JanomeJ3-18 Sewing Machine Sewing Machines

Bought this to replace my 50 year old sewing machine and I couldn't be more pleased with it. It's lightweight but feels robust and it operates very smoothly. The instruction book was easy to follow and everything was just as described. The automatic threader is brilliant and I would highly recommend this machine for being excellent all round.

The Janome J3-18 sits in the mid range of domestic sewing machines and is suitable for beginners and experienced sewers alike.

Very well made machine, knows a nice range of stiches, easy to use. Tho a tad bit too slow for me, I am still happy with this purchase.Also, just FYI: if your machine starts making "loud rattling" noises, try oiling the moving metal parts. One would think its common sense

This is an excellent machine. Sturdy, but not too heavy and gives you all the main things you need in a very easily controllable machine.Would suit beginner or sewer with some experience.

Updated 3 years after purchase; this machine still performs well - important as many reviews are when an item has just been received. I think this is amazing value. My usual machine (now some 13 years old) is very good but heavy. I had been researching very light straight stitch machines so I could take them if I wanted to sew elsewhere but realised the very light, almost toy machines, wouldn't have the strength or durability. In comparison this machine offered most of what I needed in a machine for half the weight of my usual machine. It stitches well. I can lower the feed dogs and attach other feet. having used it for some weeks now I have put it through its paces. The needle threader is a very neat design - I now prefer it to the one on my larger machine. The reduced number of ornamental stitches doesn't worry me; if I want to do lots of embroidery my other machine can do it. The manual is concise and clear (great not to have to wade through pages of instructions in other languages as well). If I was picky I'd prefer it to have a setting so the needle always finished down to help with quilting. (And 3 yrs on this is my biggest regret) Given the cost of the machine I could happily do most of what I need on this machine. It feels sturdy. The foot pedal seems responsive. It has a light which my other machine doesn't have and which I find very useful. There isn't an automatic needle up or down button - but using the wheel is more like the machine I learnt on so it didn't take long to adjust. I've made a small prem baby quilt and almost finished the quilting on on a single size bargello quilt. I really am enjoying my sewing / quilting.

I was a little nervous of this new buy although I am quite experienced at sewing. I needn't have worried - after careful studying of the nice big instruction manual I have made a great start. This is just what I wanted as it seems very sturdy and a good, basic machine. The needle-threader is great, as even with my glasses on I struggled to thread the needle on my previous machine. I think it is excellent value for the price.

I have been sewing all my life but had been using a really old machine that had been given to me. This is the first machine I have had from new and it is far better than I expected for the money! I needed a machine that was easy to use without any flash attachments and this is exactly what you get with this machine. A brilliant basic machine!!

As a novice sewer I spent a lot of time researching machines and then deciding between the Janome J3-18 and Janome J3-24. I decided on this one solely based on price and I'm so pleased. It arrived the day after I ordered it and is so easy to use. The instruction booklet is clear and makes it very easy to see what should be done. Haven't had any problems with the foot pedal speed, just press more lightly if I want to go slower.