Janome Magnolia 7318 Review
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is an excellent entry-level mechanical sewing machine that is great for beginners looking to learn and create basic sewing projects. In this detailed Janome Magnolia 7318 review, we’ll take a close look at the features, performance, ease of use, pros, cons, and suitability of this machine for various sewing needs.
Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
Janome is a leading manufacturer of home and industrial sewing machines. With 90 years of experience in the industry, they have built a reputation for making quality machines that are precise, durable, and easy to use. The Janome Magnolia 7318 upholds this reputation as a thoughtfully designed mechanical sewing machine that’s approachable for novices.
It has just enough features to appeal to someone starting their sewing journey, without being overly complicated. If you’re looking for a friendly first machine to learn on, the Janome Magnolia 7318 is a strong contender. Let’s look at what makes this a great beginner’s choice.
Consider adding an image of the Janome Magnolia 7318 sewing machine here.
Key Features of the Janome Magnolia 7318
Here are some of the main features that make the Janome Magnolia 7318 well-suited for novice sewists:
Built-In Stitches
The Janome Magnolia 7318 comes with 18 built-in stitches including:
- Utility stitches like straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, stretch stitches etc.
- Decorative stitches for basic embellishing
- 4-step buttonhole stitch for easy buttonholes
18 stitches provide enough variety for learning and simple projects without being overwhelming. And handy reference guides printed on the machine make stitch selection easy.
Consider showing the stitch selection dial with stitch labels.
Free Arm
A free arm allows you to detach the flat bed attachment and reveal a narrower arm for stitching tubular areas like sleeves, pants hems, cuffs etc. This small but useful feature makes the Janome Magnolia 7318 quite versatile.
Top Loading Jam Proof Bobbin
Bobbin winding and changing is smooth and tangle-free thanks to the top loading jam proof bobbin system. The bobbin loads vertically from the top and the transparent cover lets you monitor the bobbin thread.
Stitch Length and Width Adjustment
You can customize the stitch length up to 4mm and stitch width up to 5mm using the intuitive dials. This allows you to achieve just the right density and appearance for different projects.
Buttonholes
The built-in 4-step buttonhole stitch enables you to create buttonholes with reinforced bartacks easily. No need for special plates or attachments.
Included Accessories
The Janome Magnolia 7318 comes with basic accessories like blind hem foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, needles, bobbins etc. This allows you to get started right out of the box.
An image showing the included accessories can be useful here.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Mechanical |
| Built-in Stitches | 18 |
| Buttonhole Patterns | 1 four-step buttonhole |
| Speed | 830 stitches per minute |
| Needle Threader | No |
| Bobbin Type | Top loading |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Presser Foot Lift | Extra high |
| Feed Dogs | 7 pieces |
| Dimensions | 16 x 11.7 x 7.1 inches |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs |
| Warranty | 25 years limited |
Performance and Ease of Use
Despite its simplicity, the Janome Magnolia 7318 delivers reliable performance once you get the basics down. Here’s how it fares in real world use:
Extremely Easy to Use
The Janome Magnolia 7318 keeps things simple with manual dials and guides printed on the machine. Stitch selection, length/width adjustment, threading and bobbin winding are intuitive even for someone using a machine for the first time.
The well-illustrated instruction manual is easy to follow as well. So you can be up and running in no time at all.
Provides Consistent Stitch Quality
The Janome Magnolia 7318 produces consistent, high quality stitches across a variety of fabrics like cotton, linen, lightweight wovens etc. The stitches have nice definition that any beginner would be proud of.
User-Friendly Design
Though it lacks a few automated features, the user-friendly design of this machine makes the basic tasks very straightforward. Features like easy bobbin access, see-through bobbin cover, reverse stitch lever, and needle up/down stop position knob further simplify the process.
Reliable Feeding
The 7-piece feed dogs grip fabric well to support uniform feeding. This results in straight stitches and minimal puckering on most lightweight-medium weight fabrics.
Adequate Lighting
The built-in light above the sewing area provides sufficient illumination when stitching dark fabrics.
A short video demonstrating the Janome Magnolia 7318 in action can be effective here.
Best Suited For
While advanced sewists may crave more functionality, the simplicity of the Janome Magnolia 7318 is a benefit for the following needs:
Beginners
The Janome Magnolia 7318 has everything a novice needs to get started – ease of use, approachable features, instructional guides, and adequate stitch options. The learning curve is gentle, allowing you to build skills effectively.
Simple Sewing Projects
With its solid construction and variety of utility stitches, the Janome Magnolia 7318 can happily handle simple sewing projects like:
- Clothing alterations and mending
- Making curtains, cushions or home décor items
- Craft projects involving hemming, seaming, appliqué etc.
Lightweight Fabrics
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is ideal for sewing smooth lightweight fabrics like quilting cottons, shirting fabrics, lightweight linens and wovens, flannel etc. The feed dogs and presser foot provide enough grip and pressure for these materials.
Small Quilting Projects
You can piece together smaller quilt tops with lighter weight cotton fabrics using this machine. The high presser foot lift, drop feed option, and straight stitch performance make it adequate for basic quilting. Just don’t expect to sew through very thick layers.
Limitations of the Janome Magnolia 7318
While Janome got most things right, the 7318 does have some drawbacks:
Limited Stitch Options
With only 18 stitches, creative options are restricted. Embellishing projects is basic and you’ll lack specialty stitches for sewing knits, heirloom work etc. This can limit the machine as your skills advance.
No Variable Speed Control
The pedal offers an all-or-nothing speed control that could make handling tricky fabrics difficult. Having the option to slow the speed would definitely help manage lightweight or layers of fabric better.
Manual Needle Threading
Threading the eye of the needle can be frustrating for beginners. An automatic needle threader would make the process easier and faster.
No Protective Case
The lack of a hard case compromises the storage and portability of this machine. You need to buy a separate case if you’ll be transporting it often.
Suggested Alternatives
Consider including comparison tables of the Janome Magnolia 7318 against one or more competitor machines in this section. Comparing features, specs, and pricing allows readers to make an informed decision.
While the Janome Magnolia 7318 is well-suited for beginners in many respects, the limitations may prompt some shoppers to consider alternatives like:
Janome Magnolia 7325
- Very similar machine but offers 25 stitches, one-step buttonhole, needle threader, and speed control
- Priced higher but worth it if you need the extra features
Brother XM2701
- Extremely budget friendly option with 27 stitches and automatic needle threader
- Lightweight for portability but may lack robustness for heavy projects
Singer Simple 3232
- Built sturdier for heavy duty work, made in the USA
- Costs the same but offers 32 stitches, needle threader and metal interior
Janome Magnolia 7318 Review Conclusion
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is a quality entry-level sewing machine that’s thoughtfully designed for beginners. The intuitive controls, straightforward operation, and approachable feature set allow a novice to learn the foundations of sewing with ease.
While advanced users may be restricted by the limited stitches and lack of speed control, someone just starting out in sewing is unlikely to miss these features. As their skills progress, the opportunities to create simple sewing and quilting projects on this machine are immense.
Janome’s reputation for producing precise, durable machines ensures that the Janome Magnolia 7318 will deliver years of reliable service. And the very reasonable price tag makes this an accessible first machine with noticeable value for money.
Overall, the Janome Magnolia 7318 deserves its status as a friendly mechanical machine that kickstarts your sewing journey on a smooth note.
Recommendation
Our recommendation is that the Janome Magnolia 7318 is an excellent first sewing machine for beginners to learn on and expand their skills with. The combination of simplicity and quality ensures a frustration-free introduction to sewing for novices.
While more advanced sewists may soon outgrow it, someone looking for their first foray into sewing could hardly find a better companion. Backed by Janome’s trusted reputation and support, the Janome Magnolia 7318 has our vote as an ideal starter machine.