Cat Fancy Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine with Interior Metal Frame, Bobbin Diagram, Tutorial Videos, Made with Beginners in Mind for Garments, Patchwork, Light Quilting

Did you know that many of the high-quality machines out there under $500 - regardless of what brand they say they are - are made by Janome? Those other brands who specialize in something else but want to sell a starter sewing machine (from Baby Lock to Sears' Kenmore brand, and I think Juki and even some of the European labels) just use a Janome and put a slightly different "skin" on it (this is true in almost every industry, BTW). I'd never heard of them and was a diehard Singer user ever since learning on my great-grandmother's 1950s Singer 301, until I went shopping for a serger and something that did a zigzag stitch a long time ago, and discovered that the friend's machine that I loved (A Kenmore from Sears) was a 20-year-old Janome. The steel frame matters a lot (the other popular brand at this price point doesn't have that), as does Janome not calling something "Heavy Duty" when it's really not (looking at you, famous grey machine). People who are struggling with this probably are using cheap thread or the wrong needle, btw. It matters a lot. When we had to solve a slight emergency I was skeptical that this machine at this price point was "really a true Janome" (used to be, heavy steel-framed machines weren't on Amazon because of the shipping cost) but wow is it ever! I did spend a few hours looking through YouTube reviews (ones that aren't compensated to pretend to try several and have the Singer HD "win"), and there were rave reviews of this little guy (including the fact that it goes through 10 layers of denim, like so-called HD machines -- it's motor is equally powerful, Janome just has higher standards for using the HD label). I considered getting a higher end one (I'm a buy-it-for-lifer) but the immediate problem was a kid needing to sew a costume for an event 48 hours later, with minimal lessons from me because I was up against a work deadline at the same time, and the YouTube videos for getting started with this machine are especially good. IE I needed the kid to learn it themselves, and if a problem arose I needed to be able to jump in and solve it despite not being familiar with this machine. This passed that test with flying colors: The kiddo (who hadn't even sewn before) watched the YouTube videos, got the machine threaded, and started sewing with just one brief check-in from me. The book and another YouTube were sufficient for us both to dive into a sewing technique neither of us had done before (applique), again with maybe 5 minutes attention from me. Twice the machine sort of "jammed" (where the thread tension was so tight it wouldn't go), which isn't a machine thing it had to do with user errors. Importantly, it was easily resolvable with the usual "tug lightly while turning the hand crank). Crucially, this machine has a metal bobbin case: you'd be surprised how much that matters. The finished project is pristine: very straight stitches, and -- SO IMPORTANT -- a kiddo who now feels that sewing is easy and awesome!! This is the same kid who has been resistant to learning to sew for 6 years after a run-in with my antique Singer. I'm now officially changing the family tradition from learning on the 1950s Singer 301, to learning on one of these! THE ONE THING that really, really, really, really bugs me is the color. It's way brighter in person, so to me it looks really cheap, it's an eyesore in a tidy sewing space, and the color "fights" with the color of what I'm sewing. If I had to repurchase I'd bump up one notch to the 212 that comes in white (and has feed dogs which drop), or a couple notches to the Babylock Joy (which is made by Janome). Another useful bonus of all these similar machines having Janome as an OEM: Lots of interchangeable parts and accessories, and knowledge. Being similar to the 212 and the Babylock Joy means local repair shops know this machine and can repair it. If you start to look, you'll notice lots of machines that are some variant on this same machine, under several brands, so if you watch a YouTube by someone using that machine it'll be really similar to do the same thing on this one.

For something marketed as a beginner sewing machine I was not expecting this quality. It is very fast, quiet, and easy to use. We now have two of these the purple one and the turquoise one. It doesn't have 300 stitches but for clothing making you don't need those anyway. It has more than enough stitch types and adjustability for making most things if you are not needing fancy top stitching. I highly recommend this machine, it has a metal frame so it will last longer than the plastic cheaper machines.

I've been sewing since I was 14 years old, and today I'm 60. This machine is for everyone, not just beginners. This is a very enjoyable review to write. I have already bought four of these machines. I gave two as gifts and two were for myself. The green one I bought was called "Crystal" and now I bought this lilac one on Amazon. I gave two to my two daughter in law who love this machine. Let's talk about them now: Excellent brand: Janome, easy to use, lightweight to carry, small but large enough not to be completely flimsy, strong enough to sew jeans. Yes, on my Facebook I have a video sewing several layers of jeans ( use neddle 16 or 18)and I will also post a video here. The colors are beautiful, which helps to make the studio a more colorful and creative place, thank you Janome, we have enought white boring machines, it doesn't take up much space on the table, and it's easy to store. Some buyers complain that it's not quiet, I consider it okay, I also disassembled it and lubricated it as I do with my other machines and this helps a lot to make the machines smoother and quieter. So lubricate yours without fear of being happy, even if the manual doesn't say it's necessary. I only found the thread cutter on my fourth purchase. I thought it didn't have one, but yes, it does have a thread cutter, in addition to the zigzag stitch. Today I can say that I put away my Juki TL 2010 Q because this little Janome is capable of doing all the work I do on the Juki and I can still use the zigzag stitch. I would love can have one each colour, was not easy choose one, would love have a pink and blue one, maybe i buy to give for my granddaugther… Amazin machines

After having and using this machine for a little over a month - I'm thoroughly impressed. While in some ways you 'get what you pay for,' this machine does live up to the Janome name without price gauging you into sewing serfdom. Solid machine - simple stitches, and light enough to carry anywhere. This machine is certainly marketed to and best for beginners or hobby seamsters and seamstresses looking to get a quality machine that will meet their needs without all of the bells and whistles. After owning a Singer for many years - and never using any of the digital features, this machine was everything I needed. The fact that it comes in a variety of whimsical colors was an added bonus. Purchased the blue and I have a good smile every time I get it out of its case for a project. Professional or seasoned sewers might judge, but I won't. Just a quick FYI: those wishing to purchase a case for this machine can be assured this machine will fit the standard white, Singer carrying case. For added protection - I place the machine back into the styrofoam encasement it arrived in initially. Fits like a glove, no worries about it sliding around in the case if I'm walking with it anywhere or shoving it back into the closet when I'm done. If you have a young one interested in sewing, a beginner, of any age, or hobby sewer in your life looking for a sewing machine - this visually appealing and solid machine would make a great gift.

Wonderful machine. Works well. Love the color. Stitches are nice. Very loud

It's easy to use and features a charming cat theme. The machine is sturdy yet lighter than expected, which I love.

Great quality, has most-used everyday stitches. Good for beginners as well as experienced seamstresses. Great machine at a great price.

I purchased this machine for teaching sewing classes, and unfortunately it did not perform well. The machine frequently jams, stops while sewing, and struggles to maintain consistent stitches. Even with proper threading and simple fabrics, it required constant restarting and adjustments. This caused interruptions during class and made it difficult for beginners to learn. While the design is cute, the performance is not reliable enough for regular or classroom use. I ended up returning the machine.