Janome 2212 Sewing Machine Premier Package

I actually got this machine about 2 years ago. It sat in the box in a closet as I was not too keen on learning a new machine. I hadn't even plugged it in! I am 66 years old, and had the same Kenmore machine since I was 16. It was very heavy, but very sturdy. I had it serviced twice, but the tension was always off. I had one service guy put some "red paint" on where he thought I should keep the upper tension! I finally decided to chuck it . My sewing had consisted of basic things such as mending, quilting, lined draperies, and whatever was the craft du jour. I hadn't sewn in a few years, so I thought I might not anymore. Having had a sewing machine all of my adult life, I suddenly felt uncomfortable not having one. :) I read all of the reviews and, for the price, decided I'd order this Janome 2212. I felt "complete" again - even though I was sure it would be hard for me to start over. Sounds silly, I know - but I promised myself I'd get around to trying it out at some point. Recently, I've been looking for a valance for my "pipes showing" shabby chic bathroom in my basement. I searched all of the websites and couldn't find the right thing at the right price. I took a deep breath, and dragged the Janome box out of my closet. I was certain I'd get totally frustrated and just put it back. I made a cup of tea and went to work reading the instruction book. Before long, I had it threaded. Whew! I found some fabric, and with more deep breaths, I started practicing the various stitches, etc. Now, I haven't made anything yet, but I am so thrilled with the ease of the instructions, the great stitches, and the soft hum of the motor, that I'll be at the fabric store asap. This seems like the perfect, inexpensive machine for those getting started, or those of us who just "need" to have our sewing machine. p.s. If my excitement is premature, I'll be back. But, I think I made a very good choice.

This is a great machine for my needs. I wanted to hem pants because I am short and often can't find petite size in the pants I want. The machine is not heavy, sews a great straight seam and is easy to thread. It comes with a plastic cover which will keep the dust out. The case is plastic but I don't expect to be dropping it and it keeps the machine light. The extra needles and bobbins is a nice gift.

I am a beginning sewist and at 69 years of age, it was quite an effort to try to find the right machine, given my inexperience. I did exhaustive research on the subject for two years. I guess I watched every You Tube video on sewing, some multiple times. My decision to buy the Janome 2212 was based on the recommendation of a sewing machine repairman who works on all makes and models of sewing machines. His recommendation was based on quality of construction, ease of use and reliability. After using my Janome, I discovered to my delight that he was right. The machine is perfect for beginners who don't want to use it for business. All I want to do is learn to make my own shirts and I am on my way. It should be noted that there is a glaring mistake in the user manual. On page 16 in the bottom photo, image 1, it shows the bobbin as being inserted with the thread going clockwise as viewed from the right. It should be wound counterclockwise. This had me going for awhile in that the bobbin thread would lock up and the needle would stop.

I bought this machine 6 months ago. When I got it, I would have agreed with many of the other reviewers that stated it is a simple, basic machine - very basic, without all the bells & whistles. However, after using it for 6 months, I'm not as thrilled with it as I was. What I don't like about this machine is that I can't get it to sew SLOWLY from the start. The motor hums, but in order to get the needle to start going up & down, you have to manipulate the hand-wheel, or press the foot pedal harder, and then it starts sewing too fast. In situations where you're not doing a straight seam, you don't want speed. You want it to go slowly so you can manipulate your fabric. Also, the “reverse” doesn't work well. Sometimes I have to hold the reverse down with one hand, while using the hand-wheel with the other. This of course, means that I'm not holding my fabric under the needle - unless I grow another arm, lol! i wouldn't even give this machine to a beginner. It would take the pleasure out of sewing, IMO.

Started off with a Kenmore basic/manual machine. It broke after a few years, but it wasn't worth the cost to repair it. So my husband "Upgraded" me to the "SINGER 5400 Sew Mate" last Christmas. The Singer was an absolute piece of trash. I could never get the thread tension just right, and then the presser foot plug port broke within the first year. Sent that off for a repair (shipping at my own expense), and it came back repaired but with new damage from the return shipping. So I took the cover off, to attempt to fix the shipping damage, and snapped some random cheap piece of plastic. I was so disappointed with that machine that I walked it outside and dumped it into the garbage. Wasteful, yes. but I was fed up. So I came inside and ordered this little Janome. Best decision--I've been SO HAPPY with it! It's solid and well made. The machine has plenty of plastic, but it's thicker/sturdier than my previous machines. Sewing with it is simple and problem-free. I'm a novice sewer and have no use for lots of stitches or anything fancy. I just sew the basics, and this machine is perfect for me. It's handled sewing through multiple layers of very thick, natural fiber cotton like it was a single layer of polyester. This machine is built to last. I'm very happy with this purchase.Highly recommend for beginners or anyone who just wants a solid, basic/manual machine.

This is a great machine for a beginner. It also is a great machine for someone like me, who is looking to get back into sewing after a long hiatus (and knows that s/he will not have the free time for many years to come to embark on super ambitious projects that would merit a fancy, high-end machine). I bought this machine after reading a large number of reviews on every possible competitor at a range of price points. It has lived up to my expectations and was a great purchase. The reason for giving it 4 stars is that it is very loud. Although generating some noise is a necessary by-product of using an industrial-age machine, if you live in a small house with thin walls or an apartment where you are concerned with creating noise for your neighbors, you may want to look at alternative models that are rated well for being quiet.

Doesn`t sew right half the time. Instructions not clear how to remedy the problems I have with it. Everything hit or miss. Should have purchased locally, might have someone to ask at store. Would cost too much to have an independent sewing machine technician look at it. Overall bad decision on my part to purchase this machine.

So far so good. My mom's old Kenmore died on me and I took that as a sign that it was time I got myself my own sewing machine for my etsy shop. I deal with a lot of faux fur so I was a bit nervous but so far, with the right needles, this baby does just fine with multiple layers of fur and fleece (2 of each) though I do still take it slow on those thick layers just to be safe. It is a little light weight so it can move around when sewing those thicker layers so I plan on getting a rubber mat of some sort to put underneath it. I did notice that when you put the feed dogs down the latch doesn't like to put them back up so you kind of have to manually push it back up where you see the arm in the bobbin area that lifts and lowers it. I didn't take a star off for this because I never take the feed dogs down anyway I just tested it because I'd read a review about them not coming back up and wanted to see if I could still get them back in place. :) I've had this machine for a month now and love it. I will update this review if any issues come up that require me to remove a star or two. Update: It's been almost a year now and still no issiues. I'm actually a tiny bit surprised considering how much faux fur I have to put through this little machine. Still going strong. I will say it is annoying that the foot doesn't lift up a little higher because when I have two layers of fur plus two layers of fleece you kind of have to squish it down and force it underneath the foot to start but otherwise, no complaints. :)

For the price, this is a very decent sewing machine. It's simple, straightforward, it operates predictably and reliably, and makes good stitches on a variety of settings and with a variety of materials, from lightweight synthetics to heavier cotton and wool. The stitches are even and balanced once the proper tension is achieved. Stitch length has a dedicated dial, while stitch width is integrated into the stitch selection knob. Reverse sewing (primarily for securing a seam) is the lower lever you see in the picture, while raising the presser foot is the lever to the right of the needle bar. The heaviest material I've sewn is 5 layers of 12-oz. denim while performing a flat felled seam. Although the machine did slow a little, the stitches look fine. The tension dial had no problems with the somewhat heavier thread I used and the tension held firm throughout. The lightest material I've sewn is a sheer rayon (shirting); the machine is fast, the feed is steady and straight rather than drifting. (I used a stabilizer.) I don't recommend this machine for anything heavier than denim. It's simply not designed to handle even semi-industrial tasks and to attempt leather/canvas/Cordura/nylon webbing/etc. would be abusing the machine, possibly causing permanent damage as well as frustration and a poor result. This machine is intended for basic home use only. There are several design decisions that don't make sense to me. The storage compartment that slides off the arm doesn't have a lid that pops down; this makes this storage area not very useful and even a little annoying. The nifty compartment on the very similar Kenmore 385.15512000 (also built by Janome) is a much better, more useful, more accessible design. The lamp cover requires a screwdriver to remove. The lever that raises the presser foot is narrow and feels cheaply made. The spool pins are the pull up/push down type that I prefer over the transverse single pin but instead of being metal, they appear to be plastic-covered wire; they bend easily and once bent don't operate smoothly. I love Janome machines and as a low-end model, this one is no exception to the smoothness and speed I've come to expect, both from Janome machines themselves and their Kenmore brethren. As an owner of the 6500P and the Kenmore version of the DC5100, this machine feels slightly cheap and with what I consider several design flaws. However, it is a solid, no-nonsense machine that delivers. For $150, it's a good value and if treated gently and maintained, should last. 4.5 stars.