding
- Built-in needle threader – makes threading easy
- Top loading bobbin – no need to remove plate to insert bobbin case
- Good value for price – features comparable to more expensive models
Cons
- Smaller workspace – may require repositioning for large quilts
- Lighting is dim – extra lighting may help brighten sewing area
- Stitch selection card is separate – pattern display not on machine itself
- No automatic thread cutter – manual cutting required
- No quilting foot included – must be purchased separately
- Thicker fabrics can be challenging – multiple layers may cause issues
- Bobbin winding is slow – takes more time to wind new bobbins
While the Janome JW8100 has a few drawbacks, we feel the pros outweigh the cons for most home sewers looking for a computerized machine in this price range. It’s a versatile and user-friendly option.
*A summary of the Janome JW8100’s