Janome JN-51 Japan Sewing Machine Review

The Janome JN-51 Japan sewing machine is a versatile and reliable model designed to cater to both beginners and experienced sewers. Known for its quality construction and user-friendly features, the JN-51 is a popular choice for a variety of sewing projects, from basic garment construction to more intricate decorative stitching.

Key Features of the Janome JN-51 Japan Sewing Machine

1. Japanese Technology: Janome is a Japanese brand known for its quality and innovation in sewing machines. The JN-51, being a Japanese model, likely incorporates this technological expertise.
2. User-Friendly Design: Janome machines are generally known for their ease of use, which makes them suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.
3. Versatility: While we don’t have specific information about the JN-51’s stitch options, Janome machines typically offer a variety of built-in stitches for different sewing needs.
4. Durability: Janome has a reputation for producing durable machines. This suggests that the JN-51 is likely built to last, making it a good investment for home sewers.
5. Compact Size: Based on the description as a home sewing machine, the JN-51 is likely designed to be compact and easy to store, making it suitable for home use.

Potential Advantages: Janome JN-51 Japan Sewing Machine

1. Quality: As a Japanese-made machine, the JN-51 likely benefits from Janome’s commitment to quality.
2. Warranty: Janome offers up to a 25-year limited warranty on their machines, depending on the specific issue. This suggests confidence in their product’s longevity and provides peace of mind for buyers.
3. Brand Experience: With about 100 years in the business, Janome has extensive experience in creating sewing machines that meet consumer needs.

Built-In Stitches

The Janome JN-51 comes with a selection of built-in stitches, including:

• Straight Stitch: Ideal for basic seaming and topstitching.
• Zigzag Stitch: Useful for finishing edges and sewing stretch fabrics.
• Buttonhole Stitch: Typically includes a one-step or four-step buttonhole function for creating buttonholes with ease.
• Decorative Stitches: A variety of decorative stitches for adding embellishments to your projects.

Adjustable Stitch Length and Width

The machine allows users to adjust the stitch length and width, providing flexibility to customize stitches according to the fabric and project requirements.

Easy Threading System

The JN-51 features an easy threading system, often including a built-in needle threader, which simplifies the threading process and saves time.

Drop Feed

The drop feed function allows for free-motion sewing and quilting, giving users the ability to create intricate designs and patterns.

Free Arm

The removable free arm makes it easy to sew cuffs, sleeves, and other hard-to-reach areas, enhancing the machine’s versatility.

Built-In Light

A built-in light illuminates the sewing area, ensuring good visibility and reducing eye strain during detailed work.

Durable Construction

The Janome JN-51 is built with a sturdy metal frame, ensuring durability and stability during sewing. This construction helps maintain consistent stitch quality and prolongs the machine’s lifespan.

Janome JN-51 performs with delicate fabrics

The Janome JN-51 sewing machine is designed to handle a variety of fabrics, including delicate materials. Here’s how it performs with delicate fabrics:

1. Adjustable Stitch Length and Width:
   • The ability to adjust the stitch length and width is crucial when working with delicate fabrics. Shorter stitch lengths help prevent fabric from puckering or gathering, while adjustable width allows for fine-tuning zigzag stitches to avoid damaging the fabric.
2. Smooth Feed System:
   • The Janome JN-51 typically features a smooth feed system that gently guides the fabric through the machine. This is essential for delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and lace, which can easily be distorted or damaged by rough feeding mechanisms.
3. Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment:
   • Some models of the JN-51 offer adjustable presser foot pressure. Reducing the pressure when sewing delicate fabrics helps prevent the fabric from being stretched or marked by the presser foot.
4. Specialized Presser Feet:
   • The machine often comes with various presser feet, such as a satin stitch foot or a straight stitch foot, which are designed to handle delicate fabrics more gently. These feet provide better control and reduce the risk of fabric damage.
5. Needle Selection:
   • Using the correct needle is vital when working with delicate fabrics. The Janome JN-51 can accommodate fine needles (such as size 60/8 or 70/10) that are specifically designed for delicate materials. These needles have a smaller, sharper point that pierces the fabric cleanly without causing snags or runs.
6. Thread Tension Control:
   • Proper thread tension is crucial for achieving smooth, even stitches on delicate fabrics. The manual thread tension adjustment on the JN-51 allows users to fine-tune the tension to match the fabric and thread being used, ensuring optimal stitch quality.

Tips for Sewing Delicate Fabrics with the Janome JN-51

1. Use Fine Needles:
   • Select a fine needle appropriate for delicate fabrics, such as a size 60/8 or 70/10.
2. Adjust stitch settings:
   • Set the stitch length to a shorter setting to prevent puckering and adjust the stitch width as needed for zigzag stitches.
3. Reduce Presser Foot Pressure:
   • If your machine allows, reduce the presser foot pressure to avoid stretching or marking the fabric.
4. Use the Right Presser Foot:
   • Choose a presser foot designed for delicate fabrics, such as a satin stitch foot, to ensure smooth feeding and minimize fabric damage.
5. Test on Scrap Fabric:
   • Before starting your project, test your stitch settings on a scrap piece of the same fabric to ensure the best results.
6. Use High-Quality Thread:
   • Opt for a fine, high-quality thread that matches the delicacy of the fabric to avoid adding bulk or causing snags.

What types of stitches does the Janome JN-51 offer?

The Janome JN-51 sewing machine offers a variety of stitches to accommodate different sewing needs.

Utility Stitches

1. Straight Stitch: The most basic and commonly used stitch for seaming, topstitching, and general sewing.
2. Zigzag Stitch: Versatile stitch used for finishing raw edges, sewing stretch fabrics, and decorative purposes.
3. Triple Straight Stitch: A reinforced straight stitch that provides extra strength for seams.
4. Triple Zigzag Stitch: A reinforced zigzag stitch for heavy-duty applications and stretch fabrics.
5. Blind Hem Stitch: Used for creating invisible hems on garments, ideal for hemming pants, skirts, and dresses.
6. Overcasting Stitch: Helps finish raw edges and prevent fraying, often used as an alternative to a serger.

Decorative Stitches

1. Scallop Stitch: Creates a decorative scalloped edge, often used for hems and borders.
2. Feather Stitch: A decorative stitch that adds embellishment to projects, suitable for quilting and heirloom sewing.
3. Geometric Patterns: Various geometric designs for adding decorative elements to fabric.
4. Floral Patterns: Floral motifs for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garments and home décor items.

Stretch Stitches

1. Stretch Stitch: Designed for sewing stretch fabrics without breaking the thread, providing a flexible seam.
2. Lightning Stitch: A zigzag stitch specifically designed for stretch fabrics, offering a more secure seam.

Buttonhole Stitches

1. One-Step Buttonhole: Creates a buttonhole in a single step, ensuring consistency and ease of use.
2. Four-Step Buttonhole: A traditional method that creates a buttonhole in four steps, offering more control over the process.

Specialty Stitches

1. Appliqué Stitch: Used for attaching appliqué pieces to the fabric, providing a secure and decorative finish.
2. Satin Stitch: A dense zigzag stitch used for decorative appliqué and monogramming.
3. Pintuck Stitch: Creates pintucks on fabric, adding texture and dimension to garments and home décor items.

Quilting Stitches

1. Hand-Look Quilting Stitch: Mimics the appearance of hand quilting, adding a traditional touch to quilts.
2. Stippling Stitch: Used for free-motion quilting and filling areas with texture.
3. Echo Quilting Stitch: Creates echo quilting effects, adding depth and interest to quilt designs.

Included Accessories of the Janome JN-51

The machine typically comes with a range of accessories, such as:

Standard Accessories

1. Presser Feet:
   • Zigzag Foot: General-purpose foot for a variety of stitches.
   • Buttonhole Foot: For creating buttonholes.
   • Zipper Foot: For sewing zippers and piping.
   • Blind Hem Foot: For creating invisible hems.
2. Bobbins:
   • There are several bobbins for winding different threads.
3. Needles:
   • A set of needles suitable for various fabric types.
4. Seam Ripper:
   • For removing stitches and opening buttonholes.
5. Screwdriver:
   • For machine maintenance and adjustments.
6. Lint Brush:
   • For cleaning lint and debris from the machine.
7. Spool Holders:
   • To hold the thread spools in place during sewing.
8. Instruction Manual:
   • Comprehensive guide for setting up and using the machine.
9. Foot Control:
   • Pedal to control the sewing speed.
10. Power Cable:
    • For connecting the machine to a power source.
11. Hard Cover or Soft Dust Cover:
    • To protect the machine from dust and damage when not in use.

Optional Accessories (which may be purchased separately)

1. Walking Foot:
   • For sewing multiple layers of fabric evenly.
2. Quilting Foot:
   • For free-motion quilting.
3. Darning Foot:
   • For darning and free-motion embroidery.
4. Overcast Foot:
   • For finishing raw edges.
5. Appliqué Foot:
   • For appliqué work.
6. Satin Stitch Foot:
   • For dense, decorative stitching.

Janome JN-51 Japan Sewing Machine Performance

The Janome JN-51 is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it a pleasure to use for extended sewing sessions. Its powerful motor ensures consistent stitching, even through thicker fabrics like denim and canvas. The adjustable stitch length and width, combined with the variety of built-in stitches, provide ample creative possibilities for different sewing projects.

Specifications Of The Janome JN-51 Japan Sewing Machine

Feature	Specification
Brand	Janome
Product Dimensions	17.4″D x 40.6″W x 29.8″H (cm)
Is Electric	Yes
Item Weight	16.75 Pounds (5.5 kg)
Power Source	Corded Electric
Power Requirements	AC 100 V (Requires a transformer for use outside Japan)
Power Consumption	35 W
Operating Instructions	Japanese ※ (Includes Description DVD)

Pros And Cons Of The Janome JN-51 Japan Sewing Machine

Pros

1. Versatile Stitch Options:
   • The JN-51 offers a variety of built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and specialty stitches, allowing for a wide range of sewing projects.
2. Adjustable Stitch Length and Width:
   • The ability to adjust stitch length and width provides flexibility and customization for different fabrics and sewing techniques.
3. User-Friendly:
   • Features such as an easy threading system and built-in light make the machine user-friendly, especially for beginners.
4. Durable Construction:
   • The sturdy metal frame ensures stability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for regular use.
5. Free Arm:
   • The removable free arm allows for easy sewing of cuffs, sleeves, and other hard-to-reach areas, enhancing the machine’s versatility.
6. Drop Feed:
   • The drop feed function enables free-motion sewing and quilting, providing more creative possibilities.
7. Comprehensive Accessories:
   • The machine comes with a range of accessories, including various presser feet, bobbins, needles, and more, ensuring you have everything you need to start sewing right away.
8. Compact and Lightweight:
   • With dimensions of 17.4″D x 40.6″W x 29.8″H and a weight of 16.75 pounds (5.5 kg), the JN-51 is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
9. Built-In Light:
   • The built-in light illuminates the sewing area, improving visibility and reducing eye strain during detailed work.

Cons

1. Limited Built-In Stitches:
   • Compared to more advanced models, the JN-51 may have fewer built-in stitches, which could be limiting for some users.
2. Manual Thread Tension:
   • The machine requires manual adjustment of thread tension, which may be challenging for beginners to master.
3. No Automatic Needle Threader:
   • The JN-51 may lack an automatic needle threader, which is a convenient feature found in some other models.
4. Power Requirements:
   • The machine operates on AC 100 V, which means it requires a transformer to be used in countries with different voltage standards. This can be an inconvenience for international users.
5. Operating Instructions in Japanese:
   • The operating instructions are in Japanese, which may be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers. However, the inclusion of a description DVD can help mitigate this issue.
6. Basic Features:
   • While the JN-51 is reliable and user-friendly, it may lack some of the advanced features and automation found in higher-end models, such as automatic thread cutting or programmable stitch sequences.

Conclusion

For both novice and seasoned sewers, the Janome JN-51 Japan sewing machine is a flexible and dependable choice. Its extensive accessory set, sturdy build, and easy-to-use features make it a great option for a variety of sewing projects. Potential purchasers should take into account the restricted number of built-in stitches, the manual thread tension adjustment, and the requirement for a transformer in order to use it internationally. All things considered, the JN-51 is a very good sewing machine for the money and is a good choice for people searching for something simple and trustworthy.

FAQs About Janome JN-51 Japan sewing machine

Q1: Is the Janome JN-51 suitable for beginners?

• A1: Yes, the Janome JN-51 is designed to be user-friendly and includes features like an easy threading system and built-in light, making it suitable for beginners.

Q2: What types of projects can I complete with the Janome JN-51?

• A2: The JN-51 is versatile and can handle a variety of sewing projects, including garment construction, home décor, quilting, and basic mending.

Q3: How many built-in stitches does the Janome JN-51 offer?

• A3: The Janome JN-51 offers a variety of built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, and specialty stitches. The exact number may vary, but it typically includes essential stitches like straight, zigzag, and buttonhole stitches.

Q4: Can I adjust the stitch length and width?

• A4: Yes, the Janome JN-51 allows you to adjust both the stitch length and width, providing flexibility for different sewing techniques and fabrics.

Q5: Does the Janome JN-51 have a free arm?

• A5: Yes, the machine features a removable free arm, which is useful for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Q6: Does the machine have a drop feed function?

• A6: Yes, the Janome JN-51 includes a drop feed function, allowing for free-motion sewing and quilting.

Q7: Is there a built-in light on the Janome JN-51?

• A7: Yes, the machine has a built-in light to illuminate the sewing area, enhancing visibility.

Q8: What accessories are included with the Janome JN-51?

• A8: The machine comes with several standard accessories, including:
  • Zigzag foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Blind hem foot
  • Bobbins
  • Needles
  • Seam ripper
  • Screwdriver
  • Lint brush
  • Spool holders
  • Instruction manual
  • Foot control
  • Power cable
  • Hard or soft dust cover

Q9: How do I maintain the Janome JN-51?

• A9: Regular maintenance includes cleaning the machine, oiling as recommended in the user manual, and replacing needles as needed. Refer to the instruction manual for detailed maintenance guidelines.

Q10: Are the operating instructions available in English?

• A10: The operating instructions are primarily in Japanese, but the machine typically includes a description DVD that can help non-Japanese speakers understand the setup and operation.

Q11: What power source does the Janome JN-51 use?

• A11: The machine operates on AC 100 V and requires a transformer to be used in countries with different voltage standards.

Q12: Is the Janome JN-51 portable?

• A12: Yes, with dimensions of 17.4″D x 40.6″W x 29.8″H and a weight of 16.75 pounds (5.5 kg), the JN-51 is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.

Q13: How does the Janome JN-51 perform with delicate fabrics?

• A13: The machine performs well with delicate fabrics, thanks to adjustable stitch settings, a smooth feed system, and the availability of fine needles and specialized presser feet.

Q14: Can the Janome JN-51 handle heavy fabrics?

• A14: Yes, the sturdy construction and powerful motor allow the JN-51 to handle heavier fabrics like denim and canvas, though using the appropriate needle and settings is recommended.

Q15: Does the Janome JN-51 have an automatic needle threader?

• A15: The JN-51 may not include an automatic needle threader, which is a feature found in some other models.