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Compact Power and Portability
The Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine combines the convenience of a lightweight, compact design with the robust functionality of larger models, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned sewists looking for a portable option. Weighing just 12 pounds and enclosed in an attractive tapestry-look carrying case, this machine is perfectly suited for classes, workshops, or any sewing environment where mobility is key.
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Performance and Sewing Capabilities
Despite its small size, the Janome Jem Gold 660 does not compromise on performance. It features a powerful motor that allows it to handle a variety of fabrics and sewing tasks:

- Versatile Fabric Handling: From flat-felled seams on 8-ounce duck fabric to delicate stitches on a single layer of cotton, the Jem Gold 660 handles it all with ease, delivering consistent, even stitches.
- Quality Sewing Features: Incorporating elements from Janome’s larger machines, this model boasts a jam-proof, top-loading drop-in bobbin system that simplifies the sewing process. The drop-in bobbin is easier to use than traditional bobbin cases, eliminating the need for tension adjustments and reducing the risk of jams.
Design and Usability Enhancements
- Convenience Features: The machine includes several user-friendly features designed to enhance sewing efficiency and ease of use. A built-in needle threader, one-hand thread cutter, fail-safe needle insertion, and quick foot conversion all contribute to a streamlined sewing experience.
- Stitch Options: With 8 built-in stitches, including 2 stretch stitches and a built-in buttonhole, the Jem Gold 660 offers sufficient variety to tackle everyday sewing projects and creative endeavors.
Compact and Reliable
- Durable Construction: True to Janome’s reputation for quality, the Jem Gold 660 is built to last. Its durable components and 3/4-size design make it not only portable but also a reliable choice for those who need a dependable machine for frequent use.
- Ideal for Beginners and Travel: Its simplicity and size make it perfect for new sewists or experienced quilters looking for a secondary machine to take on the go.
Key Features of the Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine
The Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine is designed with a focus on simplicity and portability, yet it does not skimp on functionality. Below are the key features that make this compact machine a versatile and user-friendly choice for sewists of all levels:
Sewing Capabilities and Adjustments
- 9 Stitches: Includes essential stitches for a variety of sewing projects, from basic seams to decorative touches.
- 1 Four-Step Buttonhole: Provides the tools to create buttonholes easily in four simple steps, suitable for clothing and home décor.
- Maximum Stitch Width: 5mm, allowing for broader stitches which are great for embellishments and stronger seams.
- Maximum Stitch Length: 4mm, ideal for a variety of sewing techniques, including gathering and basting.
Ease of Use and Efficiency
- Built-In Needle Threader: Saves time and reduces eye strain by simplifying the needle threading process.
- Snap-On Presser Feet: Makes changing between different presser feet quick and hassle-free, enhancing sewing efficiency.
- Stitch Selection Dial: Allows for easy selection of stitches, clearly displayed on the front of the machine for quick adjustments.
- Top Loading Full Rotary Hook Bobbin: Easier to set up and more reliable than other bobbin systems, reducing jams and maintenance issues.
Design and Construction Features
- 4-Piece Feed Dog: Ensures smooth fabric feeding for consistent stitching and better control over all types of materials.
- Free Arm: Provides easy access to sew cylindrical items such as sleeves and pant hems, enhancing the machine’s versatility.
- Auto Declutch Bobbin Winder: Prevents over-winding the bobbin for smoother sewing and longevity of the machine.
- Extra High Presser Foot Lift: Offers more clearance, which is helpful when placing multiple layers or thicker fabrics under the presser foot.
Portability and Durability
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing only 12 pounds and easy to transport, this machine is ideal for sewists who attend classes or travel.
- Robust Construction: Despite its lightweight design, it is built to Janome’s high standards, ensuring durability and long-term performance
In-Depth Look at the Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine: Features and Quilting Kit

Versatile Foot Attachments and Quilting Kit
The Janome Jem Gold 660 not only serves as a compact and capable sewing machine but also surprises with its array of attachments and accessories, especially given its price point. Here’s a closer look at what makes it a versatile choice for both everyday sewing and specialized quilting projects:
- Standard Snap-On Feet Included:
- Zigzag Foot: For general sewing, including zigzag stitches.
- Overedge Foot: Helps create neat seam finishes, reducing fabric fraying.
- Sliding Buttonhole Foot: Simplifies the process of making buttonholes, ensuring they are uniform and precise.
- Built-In Needle Threader: A notable feature for convenience at this price range, making the needle threading process effortless and quick.
Quilting Kit: A Significant Addition
The inclusion of a comprehensive quilting kit adds significant value, particularly for quilters looking to explore or expand their craft with the Jem Gold 660:
- 1/4″ Foot: Allows for precise piecing of quilt blocks.
- Free-Motion Darning Foot: Enables free-motion quilting, including stippling and other decorative quilting techniques.
- Walking Foot: Essential for evenly feeding layers of fabric and batting, a must-have for quilting.
- Right-Hand Guide Bar: Assists in maintaining straight quilting lines.
- Darning Plate: Used to cover the feed dogs, facilitating free-motion sewing when dropping the feed dogs is not an option.
Practical Design for Quilting
During practical testing, a couple of aspects stood out:
- Darning Plate Usage: Initially surprising due to the absence of a feed dog lowering mechanism, the smoke-colored plastic darning plate effectively raises the sewing surface to neutralize the feed dogs. This alternative method works well for free-motion quilting, providing a similar outcome to the traditional method of dropping the feed dogs.
- Ample Clearance Under the Presser Foot: The machine features extra lift from the presser foot lifter, common to Janome machines, which provides sufficient space to maneuver quilts or bulky projects without stretching or pulling.
Performance in Quilting
Once the setup was understood and implemented:
- Stipple Quilting Test: The performance of the Jem Gold 660 with the darning plate in place showed no discernible difference from machines where the feed dogs can be lowered. Stipple quilting results were excellent, demonstrating that this compact machine could handle complex quilting tasks with ease.
Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine Review at a glance
Streamlined Stitch Selection and Versatile Sewing
The Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine packs simplicity and efficiency into a compact design, offering a unique approach to stitch length settings that enhances its ease of use. This feature might initially seem limiting but quickly shows its advantage for beginners and those who prefer straightforward sewing without the hassle of manual adjustments.
Key Features and Performance Insights
- Built-In Stitch Length: The stitch length for each pattern is pre-set, integrated directly into the stitch pattern selector. This simplifies the sewing process, particularly for beginners or young sewists. For example, Stitch #1 offers a small straight stitch at 18 stitches per inch, suitable for fine, detailed work. Stitch #2 provides a regular straight stitch at 12 stitches per inch, ideal for general sewing, while Stitch #3 is set for a basting-size straight stitch, great for temporary seams or quick fixes.
- Versatility in Stitch Types: The Jem Gold 660 includes two zigzag stitch sizes, adding flexibility for various applications, from general sewing to specialized tasks like machine applique. The machine also features an overcast stitch and a tricot stitch, which is particularly effective for stretchy materials that require elasticity in the seams.
Specialized Functionality
- Four-Step Buttonhole: Despite its compact size, the Jem Gold 660 includes a four-step buttonhole feature that is straightforward to use, thanks to the sliding buttonhole foot with clear registration marks. This feature allows precise buttonhole sewing, suitable for various projects, including those with numerous embellishments.
Design and Usability
- Compact and Portable: Weighing just 14 pounds, this machine is incredibly portable, making it an ideal choice for sewists on the go or for those attending sewing classes. The included tapestry-look carrying case not only protects the machine but also adds a touch of style.
- User Experience: Although its compact size limits the workspace under the arm, making it less suitable for large quilting projects, it is perfectly capable of piecing together queen-size quilts. The robust motor ensures that it can handle multiple fabric layers despite its smaller footprint.
Value for Money
- Affordable with Comprehensive Features: Priced at an MSRP of $200, the Janome Jem Gold 660 offers significant value, balancing quality features and affordability. It’s an excellent investment for beginners or as a secondary machine for experienced sewists.

Standard and Optional Accessories for the Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine
The Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine comes equipped with essential standard accessories, and it has a comprehensive list of optional accessories available for purchase. These accessories enhance its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of sewing tasks from basic garment construction to complex quilting and decorative sewing.
Standard Accessories Included:
- Bobbin (Standard): Used for all your sewing needs, compatible with the Janome Jem Gold 660.
- Foot Control: Allows for hands-free operation of the sewing speed.
- Overedge Foot C: Designed to help you create finished edges, preventing fabric from fraying.
- Triangle Screwdriver: Useful for machine maintenance, such as tightening screws or making adjustments.
- Zig-Zag Foot: A versatile foot used for most basic sewing projects, including straight and zigzag stitches.
Optional Accessories Available:
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- 1/4 Inch Ruler Foot (Low Shank) and 1/4″ Seam Foot O2 (scant): Essential for precise piecing in quilting.
- Applique Foot and Beading Foot Set (Wide & Narrow): Ideal for decorative sewing techniques.
- Automatic Buttonhole Foot: Simplifies the process of making buttonholes.
- Circular Sewing Attachment: Allows for the creation of precise circles and arcs in sewing projects.
- Convertible Even Feed Foot and Convertible Free Motion Quilting Foot Set: Enhances fabric handling for quilting and free-motion sewing.
- Ditch Quilting Foot and Edge Guide Foot: Useful for precise stitching along quilt seams or fabric edges.
- Gathering Foot and Ruffler: Great for adding gathers or ruffles to garments and home decor.
- Hemmer Feet Set (4mm & 6mm) and Rolled Hem Foot 2mm: For creating narrow rolled hems on lightweight fabrics.
- Needle Set, Needle Threader, and Various Needles (Universal, Ball Point, Purple Tip, Red Tip): To accommodate different types of fabric and sewing needs.
- Overcast Foot M and Piping Foot 5-7mm Models: For creating clean finishes on edges and adding piping.
- Ribbon / Sequin Foot and Ribbon Sewing Guide: Assist with sewing ribbons and sequins for decorative purposes.
- Ruler Work Kit Low Shank: For those who want to engage in ruler-based quilting.
- Sliding Buttonhole Foot and Straight Stitch Foot: For specific sewing techniques and more control.
- Zipper Foot and Zig-Zag Foot with Finger Guard: For inserting zippers and extra safety during sewing.
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Detailed Specifications of the Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine
The Janome Jem Gold 660 is a compact and efficient sewing machine designed for sewers looking for portability without sacrificing key functionalities. Here’s a closer look at the specifications that make this machine a favorable choice for beginners and experienced sewists who need a secondary, portable machine.
Core Functional Features
- Hook Type: Top Loading Full Rotary Hook Bobbin, known for its reliability and ease of use.
- Thread Tension Control: Manual adjustment allows for precise control over stitch quality across various fabrics.
- Maximum Stitch Width: 5mm, suitable for most basic sewing tasks, including decorative stitches.
- Feed System: A 4-piece feed dog ensures smooth fabric feeding for consistent stitch quality.
- Stitch Selection: Controlled via dials, providing a tactile and straightforward method of selecting from the 9 built-in stitches.
- Bobbin Winding: Features an Auto-Declutch mechanism, simplifying the bobbin winding process.
Ease of Use and Convenience
- Easy Reverse Button: Allows for easy backstitching, essential for securing stitch ends.
- Built-In Needle Threader: Saves time and reduces eye strain, especially beneficial for sewists with less steady hands or impaired vision.
- Extra High Presser Foot Lift: Provides additional clearance, necessary when sewing multiple layers or thicker fabrics.
- Free Arm: Offers easy access for sewing cylindrical items like sleeves and trouser hems.
Design and Physical Attributes
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 11.6 lbs and measuring W 13.4″ x H 10″ x D 6.3″, this machine is ideal for those who require a machine that is easy to store or transport.
- Work Space Dimensions: W 5.1″ x D 4.3″, providing a modest area suitable for basic sewing projects.
Sewing Capabilities
- Number of Stitches: 9 built-in stitches, including essential utility stitches for general sewing.
- Number of Buttonholes: One 4-step buttonhole, allowing for simple buttonhole creation.
- Maximum Stitch Length: 4mm, adequate for a variety of sewing applications from fine to medium-weight fabrics.
Additional Considerations
- No Dual Voltage: Limited to a single voltage system; not suitable for international use without proper voltage conversion.
- Lack of Advanced Features: Does not have features like needle up/down positioning, drop feed for free motion sewing, last stitch recall, twin needle guard, or knee lift, which might be found in more advanced or larger machines.
Pros and Cons of the Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine
Pros:
- Compact and Lightweight: The machine is highly portable, making it ideal for those who need a sewing machine for travel, classes, or those with limited storage space.
- Ease of Use: Simple dial controls and a built-in needle threader make the Janome Jem Gold 660 straightforward and accessible for beginners and those who prefer simplicity.
- Reliable Feed System: The 4-piece feed dog system ensures smooth fabric feeding, which is crucial for consistent stitch quality across various types of projects.
- Versatile Stitch Options: Offers 9 built-in stitches, including a four-step buttonhole, providing essential functionality for a variety of sewing tasks from basic seams to decorative touches.
- Top Loading Full Rotary Hook Bobbin: Known for its reliability and ease of use, this bobbin system reduces jams and simplifies maintenance.
Cons:
- Limited Stitch Customization: With fixed stitch length and width and no ability to adjust needle position finely, options for customizing stitches are limited compared to more advanced models.
- No Advanced Features: Lacks features like automatic thread tension, drop feed for free-motion quilting, and a knee lift, which may be found on more comprehensive machines. This could limit the machine’s ability to handle more complex sewing tasks.
- Single Voltage: The lack of dual voltage capability means it cannot be easily used internationally without a voltage converter, potentially limiting its usefulness for those who travel.
- Limited Workspace: The small dimensions of the work area might be restrictive when working on larger or more complex projects.
- Basic Buttonhole Capability: While it includes a four-step buttonhole, which is adequate for basic needs, it may not meet the demands of users looking for more refined or automated buttonhole features.
Conclusion
The Janome Jem Gold 660 is an excellent choice for those needing a basic, portable sewing machine. Its straightforward design and reliable operation make it suitable for beginners or as a secondary machine for more experienced sewists. However, its lack of advanced features and customization may not satisfy those who need more flexibility and functionality for complex sewing projects. It represents a balance between portability, ease of use, and essential sewing capabilities, making it a solid option for everyday sewing tasks.
FAQs: Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine
Who is the Janome Jem Gold 660 ideal for?
The Janome Jem Gold 660 is ideal for beginners due to its ease of use and straightforward features. It is also perfect for experienced sewists looking for a lightweight, portable machine for travel or classes.
Can the Janome Jem Gold 660 handle heavy fabrics?
While the Janome Jem Gold 660 can handle a range of fabric types, its performance with very heavy or thick fabrics might be limited compared to larger, more robust machines. It is best suited for light to medium-weight fabrics.
Does the Janome Jem Gold 660 have an automatic needle threader?
Yes, the Janome Jem Gold 660 includes a built-in needle threader, which simplifies the threading process and saves time, making it easier for sewists of all skill levels.
What types of stitches can the Janome Jem Gold 660 perform?
The Janome Jem Gold 660 comes with 9 built-in stitches, including basic and decorative stitches, as well as a four-step buttonhole. This variety covers most basic sewing needs for home projects.
Is the Janome Jem Gold 660 good for quilting?
The Janome Jem Gold 660 can be used for basic quilting projects, especially with its free arm and extra high-pressure foot lift. However, its small workspace and lack of specific quilting features like a drop feed might limit its functionality for more advanced quilting tasks.
How do I change the stitch settings on the Janome Jem Gold 660?
Stitch settings on the Janome Jem Gold 660 can be adjusted using the stitch selection dial. While stitch width and length are preset for each stitch type, selecting different stitches is straightforward and user-friendly.
What maintenance does the Janome Jem Gold 660 require?
Regular maintenance for the Janome Jem Gold 660 includes cleaning the bobbin area and feed dogs to remove lint and debris, ensuring the machine is oiled if required (check your manual for specific instructions), and changing needles regularly to maintain stitch quality.
Can I adjust the presser foot pressure on the Janome Jem Gold 660?
No, the Janome Jem Gold 660 does not have an adjustable presser foot pressure. It is set to handle general sewing tasks effectively across a variety of common fabrics.
What accessories come with the Janome Jem Gold 660?
The Janome Jem Gold 660 comes with several accessories, including a standard bobbin, zigzag foot, overedge foot, triangle screwdriver, and foot control, among others. Additional accessories are available for purchase to enhance its capabilities.
Where can I purchase additional accessories or parts for the Janome Jem Gold 660?
Additional accessories or parts for the Janome Jem Gold 660 can be purchased from authorized Janome dealers or directly from Janome’s website. Some generic sewing accessories compatible with the machine may also be available from various sewing supply stores online.
How do I clean and maintain the Janome Jem Gold 660?
To keep your Janome Jem Gold 660 in top condition, regularly clean the machine after use. Remove lint and debris from the bobbin area and feed dogs using the lint brush provided. It’s also advisable to cover the machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on oiling, as this machine may have different requirements compared to other models.
What is the best way to store the Janome Jem Gold 660 when not in use?
When the Janome Jem Gold 660 is not in use, store it in a clean, dry place. Use the soft cover provided to protect it from dust. If you transport the machine frequently, consider using the carrying case to protect it from bumps and scrapes.
Can the Janome Jem Gold 660 sew leather or denim?
The Janome Jem Gold 660 can handle light to medium-weight denim or leather when using the appropriate needles and settings. However, for thicker layers or heavy-duty materials, a more powerful machine designed for such tasks might be more suitable.
Is the Janome Jem Gold 660 suitable for children or beginners?
Yes, the Janome Jem Gold 660 is an excellent choice for children and beginners due to its simplicity and ease of use. Its compact size and straightforward features make it less intimidating for new sewists, and the built-in safety features, like the snap-on feet, help prevent accidents.
What should I do if my Janome Jem Gold 660 is skipping stitches?
If your Janome Jem Gold 660 starts skipping stitches, check if the needle is inserted correctly and is not blunt or bent. Also, ensure that you are using the correct type and size of the needle for your fabric. Re-thread the machine according to the threading chart to make sure both top and bobbin threads are properly placed.
How do I troubleshoot tension problems on the Janome Jem Gold 660?
If you experience tension problems on your Janome Jem Gold 660, first check if the machine is correctly threaded. Incorrect threading is often the cause of tension issues. Adjust the manual tension control slightly to see if it improves the stitch quality. Make small adjustments until you achieve the desired stitch quality.
Can the Janome Jem Gold 660 handle multiple layers of fabric?
The Janome Jem Gold 660 can sew through multiple layers of light to medium-weight fabrics, thanks to its extra high-pressure foot lift. However, for very thick or heavy layers, be cautious and go slowly to prevent any damage to the machine.
What warranty comes with the Janome Jem Gold 660?
The Janome Jem Gold 660 typically comes with a limited warranty that covers parts and labor for a specified period. The exact terms and duration of the warranty can vary, so it is best to check with your retailer or consult Janome’s official documentation for precise details.
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