Janome JW8100: Fully-Featured Computerized Sewing Machine with 100 Stitches: Full Review

The Janome JW8100 is a computerized sewing machine manufactured by Janome, a leading brand in sewing machines. Janome has been making sewing machines since 1921 and is known for producing high-quality and user-friendly machines.

The JW8100 is a feature-packed sewing machine that offers 100 built-in stitches including 7 one-step buttonholes. It has a hard cover to protect the machine when not in use along with an extension table to provide a larger sewing surface. This is a versatile sewing machine suitable for sewists of all skill levels looking for advanced features and performance.

Features

The Janome JW8100 is packed with features, making it a versatile sewing machine for beginners and more advanced sewers.

It comes with 100 built-in stitches, including 7 one-step buttonhole styles. The stitches are clearly labeled and easy to select using the stitch selection dial.

Some of the utility stitches include straight stitch, zig zag, blind hem, stretch stitches, and decorative stitches for applique work and embellishing projects. The machine also includes an automatic needle threader, making threading the needle quick and simple.

The JW8100 comes with several included accessories: a hard cover, seam ripper, bobbins, needle set, spool holders, spool pin felt, buttonhole opener, screwdriver, lint brush, quilting guide, and extension table. These accessories provide everything you need to get started sewing right out of the box.

With its included stitches, buttonholes, and accessories, the Janome JW8100 is feature-rich for both basic and more advanced sewing and mending tasks. The variety of stitches and ample accessories make this a versatile machine.

For those seeking a more robust option, the Janome HD5000: Heavy Duty Sewing Machine offers superior durability and power. Ideal for heavy fabrics and extensive sewing projects, this machine boasts a powerful motor and solid construction to handle demanding sewing tasks. It also features an array of stitches, an automatic needle threader, and various accessories to support a wide range of sewing needs.

Ease of Use

The Janome JW8100 is designed to be extremely user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners and more experienced sewists alike. It has an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate even if you've never used a computerized machine before.

Threading the JW8100 is a breeze with easy to follow guides printed right on the machine. It also has a built-in needle threader that does the tricky threading for you with just the push of a button. The top-loading bobbin is jam proof and very simple to insert correctly.

Overall, the machine is engineered to be easy and intuitive to use. Everything is clearly labeled, and the buttons and dials are conveniently located. Janome understands that sewing is creative and fun, not frustrating. The JW8100 allows you to simply turn it on and start sewing without a steep learning curve.

For those who require a sturdy and durable machine, consider the Janome HD1000BE HD1000 Black Edition: All Metal Body Sewing Machine. This model features an all-metal body, ensuring longevity and reliability. Its rugged construction is complemented by practical features, making it suitable for heavy-duty sewing projects and everyday use. The HD1000BE is a testament to Janome's commitment to quality and performance, making it a solid choice for any sewing enthusiast.

Performance

The Janome JW8100 is a powerful, high-speed sewing machine that delivers excellent stitch quality. It has a maximum sewing speed of 1000 stitches per minute, allowing you to complete projects quickly. The 160 watt motor provides ample power to sew through multiple layers of fabric with ease.

Stitch quality is superb with the JW8100. It uses Janome's exclusive box feed technology that provides superior feeding power for smooth, even fabric feeding. This results in neat, consistent stitching on all types of fabrics, from sheer chiffons to heavy canvas. The box feed system prevents fabric from slipping or puckering.

The machine glides effortlessly over seams thanks to the 9mm stitch width and 4mm stitch length that ensures balanced stitches. The extra high presser foot lift is ideal for bulky fabrics. Overall, the performance of the JW8100 is impressive and suitable for sewists of all levels.

Design and Build Quality

The Janome JW8100 is a solidly constructed sewing machine made with quality materials. The outer casing is made of sturdy plastic that feels durable and made to last. Despite being mostly plastic, the machine has some nice metal accents and interior parts that add to the sense of quality.

Operation of the machine is smooth and fluid thanks to the precision parts inside. The hand wheel turns effortlessly to raise and lower the needle, and all mechanisms for selecting stitches, adjusting settings, and more have a nicely machined feel. The buttons have a satisfying click, dials turn smoothly, and levers slide into position with ease.

The internal components also appear well-made. The metal needle plate has finely finished slots to guide fabric. The bobbin and feed dog mechanisms are sturdy metal and engage smoothly. The motor that powers everything runs relatively quietly and without vibration.

Overall, the Janome JW8100 has a very solid feel and seems constructed to provide many years of reliable service. While it may not have the heft of an all-metal vintage machine, the materials used don't detract from the sense that this is a quality product made to Janome's high standards. Any sewist should feel confident in its sturdy build and smooth operation.

Warranty

The Janome JW8100 comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This covers the sewing machine head, which includes the motor, electrical components, etc.

The warranty is 25 years from the date of purchase for mechanical issues and defects. Electrical parts and printed circuit boards are covered for 5 years from purchase date. Light bulbs, belts, needles, and other normal wear parts are not covered by the warranty.

To be eligible, the machine must be registered within 30 days of purchase. The warranty only applies to the original owner and is not transferable. Proof of purchase is required for any warranty claims.

The warranty covers repair or replacement of defective parts. Janome will cover return shipping if the repair is covered under warranty. The customer is responsible for getting the machine to an authorized Janome dealer or service center for assessment.

Overall, the 25-year warranty provides peace of mind that the sewing machine is built to last. Janome stands behind their products and the warranty coverage reflects the quality and durability expected from the brand.

Pricing

The Janome JW8100 sewing machine has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $799. However, it can typically be found selling for $599 at most major retailers. This puts it solidly in the mid-range price point for computerized sewing machines aimed at advanced home sewists.

When you consider the number of built-in stitches (100), the automatic buttonhole feature (7 one-step buttonholes), and convenient extras like the hard cover and extension table, the JW8100 represents very good value for money. While cheaper computerized machines exist, they usually compromise on features and versatility. Similarly, more expensive machines may offer additional capabilities, but the JW8100 hits a sweet spot for most home sewists looking for professional results without breaking the bank.

For sewists seeking an accessible computerized machine packed with utility stitches, specialty stitches, and convenient extras like an extension table, the Janome JW8100 offers excellent value at the $599 retail price point. The abundance of features and performance capabilities makes it comparable to machines costing several hundred dollars more.

Pros

• The Janome JW8100 is feature-rich for the price, offering 100 built-in stitches including 7 one-step buttonholes. This gives you plenty of options for decorative and utility sewing.

• It has a sturdy metal interior frame and all-metal working parts that can handle heavy projects. The machine sews smoothly and quietly even at high speeds up to 1000 stitches per minute.

• Computerized features make it easy to select stitches and adjust settings. You can save custom stitches to memory and access them quickly. The LCD screen displays key information.

• Extras like the hard cover, built-in needle threader, drop feed for free motion quilting, and extension table increase the machine's versatility.

• Janome is known for quality and the JW8100 comes with a 25-year limited warranty, which is outstanding for a machine in this price range.

Cons

While the Janome JW8100 offers many great features, it does have some drawbacks to consider:

• The bobbin winding system can be tricky to use. Some users report frustration with getting the bobbin wound evenly and properly. It may take some practice to master this aspect.

• The included accessories are fairly basic. You may need to purchase additional presser feet or accessories for certain techniques like quilting, zipper insertion or embroidery.

• The instruction manual is not very detailed. It provides basic usage information but lacks troubleshooting tips. Some users recommend watching online tutorial videos to better understand all the features.

• A few users mention issues with thread jamming at higher sewing speeds. This appears to be rare but indicates the machine may not handle thick fabrics or threads as smoothly as more heavy duty models.

• The internal workspace is relatively small. This can limit maneuverability for large or bulky projects.

Overall the cons seem minor and the Janome JW8100 satisfies most users. But these limitations are worth noting if you plan to use the machine for heavy duty or specialized sewing.

Conclusion

The Janome JW8100 is a great choice for sewists looking for a fully-featured, computerized sewing machine. It offers an extensive selection of 100 built-in stitches, including 7 one-step buttonholes, giving you plenty of creative options for your sewing projects. The easy-to-navigate LCD screen and stitch selection dial make choosing your desired stitch straightforward.

Overall, the JW8100 performs well, with good stitch quality and adjustable speed control. It's designed with beginners in mind but has capabilities advanced sewers will appreciate too. The hard cover and extension table provide a sturdy and spacious sewing surface.

This Janome model is ideal for sewists who want professional features without the professional price tag. It's a very capable machine at an affordable cost, making it a suitable choice for beginner and intermediate home sewists looking to expand their skills with a computerized machine. The combination of user-friendly design, extensive built-in stitches, good performance, and thoughtful accessories make the Janome JW8100 an excellent value sewing machine.