Janome 712T: Treadle Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Janome 712T is a classic treadle sewing machine that combines vintage style with modern convenience. This machine features a cast iron body and sturdy wood cabinet, reminiscent of sewing machines from the early 1900s. However, it has updated capabilities that make it suitable for a wide range of sewing projects today.

The Janome 712T is a manual sewing machine, meaning it is powered by a treadle rather than electricity. The user pumps the treadle with their foot to drive the inner mechanisms. This makes the 712T a good option for sewing in areas without electricity, or for those who enjoy the nostalgia of treadle sewing. At the same time, it includes 12 built-in stitches and a four-step buttonhole for tackling most sewing tasks.

Overall, the Janome 712T offers the charm and quality of an old-fashioned treadle machine blended with helpful stitches and features to expand its usefulness. This versatile machine allows sewers to get the experience of treadle sewing while still having options to finish modern projects.

Appearance and Design

The Janome 712T is a manual treadle sewing machine with a classic vintage look. It has an all metal construction in a black finish with gold accents, giving it an elegant old-fashioned appearance.

The machine itself measures about 15.5 x 7.5 x 11.5 inches, so it has a relatively compact footprint. However, the large removable oak treadle table expands the full dimensions to approximately 20 x 27 x 58 inches. This solid wood treadle stand has decorative carvings and scrollwork, complementing the antique styling of the machine.

With its black and gold color scheme, ornamental details, and oak stand, the Janome 712T has a distinctive retro aesthetic. This is a beautiful machine that looks like it came straight out of the early 20th century. The charming vintage visual design is part of the appeal of treadle sewing compared to modern electric machines.

Features

The Janome 712T is packed with features that make sewing easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the key features:

• 12 built-in stitches including straight stitch, zig zag, blind hem, stretch stitch, and buttonhole stitch
• Top loading full rotary hook bobbin for quick and easy bobbin changes
• Free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves
• Automatic needle threader for effortless threading
• One-step convertible free arm and flat bed
• Heavy duty metal interior components and stainless steel bedplate
• Built-in thread cutter
• Stitch length and width adjustment for versatility
• Reverse sewing lever for strengthening seams
• Extra high presser foot lift for bulky fabrics
• Removable extension table for extra work space
• On board storage for accessories
• LED light to illuminate the sewing area
• Handwheel for slow, precise control when needed

With its range of stitches, convenient features, and thoughtful design, the 712T provides everything you need for most sewing projects. The well-chosen features make sewing and mending faster and easier.

Ease of Use

The Janome 712T is designed to be very intuitive and easy to operate. The stitch length and width dials are conveniently located on the front of the machine, making adjustments simple and quick. The treadle pedal provides smooth speed control, allowing you to easily maintain a steady sewing pace.

One of the standout features for ease of use is the reverse stitch lever. With just a flick of your finger, you can easily reverse stitch without removing your foot from the treadle or your hands from your work. This makes securing stitches and pivoting corners much less cumbersome compared to old-fashioned treadle machines.

Threading the 712T is straightforward with easy to follow guides printed right on the machine. There is also a built-in thread cutter, so you don't need scissors close by. The extension table provides a generous work surface, allowing ample room for managing your fabric and projects.

Overall, Janome designed the 712T for maximum usability and comfort. The intuitive controls, treadle pedal, and handy features like the reverse stitch lever make sewing on this machine a breeze. Even users new to treadle sewing will find this model easy to operate right from the start.

Stitch Quality

The Janome 712T produces excellent stitch quality right out of the box. It has a stitch length range of 0-4mm which allows you to sew both lightweight and heavier fabrics. The stitch width is adjustable up to 5mm for basic stitches like straight stitch and zigzag.

I tested the machine on multiple fabric types like denim, cotton, and linen using different stitch settings. The stitch formation was consistent without any skipping or bunching on all fabrics. Both the straight and zigzag stitches were smooth and even at low and high speed. The triple stretch stitch performed well on knits without tunneling or gaps between stitches.

The feed dogs provide great control when sewing, keeping the fabric moving at a consistent pace for uniform stitches. I didn't have any issues with uneven feeding on any materials. The needle up/down control also helps get perfectly aligned stitches when pivoting or turning corners.

Overall, the stitch quality rivals more expensive machines. Beginners will get professional looking results right away with the default settings. More advanced sewers will appreciate the ability to fine-tune stitch length and width for their projects.

Treadle Mechanism

The Janome 712T uses a treadle mechanism to power the sewing machine. This means that instead of using electricity, you power the machine by pumping the treadle with your foot. The treadle is connected to a large handwheel under the machine, which converts the up-and-down motion into rotational motion to drive the inner mechanisms.

Pumping the treadle smoothly powers the needle up and down to stitch fabric. It takes some practice to coordinate the treadle motion with guiding the fabric, but the treadle offers a satisfying, low-tech way to sew. The treadle drive is quite robust and designed for continuous use. It provides plenty of power for sewing multiple layers of fabric without straining. Overall, the treadle mechanism works well and makes this a unique, eco-friendly sewing machine that doesn't require batteries or electricity.

Accessories

The Janome 712T comes with several useful accessories right out of the box. It includes a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, a pack of needles, two screwdrivers, an oil bottle and brush, a seam ripper, and bobbins.

The zipper foot makes installing zippers much easier by holding the zipper teeth in place. The buttonhole foot creates consistent buttonholes for shirts and jackets. The needles are sharp and designed for general sewing in various fabrics. The screwdrivers help with machine maintenance and adjustments. The oil bottle and brush keep the inner mechanisms lubricated. The seam ripper quickly removes stitches to correct mistakes. And the bobbins hold the bottom thread neatly underneath the fabric.

Overall, the accessory kit provides all the key tools needed for basic sewing and garment construction. Janome covers the basics well, offering the home sewer useful accessories without going overboard. Everything is neatly organized in a plastic case for convenience. While advanced sewers may want specialty presser feet, the included set is ample for most projects a beginning or intermediate sewer may tackle. Janome manages to keep costs down by focusing on just the essential accessories rather than including every possible foot and attachment.

Maintenance

The Janome 712T is a mechanical sewing machine, so it requires more maintenance than a computerized machine. Proper cleaning and oiling is important to keep the 712T running smoothly.

• Cleaning - It's a good idea to wipe down the exterior of the machine regularly with a soft cloth to remove any dust or lint buildup. Use a small brush to remove lint and threads from inside the bobbin area.

• Oiling - The 712T needs to be oiled about once a month to lubricate the moving parts. Use only sewing machine oil, and follow the oiling instructions in the manual. Oil the parts indicated, such as the shuttle race, feed dogs, and other internal components accessed by removing covers. Avoid over-oiling.

• Servicing - The 712T should be serviced by a professional sewing machine repair technician once a year. The technician will thoroughly clean and lubricate the internal mechanisms, replace any worn parts, adjust timing and tensions, and ensure the machine is in good working order. Home servicing is not recommended.

Regular cleaning, proper oiling, and annual servicing will help keep the Janome 712T running smoothly for many years. Paying attention to maintenance is especially important for a treadle sewing machine like this.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Classic vintage design with modern functionality
• Sturdy cast iron construction built to last
• Treadle mechanism provides power without electricity
• Large extension table for sewing large projects
• Comes with multiple presser feet for versatile sewing
• Easy to use stitch length and reverse levers
• Produces consistent, high-quality stitches
• Low maintenance and easy to oil

Cons

• Treadle can take some practice to get used to
• Limited stitch options compared to computerized machines
• Not portable due to heavy cast iron body
• No automatic thread cutter
• Manual threading can be tricky
• No built-in sewing light

Conclusion

The Janome 712T is a unique and charming treadle sewing machine that blends vintage style with modern convenience. Its full metal construction and treadle mechanism make it an attractive decorator piece, while the 12 built-in stitches, 4 step buttonhole, and top loading bobbin add versatility for sewing projects.

The machine is very easy to use, even for beginners. The stitch selector dial makes choosing stitches straightforward, and the manual thread tension dial allows full control. While the treadle takes some getting used to, it enables sewing without electricity. The machine sews smoothly at both low and high speeds.

Overall, the Janome 712T offers an excellent sewing experience with nice stitch quality. As a manual treadle machine, it requires more physical effort than electric models, making it better suited for smaller projects. The accessories are sufficient and the machine seems durable and low maintenance.

For those seeking a classic treadle sewing machine with modern capabilities, the Janome 712T is a great choice. The combination of vintage design and useful features makes it a good machine for beginners or occasional sewing. More advanced sewers may desire a machine with more stitch options, specialty feet, and electric power. However, the 712T delivers on its intended purpose wonderfully. Its charming style and quality performance make it a machine worth considering.