There are any number of sewing machines on the market that are made for everyone from beginners to experts. Many of those sewing machines come from Janome, a leader in the market. Of particular note is the Janome 2212. While the Janome 2212 might look fairly plain and will likely strike a note for those of you looking for a more traditional sewing machine, there's no doubt that it's a solid and reliable machine. The real question is if the Janome 2212 is the sewing machine for you. Let us help you figure that out by sharing our experience in this Janome 2212 sewing machine review.

Janome 2212 Features

This mechanical sewing machine doesn’t include all of the built-in computer features or additional stitches that you might see on the market now, but it does include some solid features that will help you work on a variety of materials consistently.

Stitches

There are sewing machines out there that include hundreds of stitches from you to choose from, but the Janome 2212 only has 12 built-in stitches for you to sew either straight or zigzag. While this may not be enough for some decorative projects or for more advanced sewers, this is more than enough to get your job done.

We love how we could just choose which stitches we wanted by taking a look at the dial selector. It was extremely easy to move the selector to pick our stitch.

Threading

One thing to point out here is the lack of the automatic needle threader in the Janome 2212, although this doesn’t mean that the Janome is difficult to thread. It includes the front-loading bobbin that may be a little difficult to thread for beginners, but it’s certainly not the most complicated thing.

Sewing Speed

You can sew at a speed of 860 stitches per minute, which does make the Janome 2212 sewing machine one of the slower options out there. However, we didn't see it as a bad thing necessarily. If you’re a real expert though, you may want something that can match your speed a little better.

Reasons Why It’s Good for Beginners

Anyone can use the Janome 2212 sewing machine, from beginners to experts, but this is one great machine for beginners specifically for a few reasons.

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Simplicity

One of the best reasons why a beginner might like this Janome 2212 sewing machine is that it’s just so simple to figure out. While there is a little bit of a learning curve to using the front-loading bobbin, the actual features, the dial, and the adjustments to the width of the stitches make this machine a great one to start learning on.

Versatility

As a beginner, you might get better over time. That makes this Janome a great option to learn and improve on. It has the simple features that you might need to learn in the beginning, but proves to be a solid workhorse. Since the needles can go through multiple layers of fabric without bending, you’ll find that this option is great for the long run.

Sturdy

One of the keys to a good sewing machine for a beginner is for it to be sturdy. The person learning needs to be able to use the sewing machine without worrying that they’ll break it, and the last thing they need is to be frustrated with a lot of complicated features that are difficult to learn. We found that even children could get the hang of this Janome 2212 sewing machine in time.

Pros

Solid Construction

We were impressed with the construction of the Janome 2212, which is something that many other reviewers seem to love too. Not only is the Janome 2212 sturdy, but it actually also includes a strong needle that can handle even thicker fabrics. We didn’t struggle with using it on fabrics like denim even, which are known to give people problems.

Cost

Compared to some of other options out there, the cost of this sewing machine is undeniably reasonable. It’s one of the more affordable options, which makes it great for beginners who don't want to break the bank to get started.

Free Arm

You have the option of using the free arm on this Janome 2212 sewing machine if you’re working on hemming or sewing sleeves, cuffs, or any smaller projects. This will make these types of projects easier.

Ease of Use

Once you learn the Janome 2212, it’s very easy to use. You only need to continue threading for you to keep using it. You only have 12 stitches, so it’s simple to choose your stitch using the dial right on the front of the machine. It’s also easy to do other included projects, like the four step buttonhole stitch that will let you add a button to whatever you’re sewing.

Cons

Threading

One of the biggest issues for beginners on this Janome is the threading, which isn’t automatic and doesn’t have the top loading option like more modern options. It’s not necessarily complex, but it also does lead to some issues with the thread jamming in the machine and with beginners struggling, even if it is easy to threat.

Stitch Number

Ultimately, this is only a con if you want more than the 12 built in stitches. If you’re working to do more than the available stitches or you want more detail, you may find that these stitches just aren’t enough. If this doesn’t bother you, then you may not even notice the lack of stitches.

Noise Level

Probably the biggest issue we found with the Janome 2212 was the noise level, which wasn’t necessarily overbearing, but which was a little louder than some of the other options out there. You may want to make sure that you’re not using this machine while others are sleeping.

Learning Curve

The only issue with this machine being for beginners is that there is a little bit of a learning curve to it. This is because the difficulty with learning some of the threading, and it can take time to choose the right needle position for your desired fabric. We personally thought that the front-threading bobbin wasn’t the easiest to learn right away.

Accessories Included

A good sewing machine will help you sew, stitch, and repair, but beyond the actual machine, there are other included accessories to help you get to work. The Janome 2212 basically includes everything that you would need beyond your chosen thread and fabric, although you may perhaps need to get an extension cord to plug it in.

Foot Pedal and Foot Controller

Every sewing machine needs a foot peal, and there’s one included in this Janome. It runs about 3 and one-half feet in length, so you should have no issue reaching it from your sewing machine and to the floor.
Inside your accessory kit, you also have a foot controller to ensure that your project comes out exactly as you have in mind, not to mention nine presser feet.

Soft Cover

If you’re thinking of transporting your Janome, you have only a soft cover included to help you do so. This will not necessarily protect the machine, but it is lucky that it’s a generally light machine, making it easy for you to transport it without much of an issue.

Storage

You have some storage included right in the arm of the Janome 2212, which means that you can keep your threads, manual, and the included small screwdriver, bobbins, and seam ripper right there in the sewing machine.

Lamp

When you’re working, you might need a little light to actually see what you’re doing. That’s where the included lamp on this Janome comes in handy. Just flick it on and you’ll find your work area lit nicely.

Conclusion

There are a lot of reasons to choose a Janome sewing machine, and specifically to choose the Janome 2212. It’s sturdy, comes at a good price, and is easy to use. While it may have a little bit of a learning curve to it, and you may wonder if you’ll need more stitches in time, this is a great machine for people learning to sew. It is definitely an affordable option for everyone from beginners to experts and we hope this 2212 sewing machine review has helped you to decide if it's suitable for you.