Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine Review: Best Choice

Modern Sensibility Meets Convenience

The Janome Skyline S5 sewing machine represents the perfect blend of modern design and convenience. It is equipped with features designed to elevate your sewing experience. The machine offers a spacious bed, ideal for larger quilting and home decor projects, while its user-friendly features, such as the Automatic Thread Cutter and Memorized Needle Up/Down, streamline your sewing process and save valuable time. Elevate your sewing experience with the Skyline S5.

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My Experience with the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Several months ago, Janome reached out to me to review their then-new model, the Skyline S5. As someone who had been using a budget sewing machine, I eagerly seized the opportunity. While there’s certainly merit in using more affordable machines, I advocate investing in the best possible machine within one’s budget. With a recently expanded budget, I was eager to explore the enhanced features and capabilities that a more advanced machine like the Skyline S5 could offer. The transition was eye-opening, and looking back at my old machine just isn’t the same anymore.

Features of the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine Sewing Machine

Superior Plus Feed System

The Janome Skyline S5 boasts a Superior Plus Feed System, unique to Janome machines. This system ensures flawless fabric feeding in sync with the needle and bobbin. Its seven-piece feed dog maintains a parallel alignment with the needle plate, ensuring consistent sewing both forwards and backward.

Ample Work Area

Offering a spacious bed of 8.25″ x 13″ and a vertical clearance of 4.7″, the Skyline S5 provides 27% more space to the right of the needle and 36% more vertical clearance than its counterparts, making it ideal for larger quilting projects.

One-Step Needle Plate Converter

For those working with lightweight fabrics or quilting, the Skyline S5’s One Step Needle Plate Converter is a game-changer. It allows for a seamless transition between zigzag and straight stitch plates with just a button press, eliminating the need for screwdrivers.

Advanced Features for Enhanced Sewing

• Backlit LCD Screen: Navigate through 170 built-in stitches and 10 one-step buttonholes with ease.
• Accessory Storage: A hidden storage compartment under the top lid houses the stitch chart and accessories.
• Comprehensive Sewing Tools: The machine includes 91 needle positions, a maximum stitch width of 9mm, and 6 ultra-bright LED lights for optimal visibility.
• Automated Convenience: Features like the auto tension system, backlit digital LCD screen, advanced start/stop button, automatic thread cutter, easy reverse button, and locking stitch button make sewing effortless.
• Memorized Settings: With the memorized needle up/down feature and one-step plate converter, the machine adapts to your sewing preferences.
• Superior Feeding: The 7-piece feed dog system of the Superior Plus Feed System ensures consistent fabric handling.
• Accessory Compatibility: The Skyline S5 is compatible with a wide range of accessories designed for horizontal rotary hook models with a 9mm stitch width and high shank models without AcuFeed.

Convenience Features of the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Intuitive Sewing at Your Fingertips

The Skyline S5 is designed with convenience in mind, featuring easy-to-use buttons right beside the needle:

• Start/Stop Button: Sew effortlessly without the foot pedal, ideal for long seams or quick repairs.
• Easy Reverse Button: Secure your stitches with ease using the reverse button, perfect for backstitching and ending stitch patterns precisely.
• Locking Stitch Button: Finish your seams with confidence. This button ties off the thread, eliminating the need for backstitching, especially useful for delicate fabrics or decorative stitches.
• Needle Up/Down Button: Position your needle exactly where you need it, enhancing precision in your sewing projects.

Sewing Made Simpler

• One-Hand Needle Threader: Easily thread your machine up to the needle, then let the automatic threader do the rest, threading the needle for you.
• Backlit LCD Screen: The clear, backlit LCD display ensures you can always see your settings and stitch choices clearly, enhancing your sewing experience.

Standard Accessories of the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

The Janome Skyline S5 comes equipped with an extensive range of accessories, ensuring you have everything needed for a versatile sewing experience:

• 1/4″ Seam Foot O: Ideal for precise seam allowances on 9mm stitch width models.
• Automatic Buttonhole Foot R: Facilitates the creation of buttonholes with ease.
• Blind Hem Foot G (9mm): Perfect for creating invisible hems on 9mm models.
• Bobbin (Standard): Essential for all your sewing needs.
• Button Sewing Foot: Attaches buttons quickly and efficiently.
• Buttonhole Stabilizer Plate: Enhances stability when making buttonholes.
• Darning Foot: Essential for freehand embroidery and darning.
• Even Feed Foot 9mm: Ensures smooth fabric feeding for uniform stitching.
• Foot Control C-1036: Provides precise control over sewing speed.
• Knee Lifter: Allows hands-free lifting of the presser foot.
• Large Screwdriver: For machine adjustments and maintenance.
• Lint Brush: Keeps your machine clean and lint-free.
• Needle Set: A variety of needles to suit different fabrics and tasks.
• Overcast Foot M: Designed for clean overcasting on 9mm stitch width models.
• Quilting Guide Bar: Assists in maintaining straight quilting lines.
• Rolled Hem Foot 2mm: Creates narrow hems effortlessly.
• Satin Stitch Foot: For decorative stitching on 9mm models.
• Spool Holder (Special): Secures thread spools during sewing.
• Straight Stitch Needle Plate: For precise straight stitching.
• Touch Panel Stylus: Aids in navigating the touchscreen controls.
• Zig-Zag Foot: A versatile foot for most sewing needs.
• Zipper Foot E: Simplifies the attachment of zippers.

Optional Accessories for the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

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The Skyline S5 sewing machine can be further enhanced with a variety of optional accessories, catering to every sewing need:

• 1/4 Inch Ruler Foot [high shank]
• 1/4″ Seam Foot w/o Guide: For 9mm stitch width, top-loading models.
• 10 Pack Bobbins
• 3-Way Cording Foot: Compatible with 9mm stitch width, top load, high shank models.
• 75 Million Logo Case with 25 Blue Bobbins
• 9-Hole Cording Foot
• Acufeed Ruffler for 9mm
• AcuView Magnifier Holder with 20x, 40x, 60x Lenses
• Applique Foot: For 9mm max stitch models.
• Beading Foot (Narrow/Wide Groove): Suitable for 9mm max stitch width models.
• Bi-Level Foot 9mm
• Binder Foot
• Blue Tip Needles
• Bobbin Holder for Free Motion Quilting
• Border Guide Foot
• Buttonhole Foot (transparent)
• Buttonhole Foot with Stabilizer
• Circular Sewing Attachment
• Clear View 1/4 Seam Foot 9mm
• Clear View Quilting Foot and Guide Set
• Concealed Zipper Foot 9mm
• Open Toe Foot for Convertible Even Feed Foot (9mm)
• Convertible Even Feed Foot Set for 9mm
• Convertible Free Motion Quilting Foot Set
• Crafting & Home Decor Kit
• Ditch Quilting Foot
• Edge Guide Foot
• Edge to Edge Ruler Template Set – High Shank
• Extra Large Foot Controller
• Extra Wide Table
• Fashion & Finishing Kit
• Finger Guard
• Free Motion Couching Foot
• Gathering Foot
• HD Roller Foot
• Horizon Soft Case
• Horizontal Spool Holder
• Insert Plate F
• Janome Square Bobbin Saver
• Lap Seam Foot 9mm
• Long Quilting Guide Bar Set
• Needle Threader
• Open Toe Darning Foot 9mm
• Open Toe Satin Stitch Foot
• Palm Quilting Paddles
• Pintuck Cord Guide
• Pintucking Foot 9mm (Narrow/Wide)
• Piping Foot (Narrow/Wide) for 9mm Models
• Quilt Binder Set
• Quilting Accessory Kit
• Red Tip Needle
• Remote Thread Cutter Switch
• Ribbon / Sequin Foot
• Ribbon Sewing Guide
• Rolled Hem Foot 4mm/6mm
• Ruler Foot and Frame Quilting Foot Set
• Ruler Work Kit High Shank
• Skyline Accessory Case
• Sliding Guide Foot 9mm
• Spool Stand (2/5 Threads)
• Superior Ultra Glide Foot 9MM
• Taping Guide Foot 9mm
• Ultraglide Needle Plate and Foot Set
• Universal Sewing Table
• Variety of Pincushions in Different Colors

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Specifications of the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Pros and cons of Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Pros

• Superior Plus Feed System (SFS+): Ensures smooth fabric feeding, providing excellent fabric control and precision.
• Wide Range of Stitches: Offers 170 built-in stitches, including 10 one-step buttonholes, providing versatility for various sewing projects.
• Automatic Thread Tension Control: Automatically adjusts tension for optimal stitch quality.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Features direct selection buttons and a backlit LCD screen for easy navigation and selection of stitches.
• Ample Work Space: Boasts a large sewing area with 8.25″ x 4.7″ of work space, ideal for handling larger projects.
• Memorized Needle Up/Down: Enhances precision in pivoting and detailed work.
• Built-In Needle Threader: Saves time and reduces eye strain when threading the needle.
• Dual Voltage Compatibility: Can be used in various regions without needing a voltage converter.
• Knee Lifter Included: Allows for hands-free raising and lowering of the presser foot.
• Extra High Presser Foot Lift: Provides more clearance for thick fabrics and layers.

Cons

• Weight: At 22.5 lbs, it might be considered heavy for those needing a portable machine.
• No Twin Needle Guard: Lacks this feature, which might be a drawback for users who frequently sew with twin needles.
• Limited Maximum Stitch Length: With a maximum of 5mm, it may not be suitable for all types of projects, especially those requiring longer stitch lengths.
• No Last Stitch Recall Capability: This could be inconvenient for users who often work with complex stitch patterns or need to repeat the last stitch.
• Cost: May be considered expensive for beginners or those on a tight budget.
• Semi-Hard Cover: While it provides some protection, it may not be as robust as a hard case for transporting the machine.

conclusion

The Janome Skyline S5 is a robust and feature-rich sewing machine that caters well to both beginners and experienced sewists. Its Superior Plus Feed System, extensive stitch options, and user-friendly features like the automatic thread tension control and memorized needle positioning make it a versatile choice for a wide range of sewing projects.

The ample workspace and advanced features like the knee lifter and extra high-pressure foot lift enhance sewing convenience and efficiency. However, its weight and price may be considerations for those seeking portability or working within a tight budget. Overall, the Janome Skyline S5 stands out as a high-quality, reliable sewing machine that promises to deliver excellent sewing experiences.

FAQs about the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Q1: Is the Janome Skyline S5 suitable for beginners?

A1: Yes, the Skyline S5 is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly features like automatic thread tension control, built-in needle threader, and direct stitch selection buttons. These features make it easy to use, even for those new to sewing.

Q2: Can the Skyline S5 handle heavy fabrics?

A2: Yes, the Skyline S5 can handle heavy fabrics, thanks to its Superior Plus Feed System and extra high presser foot lift. These features ensure smooth feeding of thick fabrics and multiple layers.

Q3: Does the machine come with a warranty?

A3: Yes, the Janome Skyline S5 typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. However, the terms and duration of the warranty may vary, so it’s best to check with the retailer or manufacturer for specific details.

Q4: Can I quilt with the Janome Skyline S5?

A4: Yes, the Skyline S5 is equipped with features suitable for quilting, such as a large work area, a knee lifter, and a variety of stitches. Its spacious bed and quilting accessories make it a good choice for quilting projects.

Q5: How do I maintain and clean the Janome Skyline S5?

A5: Regular maintenance includes cleaning the bobbin area, removing lint and dust with a lint brush, and occasionally oiling the machine if specified in the manual. It’s important to follow the maintenance guidelines in the user manual for optimal performance.

Q6: Is the stitch quality on the Janome Skyline S5 consistent?

A6: Yes, the Janome Skyline S5 is known for its consistent stitch quality, with automatic tension control and a precise feeding system ensuring uniform stitches across various fabric types.

Q7: Can I connect the Janome Skyline S5 to a computer or download new stitches?

A7: The Janome Skyline S5 does not typically feature direct computer connectivity for downloading new stitches. However, it comes with a wide variety of built-in stitches, suitable for most sewing needs.

Q8: What types of sewing can I do with the Janome Skyline S5?

A8: The Janome Skyline S5 is versatile enough for general sewing, garment making, home decor projects, quilting, and more. Its range of stitches and accessories supports a wide range of sewing tasks.

Q9: Does the Janome Skyline S5 have an automatic thread cutter?

A9: Yes, the Janome Skyline S5 features an automatic thread cutter, which trims the thread with the push of a button, saving time and making sewing more efficient.

Q10: Can I adjust the presser foot pressure on the Janome Skyline S5?

A10: Yes, the Janome Skyline S5 allows you to adjust the presser foot pressure, making it easier to sew different types of fabric, from delicate silks to heavy denim.

Q11: Is the lighting on the Janome Skyline S5 sufficient for sewing in dimly lit areas?

A11: The machine comes with ultra-bright LED lights, providing excellent illumination of the work area, which is helpful for sewing in less brightly lit environments.

Q12: How many needle positions does the Janome Skyline S5 have?

A12: The Skyline S5 boasts 91 needle positions, offering tremendous flexibility for precise stitching, especially for tasks requiring exact seam allowances or topstitching.

Q13: What is the maximum stitch width on the Janome Skyline S5?

A13: The maximum stitch width on the Janome Skyline S5 is 9mm, which is great for creating bold and decorative stitches.

Q14: How easy is it to select stitches on the Janome Skyline S5?

A14: Stitch selection is straightforward on the Janome Skyline S5, thanks to its clear backlit LCD screen and direct selection buttons, allowing for quick and easy stitch choices.

Q15: What kind of feed system does the Janome Skyline S5 use?

A15: The Janome Skyline S5 uses the Superior Plus Feed System (SFS+), known for its exceptional fabric control and smooth feeding, enhancing the sewing experience and stitch quality.

All Used Image Credit : Janome