Janome is without a doubt, one of the most renowned sewing machine manufacturers in the world with a lot of high-quality products. The Japanese manufacturer has been around since the 1950s and has maintained its reputation and quality ever since. One of their most successful products is the Janome Magnolia 7318, which will be the topic of our discussion today. Let us begin by discussing the key features of the Janome Magnolia 7318.
Key Features:
Here are some of the Unique features of Janome Magnolia 7318:
- Stitch selector dial with 17 +1 built-in stitches
- Two other dials to adjust stitch width and length
- 4-step buttonhole system
- Thread tension control
- Mechanical bobbin winder with plastic-covered window
- Thread Cutter
- Top loading bobbin system, jam proof and winder stopper
- Removable free arm
- High presser feet with snap
- Electric lighting
- Accessory storage
- Electronic foot control system
The 17.2 pounds Janome Magnolia 7318 comes with a four-step buttonhole and 17 stitches, making it suitable for sewing, quilting, and various other home crafts. To select the 17 stitching styles, you can simply turn the adjustment dial, which is a convenience. There are two other dials for adjusting the stitch length and width. The maximum available stitch length is 4-mm. For locking stitches, there is a reverse lever in front of the sewing machine and manual thread tension control.
Janome Magnolia 7318 also comes with a thread cutter under the face plate, and the drop-feed set is located on the back. The Janome Magnolia 7318 also comes with a nice 25-year warranty, so it is definitely a plus point.
One unique thing about the Janome Magnolia 7318 is the plastic-covered bobbin case. This means that you can visibly see how much bobbin thread you have left inside without having to open the case first. To replace the bobbin thread, there is a push-and-pull bobbin winder which is very convenient to use.
You might also notice that the height of the presser foot is relatively higher than most of its competitors. Depending on your preference, the higher presser is actually a good thing when you are working on thick materials like coats. Another unique feature is the ability to overcast stitches, which can smoothen the edges of your sewing significantly.
Additional Features:
Beyond its primary functions, the Magnolia 7318 is equipped with a variety of supplementary features. These include an integrated thread cutter for ease of use, and a free arm that simplifies the sewing of cuffs, sleeves, and small circular items. These additional features serve to enrich the overall sewing experience.
Performance and Versatility:
Despite its mechanical nature, the Magnolia 7318 delivers impressive performance. It sews consistently and smoothly, producing high-quality stitches. Whether you’re working on lightweight fabrics or heavier materials like denim or canvas, this machine handles the task with ease. It’s a versatile choice for a wide range of sewing projects.
Ease of Use:
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its simple and intuitive controls make it accessible to beginners and experienced sewists alike. Setting up the machine and threading it are straightforward tasks, and the manual provides clear instructions to guide you through the process.
Included Accessories:
- Zigzag foot: This foot, often used in a variety of sewing tasks from basic hemming to intricate crafts, is the most frequently utilized.
- Buttonhole foot: This particular foot simplifies the process of crafting professional-grade buttonholes in a single step.
- Blind hem foot: This foot is specifically designed for the creation of blind hems, which remain unseen on the fabric’s right side.
- Zipper foot: This foot simplifies the process of incorporating zippers into garments and other sewing projects.
- Bobbins: The Janome Magnolia 7318 is equipped with four bobbins, ensuring you have ample supply for your upcoming project.
- Screwdriver: A screwdriver is included for needle replacement and other fundamental machine maintenance tasks.
- Needles: The Janome Magnolia 7318 includes an assortment of needles in various sizes, allowing you to select the most suitable needle for your fabric.
- Additional spool pin: This extra spool pin enables dual thread threading, which is particularly useful for projects requiring multiple thread colors or varieties.
Pros and Cons:
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Below are some of the pros and cons of the Janome Magnolia 7318.
Pros:
- Durable, sturdy, and solidly made
- Very simple and easy to use
- Relatively affordable
- Not too heavy at 17.2 lbs, easy to move around
- Can sew through thick materials like denim
- Versatile with 17 stitching styles
Cons:
- Does not come with a cover (you can use third-party ones)
- Drop-feed is set on the back, meaning you have to move to the back every time the need to adjust arise
- Replacement parts not widely available compared to other brands
Customer Reviews and Feedback:
Some customers love the machine for its ease of use, durability, and stitch quality. Others have complained about problems with the machine, such as skipped stitches, thread breakage, and difficulty sewing through thick fabrics.
Here are some excerpts from customer reviews:
- Positive review: “I love my Janome Magnolia 7318! It’s so easy to use and produces high-quality stitches. I’ve made everything from quilts to clothes to home décor projects with this machine, and it’s handled everything with ease.”
- Negative review: “I’m really disappointed with my Janome Magnolia 7318. It skips stitches and breaks the thread all the time. I’ve tried everything to fix the problem, but nothing seems to work.”
- Mixed review: “Overall, I’m happy with my Janome Magnolia 7318. It’s a good machine for the price, but it has its flaws. The stitch quality is good, but it can be difficult to sew through thick fabrics. I’ve also had some problems with skipped stitches, but I’ve been able to fix them by adjusting the tension.”
The Final Thoughts/Verdicts:
The key highlight of the Janome Magnolia 7318 is its simplicity and ease of use. In fact, we think that the Janome Magnolia 7318 is one of the easiest we have ever used before. The instruction manual is especially well-made, explaining everything from installation and setup, maintenance, and the making of the 17 stitches. The selection process of the 17 stitches is especially easy, and the pedal is also quite responsive.
Besides its ease of use, the Janome Magnolia 7318 also performs really well and is very reliable with the stitch quality. The Janome Magnolia 7318 is also very affordable with all the great qualities it provide. However, there are certainly cheaper options out there, and if you are looking for an on-budget sewing machine, there might be better options for you.
Overall, the Janome Magnolia 7318 is a great pick which is very versatile and can suit many needs. A decent choice for both household and commercial use.