Janome Sewist 521

LOVE it, sturdy, strong, easy to use – I love mine, I also have Singer & brother machine (more expensive & newest models) but by far this is my favourite

Love it – Bought this machine after spending a couple of months reading reviews. So far I'm really delighted with it. Reading reviews and worrying about which one to buy is such a headache! I'm just learning but wanted a machine that would still be good for an advanced person. This seems to be that machine. I've had absolutely no problems. It's really easy to use and I've used it quite a bit already.

I went to a janome stockists and got the machine for $299 ( online cheapest I could get it for was $350). I got a free scissors too, all helps!

I know Many don't like that it doesn't have automatic needle threaded but I don't mind that in the least. Don't miss what you never had and it's not like my thread keeps catching or anything.

Also maybe I just have no fear , but I found the 4 step button hole easy peasy. I've never done any classes or anything. After I did a few straight lines I just took the plunge and did a few...they look great!

YouTube is fantastic and I liked that there seemed to be a lot of tutorials online for this machine.

The only thing that I don't like, but knew when I was purchasing it , was that there is no option to leave the needle down when finished sewing. Again it's easy to overcome...I just manually scroll it down and then turn my fabric etc.

Am very happy with my machine. I'm looking forward to making lots of items on it , think I'd benefit from a few classes to get me started of making some clothes etc.

My only problem is not the machine...I need more money for beautiful fabrics and more time to indulge. ;)

Great bang for the buck, lightweight yet sturdy sewing machine – Bought off the internet inexpensively for less than RRP new in box, from a dealership as a travel machine. I had tried a Husqvarna Tribute 140 but it had some problems sewing bulk in denim and fleece, so I have rehomed it because I need a machine that is happy to sew over seam allowances and not stall or struggle, even for sewing when travelling. I had seen this machine in the hands of friends and also online in videos sewing over some heavier fabrics easily so thought for the price it was worth a look.

Its a top loading machine and came with a few extra feet for things like blindhem, zipper insertion, decorative stitching, and a slide out tray for storage beneath.

It seems solid enough at the price point for what it is, the knobs feel well designed to not break with use over time, are comfortable to turn, and it sews smoothly and reasonably quietly. The stitches are tidy enough. There is adjustable presser foor pressure and unlike a lot of cheap machines the stitch width is adjustable on the stitches I have tried to date.

It is a top loader so dropping in the bobbin is easy to do and it is very easy to thread as well as wind a bobbin.

There is a free arm accessed by sliding off the extension table under which the accessory box fits. The accessory box slides out only half way before you must remove it completely to access the rest of the storage area so that is a little bit fiddly to remove and get back into place properly, but doesn't affect the way the machine sews.

There are all the utility stitches I could need for sewing clothing including knits, for great price offering good value of stitch capabilities for the hobby sewer. With a chance of damage to a machine during travel I didn't want to sink a lot of money into a fancy machine only to have it cracked or broken, or worse, stolen.

Buttonholes are functional enough but are made with a 4 step business and they are not as perfect as other machines that I own for neatness.

I saw that Janome America have these machines on their retired list (discontinued), but they are still available in Australia through dealerships. I noticed there are identical versions of these machines being sold under the Elna name but for more money. But then Elna is also a division of Janome so I guess they give themselves an advantage there. Inexpensive, offered good array of stitches and sturdy enough build for a cheap machine. Accessory tray can be a bit difficult to remove and then re-engage in under the slide off extension table.

Excellent value for money – Good value for money. The last machine i had was a brother, it was the worst nightmare. this machine has a wonderful sound to it, many functions also. reading the manual is important to get an idea of the functions and machine overall. Stitches nicely. I can see me and this machine being long time companions. Overall good machine with many functions for its price Light seems to have a slight flicker- not very obvious

Fantastic easy to use machine – I have not done any machine sewing in close to twenty years (at school) so I was quite hesitant when buying my first machine. I've been so happy with the Janome Sewist 521 - it could not be easier to thread, and I've had no problems with it so far. Bobbin stuff is easy to do - getting the cotton on and then threading it. Easy to understand instructions. Hard case. Hasn't jammed up or snapped a needle or had any problems so far.