Janome 2212: 12 Stitch FullSize Freearm Sewing Machine, 860SPM & FREE BONUS PACKAGE: Full Review

The Janome 2212 is a basic, mechanical sewing machine aimed at beginners and hobby sewists looking for an affordable and user-friendly model. This lightweight machine offers 12 built-in stitches including a 4-step buttonhole, making it suitable for simple sewing and mending projects.

With a top speed of 860 stitches per minute, the Janome 2212 sews faster than many machines in its class. It features a free arm for sewing sleeves and pant legs and has reverse stitch capability for reinforcing seams. The machine comes with 3 snap-on presser feet for basic sewing needs.

Overall, the Janome 2212 provides good value given its low price point and is a good choice for someone wanting to learn sewing without investing in a more expensive computerized machine. Its simplicity makes it straightforward to operate while still offering enough features for basic garment construction and home decor projects.

Specifications

The Janome 2212 is a basic, mechanical sewing machine that offers 12 built-in stitches including a 4-step buttonhole. It has a maximum sewing speed of 860 stitches per minute, making it suitable for both beginning and more advanced sewers.

Some key specifications of the Janome 2212 include:

• 12 built-in stitches: straight, zigzag, buttonhole (4-step), blind hem, stretch stitches, and decorative stitches
• Maximum stitch width 5mm
• Maximum stitch length 4mm
• Free arm for sewing sleeves and pant legs
• Top loading bobbin
• Automatic bobbin winding
• Built-in thread cutter
• Reverse lever for reinforcement stitching
• Manual thread tension control
• Mechanical foot pressure adjustment
• Drop feed for free motion sewing and embroidery

The free arm allows easy access for sewing cylindrical pieces like pant legs and sleeves. The top loading bobbin makes it simple to insert the bobbin thread. Overall, the Janome 2212 offers essential features for basic sewing and garment construction.

Ease of Use

The Janome 2212 is very easy to use, even for beginners. The buttons and dials are clearly labeled and intuitive. There is a start/stop button, reverse button, speed control slider, stitch width and length dials, and a dial for selecting the stitch.

Threading the 2212 is effortless with the built-in needle threader. Just follow the threading guides, lower the lever and the needle is threaded for you. There is no second guessing if the threading is correct. The bobbin can be wound without unthreading the machine. Winding is smooth and consistent. Inserting the bobbin is easy with the top loading design and clear markings.

Overall, the simplicity of the controls, intuitive layout, and features like the needle threader make the 2212 extremely user-friendly for sewers of any experience level. Everything is well-labeled and easy to understand. You'll be up and sewing quickly without frustration.

Stitch Quality

The Janome 2212 sewing machine delivers excellent stitch quality across a variety of stitch types. One of the most important stitches for garment sewing is a strong, even straight stitch. The Janome 2212 excels at straight stitching, producing uniform stitches without skipping or bunching even at high speeds.

Zigzag stitching is versatile for finishing seam allowances, sewing on appliques, and adding decorative details. The 2212 handles zigzag stitches smoothly and precisely. The stitch width is adjustable up to 7mm wide.

For fast and professional buttonholes, the Janome 2212 includes a one-step buttonhole function. Simply mark the buttonhole placement, lower the buttonhole lever, and the machine will stitch the buttonhole automatically. The buttonholes are evenly dense with no gaps. The machine can make buttonholes up to 54mm long for larger buttons.

Overall, the stitch quality of the Janome 2212 meets or exceeds the standards of more expensive machines. For the price, it's impressive to find such consistency and precision across all the built-in stitches. Even at high speeds, the stitches come out perfectly balanced.

Special Features

The Janome 2212 sewing machine comes with some nice special features that make it stand out from other basic sewing machines in this price range.

One handy feature is the free arm, which allows you to easily sew tubular areas like pant hems and sleeve cuffs. To access the free arm, you simply remove the flat bed attachment, exposing the free arm for circular sewing. This makes projects like hemming pants or sewing sleeves much easier.

Another useful feature is the drop feed dogs, which can be easily lowered with a lever when you need to do free-motion sewing or darning. With the feed dogs lowered, you have full control over the fabric movement rather than relying on the machine to feed it through. This allows techniques like free-motion embroidery where you manually move the fabric. When you're done, just raise the feed dogs again for regular sewing.

Having these conveniences like the free arm and drop feed on the Janome 2212 make it more versatile for different types of sewing projects. You're not limited only to basic straight stitching.

Accessories

The Janome 2212 sewing machine comes with a good selection of accessories out of the box. Here's an overview of what's included:

Feet

The machine includes 4 snap-on presser feet:

• Zigzag foot - For general sewing with built-in stitches
• Buttonhole foot - For making buttonholes
• Zipper foot - For inserting zippers and other close-to-edge stitching
• Blind hem foot - For invisible hems

Having multiple presser feet allows you to tackle different sewing tasks without needing to purchase additional accessories right away. The feet snap on and off easily.

Needles

A pack of 3 Janome Blue Tip needles is included. The needles are sharp and seem to be good quality.

Bobbins

4 plastic bobbins are provided with the machine. The bobbins are easy to insert and remove from the top loading bobbin area.

Overall, the included accessories provide everything you need to get started sewing right out of the box. The variety of presser feet is a nice bonus not always found on lower-priced sewing machines.

Noise Level

The Janome 2212 operates at a low noise level, making it a great option for sewing in small spaces or apartments. The machine runs quietly enough that you can carry on a conversation or watch TV while sewing without having to raise your voice.

While not completely silent, the 2212 produces a soft hum rather than loud mechanical clanking. The volume stays consistent whether sewing at low or high speeds. Even at the machine's top speed of 860 stitches per minute, the noise is not bothersome.

Some reviewers have measured the decibel level at around 75 dB, which is quieter than your average vacuum cleaner. The low noise allows you to sew anytime without disturbing others. If you want an affordable machine for sewing after the kids go to bed or without cranking up your headphones, the reasonably quiet operation of the Janome 2212 fits the bill.

Maintenance

The Janome 2212 is a very low maintenance machine. It just needs to be kept clean and properly oiled.

To keep the machine clean, wipe off any lint or stray threads with a soft cloth after each use. Also use the included lint brush to clean the bobbin area. Over time, dust and thread fibers can build up inside the machine, so occasionally use a small vacuum crevice tool to suck up any debris.

Oiling is also simple on this model. Just put a drop of sewing machine oil on the points indicated in the manual. This includes oiling the hook race and shaft every few bobbins. The manual recommends oiling every 3-5 bobbins. But even oiling every 10-15 bobbins is sufficient for home sewers. The machine will remind you when it needs oil via an indicator light.

With just occasional wiping, brushing and oiling, the Janome 2212 will run smoothly for many trouble-free years. It's a very low maintenance machine, perfect for beginners who don't want to fuss with complicated upkeep.

Warranty

The Janome 2212 comes with a 25 year limited warranty, which is outstanding for a sewing machine in this price range. Most entry-level and mid-range machines typically only include a 1-5 year warranty.

The 25 year warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for the entire machine except for belts, bulbs, and other normal wear parts which are covered for 5 years. To be eligible, you need to provide proof of purchase from an authorized Janome retailer. Janome will provide free repair of any defects, or replace defective parts at their discretion during the warranty period.

This long warranty really adds great value, giving you peace of mind that the 2212 is built to last. Janome clearly stands behind the quality and reliability of this model by offering such generous coverage in case issues arise down the road. Knowing you have decades of warranty protection helps take the risk out of buying the machine.

Conclusion

Overall, the Janome 2212 is a great option for beginner and intermediate sewers looking for an affordable, lightweight, and easy to use sewing machine.

Some of the key pros of this model are:

• Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable
• 12 built-in stitches cover all the basics for clothing construction
• Top loading bobbin and easy thread path for hassle-free threading
• Free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves
• Comes with a hard carrying case, extra needles and bobbins

Some potential downsides to consider:

• Limited stitch selection compared to more advanced machines
• No automatic buttonhole function
• Not suitable for heavy duty projects like thick denim or canvas
• Noise level can be disruptive for some users

Overall, the Janome 2212 delivers excellent stitch quality and ease of use at a very wallet-friendly price point. Its simplicity and lightweight design make it a great choice as a first sewing machine or for travel. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models, it provides everything needed for basic garment construction and mending tasks.