Janome Skyline S3: Sewing Machine: Full Review

The Janome Skyline S3 is an entry-level sewing machine designed for beginners and occasional sewers. Janome is a leading brand in sewing machines, with a reputation for quality and reliability. The Skyline S3 combines ease of use with useful features at an affordable price point.

This sewing machine is lightweight and compact, making it a good choice for small spaces or to take to classes. It has a basic selection of 18 built-in stitches including utility and decorative options. The top-loading bobbin system and automatic needle threader help make set up quick and hassle-free. While it lacks some of the features found on more advanced models, the Skyline S3 offers solid performance for basic sewing tasks. Its simple operation and portability make it a practical choice for new sewers.

Features

The Janome Skyline S3 offers an impressive array of features for a sewing machine in this price range. It comes equipped with 60 built-in stitches, including 7 one-step buttonholes. The variety of stitches allows you to sew and decorate all types of fabrics and projects. From basic straight and zigzag stitches to decorative stitches like scallops, satin stitches, and cross-stitches, you'll have plenty of options.

The 7 buttonhole styles are also a nice addition not always found on entry-level machines. You can sew buttonholes perfectly sized for your buttons with just a simple press of the buttonhole lever. This makes sewing on buttons quick and easy. Overall, the stitch selection provides flexibility for both basic garment construction as well as creative embellishments.

Another fantastic option is the Janome Hello Kitty: Electric Sewing Machine KT-35. This charming sewing machine is perfect for beginners, featuring 15 built-in stitches and a lightweight design, making it easy to transport. With its fun Hello Kitty theme, it’s not just functional but also a delightful addition to any sewing room. It includes a one-step buttonhole feature and a range of accessories that make it versatile for various projects, from crafting to costume making.

Ease of Use

The Janome Skyline S3 is designed to be user-friendly for both beginner and experienced sewers. The instruction manual is well-written and includes clear diagrams. Threading the machine is straightforward with easy-to-follow guides printed right on the machine. There is a numbered threading guide that walks you through the process in six easy steps.

The settings on the S3 are very easy to adjust. There are clearly labeled dials for adjusting stitch length and width. The speed control lets you choose a sewing speed that is comfortable for your project and skill level. Many users mentioned how intuitive the controls are and how little time it took to get up and running.

The S3 has a top loading bobbin that is jam resistant and pops in and out with ease. There is a clear cover over the bobbin area that allows you to monitor the bobbin thread supply. Changing the bobbin on the S3 is quick and uncomplicated.

Overall, the simplicity and intuitive design of the Janome Skyline S3 make it very easy to use straight out of the box. The well-written instruction manual and clearly labeled controls allow both beginners and experienced sewers to get set up and sewing with minimal frustration.

Stitch Quality

The Janome Skyline S3 produces high quality stitches for basic sewing needs. The straight stitch is even and consistent at all speeds thanks to the 7-piece feed dog system. There's no fabric puckering on seams even at the S3's top speed of 820 stitches per minute.

The machine's zigzag stitch also performs well. The stitch width is adjustable up to 7mm, allowing the S3 to handle applique work. The zigzag stitch creates neat satin stitching for buttonholes and other decorative effects.

The buttonhole stitching is simple to do with the 1-step buttonhole foot included with the machine. The buttonholes come out uniform in length and both sides are neatly bartacked for durability. The machine sews buttonholes suitable for blouses, dresses, pants, jackets, and other garments.

Overall, the stitch quality of the Janome Skyline S3 meets the needs of most home sewing projects. It provides reliable stitches for constructing clothing, crafts, quilts, and more.

Accessories

The Janome Skyline S3 comes with a good selection of accessories to get you started on your sewing projects.

• It includes 7 snap-on presser feet for basic sewing techniques like straight stitch, zipper, buttonhole, overcast, blind hem, and satin stitch. The presser feet are easy to switch out by snapping them on and off.

• There are 2 bobbins included - a standard bobbin and a bobbin for free motion quilting. The bobbins are top loading, making them easy to insert.

• You get a pack of Janome blue tip needles to accommodate different fabric types. There are 3 sizes included - 11/75, 14/90, and 16/100.

• Some handy accessories like a seam ripper, lint brush, screwdrivers, spool holders, and spool caps are also included.

• An instruction manual and hard cover is provided to store the machine when not in use.

The included accessories provide you with the essentials for garment sewing, quilting, crafts, and home decor projects. The presser feet allow you to get started on basic techniques right away. Overall, the accessories included with the Janome Skyline S3 are sufficient for most sewing needs.

Size and Portability

The Janome Skyline S3 is a relatively lightweight and portable sewing machine weighing in at just under 15 pounds. The dimensions of the machine are 15.2 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches, making it a good size for transporting to classes or moving around your sewing room. Despite its lightweight and compact size, the Skyline S3 doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. The machine has a sturdy construction that can stand up to regular use. The size and weight also make the Skyline S3 a good option if you need a sewing machine you can easily lift and carry, or frequently take on the go. Overall, the portability and compact footprint of the Skyline S3 make it very convenient for sewers who don't want a large, heavy machine taking up a lot of space.

Noise Level

The Janome Skyline S3 is a relatively quiet machine while sewing. It produces around 65-75 decibels of noise when running, which is comparable to normal conversation levels. This makes it easy to hold a conversation, listen to music or TV, or take phone calls while the machine is operating.

The motor runs smoothly without excessive vibration, which contributes to the reduced noise output. There is no loud clacking or rattling as you sew. The Skyline S3 is much quieter than an old mechanical machine and on par with other modern computerized sewing machines.

This moderately quiet operation is ideal if you need to sew without disturbing others. You can even use the Skyline S3 at night or nap times without it being overly disruptive to your household. The noise level is unlikely to require wearing hearing protection either. Overall, the quietness of this Janome model makes it very livable to have in your sewing room.

Warranty

The Janome Skyline S3 comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This is an exceptionally long warranty for a sewing machine in this price range. Most entry-level and mid-range machines only come with a 1-2 year warranty.

The 25-year warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover damage from improper use, lack of maintenance, or normal wear and tear. The warranty only applies to the original owner and is not transferable.

To take advantage of the warranty, you'll need to provide proof of purchase and return the machine to an authorized Janome dealer for service. Janome will cover the cost of parts and labor during the warranty period.

This generous 25-year warranty provides great peace of mind. Janome clearly stands behind the quality and durability of the Skyline S3 model. The warranty is a testament to the reliability that customers can expect from this sewing machine even after years of regular use.

Price

The Janome Skyline S3 has a very reasonable price point, typically selling for around $150-200. This makes it a great entry-level machine for beginners or anyone looking for an affordable, no-frills sewing machine.

Despite the low price tag, the S3 doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The construction seems sturdy and durable. For the price, you get a versatile machine capable of handling basic sewing tasks. It has enough stitch options and features to satisfy most casual sewists.

The S3 offers excellent value for money. It's affordably priced without sacrificing build quality or versatility. While it lacks some of the features and capabilities of pricier computerized machines, it delivers reliable performance. The price makes it accessible to those on a budget.

Overall, the Janome Skyline S3 provides great bang for your buck. For under $200, you get a capable, quality machine that can handle most sewing projects. The combination of low price and reliable performance makes it a smart buy for budget-conscious beginners or anyone seeking an affordable second machine.

Conclusion

The Janome Skyline S3 is a high-quality sewing machine that offers excellent value for the price. It has many features typically found in more expensive machines, while remaining easy to use even for beginners.

The main pros of the Janome Skyline S3 are its variety of stitches, easy dial controls, quiet operation, and lightweight design. It can handle all common fabric types and produces consistent, high-quality stitches. The automatic needle threader is also a nice convenience feature.

Potential cons to consider are the lack of a hard carrying case, the plastic construction, and limited stitch width options. However, none of these are dealbreakers for most home sewers.

Overall, the Janome Skyline S3 punches above its weight class, providing great features and performance. The combination of quality, features, and price make it an excellent choice as a starter or mid-range sewing machine. For sewists looking for an affordable, user-friendly machine capable of handling most projects, the Janome Skyline S3 is highly recommended.