Janome 2222 Review

I took a ride all the way to Jensen Beach, Florida to review the Janome 2222 at Stuart Sew and Vac. I must say, it was definitely worth the trip.

Janome 2222

At A Glance

The Janome 2222 is definitely a sewing machine for the beginner. All you have to do is take one look at the large stitch selection dials and the oversized reverse stitch button to see that it is a machine that can be used by people of all ages and skill levels.

Large stitch selection dials and oversized reverse stitch button

Another clue to its user friendliness is the clearly defined threading guides and seam guides on both sides of the needle plate.

There is also a front loading bobbin, an automatic needle threader, an on board accessories case. When it is removed, you have access to the bobbin housing, drop feed control lever and a free arm.

Features

• 22 stitches
• One-step automatic buttonholes
• Manual thread tension control
• Built-in needle threader
• On board thread cutter
• Snap-on presser feet
• 3-piece feed dog
• Free arm
• Drop feed
• Push-pull bobbin winder
• Extra high presser foot lift
• Stitch selection dial
• Stitch length and width adjustment dials
• Two upright retractable spool pins
• Dust cover included
• Carrying handle

Working on the Janome 2222

Starting with the push/pull bobbin winder and following the easy to use threading guide and the automatic needle threader make setting up the Janome 2222 as uncomplicated as possible.

The process is so simple, I have no doubt that even a child as young as seven or eight will be able to master these tasks with just a minimum amount of supervision.

Winding the bobbin requires pulling the hand wheel out until it locks and then pushing it back into place once the bobbin is loaded with thread.

After the frontloading bobbin is in place and the needle threaded, all that is left is to decide is which stitch to start with and to determine the stitch length and width settings.

I sampled all of the stitch options and was not too happy when a few of them did not come out looking like they did on the selection dial.

It took a bit of manipulating the stitch length and width selection dials for me to be able to resolve the issue.

While a minor annoyance for some, this could be frustrating for the beginner, but a good learning experience if you have the patience.

All in all, however, the stitches are tight and secure… exactly what the Janome brand is known for.

Stitches are tight and secure

Removing the accessories case to access the free arm is quite understandable and acceptable. It isn’t even too big of a leap to understand the rationale behind taking it off every time you want to rewind the bobbin or change the bobbin thread color.

Bobbin housing door

My pet peeve with lots and lots of the sewing machines I have had a chance to review lately is the fact that you can’t get to the drop feed control without first stopping everything to not only remove the accessories case but to open the bobbin housing door.

This, to me, is a total and complete waste of time and energy – especially when you are in the middle of a sewing task that requires darning, attaching buttons or freehand sewing and are pressed for time.

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• Snap on presser feet
• Zipper foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Hemmer foot
• Overcast foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Hem guide
• Bobbins (4)
• Extra needles
• Seam ripper
• 2 Screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
• Oil dispenser
• Owner’s manual

Accessories

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Janome 2222 is a good sewing machine for the beginner. I have a few reservations, however.

First of all, the stitch selection process, though very easy gets complicated when choosing one of the decorative stitches that requires lots of manipulation of the length and width adjustment dials in order to get the desired results.

When added to the issue of the drop feed placement, and having to remove the accessories case to access the bobbin, I’m not altogether certain that sewers who are accustomed to more efficient sewing will be all that enthused.

Don’t get me wrong. I realize this criticism is contrary to many other reviews I’ve written about machines with some of the same features, but when all these things are combined, it does make a difference – at least to me.

If you have been sewing as long as I have, you have become accustomed to things like the drop feed and bobbin access being easier and faster to get to.

For anyone who is new to sewing, or has not sewn for a very long time, these things that people like me find to be minor annoyances will not be an issue at all.

The Janome workmanship and reputation far outweigh any hesitation or reservations I may have about the placement of a couple of highly functional features.

The issues I have with the stitch selection on the Janome 2222 notwithstanding, I still think it is a very good sewing machine.

My personal opinion is that perhaps the challenge is because they tried to put a little too much on this very affordable machine while still keeping the price within reach of practically every budget.

Length and width adjustment dials

I give it four stars, not so much because of my issue with the stitches, but because of the workmanship. The Janome 2222 sews up to 860 stitches per minute.

Not bad at all for a beginner machine, but slower than most machines designed with advanced or intermediate sewers in mind. Again, for the price range, the speed is not only acceptable, it is ideal.

When you really think about it, with a manufacturer’s suggest retail price of only $299, the Janome 2222 is a terrific deal – especially for a superior quality sewing machine for beginners.

In my opinion, having to make allowances in order to get the desired results for about three stitch options, is a small sacrifice for the overall quality of this very affordable mechanical sewing machine.

If you are in the market for an affordable mechanical sewing machine and are willing to knowingly go into a relationship with the understanding that you will have to invest a little time and effort in getting the results you want for a few stitch options out of a total of 22 choices, then take a few minutes to really give the Janome 2222 a good look over. It might just be the perfect choice for you.