Janome MyLock ML744D

Sturdy overlocker, not fussy about fabrics gives perfect results everytime! – Firstly, I am well aware this is a discontinued model (all manufacturers update models at various intervals, which is to be totally expected) but I was fortunate to come across a new/old stock 744D still in the factory-sealed box and it hasn't disappointed. As expected, it needed to be oiled as the original oil had dried, so I removed all covers,… Read more

oiled thoroughly and let it sit overnight before using, just to make sure oil got into all the right places. This applies to any sewing machine or overlocker and just not this model Janome, good maintenance is really important if you want good results.

**ETA...I am not so sure the discontinued status of this overlocker is correct because I've checked dealer websites and most still have it listed for sale, or can order. So who knows? Might be worth checking if you are in the market for an overlocker.

** I have also upgraded the bulb to an LED and, as expected, the difference is huge and it only cost Au$3.77 on eBay ex Shanghai. Sewing machine stores listed prices up to $29-35. It only takes a minute to changeover with no special knowledge or tools required, if you can change a light bulb in the house this is the same...only smaller and doesn't require a ladder. Just loosen one screw on the back of the left end cover, slide the cover off, twist the bulb to remove. Reverse the procedure for replacing.

The 744D sews through multiple layers of fabrics from denim to sheers with never a hiccup, missed stitch or other problem, it's truly a no-fuss overlocker with easy threading. For anyone who baulks at threading an overlocker, Janome's are colour-coded with a guide sticker inside the looper cover...easy peasy. Importantly it's not a noisy machine either.

One feature found on the 744D is a freearm not often found on overlockers and this can be extremely useful for odd shaped pieces you need to overlock.

The rolled hem is always a huge 'must have' feature on any overlocker I've owned, and again, the 744D doesn't disappoint and an offcut of silky polyester is now a beautiful scarf when otherwise the offcut would have languished in the cupboard forever, but is now being put to good use.

Really happy with the 744D, not that I bypassed this model for any particular reason in the past, but pleased to have it sitting on the sewing table because it gives great results and truly a no-fuss machine.

Can't take thick fabric – I have had this over locker for a while with no complaints. But recently on altering a pair of mens trousers I ran down the side seem and as I got to the pocket area the machine stopped. I have had my repair man look at it. He has been in touch with janome and they want £261 for machine to be returned to them and be repaired. I don't think it worth being done, and now discover janome have discontinued this model. This has left me very angry. Show details

About 20 to 30 hours work and motor blown up. Expensive overlocker – Not good for sewing demin. Can't be to thick of material or it breaks the needle. Was sewing then the machine started going slower and slower and then just stopped. Then a nice burning smell. Took it back to the Janome dealer and they said it is very common for this overlocker, they advise you not to buy this model. I wish those owners was there when i bought mine.  Show details

The second time I used my overlocker the cutting blade just snapped off. They seem quite weak and ex – The cutting blade snapped the second time I used the machine for no apparent reason very poor quality and expensive to replace for what it is. Luckily in the tool box supplied with the machine there was a spare blade. no warranty on this part do very unhappy with quality  Show details

Wish I had picked a different overlocker – This overlocker is the noisiest machine I've ever had - husband thinks it sounds like a machine gun. The machine runs ok for a short period on regular fabric but the tension constantly needs adjusting. It is awful on thicker fabric and has completely thrown out the tension many times and the parts became jammed. Twice I had to take it to get… Read more

repaired costing me about $200! I would not hesitate to buy another machine from a different brand if I hadn’t already spent so much on this useless Janome. I prefer to avoid using it where possible.

Absolute rubbish – Had a Janome over locker for 25 yrs and worked it into the ground. It was an old work horse. I decided to spoil myself and buy the Janome Mylock 744D. I have only managed to use it a few times. It is so awful that I have been forced to rather zigzag seams with the sewing machine. I used to love sewing but this machine definitely makes it a chore… Read more

now.

If you only ever sew one thickness of fabric then this machine is for you. Try doing 2 or 3 layers of thin cotton fabric and it jams, breaks a needle or seizes up and will not move. So frustrating. Would like to scrap it, but can not afford another machine just yet.

Has definitely eaten my happy.

Jams easily,very noisy and ultimately not a pleasure to use

Mixed results – I purchased this overlocker after not having one for a couple of years. Recently the thread has started snapping for the lower looper everytime I use it. Even though the lower looper does have an easy thread option, it is still the most complicated to re-thread so this is a real pain! When it was going well, it sewed very neatly & ran smoothly… Read more

Price, ease of threading, ease of changing stitches Threads keep snapping, tension was out of whack after doing rolled hem

Hard to use machine – It is difficult to thread,and we paid a little extra to supposedly get an easy thread machine. It does not seem to like thicker fabrics ie denim, it seems to struggle abit. I have had an overlocker previously so I am familiar with using an overlocker but I need to pay for lessons to be able to use this one. I am very disappointed. Maybe a free… Read more

lesson should come with the machine.

I know this will not be approved however this is my honest opinion that you have asked for.

Hard to use

Excellent – Janome stands out from the crowd in performance and in operation. My Janome MyLock 744D sits allways on the sewing cabinet with the sewing machine, ready for action! This is the best overlocker I have used in all my years of sewing. The threading of this machine is so easy, even my 8 year old grand daughter can do it. And if you break say number 3… Read more

thread, there's no need to undo all the other threads and start from 1, but just rewind the broken one only.

The tutorial video is the best I've seen so far: close-up shots and very detailed. There is a hard copy also for quick references. Nothing negative about this machine, but if you use cheap thread you'll encounter lots of breakage in the thread. Instead, start with a good quality thread and you won't look back and save money in the long run.

differential feed keeps jamming – I bought this OL from metro sewing centre after my old OL broke.(not a janome) It sews absolutely beautiful.. perfect rolled hems, i love it..Then the differential feed jammed and would bunch up my fabric as i tried to sew and no matter what i tried it wouldnt unjam. ive had to send it back twice to get fixed. So annoying. Im hoping this isnt… Read more

a recurring thing on this machine as i forked out $500 for it.

When its working its amazing, when its not,its crap. If you can, make sure you buy from a local dealer. its a major pain to have to courier it back as its a cost to you to have it couried and that isnt covered by warranty. Sews beautifully Differential feed keeps jamming