The Janome sewing machine Skyline S9 is a member of the Janome Skyline S family, which is Janome’s product line for hybrid sewing/quilting machines. The Skyline S9, however, is quite special even among the Skyline S series, because it can also be used as an embroidery machine.
As a Janome sewing machine, we can expect the Skyline S9 to be well-built and rich in features.
In fact, with the 3-in-1 functionality of sewing, quilting, and embroidery machine, the features can be overwhelming. Most hybrid machines, however, often suffer from being a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. So, in this review, we will examine whether that is also the case with the Janome Skyline S9.
Let us begin by first taking a quick look at the key features of the Janome sewing machine Skyline S9.
Key Features of Janome Skyline S9 Sewing Machine
Embroidery Unit
If you are familiar with the Skyline S series, you will notice that the Skyline S9 looks very similar to the Skyline S3 and S7.
However, there is an obvious difference in the embroidery unit, which is permanently attached to the Skyline S9. When you use the embroidery mode, the embroidery unit will swing out of the Janome Skyline S9. As a result of this additional unit, the foot of the Skyline S9 is also a bit bigger compared to other Skyline S machine. This is actually a good thing since it provides more stability.
Easy-To-Navigate Controls
As with newer Janome sewing machine products, there is a start/stop button. The start/stop function will be very useful when you want to pause a sewing job, where you can easily resume later. There is also a similar design stop button for embroidery works, which is very useful. Besides those, there are the function buttons, thread tie/off, a variable speed control slider, and presser foot control.
LCD Touch Screen
Along with all those nice control features, there is also an LCD Touch Screen. You can use the touchscreen control for selecting stitches, embroidery designs, and many more. It is fairly easy to use considering the number of stitch selections and embroidery designs the Skyline S9 provides.
Stitch and Embroidery Design Selections
The Janome sewing machine Skyline S9 offers 300 total stitch selections for both utility and decorative stitches. It also features 11 one-step buttonholes and 250 embroidery designs, including 40 exclusive Anna Maria Horner designs. Last but not least, there are 20 available fonts for monogramming. A very rich stitch selection.
Technical Specs of Janome Skyline S9
In summary, here are the technical specifications of the Janome sewing machine Skyline S9
Stitch and Design Options:
- 300 total stitch options (utility and decorative)
- 11 buttonholes (one-step_
- 250 embroidery designs, 40 Anna Maria Horner designs
- 20 fonts for monogramming
Control:
- Locking stitch button
- Start/stop button
- Reverse/lock stitch button
- Automatic thread cutting feature
- Presser foot control
Other Features:
- Free arm embroidery feature
- On-screen editing
- Jump thread trimming, programmable
- Stitch traveling speed selections: 1,10,100 and 500 stitches
- Adjustable hoop position
- 91 needle position
- Very high presser foot
- Drop-in bobbin with rotary hook
- Wi-Fi, USB, direct PC connection for data transfer
- Automatic tension control
- Variable zig-zag stitch feature
- Knee lift function
- AcuFeed™ Flex fabric feeding system
Our Review for Janome Skyline S9
As you can see, there is no shortage of features from the Janome sewing machine Skyline S9. Again, if you are familiar with other Skyline S machines, you will see a lot of similarities in functions. For instance, setting the bobbin in place and winding it is very similar, as also the process to thread the machine.
You can use the enormous stitch or design pattern included onboard. However, if you want to use your own design, you can easily connect the Skyline S9 to your PC or use a USB drive. However, besides those two initial functions, the differences to other Skyline S machines will be seen.
First, let us discuss the embroidery function. To activate it, simply go into the menu of the LCD touch screen and select the embroidery function. Flip a switch on the back of the machine, and the embroidery unit will swing open. Then, you can select the embroidery design you want to use. Select the hoop that will suit your purpose, lock it into place, and you are good to go.
Now, the sewing and quilting mode. The sewing mode of the Janome sewing machine Skyline S9 is just as nice as other Skyline S machines. Even on the highest speed of 1000 stitches per minute, it is fairly quiet. You can definitely feel that the Skyline S9 is very well-built and rigid, allowing very consistent and efficient work.
Let’s Discuss Some Common Problems with Sewing Machines like Janome Skyline S9
If you currently own a sewing machine, many of the problems with it could be from bad techniques or simple fixes that are unrelated to the device itself. It is always good to get well acquainted with these issues as a sewer because chances are they will not improve even if you get a new sewing machine if the technique is flawed.
1. Thread Keeps Breaking
If you are having this issue, it may very well be the type of thread that you’re using. Thin and fragile thread is intended for hand sewing, but the material is not made to stand up to the power of a sewing machine. Not many people realize there is a difference between the two types of thread, but this is important.
Another common issue is having the top and bottom threads at different weights. To fix this issue, you will need to re-thread the top thread. The last issue of thread breaking is likely coming from needing to lessen the pressure settings for the top thread.
2. Wavy Seams With Stretchy Fabric
This is an example of an issue that may have something to do with your sewing machine, or it can be an issue with your sewing technique. The first step to try is adjusting the way you’re sewing. Usually, your stitches are coming out wavy when you are using stretchy fabric, but you don’t want them to be too stretchy. Remember that the weight of the material make these stretchy threads wavy while you’re sewing, as well as extra stretchy, so don’t allow any pulling or handing to be permitted with your fabric as you are working.
To fix the wavy issue with stretchy fabric and thread, let the machine feeder do the brunt of the work, and stay away from pulling or stretching out the material to straighten it as you sew. A crucial part of avoiding these issues is to pin correctly before you begin. If you still see waviness in your finished product, modify the pressure you are placing on the presser.
3. Needle Issues
Having a needle that is bent or broken is a huge issue that can be annoying and also problematic. This can gravely harm you as well. The solution is to make sure you are not using old needles. Kinda like when a nurse draws blood, always make sure you’re using a new needle every time you begin a project. What you may not realize as you work is that the needle can easily get damaged without you even realizing as you work. This leads to potential damage to your fabric.
Some other issues to address: Make sure you’re using the correct type of needle for whatever project you’re working on. If you do come up against needle breakage, stop sewing immediately and delicately take out the broken needle and throw it away in a safe and secure way.
Just change out the needle, re-thread, and continue with a new one. If you are having issues with the needle continuously breaking or bending this is likely an issue with the sewing machine and it may need to be looked at and repaired by an expert.
Let’s Discuss Sewing Machine Safety
Keep safety at the front of your actions and thoughts when using a sewing machine!
1. Finger Safety
When sewing on a sewing machine, it is almost unavoidable that your fingers will be vulnerable. This is already an issue, but it becomes even worse when you aren’t paying focused attention to your finger placement. That makes the most important safety tip to be watchful of fingers and to pay attention at all times. Don’t move your eyes away from the needle. If you lose focus for even a few seconds, there could easily be an accident.
Implement safety measures. The way to avoid an accident is to keep safety in its rightful place: priority number one. If you must look away from your sewing machine, (which is very possible if you have kids or pets), decide that it is more important for your safety to stop what you’re doing first.
Learn how to sew with a machine in such a way that your fingers don’t need to get so close to the needle. If the fabric needs to be close, find an alternative. Erasers or chopsticks are great alternatives for your fingers if something is potentially going to get poked.
2. Become a Mindful Sewer
Sew at a slow, steady pace. You can begin doing this by using sewing as a meditative, mindfulness practice. Not only does moving fast and rushing potentially create messy pieces, but it can also lead to very painful accidents. Slow down and enjoy where you are.
3. Protect Your Hair
Most activities that require safety will ask for pulled back hair. When it comes to a sewing machine, the risk goes up. These machines have a lot of moving parts that move very fast when the machine is on. Now think about it, if you let your long and flowy hair free when you’re working on a sewing project, it can easily get caught in one of those swiftly moving machine components.
It would be as simple as you getting a little close to the machine in a focused manner and BAM, your hair is wrapping itself around a sewing needle at a fast pace. This means utter disaster. It’s a simple fix: pull your hair up and away from your face. It will help you focus with fewer distractions while simultaneously keeping you safe from the sewing machine.
4. Keep it Unplugged
After you’ve finished a hard days work with your sewing machine, remember to always unplug it. This might seem like just an extra step to add to your long day, but it’s a one-second safety precaution that can be made into an easy habit. Another good tip is to remember to unplug your sewing machine before doing things like oiling it up or cleaning it.
5. Never Yank the Cord
When you go to unplug your sewing machine, make sure you never grab the cord by the cable and forcefully pull it out of its socket. This action will cause your cord to have to be replaced long before it would have otherwise been necessary.
Our Verdict, Pros, and Cons for Janome Skyline S9
After our thorough test of the Janome sewing machine Skyline S9, here are what we liked and disliked about it.
Pros:
- Very durable and well-made
- 3-in-1 sewing, quilting and embroidery machine
- Rich features, a wide range of stitch and design selections
- Easy to use even with all the features
- Easy to maintain and repair
Cons:
- Expensive, not for everyone
- For the price, you can buy better standalone sewing, quilting or embroidery machine
Being a fairly expensive machine, the Janome sewing machine Skyline S9 is worth every penny if you are looking for a machine that can do sewing, embroidery, and quilting. However, if you are looking for only one specific function, you are better off with a standalone machine.
If you are only looking for the sewing and quilting functionality, we felt that the Skyline S3 is a better overall pick for its affordability.
Last update on 2021-10-17 at 05:38 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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