Janome 2212: Front-Loading Sewing Machine with 12 Built-In Stitches: Full Review

The Janome 2212 is a basic, mechanical sewing machine aimed at beginners and casual sewers. As an entry-level model, it lacks some of the features found on more advanced machines but provides a solid set of essentials at an affordable price point.

This front-loading machine weighs under 15 pounds, making it fairly portable to transport. The overall build feels sturdy and durable. Janome is a leading brand, so customers can expect decent quality from this budget-friendly machine.

With just 12 built-in stitches, the Janome 2212 offers basic utility stitches for sewing most types of fabrics. It's best suited for light sewing projects like clothing construction and alterations, crafts, home decor items, and simple mending jobs. The machine lacks specialty stitches but provides the core stitches needed for basic sewing tasks.

Design & Build Quality

The Janome 2212 is a compact and lightweight sewing machine, making it easy to store and transport. It measures 15.5 x 6.5 x 11.5 inches and weighs only 11.4 pounds. Despite its small size, the machine has an all-metal interior frame and exterior finish for durability.

The sewing machine body is made of high-quality plastic with a smooth matte finish. All the dials and levers are also plastic but feel sturdy. The machine sits on four rubber feet to prevent it from moving around.

Overall, the Janome 2212 has a simple and streamlined design. While it lacks some finesse in the build quality compared to more expensive machines, it feels reliable for regular use. The compact plastic body keeps the machine lightweight without compromising too much on sturdiness.

Ease of Use

The Janome 2212 is very easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The controls are straightforward and intuitive. There is a simple dial for selecting stitches and adjusting stitch width and length. An easy-to-read chart next to the dial shows the stitch options and recommended settings. The machine has a top loading bobbin that is effortless to insert and remove.

Threading the 2212 is uncomplicated with easy-to-follow guides printed right on the machine. There is a built-in needle threader that does most of the work for you. The bobbin can be threaded quickly by following the diagram next to the bobbin winder spindle. The machine comes with clearly labeled buttons for basic functions like start/stop, reverse, and needle up/down.

Overall, the Janome 2212 couldn't be much simpler to use straight out of the box. The well-marked controls and easy threading allow you to start sewing projects right away without frustration. This user-friendly design makes the 2212 a great choice for beginners who want a machine that won't require diving into a thick instruction manual to start sewing.

For those seeking a more robust model, consider the Janome HD5000: Heavy Duty Sewing Machine. This machine is designed for heavy-duty tasks and includes a powerful motor and enhanced durability features, making it ideal for handling thicker fabrics and more extensive sewing projects. It provides a reliable and sturdy option for more experienced users who require a machine capable of managing intensive use.

Stitches & Functions

The Janome 2212 comes with 12 built-in stitches, including a 4-step buttonhole. The stitches are selected using a simple dial on the front of the machine. The stitches include:

• Straight stitch
• Zig zag
• Blind hem
• Decorative stitches
• 4-step buttonhole

The variety of stitches covers all the basics needed for garment sewing, quilting, crafts, and home decor projects. The 4-step buttonhole is convenient for adding buttonholes to clothing and craft projects. While advanced sewers may want more stitch options, the 12 built-in stitches are sufficient for most basic sewing needs.

The Janome 2212 does not have any specialty stitches like overcasting, stretch, or satin stitches. However, the zig zag stitch can be used for finishing raw edges on fabrics. Overall, this is a simple, no-frills machine focused on providing reliable performance for basic stitching tasks.

For those looking for another excellent option, consider the Janome Arctic Crystal: Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine with Interior Metal Frame. This machine features an interior metal frame for added durability and is designed to be user-friendly. It's perfect for beginners and offers a range of functionalities that make sewing a breeze. The Janome Arctic Crystal is not only practical but also incredibly reliable, making it an excellent addition to any sewing enthusiast’s collection.

Speed

The Janome 2212 has a maximum sewing speed of 860 stitches per minute, which is pretty standard for a basic home sewing machine. This moderate speed allows you to sew smoothly without feeling like the machine is moving too fast. It's a good speed for beginners who are still getting comfortable with sewing machine operation, as well as more experienced sewers working on everyday projects.

The speed is controlled by a foot pedal, so you can easily adjust it while sewing without taking your hands off your project. Lower speeds are better for precise work like topstitching or sewing delicate fabrics, while higher speeds can be used for long seams in sturdy fabrics. Overall, the 860 spm on the Janome 2212 offers a versatile range of sewing speeds suitable for most types of projects and skill levels.

Adjustable Settings

The Janome 2212 comes with several adjustable settings that allow you to customize your sewing.

Stitch Length and Width

You can easily adjust the stitch length from 0-4mm and the stitch width from 0-7mm using the top dial. This makes it simple to set the ideal stitch size for different fabrics and techniques. The markings are clear and the dial is responsive.

Thread Tension

A consistent thread tension leads to quality stitching. The 2212 has a manual thread tension control dial, allowing you to adjust the tension of the upper thread from 1-9. Start around 4 or 5 for balanced tension and adjust as needed for smooth, even stitches.

Presser Foot Pressure

The presser foot pressure of the 2212 is adjustable, which is useful when sewing thick or thin fabrics. Increase the pressure for heavyweight fabrics, or decrease for lightweight fabrics so the foot doesn't push them down too much. The presser foot lift is also higher than typical for easily maneuvering fabrics.

Accessories

The Janome 2212 comes with several handy accessories right out of the box. Here's an overview of what's included:

• 4 Snap-on presser feet - The Janome 2212 includes a zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and blind stitch foot. Having multiple presser feet allows you to tackle different sewing projects without needing to purchase additional accessories.

• 3 Bobbins - The machine includes 3 bobbins right away so you can get sewing. The bobbins are top loading and easy to insert.

• Needle set - A pack of needles in various sizes is included so you can switch needle types for different fabrics.

• Screwdriver - A screwdriver is provided for tightening or adjusting machine parts if needed.

• Extra spool pin - An additional spool pin is included to allow twin needle sewing or using multiple spools of thread.

• Lint brush - A handy lint brush is included to keep the bobbin area clean and free of lint and threads.

• Seam ripper - The seam ripper helps remove stitches easily if any mistakes are made.

• Instructional DVD - A DVD is provided that demonstrates how to thread the machine, wind bobbins, change feet and needles, and more.

The included accessories provide everything you need to get started sewing right away without needing to buy additional parts or tools. The Janome 2212 is a nicely equipped machine for the price.

Warranty

The Janome 2212 sewing machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This is an exceptionally long warranty compared to most other entry-level sewing machines.

The 25-year warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover normal wear and tear, improper use, or damage from improper maintenance, storage, or care.

The warranty only applies to the original owner and is not transferable. Proof of purchase is required to make a warranty claim.

Overall, the 25-year warranty provides great peace of mind that the Janome 2212 is a high-quality and durable machine. Most issues from defects will appear within the first few years, so this warranty indicates that Janome stands behind their product for the long haul.

Pros & Cons

The Janome 2212 sewing machine has several pros that make it a good value for beginner and intermediate sewers. Here are some of the main positives:

User-Friendly Design: The Janome 2212 has a simple, intuitive layout with easy-to-use dials, making it straightforward to select stitches and adjust settings. The manual threading system is easy to use.

Good for Basic Projects: With 12 built-in stitches, including a 4-step buttonhole, the 2212 handles basic sewing tasks well. The top load bobbin is simple to insert.

Adjustable Stitch Length & Width: You can customize stitch length and width for versatility on different fabrics. The free arm helps with hemming and sewing cuffs.

Reliable Performance: Many reviewers mention the Janome 2212 sews smoothly and provides consistent stitch quality even at high speeds up to 860 stitches per minute.

Quiet Operation: The Janome 2212 runs quietly, making it good for sewing without disturbing others. Vibration is minimal.

Warranty: It comes with a 25-year limited warranty, which provides peace of mind.

However, there are some downsides to consider:

Limited Stitch Selection: With only 12 built-in stitches, creative options are constrained. An automatic buttonhole would be useful.

No Speed Control: The foot pedal only provides full speed on/off control. A speed limiter would help for precision work.

Basic Accessories: Accessories are limited to the key essentials. Additional presser feet for tasks like zipper insertion must be purchased separately.

No Automatic Needle Threader: It lacks an automatic needle threading function, requiring manual threading.

Overall, the Janome 2212 is ideal for beginners and basic projects. More advanced sewers may want additional features and stitches. But for an affordable, entry-level machine, it delivers reliable performance.

Conclusion

For a basic, affordable sewing machine, the Janome 2212 is a solid choice. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, yet it still includes handy features like a free arm, drop feed dog, and reverse stitch lever. The 12 built-in stitches cover the basics for garment sewing, quilting, and home decor projects. While the stitch selection is limited compared to computerized machines, it includes the most common stitches a beginner would need.

The Janome 2212 earns praise for its ease of use. Threading the needle is simple with easy-to-follow guides and diagrams. The top-loading bobbin also makes changing thread quick and hassle-free. The machine runs smoothly and quietly even at high speeds up to 860 SPM. Users mention the manual dial makes it easy to adjust stitch length and width on the fly.

Overall, this is an excellent entry-level sewing machine for beginners and casual sewers looking for good value. It's intuitive and reliable for basic projects using wovens and thin knits. The lack of bells and whistles keeps it affordable without skimping on quality. For those seeking more decorative stitches or specialty functions like an automatic needle threader, it may make sense to upgrade. But the Janome 2212 covers all the basics for sewing and light mending at home. Its simplicity is appreciated by those who just want an uncomplicated, user-friendly machine.