Janome 2212 Review

Do you want to begin your sewing career and looking for the perfect sewing machine to start your adventure with? Are you also on a tight budget? Look no further. The Janome 2212 is your best option. It is lightweight and portable so you can carry it to your classes. At a speed of 860 stitches per minute and featuring 12 built-in stitches, this sewing machine stands as one of the best sewing machines for novices and experienced sewists who want to work on simple projects.

Review

One of the best choices for beginners, this sewing machine offers a lot of amazing features to provide its users with an amazing experience. In this review, we shall be looking into a few things like the specifications, functions, accessories, access, pros & cons, fabrics allowed, and which fabric would be bad with it.

Specifications

● Dimensions: 17 x 13.5 x 9 inches
● Speed: 860 stitches per minute
● Type: Mechanical
● Bobbin: Front-loading bobbin
● Weight: 13 lbs
● Stitches: 12 built-in stitches
● Warranty: 25 years
● Buttonhole pattern: four-step buttonholes
● Free arm: Yes

Functions

Speed Control

The stitch speed of the janome 2212 is controlled by the foot pedal. It works by pressing your foot down on the foot pedal for more speed. This helps to increase your work pace by giving you that added advantage of speed.

Built-in thread cutter

This feature saves a lot of time from looking for your scissors. All you need when you are done with a part of the seam, is to run the thread over the slit of the thread cutter. This is also a relief to those who have little children playing at home. Now you would not have to worry about them playing with the scissors.

Snap-on presser feet

This enables the user to change the presser feet with ease and quickly. To further explain, the snap-on presser feet is a specially designed presser feet which unlike the initial version, does not need to be screwed out to be replaced.

Free arm

This allows easy sewing on round works like cuffs and hems. On this sewing machine, this feature can be detached to reveal the built-in storage compartment.

Accessories

● Instruction manual
● Needle set
● Multipurpose foot
● Vinyl dust cover
● Blind hem foot
● Screwdriver
● Zigzag foot
● Seam ripper
● Sliding buttonhole foot
● 10 bobbins
● Zipper foot
● Foldable carry handle

Assess

Are there enough automatic features?

Unfortunately, this sewing machine from the stable of Janome is mechanical and does not provide the user with enough automated features. If you are the kind of sewist that loves to use automated features, then it would be best if you purchase a computerized sewing machine. There are some incredible ones from Janome like the DC1050 and many more on their catalog.

Are the accessories enough for all sewing needs?

There are not enough accessories on the Janome 2212 if we are talking about all sewing needs. It may be useless to a more advanced user. Although this might be the case, you can purchase the needed accessories differently if you require them. Or you could go for a machine that provides you with the necessary accessories for all kinds of projects and needs like the Janome JW8100 that has 22 standard accessories.

Is it easy to use?

Although depending on the fabric you want to sew and what you are doing on the fabric at the moment, 2212 is easy to use. It is great for beginners and easy to understand. The only difficulty with this sewing machine is if it is used to sew thick layers of fabric which would stress it.

Is it perfect for carrying around?

Yes, the Janome 2212 is lightweight and portable enough to carry around and to your classes. Weighing at approximately 13 lbs, you can carry this sewing machine with the hard case or you can purchase any of those amazing sewing cases on wheels.

Pros & Cons

Pros

● It is the best choice for novice sewists
● It is easy to understand, set up, and use.
● Fast
● 25 year of warranty and support
● Versatile
● Durable and solid construction

Cons

● it has smaller than the normal stitch width.
● The needle can only sew from the center position
● It offers a limited number of stitches
● Does not feature the automatic needle threader
● Difficult to hem jeans due to fabric thickness
● Hard case not included
● Difficult to access drop feed
● Difficult speed control
● Limited accessories pack
● Noisy

Fabrics Allowed

● Rayon
● Polyester
● Leather
● Knits
● Cotton
● Linen
● Wool
● Upholstery Fabric
● Velvet
● Silk
● taffeta

Fabrics not Allowed

● Thick leather
● Suede
● Plastic
● Ribber
● Thick layers of fabric
● Heavy twill

Buyer’s Opinion

This is a quality and durable sewing machine that is perfect for the new sewists in town. It does not have much like the more advanced ones but can get you the desired results whenever it’s been used. Unless you want it for big projects or to sew heavy fabric then this is not the best option for you.

Janome 2212 vs. Janome 2206

Practically simple to understand and easy to use, both sewing machines offer a great deal for novice sewists who would like to embark on their sewing experience with a quality machine. Although coming from the same label, there are differences between these two sewing machines that make them stand out.

Looks

Aside from the normal sewing machine looks, the Janome 2212 features two dials in the front. One dial for stitch selection and the other to adjust the stitch length. 2206 on the other hand only has the stitch selection dial. Do not worry, the stitch length is still adjustable.

Built-in Stitches

The Janome 2212 as earlier stated has 12 built-in stitches including a four-step buttonhole which is alright for a beginner’s sewing machine. While the Janome 2206 on the other hand features 6 built-in stitches including the four-step buttonhole. This makes the Janome 2212 a clear winner in this aspect.

Weight

Both Janome sewing machines have little or no differences in weight as the Janome 2212 weighs approximately 13 lbs and the Janome 2206 at .2 lbs lower than it at 12.8 lbs.

Which to choose

Both of these sewing machines are made for beginners from the same brand and don’t have much to differentiate them in terms of performance and stitch quality. If I would recommend which one would be best, I would go for the Janome 2212 because of the extra 6 built-in stitches it offers ahead of 2206. Based on budget, the Janome 2206 is best if you are working on a tight budget.

How to use Janome 2212?

Process

1. Get the extension table and attach it to the machine
2. Attach the presser foot by placing it so that the pin on the foot lies under the groove of the foot holder.
3. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it.
4. Insert the needle and push it up till it can go no more.
5. Pull up the spool pin.
6. Pull the handwheel out, draw a thread from the spool and guide the thread around the bobbin winder thread guide.
7. Insert the thread through the hole in the bobbin from the inside to the outside, put the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle then push it to the right.
8. Hold the free end of the thread in your hand, depress the foot control, and stop the machine when it has made a few turns.
9. Cut the thread close to the hole in the bobbin, depress the foot control again. When the bobbin is fully wound, stop the machine.
10. Return the bobbin winder spindle to its original position by moving the spindle to the left, and cut the thread. Push the handwheel back to its original position.
11. Open the bobbin case hook cover, raise the needle by turning the handwheel towards you then place the bobbin into the case. When placing the bobbin case, place the horn into the recess of the hook race.
12. Place the bobbin into the bobbin case. Make sure the thread unwinds in the clockwise direction. Pull the thread into the bobbin case slot. Draw the thread under the tension spring and into the delivery eye and leave about 10cm of free thread.
13. Raise the take–up lever to its highest position by turning the handwheel toward you.
14. Raise the presser foot. Place a spool on the spool pin as shown, with thread coming from the back of the spool.
15. Draw the thread into the thread guide using both hands. While holding the thread near the spool, draw the thread down into the tension area and then around the check spring holder.
16. Firmly draw the thread up and through the take–up lever from right to left. Then draw the thread down and slip it into the lower thread guide.
17. Draw the thread down and slip it into the needle bar thread guide on the left.
18. Thread the needle eye from front to back.
19. Raise the presser foot and hold the needle thread lightly with your left hand.
20. Turn the handwheel slowly toward you with your right hand until the needle goes down and continue turning the handwheel until the take–up lever is at its highest position.
21. Lightly draw up the needle thread forming a loop of the bobbin thread. Pull 15 cm (6″) of both threads back and under the presser foot.
22. Select your preferred needle tension by adjusting the tension dial.
23. Raise the needle and presser foot. Turn the pattern selector dial to set the symbol corresponding to the desired pattern at the setting mark.
24. Adjust the stitch length dial according to your needs.
25. Drop the feed dogs by opening the hook cover, pulling down the drop lever, and moving it to the right. To raise it, pull down the drop lever and move it to your left.

Tips

With all the good qualities about this sewing machine, it is uneasy to say that there are areas where your sewing experience can go wrong. Here are some of the instances.

● Jams

There have been a few complaints from customers mentioning this jamming problem. Some of the reasons include bobbin malfunction, fabric and thread can get stuck in the feed, or the machine even stalling. Although this is an annoying aspect of this machine, there is a way to maneuver it. All you need to do is get the thread tension right, adjust the needle position and work with the sewing machine for a short period.

● Speed control

This is one aspect that confuses beginners. The speed control on the Janome 2212 is difficult to operate at the first trial. This is because the machine starts at a higher speed and would require adequate control to get it to slow down as you sew. This is a problem for novice sewists but with time and practice, you will get used to it.

● Fabrics

This should not be a surprise right now to the more advanced sewists that this sewing machine has some limited to their expertise. 2212 cannot sew a list of thick fabrics or heavy work. It is also not best if you want to experiment on more complicated fabrics or materials.

● Space

Known for its portable and compact size, this sewing machine does lack the space to do some kinds of projects. It is best for small projects that can fit easily in the machine. For larger projects, it may get awkward trying to move the fabric around. If you want to work on simpler and smaller projects, this sewing machine is your best choice. But if you are the type to think big, you may have to look for a sewing machine that can deliver.

FAQs

● Can I use Singer or Brother brand accessories with my Janome machine?

It all depends on the model you are working with. Some might fit and work fine while some may not. On the more expensive ones, it is not best to use generic accessories on them for they might require the one specifically made for them.

● What would happen if I tried the fabrics that are not applicable?

On some occasions, nothing. But there is a huge chance that you will overload the motor and destroy it. Also, you would have to deal with constantly changing broken needles. Then there is another problem with the stitch quality. Apparently, due to the lack of proper tension, the Janome 2212 may not provide you with a consistent stitch quality.

● How do I know what size bobbin to buy?

The Janome uses the same bobbin for all their machines. The size of the bobbin is the standard class 15. There are two types of class 15 namely A style and J style. The one you should go for is the A-style bobbin which is the standard class 15 bobbin. To identify it, you should know that the A style has a diameter of 20.3 mm and a width of 11.7 mm.

● Can I quilt with Janome 2212?

Yes, you can. But it has a downside to it. The Janome 2212 can only sew a baby quilt or a twin-sized quilt easily. If you want to sew a king-sized quilt, then you might need to take a few breaks as you proceed due to jams.

Summary

Coming off as the young sewist on the block, this sewing machine is for you. Those beginning their journey in the craft of sewing and want a machine that would stand by them. Including those sewists who make regular clothes and do simple home decor projects.

On the other hand, it is limited for an advanced user because it has only 12 built-in stitches. Not forgetting to mention, those who deal with a lot of heavy work. If you are in this category, please do help yourself to another of Janome’s heavy-weight sewing machines like the HD1000.

You can use the anime 2212 for a lot of amazing things like baby playmats or quilts, making alterations to your clothes, or sewing a cloth for yourself and your family. The sewing machine only accommodates thin battings on quilts. The thick ones wear them out.
Undoubtedly this is an amazing sewing machine to use s a new sewist, that can be with you anywhere you go.