The time has come for you to buy a new sewing machine the Janome 2212. Whether this is your first sewing machine purchase or you’re replacing your current machine, you’re ready to take this step.
And, you know you want a fairly basic sewing machine. You’re not planning to tackle complex embroidery, computer-programmed quilting, or lots of clothes needing the professional-looking edges created by a serger.
One of your options is the Janome 2212 and we’re going to give you all the info you need to know to decide if this is the sewing machine that belongs in your home.
What is the Janome 2212 and
How Does it Work?
The Janome 2212 is considered to be an “entry-level” sewing machine. This is because it does all of the standard operations that you need to do basic sewing.
There are 12 stitch patterns available to choose from – these 12 should be all you need to sew just about anything. And, we love that the dials used to select the stitch pattern and width are very easy to use.
Key Features Included on the Janome 2212
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According to Janome.com, here is a list of the key features included on the Janome 2212:
- 12 stitches
- 1 four-step buttonhole
- Snap on presser feet
- 5-piece feed dog
- Free arm
- Drop feed
- Push-pull bobbin winder
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Stitch selection dial
- Vertical oscillating hook bobbin
- Maximum stitch width 5mm
- Maximum stitch length 4mm
- Two retractable, vertical spool pins
What Can I Sew with a Janome 2212?
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Among other things, some examples of what you can do with the Janome 2212 are as follows.
- You can sew curtains or a valance to go over your windows.
- You can hem a skirt or a pair of pants.
- You can sew together the pieces for a quilt top.
- You can make a costume for your child’s holiday pageant.
- You can create a decorative throw pillow for your couch or arm chair.
- You can make a quilt or blanket for the perfect baby shower gift.
If you want to see a very detailed video of how to use the Janome 2212, The Crafty Gemini has posted this video on YouTube.
What Makes the
Janome 2212 Unique?
There are a few things that make the Janome 2212 stand out. One is that it is very light-weight and doesn’t take up much work space.
At only 13 pounds, it’s very easy to move from where you store it to your workspace. And, once there, its measurements are 15.2″ wide x 11.6″ high x 6″ deep. This compact size also makes it easy to take with you to any sewing classes you’ve enrolled in, or a quilting circle you might have joined.
Mechanical vs. Computerized
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The Janome 2212 is a mechanical sewing machine, not computerized. While computerized sewing machines have their uses, they tend to be over the top for someone who is a beginner or who just wants to do the basics.
When we say that a sewing machine is mechanical, it means that there are no motherboards or other electronic components needed to make the machine work. This also means that there aren’t expensive parts that can break down.
Additionally, it means that stitch selection, button holing, bobbin winding, and everything else happens by turning a nob or moving a lever. There’s no touch-screen here!
If you want to know more about the pros and cons of mechanical vs. computerized sewing machines, there’s a great resource at SewingMachineSavvy.com.
Optional Accessories for the Janome 2212
Another thing we love about Janome in general that also applies specifically to the Janome 2212 is the incredibly wide variety of optional accessories you can purchase.
Many of these accessories you wouldn’t ever need or use, so including them automatically just makes things unnecessarily expensive and complicated.
When you purchase the Janome 2212, according to Janome.com, the included standard accessories are a blind hem foot, sliding buttonhole foot, zig-zag foot, and a bobbin.
But, if you do have a special project that warrants a special tool, Janome makes it easy to get it. Here’s a full list of the optional accessories available at Janome.com for the Janome 2212:
- 1/4 Inch Seam Foot
- 3-way Cording Foot
- Applique Foot
- Automatic Buttonhole Foot
- Beading Foot Set
- Binder Foot
- Blind Hem Foot
- Blue Tip Needles
- Bobbin Cases (household sewing)
- Bobbins
- Border Guide Foot
- Button Sewing Foot
- Buttonhole Foot
- Buttonhole Foot with Button Sizer
- Buttonhole Foot and Satin Stitch Foot
- Buttonhole Stabilizer Plate
- Clear View Quilting Foot and Guide Set
- Closed Toe Darning Foot
- Concealed Zipper Foot
- Convertible Even Feed Foot
- Convertible Freemotion Quilting Foot Set
- Darning Foot
- Open Toe Darning Foot
- Ditch Quilting Foot
- Edge Guide Foot
- Even Feed Foot
- Floral Derby Tote
- Flower Stitching Attachment
- Free Motion Quilting Low Shank
- Fringing Foot
- Gathering Foot
- Hemmer Feet Set
- Horizontal Spool Holder
- Needle (universal)
- Needle Set
- Needle Threader
- Needles
- Open Toe Darning Foot Low Shank
- Open Toe with Quilting Guide
- Open Toe Satin Stitch Foot
- Overedge Foot
- Pink and White Pincushion
- Pintucking Foot
- Polka-Dot Derby Tote
- Purple Tip Needle
- Quilting Attachment Kit
- Red Tip needle
- Ribbon / Sequin Foot
- Ribbon Sewing Guide
- Rolled Hem Foot
- Roller Foot
- Rotary Even Foot
- Ruffler
- Satin Stitch Foot
- Satin Stitch Foot F
- 9 Piece Scissor Kit
- Seam Ripper
- Sliding Buttonhole Foot
- Sliding Guide Foot – 7mm models
- Spool Stand
- Straight Stitch Foot
- Taping Guide Foot 7mm & 5mm
- UltraGlide Foot
- Universal Insert Series 4
- Universal Sewing Table
- Zig-Zag Foot
- Zipper Foot (screw on)
Pricing of the Janome 2212
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According to Janome.com, the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of the Janome 2212 is $249. However, we found it for a lower price.
On Amazon, the Janome 2212 is currently available for $189.00 and includes a special bonus package. Or you can purchase it without the bonus for $185.21.
You can also find the Janome at JoAnn for $189.99. And, it’s also available at Wal Mart for $189.00.
Public Perception
People who have purchased the Janome 2212 from Amazon have rated it 4.5/5 stars. And those who purchased it from JoAnn are in the same ballpark at 4.4/5 stars.
Positive Comments about the Janome 2212
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When scouring the reviews of others who have purchased and sewn with the Janome 2212 here are some of the themes that stand out:
- It is generally a very easy machine both to use and to learn to sew on.
- It comes with a few extra feet that easily snap on and off.
- The light weight and small footprint make it ideal for transporting to sewing or quilting parties.
- The price is a big plus, with most reviewers commenting on the affordability of the Janome 2212
Areas of Opportunity for the Janome 2212
The primary complaint that some people had was with the bobbin system. This kind of feedback is common for front-load bobbins, especially if people have previously used a top-load bobbin.
However, we feel that this tends to be more “user error” and that it is easily overcome with a little bit of practice. So, we wouldn’t let this feedback stop us from buying it.
How the Janome 2212 Compares
to Other Models
When looking at other basic mechanical sewing machines, the Janome 2212 still comes out towards the top. The available features discussed earlier set it apart.
Singer 1304 Start Essential Sewing Machine
We found this Singer at JoAnn, along with the Janome 2212. It does come at a lower price of 101.99, but you will also sacrifice some functionality.
- The size of the Singer 1304 is comparable to the Janome 2212. It is 2 inches narrower but weighs nearly the same.
- The Singer 1304 comes with only 6 preset stitches, versus the Janome 2212 that has 12 stitch styles.
- The Singer 1304 doesn’t have the ability to adjust the stitch length and width like the Janome 2212 does. And, while this might work for the most basic sewing, it doesn’t allow for changes needed based on types of fabric.
- The Singer 1304 does come with a few more accessories when you purchase it. Earlier we talked about the 4 standard accessories that come with the Janome 2212. This Singer includes a zipper foot, buttonhole foot, darning plate, pack of needles, bobbins, needle plate screwdriver, spool pin felts, and seam ripper/lint brush.
Brother XM1010
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This is another entry-level sewing machine that will allow you to do most of the basics. While the Brother XM1010 offers a few more features than the Singer 1304 listed above and is at the $101 price point, we still think the Janome 2212 comes out on top.
- Also comparable in size to the Janome 2212, the Brother XM1010 is just 1 inch wider and weighs nearly 1 pound more. But, it is still very easy to transport and move to where you need it.
- The Brother offers 10 preset stitches, still 2 fewer than the Janome 2212 offers.
- One benefit the Brother XM1010 offers is a drop-in bobbin vs the front-loading bobbin of the Janome 2212. This drop-in bobbin is incredibly easy to use.
- Additionally, similar to the Singer above, the Brother does come with a few extra accessories that are standard: a darning plate, 3-piece needle set, 4 bobbins, 4 feet, foot controller, and screwdriver.
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What We Think
On the whole, we love the Janome 2212 and highly recommend it as a great machine. With the reliability of the Janome brand and the affordability of this particular machine, we see it as a win-win.
And, while it is slightly more expensive than a couple of the other entry-level models, we believe the additional features make it worth the cost.
With proper care and maintenance, you will be able to use your Janome 2212 for many years to come on all sorts of fun sewing projects.
Coupons and Deals
JoAnn often has coupons that can be used when purchasing a sewing machine. But, you’ll want to check back often as they do come and go. As of this writing, there is a coupon on JoAnn.com for $75 off a regular-priced sewing machine if you download their app.
Amazon currently has the Janome 2212 with an “exclusive bonus bundle.” This includes additional accessories that you would normally have to purchase separately.
When deciding where to purchase your sewing machine, we recommend you use this interactive map on Janome’s website to find an authorized dealer. The reason for this is that any warranty issues can become a little tricky if you buy from a non-authorized retailer. Additional information about these issues can be found here.
We wish you happy sewing as you embark on a relationship with your new sewing machine.
Have fun learning how to use the 12 different stitches on different fabrics and interesting projects.
And, enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done when you finish your first sewing project on your new Janome 2212.