Janome Treadle Powered Sewing Machine 712T: Full Review

Janome is a leading manufacturer of sewing machines that has been around for decades. Founded in Japan in the 1920s, Janome has grown into one of the most well-known and respected brands in sewing. They are known for making high-quality, reliable sewing machines for home and industrial use.

Janome offers a wide range of sewing machines, from basic mechanical models to advanced computerized machines. They strive to make sewing accessible for all levels through their innovative features and easy-to-use designs. One of their hallmark qualities is the quietness of their machines compared to other brands.

The Janome 712T is one of their vintage-inspired mechanical sewing machines. This treadle machine has no electricity and is powered completely by foot pedal. Let's take a closer look at how this classic Janome machine performs.

Overview

The Janome 712T is a mechanical treadle sewing machine that doesn't require electricity. It uses a treadle pedal that you pump with your feet to power the sewing mechanism. This makes it a good option for off-grid sewing or in areas with unreliable electricity.

Some key features of the Janome 712T include:

• Sturdy cast iron body for stability while treadling
• 1 stitch length and 5 stitch width options
• Top loading bobbin
• Reverse stitch lever
• Adjustable presser foot pressure
• Built-in thread cutter

The 712T is designed to handle basic sewing tasks like hemming, mending, and craft projects. It has limited stitch options compared to computerized machines but provides reliable mechanical operation. Its vintage style gives it an old-fashioned appeal.

In contrast, the Janome Skyline S3: Sewing Machine offers advanced features suitable for more complex projects. This machine boasts a variety of stitch options, allowing for greater creativity and versatility in your sewing endeavors. It includes a user-friendly interface and built-in needle threader, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced sewers. With its lightweight design and compact size, the Skyline S3 is also easy to transport, perfect for sewing classes or events.

Appearance and Build Quality

The Janome 712T has a classic, vintage aesthetic with its black cast iron body and wooden treadle stand. It looks like an antique sewing machine but has modern capabilities.

The main sewing machine unit is made of durable cast iron that gives it a sturdy, heavy-duty feel. Weighing in at 11 pounds, this is a substantial piece of equipment that stays put on the table while sewing.

The wooden treadle stand has an old-fashioned look with its black criss-cross design. It uses solid oak wood that looks attractive and withstands pressure applied by the treadle. The stand feels sturdy with no wobbling or rocking during use.

Overall, the appearance and build quality of the Janome 712T make it look and feel like an heirloom machine that will last for decades. While it has an antique look, the materials used can withstand regular use and abuse by sewers of all skill levels.

In contrast, the Janome DC1050: Computerized Sewing Machine offers a sleek and modern design, featuring a lightweight build that is easy to maneuver. Its user-friendly interface includes a digital display and one-touch buttons, allowing sewers to easily select patterns and adjust settings. The versatility of the Janome DC1050 makes it suitable for a wide variety of projects, from quilting to garment sewing, while maintaining a high standard of durability and performance.

Setup and Assembly

Unboxing the Janome 712T reveals all the parts neatly packed with clear labeling. Assembly is straightforward, especially for those familiar with sewing machines. The machine body easily attaches to the treadle stand with just a few screws.

There are no complex mechanisms or computerized features to figure out. To get started, simply thread the needle and bobbin, attach the foot pedal, and plug in the power cord. Helpful diagrams are printed on the machine.

The instruction manual provides clear steps for assembly and getting up and running. Everything necessary is included in the box, with no special tools required.

The treadle stand clicks into place once assembled. It provides a sturdy base for pumping the foot pedal to power the sewing machine. The stand folds up for storage or transport.

Overall, the Janome 712T is one of the easiest treadle sewing machines to set up. The manual treadle operation means there's less to learn compared to computerized options. First-time users should have no problem getting sewing in under 30 minutes.

Sewing Capabilities

The Janome 712T offers impressive sewing capabilities for a treadle machine. It comes with 15 built-in stitches including straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, stretch stitch, buttonhole, and more. The stitch length and width are adjustable so you can customize settings for your project.

It has excellent stitch quality even at high speeds. The stitches are very even and consistent without skipped stitches. It can handle multiple layers of fabric smoothly without straining the motor. The machine sews smoothly through denim, canvas, quilting fabrics, and more.

The 7 built-in buttonhole styles allow you to create buttonholes suited for any project. There are buttonholes for stretch fabrics, standard buttonholes, rounded buttonholes, keyhole buttonholes and more. They are easy to make with the automatic buttonhole function that sews both sides of the buttonhole evenly.

The machine includes several seam finishes like overcasting stitch and blind hem stitch. These allow you to neatly finish seams and hems for a professional look. The zigzag stitch can also be used to neatly finish raw edges of fabric.

Overall, the sewing capabilities of the Janome 712T treadle machine make it suitable for most sewing projects from garments to home decor. The variety of built-in stitches and customization options give you the flexibility you need.

Ease of Use

The Janome 712T is very easy to use thanks to its intuitive controls and clear threading path. The handwheel allows you to manually control the needle, making it easy to position the fabric. There is a reverse lever on the body that lets you easily backstitch.

Threading the 712T is straightforward with easy-to-follow guides printed right on the machine. There is a thread cutter located on the top of the machine for quick snipping. The bobbin can be inserted and removed smoothly.

Adjusting settings like stitch length and width is simple with the turn dial controls. You don't have to fiddle with complicated settings. The tension is also easy to modify as needed to suit different weights of thread and fabric. Everything is adjustable right from the front of the machine.

Overall, the Janome 712T doesn't have a steep learning curve and allows you to start sewing faster compared to more complex models. The manual is also very detailed if you need any help getting started.

Noise Level

The Janome 712T Sewing Machine has a relatively quiet operation compared to many other treadle sewing machines. The treadle action itself produces little noise beyond the natural sounds of the wood moving. Where noise is generated is from the sewing mechanism engaging as the hand crank is turned. This noise is not insignificant, but also not overly loud or grating. It's a rhythmic, whirring mechanical sound that fits with the old-fashioned appeal of the machine.

The volume is unlikely to be disruptive if using the 712T in a shared space. It may require speaking up slightly to hold a conversation over the noise, but not drastically so. The volume is comparable to a manual sewing machine or electric fan. The 712T produces a gentler hum than many electric sewing machines, particularly at lower speeds. It lacks the aggressive buzz of a motor. For those seeking a treadle sewing machine specifically for its quiet operation, the 712T satisfies well in this regard. While not silent, it enables pleasant conversation, music, or even phone calls while sewing.

Maintenance

The Janome 712T is a mechanical sewing machine, so it requires more maintenance than a computerized machine. However, with proper care it can sew smoothly for years.

Cleaning

It's important to keep the 712T free of lint and stray threads. Wipe the exterior with a soft dry cloth. Use a small brush to remove lint from crevices and the bobbin area. Avoid using liquids which can damage the internal mechanisms.

Oiling

The 712T should be oiled regularly, especially after long periods of non-use. Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the points indicated in the manual. This includes the race hook, needle bar, presser foot hinge and more. Avoid over-oiling as this can stain fabrics.

Servicing

For major service, the 712T will need professional cleaning and adjustment. Most sewing machine repair shops can provide this type of maintenance. Signs that servicing is needed include skipped stitches, bad tension and motor noise. The manual recommends getting the machine serviced once per year.

Accessories

The Janome 712T comes with several useful accessories right in the box. It includes 4 bobbins, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, a button sewing foot, a seam ripper, a pack of needles, screwdrivers, and an instruction manual. These provide everything you need to get started sewing a wide variety of projects.

The zipper foot in particular makes inserting zippers very easy by holding the teeth in place. And the buttonhole foot automates the buttonhole sewing process.

Some additional accessories that may be useful purchases include a walking foot, quilting foot, and hemmer foot. The walking foot helps feed thicker fabrics evenly without shifting layers. The quilting foot is great for free motion quilting. And the hemmer foot quickly folds fabric over and sews hems.

So while the 712T comes with a versatile set of basic accessories, there are always more specialized presser feet available for those that do a lot of a certain type of sewing. But the included accessories cover the essentials for most sewers.

Pros and Cons

The Janome 712T treadle sewing machine has several advantages as well as some potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros

• Does not require electricity - can be used anytime, anywhere
• Provides exercise while sewing due to treadle pedal operation
• Made of strong cast iron for durability
• Includes 6 built-in stitches for basic sewing needs
• Smooth and quiet when treadling at lower speeds
• Easy to assemble and set up
• Compact size good for small spaces
• Instruction manual is clear and understandable

Cons

• Treadle pedaling can be tiring on legs/feet with prolonged use
• Limited stitch options compared to electric machines
• Low clearance under machine can make sewing bulky projects difficult
• Getting consistent stitching speed takes practice
• Lubrication required regularly to keep machine running smoothly
• Manual tension adjustment tricky for beginners
• Small footprint means limited work surface area
• No electric pedal control or speed variation