Janome Skyline S6 Sewing and Quilting Machine Review: sewing to a new level

Elevate Your Sewing with Advanced Features and Ease of Use

The Janome Skyline S6 is a well-rounded sewing and quilting machine that marries modern technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for sewists looking to enhance their creative capabilities. Whether you’re tackling large quilting projects or detailed home decor, the Skyline S6 provides the tools and space to execute your designs with precision and ease.

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Key Features and Performance

• 196 Built-In Stitches Including Alphabets: Offers an extensive selection of stitches for all types of sewing, from basic to decorative. This includes 10 one-step buttonholes and 1 font with four alphabets, perfect for personalized projects.
• Spacious Sewing Area: The large bed space is ideal for handling bigger projects like quilts and home decor items, giving you the freedom to manage your materials without constraint.
• High Sewing Speed: Capable of up to 1,000 stitches per minute, allowing you to complete projects faster without sacrificing stitch quality.

Advanced Technology and Convenience

• AcuFeed™ Flex Fabric Feeding System: Ensures your fabric is fed through evenly, which is particularly beneficial when working with multiple layers or tricky fabrics.
• Automatic Thread Cutter: With just a touch of a button, this feature trims the top and bobbin thread, saving you time and providing a clean finish.
• Memorized Needle Up/Down: Ideal for pivoting on corners or intricate parts of your sewing project, this feature can be set to automatically adjust the needle position when you stop sewing.
• Superior Needle Threader: Simplifies the needle threading process, reducing eye strain and saving you frustration.

User-Friendly Design and Accessibility

• Six LED Lights in Three Locations: Ensures your workspace is well-lit, reducing eye strain and making it easier to work on projects for extended periods.
• 9mm Decorative Stitches: Allows for more creative and bold decorative stitching, perfect for embellishments and appliques.
• LCD Screen with Direct Stitch Selection: Provides easy navigation and quick access to stitches and settings, enhancing your sewing experience.
• Stitch Chart Inside Machine Lid: Conveniently displays all available stitches grouped by their function, helping you find the right stitch for every task quickly.

Unique Extras

• Blue Janome Bobbins: Packaged specifically with this model, these bobbins not only complement the machine’s aesthetics but also ensure you have everything you need to get started.
• Foot Pressure Adjustment: With 7 levels of foot pressure, you can fine-tune how the machine handles different thicknesses of fabric, ensuring smooth sewing and optimal results

the Janome Skyline S6’s Feature Powerhouse

The Janome Skyline S6 isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a feature-packed powerhouse designed to supercharge your sewing experience. Let’s delve into the key functionalities that set this machine apart:

• Spacious Work Area: With a generous work space measuring 210mm (8.3″) x 120mm (4.7″), quilters and home décor enthusiasts can comfortably tackle large projects without feeling cramped.
• Blazing Sewing Speeds: Unleash your inner speed demon with sewing speeds of up to 1,000 stitches per minute, ideal for completing projects efficiently.
• Needlework Precision: Enjoy exceptional stitch quality and control with 91 needle positions, perfect for intricate details and precise topstitching.
• Effortless Threading: The Superior Needle Threading system eliminates frustration, ensuring a smooth start to your sewing journey.
• Superb Visibility: Six strategically placed white LED lights illuminate your workspace, casting a bright shadow-free beam for optimal stitch visibility.
• Customizable Stitching: Experiment with a wide range of creative possibilities thanks to the 9mm maximum stitch width and 196 built-in stitches, including 10 one-step buttonholes and block font stitches for personalized touches.
• Advanced Feed System: The AcuFeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System ensures flawless fabric handling, even when working with multiple layers or tricky materials.
• Convenience at Your Fingertips: An LCD screen with a backlight provides clear information and easy access to functions like stitch selection, stitch elongation, twin needle settings, mirror image stitching, and a programmable needle up/down feature for effortless sewing.
• Organized Stitch Selection: A handy Quick Reference Stitch Chart is included, and for additional ease, the stitch chart located inside the machine lid groups stitches by function for swift selection.
• Durable Construction: The die-cast aluminum frame guarantees stability even at high sewing speeds, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Standard Accessory Of the Janome Skyline S6 Sewing Machine: Equipping You for Sewing Success

The Janome Skyline S6 doesn’t leave you wanting when it comes to essential accessories. This machine arrives loaded with a treasure trove of standard tools to empower you for various sewing endeavors:

• Presser Feet for Every Project: Master a multitude of sewing techniques with a comprehensive set of presser feet, including Zigzag Foot (A), Rolled Hem Foot (D), Zipper Foot (E), Satin Stitch Foot (F), Blind Hemming Foot (G), Overedge Foot (M), 1/4″ Seam Foot (O), Darning Foot (PD-H), Automatic Buttonhole Foot (R) with Stabilizer Plate, Button Sewing Foot (T), AcuFeed Holder (twin), and AcuFeed Foot (AD) (twin).
• Needlework Essentials: Get started sewing right away with a pack of Janome BLUE Plastic Bobbins, a set of needles, an additional spool pin, and a large screwdriver.
• Maintenance Made Easy: Keep your machine running smoothly with a lint brush, seam ripper, and a set of small screwdrivers.
• Enhanced Sewing Experience: Elevate your quilting projects with a quilting guide bar.
• Organization and Control: Maintain organized thread flow with a variety of spool holders (large, small, and special) and a pair of large spool holders.
• Convenience and Comfort: Enjoy the ease of using the included blue-handled scissors and touch panel stylus. The adjustable knee lifter provides additional comfort and control during sewing.
• Learning Resources: Dive deep into the world of sewing with a comprehensive instruction book and an instructional video DVD.
• Protection and Portability: Keep your machine safe and dust-free with the included semi-hard fabric machine cover.

the Optional Accessory of The Janome Skyline S6: Expand Your Sewing Horizons

The Janome Skyline S6 offers a vast array of optional accessories to elevate your sewing experience and tackle specialized projects. Here’s a glimpse into the treasure trove available:

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• Precision Feet for Specific Tasks: Take your sewing accuracy to a new level with optional presser feet like the 1/4 Inch Ruler Foot, 1/4″ Seam Foot for AcuFeed Flex™, 1/4″ Seam Foot without Guide, 3-Way Cording Foot, 9-Hole Cording Foot, AcuFeed Flex™ Holder and Foot, Acufeed Ruffler, AcuFeed Straight Stitch Foot, AcuFeed Zipper Foot, and more.
• Enhanced Bobbin Management: Keep your bobbins organized and readily available with a 10-pack Bobbins or a Bobbin Holder for free motion quilting.
• Magnification Marvel: For detailed work, consider the AcuView Magnifier Holder with interchangeable 20x, 40x, and 60x lenses.
• Embellishment Expertise: Adorn your projects with flair using the Applique Foot, Beading Foot (Narrow Groove), Beading Foot (Wide Groove), or Bi-Level Foot.
• Finishing Touches: Achieve professional-looking results with the Binder Foot, Blue Tip Needles, Border Guide Foot, Extra Large Buttonhole Foot and Stabilizer Plate, Clear View 1/4 Seam Foot, Clear View Quilting Foot and Guide Set, Concealed Zipper Foot, or Edge Guide Foot.
• Spacious Sewing: For large projects, invest in the Extra Wide Table.
• Specialized Kits: Unlock a world of creative possibilities with themed kits like the Fashion & Finishing Kit, Crafting and Home Decor Accessory Kit, Ditch Quilting Foot, Ditch Quilting Foot for AcuFeed Flex™, Quilting Accessory Kit, Quilting Kit, or Ready-to-Quilt Training Panels by PatternJam.
• Free Motion Mastery: Elevate your free motion quilting skills with a variety of feet like the Free Motion Couching Foot, Free Motion Quilting Closed Toe Foot, Free Motion Quilting Holder, Free Motion Quilting Open Toe Foot, or Free Motion Quilting Zig-Zag Foot.
• Quilting Delights: Explore the world of quilting with the Gathering Foot, HD Roller Foot, Long Quilting Guide Bar Set, Open Toe Darning Foot, AcuFeed Open Toe Foot, Palm Quilting Paddles, Quilt Binder Set, Ruler Foot and Frame Quilting Foot Set, Ruler Work Kit, or Sliding Guide Foot.
• Organizational Essentials: Maintain a clutter-free workspace with a Spool Stand (2 threads) or Spool Stand (5 Threads).
• Needle Options: Find the perfect needle for your project with a variety of choices like Purple Tip Needles and Red Tip Needles.

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the Skyline S6’s Technical Specifications: A Deep Dive

For the detail-oriented sewist, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Janome Skyline S6’s technical specifications:

Bobbin System:

• Hook Type: Top Loading Full Rotary Hook – Ensures smooth, quiet operation and consistent stitch quality.
• Bobbin Tension Control: Automatic – Simplifies the sewing process by eliminating manual bobbin tension adjustments.
• Maximum Stitch Width: 9mm – Provides ample width for bold decorative stitches and heirloom techniques.
• Feed System: AcuFeed – Janome’s renowned feeding system ensures flawless fabric handling, even with challenging materials or multiple layers.

Convenience Features:

• Easy Reverse Button: Effortlessly sew in reverse to secure seams or intricate details.
• Bobbin Winding: Built-in bobbin winder with a plate and cutting blade for swift and convenient bobbin preparation.
• Stitch Selection: Direct Selection Buttons – Quickly access frequently used stitches with dedicated buttons.
• Dual Voltage Compatibility (80v-240v): Sew anywhere in the world with the machine’s ability to adapt to different voltage standards (check local regulations before use).

Additional Functionalities:

• Cover: Semi-Hard Cover – Protects your machine from dust and minor bumps during storage or transportation.
• Number of Stitches: 196 – Explore a vast library of stitches for various sewing applications.
• Number of Buttonholes: 10 One-Step Buttonholes – Create flawless buttonholes in a single step with ease.
• Needle Threader: Built-in – Saves time and frustration by effortlessly threading your needle.
• Needle Up/Down (Programmable): Set the needle to automatically stop in the up or down position for easy pivoting and piecing.
• Free Arm: Yes – Provides a cylindrical bed for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and other tubular areas.
• Drop Feed: Yes – Disengages the feed dogs for free-motion sewing and embroidery techniques.
• Needle Positions: 91 – Offers exceptional precision for intricate topstitching, decorative details, and zipper applications.
• Locking Stitch Button: Yes – Secures seams with a permanent lockstitch for added strength.
• Twin Needle Guard (Optional): Not included, but available for safe use of twin needles for decorative stitching.
• Number of Stitch Combinations: Up to 50 stitches – Combine stitches to create unique embellishments and borders.
• Last Stitch Recall Capability: Yes – Conveniently return to the last used stitch for consistent sewing patterns.
• Knee Lift: Yes – Provides hands-free presser foot lift for added comfort and control while sewing.

Physical Specifications:

• Machine Size: W 19″ x H 12.5″ x D 9.25″ (W 48.3 cm x H 31.8 cm x D 23.5 cm) – Compact design offers space-saving convenience.
• Machine Weight: 23.8 lbs. (10.8 kg) – Provides stability for smooth sewing, even at high speeds.
• Work Space: W 8.25″ x H 4.7″ (W 21 cm x H 12 cm) – Ample workspace for comfortable sewing of medium-sized projects.
• Extra High Presser Foot Lift: Yes – Accommodates thicker fabrics and multiple layers for effortless sewing.
• Foot Pressure Adjustment: Yes – Fine-tune the presser foot pressure for optimal fabric handling based on the material weight.
• Maximum Stitch Length: 5mm – Create a variety of stitch lengths for diverse sewing applications.

Janome Skyline S6 Sewing Machine: Pros and Cons

The Janome Skyline S6 sewing machine boasts a compelling feature set that caters to both beginner and intermediate sewists. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:

Pros:

• Spacious Work Area: Ideal for quilters and home décor enthusiasts working on larger projects.
• Top-Tier Features at Mid-Range Price: Offers advanced functionalities like automatic thread cutter, programmable needle up/down, and a vast array of stitches at a competitive price point.
• Wide Stitch Selection (196): Provides ample creative freedom for various sewing applications, including decorative stitches, buttonholes, and utility stitches.
• AcuFeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System: Ensures smooth and even fabric handling, even with challenging materials like multiple layers or slippery fabrics.
• High Sewing Speeds (Up to 1,000 spm): Boosts efficiency for sewists who value quick project completion.
• Excellent Visibility with 6 LED Lights: Provides a well-illuminated workspace for precise sewing.
• User-Friendly Interface: LCD screen with backlight and direct stitch selection buttons simplify stitch selection and machine operation.
• Effortless Threading: A superior Needle Threading system eliminates frustration and saves time.
• Adjustable Features: Foot pressure adjustment and 91 needle positions allow for customization based on project requirements.
• Abundant Standard Accessories: Comes equipped with a variety of presser feet, needles, bobbins, and other tools to tackle various sewing tasks right out of the box.
• Optional Accessories: Offers a vast selection of optional presser feet and tools to expand functionality and cater to specialized sewing techniques.
• Durable Construction: Die-cast aluminum frame ensures stability and longevity even at high sewing speeds.

Cons:

• No Twin Needle Guard Included: While the machine can accommodate twin needles for decorative stitching, a safety guard needs to be purchased separately.
• Weight (23.8 lbs.): Relatively heavy compared to some portable sewing machines, making it less ideal for frequent transport.
• Limited Embroidery Capabilities: Primarily a sewing machine; for extensive embroidery needs, a dedicated embroidery machine might be a better choice.
• Learning Curve: While user-friendly, the abundance of features might require some time to master for complete beginners.

Conclusion

The Janome Skyline S6 sewing machine emerges as a compelling option for sewists seeking a feature-packed machine that doesn’t break the bank. With its spacious work area, advanced functionalities at a competitive price, and a vast array of stitches, it empowers you to tackle various sewing projects with confidence. The AcuFeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System ensures smooth fabric handling, while the high sewing speeds and excellent LED lighting boost efficiency and precision. The user-friendly interface and effortless threading system make it a breeze to operate, even for beginners.

While there are a few considerations, like the lack of a twin needle guard and its weight, the extensive standard accessories and the availability of optional tools make the Janome Skyline S6 a highly customizable machine that can grow with your sewing skills. If you’re a sewist seeking a versatile and feature-rich machine to elevate your creativity, the Janome Skyline S6 is definitely worth considering. Its blend of innovation, user-friendliness, and affordability makes it a standout choice in the sewing machine market.

Janome Skyline S6 Sewing Machine: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Janome Skyline S6 a good sewing machine for beginners?

A: The Janome Skyline S6 can be a good option for beginners who are willing to invest some time in learning the features. While user-friendly, the abundance of features and functions might require some practice to master. However, the included instruction book, instructional video DVD, and user-friendly interface can significantly ease the learning curve.

Q: What kind of projects can I sew with the Janome Skyline S6?

A: The Janome Skyline S6 is a versatile machine suitable for a wide range of sewing projects. With its spacious work area, it’s ideal for quilting and home décor projects. The vast array of stitches allows you to tackle garment construction, decorative embellishments, buttonholes, and more.

Q: Does the Janome Skyline S6 come with a walking foot?

A: No, the Janome Skyline S6 doesn’t include a walking foot as a standard accessory. However, it is an optional accessory that can be purchased separately for quilting projects that require precise fabric feeding.

Q: Can the Janome Skyline S6 do embroidery?

A: The Janome Skyline S6 is primarily a sewing machine. While it can create some basic decorative stitches that might be used for embroidery embellishments, it doesn’t have dedicated embroidery features like an embroidery arm or specific embroidery hoops. For extensive embroidery needs, a dedicated embroidery machine might be a better choice.

Q: How much does the Janome Skyline S6 cost?

A: The price of the Janome Skyline S6 can vary depending on the retailer and any current promotions. It generally falls within a competitive price range for sewing machines with its feature set. It’s recommended to research prices from different retailers to find the best deal.

Q: Where can I buy the Janome Skyline S6 and optional accessories?

A: The Janome Skyline S6 and its optional accessories can be purchased from authorized Janome sewing machine retailers, both online and in physical stores. Janome’s website can provide you with a list of authorized retailers in your area.

Q: What is the warranty on the Janome Skyline S6?

A: The warranty on the Janome Skyline S6 can vary depending on your location and the retailer you purchase it from. It’s recommended to check the warranty information provided by the retailer at the time of purchase. Janome typically offers warranties on their sewing machines.

Q: Is the Janome Skyline S6 noisy?

A: The Janome Skyline S6 operates at a moderate noise level comparable to other sewing machines. The noise level might vary depending on the sewing speed and material thickness.

Q: How do I maintain my Janome Skyline S6?

A: The Janome Skyline S6 comes with an instruction manual that includes a maintenance section. It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures to ensure smooth operation and extend the life of your machine. This typically involves regular cleaning, oiling (if recommended), and keeping the machine dust-free.

Q: What is the AcuFeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System and how does it benefit me?

A: The AcuFeed™ Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System is a Janome innovation that ensures superior fabric handling. It consists of special feeding dogs that grip the fabric from both the top and bottom, preventing slipping or bunching. This is especially beneficial when sewing multiple layers of fabric, thick materials, or slippery fabrics like silk or satin. With the AcuFeed system, you can achieve even stitch quality and professional-looking results.

Q: How do I use the programmable needle up/down function?

A: The programmable needle up/down function allows you to set the needle to automatically stop in the up or down position at the end of a sewing cycle. This is a convenient feature for pivoting at corners, easing fabric insertion under the presser foot, or for precise matching of seams. Typically, there will be a dedicated button on the machine or a selection on the LCD screen to program the desired needle position.

Q: What are some of the optional presser feet available for the Janome Skyline S6 and what do they do?

A: The Janome Skyline S6 offers a wide variety of optional presser feet that expand the machine’s capabilities and allow you to tackle specialized sewing techniques. Here are a few examples:

• Walking Foot: Ensures even feeding of multiple layers of fabric, ideal for quilting projects.
• Pintuck Foot: Creates decorative pintucks (narrow folds) in fabric.
• Binding Foot: Attaches bias binding tape to fabric edges for a neat finish.
• Free Motion Quilting Foot: Provides greater control over the fabric for creating free-motion quilting designs.
• Cording Foot: Helps you sew cords or trims onto your projects.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other optional presser feet available to explore based on your sewing interests.

Q: Can I use a twin needle with the Janome Skyline S6?

A: Yes, the Janome Skyline S6 can accommodate twin needles for creating decorative stitching effects like double topstitching or cording. However, it’s important to note that a twin needle guard is not included as a standard accessory and needs to be purchased separately for safe use of twin needles.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my Janome Skyline S6?

A: Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure the smooth operation and longevity of your Janome Skyline S6. Here’s a basic rundown:

• After each use: Use the included cleaning brush to remove any lint or thread scraps from the needle plate, feed dogs, and bobbin area. You can also use a compressed air canister to gently blow out dust and debris.
• Regularly: Oil the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions (check the manual for specific oiling points if applicable).
• Keep it covered: When not in use, store your machine under the dust cover to protect it from dust and debris.

All Used Image Credit : Janome