An In-Depth Review Of The Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

The Janome skyline s5 is one of Janome’s premium computerized sewing and quilting machines. Janome is a leading brand when it comes to sewing machines, known for their quality, performance, and reliability. In this detailed review, we’ll take a close look at the key features, capabilities, and performance of the Janome Skyline S5 to help you determine if it’s the right machine for your needs.

Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Janome has built a reputation for making some of the best sewing machines for over 50 years. The Janome skyline s5 is one of their higher-end computerized sewing and quilting machines aimed at advanced home sewists. It’s packed with features and conveniences designed to make sewing, quilting, and other projects easier and more enjoyable.

The Janome skyline s5 includes over 170 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting stitches. It has a large backlit LCD screen that makes selecting your desired stitch a breeze. Convenience features like the start/stop button, speed control slider, automatic thread cutter, easy reverse stitch, and needle up/down make sewing tasks simpler and faster. It’s also equipped with superior feed system for smooth fabric feeding and an automatic thread tension system for optimal tension on any fabric type.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a close look at the main features, benefits, and performance of the Janome Skyline S5. We’ll examine key factors like stitch quality, ease of use, workspace, noise level, and versatility for different sewing projects. We’ll also discuss some of the limitations of this machine. Read on for an in-depth evaluation to help determine if the S5 is the right sewing machine for your needs.

[Janome Skyline S5 Video Review] _Video showing an overview of the Janome Skyline S5’s features and performance_

Janome Skyline S5 Key Features Deep Dive

Now let’s take a more detailed look at some of the Janome Skyline S5’s main features and capabilities. We’ll examine the stitch selection, adjustable settings, built-in stitches, and convenience functions that make this machine so versatile and user-friendly.

Stitch Selection And Adjustments

Choosing stitches is a breeze with the S5 thanks to the large backlit LCD screen and stitch reference guide next to the needle. Here are more details on selecting stitches and adjusting settings:

• LCD Screen – The large LCD screen clearly displays the stitch number, illustrated stitch image, and default stitch length and width settings. It makes selecting stitches intuitive and easy.
• 9mm Stitch Width – You can adjust stitch width up to 9mm, allowing for a lot of creative freedom with decorative stitches.
• Stitch Length 0-5mm – Stitch length can be precisely adjusted from 0 to 5mm in 0.1 increments. Adapt stitch size for different fabrics and techniques.
• Numerical Stitch Select Pad – Quickly select stitches by number with the convenient numerical pad located on the front column.
• Up/Down Arrow Buttons – Easily adjust stitch length and width settings using these arrow buttons right beneath the display.
• LED Needle Area Lighting – The 6 built-in LED lights brightly illuminate the needle area for optimal visibility when adjusting settings.

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The LCD screen makes choosing stitches a breeze on the Janome Skyline S5

Built-In Stitches

With 170 built-in stitches, you’ll have endless creative options for sewing and quilting projects. Here’s an overview of the types of built-in stitches available:

• Utility Stitches – All the basics you need like straight, zigzag, basting, triple stretch, and more. Essential for garment construction, hems, seams, and mending.
• Buttonhole Stitches – 9 one-step buttonhole styles make it easy to create buttonholes adapted to your fabric.
• Decorative Stitches – Elaborate stitches for embellishing, applique, monogramming, and decorative effects.
• Quilting Stitches – Built-in quilting stitches like hand-look quilt stitch and stippling save time.
• Heirloom Stitches – Intricate heirloom stitches for lace, pin tucks, cording, and other delicate techniques.
• Character/Monogramming – 5 font styles with upper and lower case letters and numbers to personalize projects.

With so many options, you’ll always find the perfect stitch for any part of your project whether it’s clothing, quilting, home décor, crafts, or more.

Helpful Convenience Functions

From the useful presser foot levelling button to the automatic thread cutter, the Janome Skyline S5 offers a number of convenient functions to streamline sewing:

• Start/Stop Button – Sew without the foot control for better handling of your fabric.
• Automatic Thread Cutter – Instantly trim top and bobbin threads with the touch of a button.
• Reverse Button – Reinforce stitches by quickly sewing in reverse.
• Needle Up/Down Button – Programs needle to stop in up or down position when stopping. Useful for turning, pivoting, and applique.
• Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment – Foot pressure can be increased or decreased with a slider dial for optimal feeding ability across fabrics.
• Variable Sewing Speed – Limit max sewing speed with the speed control slider according to your needs.
• Needle Plate Markings – Guide lines are etched into the needle plate at 1/4″ 3/8″ and 5/8″ intervals.

These handy features minimize interruptions and speed up common tasks for greater sewing efficiency.

Presser Feet Included

The Janome Skyline S5 comes with a wide selection of snap-on presser feet tailored to specific sewing tasks:

• Zipper Foot – For ease of inserting zippers and piping. The narrow foot hugs the zipper coil.
• Buttonhole Foot – Ensures perfectly sized and shaped buttonholes in a single step.
• Blind Hem Foot – Lets you create invisible hems, great for skirts, pants, curtains etc.
• Rolled Hem Foot – Forms narrow rolled hems along fabric edges.
• Overcasting Foot – Prevents fraying by encasing raw edges with zigzag stitches.
• Satin Stitch Foot – Helps create decorative stitching with dense zigzag formations. Minimizes fabric tunneling.
• Open Toe Foot – Provides high visibility for decorative stitching, applique, etc.
• Walking Foot – Keeps fabric layers feeding evenly, great for quilting heavy projects.
• 1/4″ Seam Foot – Has a built-in guide for maintaining accurate 1/4″ seam allowances.
• Darning Foot – Assists with stippling and free motion techniques in quilting.

This array of presser feet enables you to accomplish a wide variety of techniques without needing to purchase additional accessories. They snap on and off quickly for easy changes.

Additional Conveniences

There are a few more noteworthy conveniences built into this machine:

• Needle Threader – The automatic needle threader saves time and frustration threading the needle.
• Free Arm – Removing the flat bed extension exposes the free arm, useful for sewing cuffs, sleeves, pant legs, and other tubular items.
• Drop Feed Dogs – Lower or raise the feed dogs using a conveniently located switch to enable free motion sewing and quilting.
• Bobbin Winder – The automatic bobbin winder disengages when winding is complete for consistent results.
• Manual Thread Tension – You can override the automatic tension to manually fine tune tension if needed.
• Twin Needle Compatible – Built-in twin needle settings make it easy to sew parallel rows with two spools of thread.

Extension Table

A generous extension table comes with the machine to provide enhanced workspace support. The sturdy table quickly attaches to the back of the sewing bed with just two thumb screws. This gives you a larger flat surface for managing large sewing and quilting projects.

It’s especially useful for projects like quilts with long skirt lengths where the fabric needs to be well-supported. The extended area also provides more space for neatly guiding the fabric through the machine.

Storage and Portability

The Janome Skyline S5 includes a semi-hard fabric cover to protect it from dust when not in use. All accessories fit neatly inside the machine, making them easily accessible. To remove the accessories case, simply slide the lock pin and lift it off.

At around 30 pounds, the S5 isn’t particularly lightweight. But it’s still portable enough to transport or store away when needed. The fixed handle integrated into the machine’s body provides a convenient grip for carrying.

Noise Level

This machine operates extremely smoothly and quietly, even at higher speeds up to 820 stitches per minute. There is minimal vibration or noise produced. You can enjoy extended sewing sessions without bothersome machine noise or movement.

Many users love this quiet performance compared to noisier models, making sewing time more relaxing. This quiet operation lets you focus on your sewing instead of the machine.

Performance

• Quiet and smooth operation – The S5 operates very quietly without vibration. You can sew at higher speeds without excessive noise.
• Automatic thread tension – The auto tension system ensures excellent tension balance on all types and weights of fabric. One less thing to worry about adjusting.
• Superior feed system – The advanced 7-piece feed dog system provides superb feeding action for smooth sewing and precise stitch placement.
• Reliable stitch quality – Whether sewing on knits, wovens, lightweight or heavy fabrics, the S5 produces high quality stitches consistently.

Ease of Use

• Easy threading – Following the numbered threading guides, you can thread the machine in just a couple minutes. The built-in needle threader is also a huge timesaver.
• Intuitive controls – The button controls and digital display screen are well-designed and user-friendly. Settings are changed with the touch of a button or two.
• Helpful accessories – A wide range of presser feet and accessories are included for sewing tasks like zippers, buttonholes, hemming, and more.
• Convenient bobbin winding – The auto declutch bobbin winder disengages automatically when winding is complete. A built-in cutter trims the excess thread.

Workspace

• Bright LED lighting – The built-in LED lighting illuminates your sewing area brightly, helping to reduce eye strain.
• Large workspace – With a generous 8.3″ throat space and extension table included, you get a spacious work area for managing large projects.
• Handy storage – The accessories case snaps on and off easily for quick access. Bobbins and accessories are neatly organized and stored on the machine.

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Specification	Description
Number of Stitches	170 Built-In
Buttonhole Styles	1-Step, 9 Styles
Maximum Stitch Width	9mm
Stitch Length	0-5mm
Needle Positions	Left, Middle, Right
Bobbin System	Drop-In
Workspace Dimensions	8.3″ x 15.6″
Sewing Speed	820 Stitches/Minute
Machine Weight	Approx. 30 lbs
Included Accessories	11 Presser Feet, Extension Table, and more

Ideal for…

With its extensive features, reliable performance, and ease of use, the Janome Skyline S5 is an excellent choice for:

• Beginner or advanced home sewists who want quality results without a steep learning curve.
• Sewing enthusiasts looking to upgrade from a basic entry-level machine to one with more options.
• Quilters who need a sturdy machine capable of handling quilting projects with multiple fabric layers.
• Anyone seeking a versatile sewing machine able to handle a wide variety of fabrics and sewing projects.
• Users wanting a machine with convenience features to maximize efficiency and minimize effort.

Limitations

While the S5 has many advantages, there are a few potential limitations to consider:

• Not ideal for sewing very thick or heavy fabrics like canvas, vinyl, or multiple layers. An industrial machine would be better suited.
• Some users have reported issues with bobbin winding tension being too tight on this model.
• The included walking foot has been reported to be unreliable and prone to breakage after minimal use.

So while it handles most fabric weights with ease, the S5 may not be the best choice for working with heavy home décor fabrics on a regular basis. And the bobbin winding issues a small number of users have experienced may require adjustment or service.

Janome Skyline S5 vs Other Models

How does the Janome Skyline S5 compare to other popular Janome models and competitor brands? Here’s an overview:

• The S5 has more built-in stitches (170) compared to the Janome Magnolia 7318 (18) or Janome HD3000 (21). But the Magnolia and HD3000 are simpler to operate.
• It has about the same number of stitches as the Janome Memory Craft 6300 yet is easier to use. The MC6300 has more automatic buttonholes (13 to 9) and is faster (1000 vs 820 SPM).
• The S5 is Janome’s alternative to competitor models like the Bernina 350 Patchwork Edition. The Bernina 350 has extra convenience stitches for quilting but fewer decorative stitches overall (57 total).
• The Baby Lock Jubilant has Comparable stitch selection (167) and features to the S5, but only has a 6.5mm max stitch width vs 9mm on the S5.
• Brother’s DreamWeaver VQ3000 PRW has a stitch catalog (200 built-in) similar to the S5 and includes Disney embroidery designs, which the

Conclusion/Summary

The Janome Skyline S5 is undoubtedly one of Janome’s finest computerized sewing machines available today. It’s packed with a wide variety of stitches, convenient functions, superior feeding power, and easy-to-use controls. The stitch quality is superb, it operates smoothly and quietly, and the workspace is roomy and well-lit.

This machine can handle almost any sewing or quilting project with its versatile stitch options, adjustable settings, and handy features. Whether you’re sewing wovens or knits, basic clothing construction or intricate quilting, the S5 has the capabilities to get the job done. Its overall performance and ease of use make sewing an enjoyable process instead of a chore.

There are a few minor drawbacks that may make it less than ideal for working with heavy home décor fabrics on a regular basis. And occasional issues like bobbin winding problems have been reported by some users, though not universally. Yet for most home sewing needs, the Janome Skyline S5 really excels.

Overall, the S5 is easily one of Janome’s finest computerized models and is highly recommended for sewists and quilters seeking a feature-rich machine. For those wanting top-tier performance, versatility, and modern conveniences to simplify sewing, the Janome Skyline S5 is sure to satisfy.

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