Janome Sewist 721: Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Janome Sewist 721 is an entry-level mechanical sewing machine designed for beginners and occasional sewers. This lightweight and compact machine offers basic stitching capabilities along with easy operation and maintenance.

The Sewist 721 features 21 built-in stitches including utility and decorative options. It has a top loading bobbin system and automatic needle threader for convenience. The machine sews at a maximum speed of 800 stitches per minute.

With its simplistic mechanics and limited features, the Janome Sewist 721 is best suited for basic garment construction, mending, crafts, and home decor projects. Its approachable design and affordable price point make it a suitable choice for sewing novices or those looking for a secondary portable machine. While it lacks some of the functionality of computerized machines, the Sewist 721 provides reliable performance for straightforward sewing needs.

Specifications

The Janome Sewist 721 is a full-sized sewing machine that measures 15.7 x 8.3 x 12.3 inches and weighs 17.2 pounds. It has a maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute.

This machine comes with:

• 23 built-in stitches including utility, stretch, decorative, and buttonhole stitches
• 1 four-step buttonhole
• Needle up/down button for easy pivoting
• Drop feed for free motion quilting
• Front loading bobbin with clear cover for monitoring bobbin thread supply
• Free arm for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and pant hems

It can handle fabric weights from lightweight to medium-weight. The stitch width is adjustable up to 7mm and stitch length is adjustable from 0 to 4mm.

For those seeking advanced features, the Janome Skyline S5: Sewing Machine offers an impressive array of functionalities. It includes 170 built-in stitches, a digital display, and a superior feed system for enhanced sewing performance. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned sewists, this machine excels in versatility and ease of use, making it perfect for quilting, garment construction, and more.

Features

The Sewist 721 is packed with features that make sewing easy and enjoyable. Some of the top features include:

• Easy Threading System - This machine has an advanced easy threading system that allows you to thread the needle with just the push of a lever. No more squinting and struggling!

• Drop Feed - The drop feed feature allows you to drop the feed dogs down below the needle plate so you can do free-motion sewing and quilting.

• Free Arm - The free arm provides easy access when sewing sleeves, pant legs, and other tubular items.

• Variable Speed Control - The speed can be adjusted from slow to fast with an easy to use slider, giving you maximum control.

• 21 Built-in Stitches - There are 21 built-in stitches for basic sewing, decorative sewing, and buttonholes. Popular stitches like straight, zigzag, and blind hem are all included.

• Automatic Needle Threader - This handy feature threads the needle for you automatically at the push of a button.

• Extra High Presser Foot Lift - Raises the presser foot to its highest position so thick fabrics can be placed under the foot easily.

• Reverse Stitch Lever - Makes stitching in reverse quick and simple.

The ample features on the Sewist 721 make sewing and quilting straightforward even for beginners, while still providing versatility for more advanced sewers.

Another fantastic option is the Janome 3160QDC-G: Sewing and Quilting Machine with Bonus Quilt Kit! This machine offers exceptional functionality and comes with a bonus quilt kit, making it ideal for both sewing enthusiasts and quilters. With its computerized features, multiple stitch options, and a lightweight design, it facilitates a seamless sewing experience. Whether you're working on a simple project or a complex quilt, the Janome 3160QDC-G provides reliability and precision to bring your creative ideas to life.

Ease of Use

The Janome Sewist 721 is designed with beginners in mind, making it extremely easy and intuitive to use right out of the box. The stitch selection dial allows you to quickly choose from 21 built-in stitches by simply turning to the desired number. There's also a separate dial for selecting the stitch width and stitch length to customize settings. The Sewist 721 has an auto-declutch bobbin winder that disengages when finished winding, making bobbin winding hassle-free.

Threading the top thread is simple with the numbered diagram right on the machine. There's a built-in needle threader that easily glides the thread through the needle with just the push of a lever. No more eye strain or frustration! The free arm allows for easy access when sewing sleeves, pant legs or any cylindrical item. The Sewist 721 also comes with a hard cover to protect the machine when not in use. Overall, the intuitive design and easy-to-follow guides makes this an ideal sewing machine for beginners just starting out on their sewing journey.

Stitch Quality

The Janome Sewist 721 sewing machine produces high quality stitching that is even and consistent. The stitches are uniform in length and have no puckering, even at high speeds. This is thanks to the machine's precise stitch formation and integrated feed dog mechanism that keeps the fabric feeding smoothly.

The presser foot applies consistent pressure, preventing uneven stitching that sometimes occurs when too much or too little pressure is applied. There are no skipped stitches or thread jams. The stitch quality remains consistent whether sewing lightweight silks or heavy denim fabrics.

Overall, the stitch quality of the Janome Sewist 721 is excellent. It produces professional, consistent stitching on all types of fabrics. The stitches are even in length and have a nice amount of tension - not too loose and not too tight. This even, consistent stitch quality allows sewers to complete projects with a flawless finish.

Accessories

The Janome Sewist 721 sewing machine comes with several handy accessories right in the box. It includes 4 presser feet - a zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, and satin stitch foot. These allow you to tackle projects like inserting zippers, making buttonholes, hemming pants, and embellishing with decorative stitches.

It also comes with a pack of needles, bobbins, seam ripper, lint brush, screwdriver, spool caps, spool pin, and felt cushion. The extra needles and bobbins ensure you have spares on hand. The seam ripper helps remove stitches, the lint brush keeps the machine clean, the screwdriver assists with maintenance, and the spool caps hold small spools of thread in place. The included accessories provide everything you need to get started sewing right away.

The machine also comes bundled with a soft-sided carrying case. This makes it easy to transport the sewing machine to classes or sewing meetups. The case has a handle and shoulder strap for convenient portability.

Noise Level

The Janome Sewist 721 sewing machine operates at a noise level of about 75-80 decibels when sewing. This is a moderate volume, similar to the noise level of a regular conversation. The machine does not have an extremely loud or jarring noise that would be disruptive.

When running at high speeds, the Janome Sewist 721 produces a consistent humming sound. There is no irritating vibration noise. The internal mechanics seem well-balanced and do not make rattling sounds.

This is not the absolute quietest model, but it will not be loud enough to disturb conversations in the same room. Some users may prefer to wear ear protection for very long sewing sessions, but it is not required. Overall, the noise level is reasonable for a home sewing machine in this class.

Maintenance

The Janome Sewist 721 requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips for taking care of your machine:

• Clean the machine after every 4-5 hours of sewing. Remove any lint buildup and wipe down the surfaces with a soft cloth. Pay close attention to the bobbin area.

• Oil the machine every 3-4 months of regular use. Use only sewing machine oil and follow the oiling instructions in your manual. Key areas to lubricate include the hook race, needle bar, and any moving joints or levers. Avoid over-oiling.

• Replace the needle regularly, especially if it becomes bent or dull. Use the appropriate needle system and size for your fabric type.

• Clean out the bobbin case every few projects. Use a small brush to remove lint and dust.

• Consider having your machine professionally serviced every 2-3 years. A tune-up and calibration will help it run like new.

With proper cleaning and oiling, the Janome Sewist 721 should provide years of trouble-free sewing. Taking good care of the machine will ensure it continues to sew smoothly and produce high-quality stitches.

Warranty

The Janome Sewist 721 sewing machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This is an exceptionally long warranty for a sewing machine in this price range.

The 25-year warranty covers the sewing machine head, which includes the internal parts and mechanisms. So if anything breaks or malfunctions in the sewing machine itself, it's covered for 25 years from the date of purchase. This provides great peace of mind.

The warranty does not cover "normal wear and tear" or things like light bulbs, belts, and other external replaceable parts. But the key components that make the machine sew are covered for that lengthy period.

Overall, the 25-year warranty on the sewing machine head demonstrates that Janome stands behind the quality and durability of the Sewist 721 model. It's not a warranty that will merely cover the first year or two, but will continue protecting your investment for decades to come.

Pros and Cons

The Janome Sewist 721 sewing machine has several positives as well as a few potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros

• Sturdy metal interior frame provides durability and stability while sewing
• Easy to thread and comes with a built-in needle threader
• LCD screen displays key settings like stitch width/length
• Drop-in bobbin is simple to insert and remove
• Automatic needle up/down function helps with pivoting fabric
• 21 built-in stitches plus buttonhole sewing
• Adjustable stitch length and width up to 5mm
• Maximum stitch width of 7mm for decorative stitching
• Start/stop button allows sewing without the foot pedal
• Free arm makes sewing cylindrical items easier
• Built-in carrying handle provides portability
• 25-year limited warranty for residential use

Cons

• May not handle very thick or heavy fabrics as well as a heavy duty machine
• Limited to 21 built-in stitches with no ability to add more
• Manual thread tension adjustment could be tricky for beginners
• Presser foot pressure not adjustable
• No automatic thread cutter
• Not capable of twin needle sewing
• May be noisy for some users