Janome MAGNOLIA 7034D Serger Review: A Comprehensive Look

The Janome MAGNOLIA 7034D is a basic 3 and 4 thread serger that promises professional finishing of garments at an affordable price point. In this detailed review, we will take a close look at the features, performance and ease of use of this compact serger from Janome.

Sergers or overlock machines are popular sewing accessories used to finish raw edges of fabric with professional looking stitches. The Janome 7034D is an entry-level serger aimed at beginners looking to elevate their sewing skills. Let’s see how this model fares for basic serging tasks.

Main Features of the Janome Magnolia 7034D

The Janome 7034D comes equipped with features commonly found in a basic serger suitable for home use. Some of the highlights include:

• 3 and 4 thread serger – Allows overlock and wide stitches using multiple threads
• Maximum speed 1300 stitches per minute – Enables faster serging compared to regular sewing machines
• Color coded threading guides – Makes threading easy by labeling path for each thread
• Adjustable stitch length and width – Provides options for varied stitch types
• Built-in rolled hem stitch – Creates narrow and professional hems with a rolled edge
• Retractable upper cutting knife – Allows deactivate knife when not needed
• Adjustable foot pressure – Can adjust pressure on fabric when serging
• Compact and lightweight – Weighs only 24.3 lbs and fits smaller sewing spaces

Additionally, the Janome 7034D comes with a sewing chart, needles, screwdrivers and tweezers. The basic technical specifications are:

Specification	Details
Dimensions	36 x 35 x 39 inches
Weight	24.3 pounds
Model Number	7034D
Maximum Sewing Speed	1300 stitches per minute
Number of threads	3-4 threads
Stitch length range	1-4mm
Stitch width range	3.1-5.1mm
Differential feed ratio	0.5 to 2.2

Using the Janome 7034D Serger

Despite being a basic model, the Janome Magnolia 7034D is easy to set up and use even for those new to serging. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Threading – Follow the color coded guides for easy threading. Ensure threads follow the path correctly through tensions discs.
• Fabric selection – Start with medium weight cotton fabrics. Avoid very lightweight or slippery fabrics initially.
• Stitch adjustment – Test on scraps to optimize stitch length and width for your fabric. Shorter lengths and narrow widths suit lightweight fabrics.
• Tension adjustment – Balanced tension is key for even stitches. Adjust individual tension dials if needed.
• Rolled hem – Engage the rolled hem lever to switch to the built-in rolled hem stitch. Remove the left needle first.
• Presser foot pressure – Adjust pressure higher for thick fabrics and lower for delicate fabrics. Helps prevent puckering.
• Cutting knife – Disengage the cutting knife when doing specialty stitches like pintucks where cutting is not needed.
• Stitch fingering – Use stitch finger for regular overlock stitches. Move it out of the way for rolled hem.
• Fabric guiding – Allow adequate fabric on either side of the needles to prevent “eating” of fabric.
• Serger needles – Use appropriate needles for fabric like ballpoint for knits. Replace needles frequently.
• Maintenance – Clean lint build up regularly. Oil as recommended. Replace lower knife periodically.

With some practice, you can easily handle a variety of fabrics and techniques with this serger. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon may require a bit more experience to master.

Janome 7034D Serger – Sewing Performance

The Janome 7034D offers reliable performance for everyday serging tasks. Here’s an overview of how it handles with different materials:

• Woven cottons – It stitches smoothly through medium weight quilting cottons. Minimal fine tuning needed.
• Knit fabrics – Ballpoint needles and adjusted tension helps prevent skipped stitches on knits. Differential feed prevents stretching.
• Silks – Adjust pressure and use shorter stitch length to smoothly serge slippery silks. Works great.
• Denim – The powerful motor serges cleanly through multiple layers of denim. Use denim needles for best results.
• Lace – Engage rolled hem and use lightweight threads to prevent overpowering delicate laces.
• Fleece – The cutter slices through fleece fabric cleanly. Adjust length and width for visible serging.
• Vinyl and leather – Requires Teflon foot and needles for smooth serging. Reduce speed and use heavier threads.

With practice, the Janome Magnolia can handle a wide variety of fabrics from sheers to heavy canvas for serging. Adjusting settings and using the right needles is key to getting optimal results.

Pros and Cons of the Janome 7034D Serger

Here are some of the key advantages and limitations of this Janome serger:

Pros

• Beginner friendly and easy to thread
• Provides professional serged stitches
• Compact and portable size
• Affordable pricing under $300
• Reliable performance across materials
• Good value for money

Cons

• Noise level can be high on light tables
• Limited functionality compared to advanced sergers
• Specialty feet not included
• No coverstitch capability
• Challenging for very lightweight or slippery fabrics
• Manual threading can be tricky initially

While it offers simplicity and value, the Janome 7034D does have some limitations compared to full featured sergers. But it accomplishes the core task of serging very well.

How Does Janome 7034D Compare With Similar Sergers?

The Janome 7034D Magnolia is positioned as an affordable entry-level serger. Let’s see how it stacks up against models from Singer and Brother in the same segment:

Janome 7034D vs Singer ProFinish 14CG754

• The Singer 14CG754 is also a basic model with similar features.
• Janome offers better ease of use while Singer provides more sewing speed.
• Singer serger is around $50 cheaper than the Janome.
• Janome has more precise stitching while Singer offers more versatility.
• For beginners, the Janome 7034D would be the better choice overall.

Janome 7034D vs Brother 1034D

• The Brother 1034D is comparable in terms of features and performance.
• Both offer 3/4 thread serging with 1300 SPM speed.
• Brother 1034D includes a wider assortment of presser feet.
• Janome offers more precision stitching while Brother is easier to thread.
• The Brother serger is around $40 more expensive than the Janome.
• For the price, the Janome 7034D delivers better value for money.

Among affordable sergers, the Janome Magnolia 7034D holds its own with intuitive controls, compact size and quality construction. It is ideal for beginners and intermediate sewers looking for a basic serger.

Conclusion – Ideal Entry Level Serger for Home Sewers

For home sewers seeking an affordable serger, the Janome MAGNOLIA 7034D hits the sweet spot with its combination of simplicity and performance.

The easy threading, built-in rolled hem, adjustable settings and reliable construction makes it a great first serger for novice users. While it lacks some bells and whistles of advanced sergers, it competently handles all basic serging tasks.

The Janome Magnolia 7034D clearly punches above its weight class when it comes to delivering professional serged stitches. Compact and portable, it is an ideal serging solution for small or shared sewing spaces.

For sewists seeking to elevate their skills with professional finishing on garments, crafts and home decor projects, the Janome 7034D is an excellent serger to start with. It eliminates the need for zig-zag or overcasting stitches with the versatile overlock stitches.

Overall, the Janome Magnolia 7034D offers tremendous value for money. Despite limitations in functionality, it accomplishes the core purpose of serging very well. For beginners seeking quality serging on a budget, this Janome serger comes highly recommended.