Janome 1110 DX Serger Review (2023 Update)

Note from the Editor: This Janome 1110 DX review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives for the Janome 1110 DX such as Janome 8002D, JUKI MO644D, and Janome CoverPro 900CPX.

When it comes to specialty machines for the home sewer, the serger has earned a place of honor. Sergers are found in more and more sewing rooms all around the world each and every day.

After it’s all said and done, an outside observer will surmise that all sergers are pretty much the same; however, for those of us who know the intricacies and nuances of different machines, their features and capabilities it is clearly obvious that some are less complicated and more user friendly than others.

As far as sergers go, the Janome 1110 DX is one of the most user friendly, easiest to operate sergers on the market.

Janome 1110 DX Overview

To look at it, the Janome 1110 DX serger is no different from practically any of the other four thread/two needle serger we have worked on in the past or have been permitted to review.

The similarities, however, stop there as well. Upon closer inspection, we observed the easy to follow color coded thread guides and threading chart on the front of the machine and inside the looper cover.

The next things that stand out are key safety features, such as the dual finger guard and retractable knife.

What are some alternatives for the Janome 1110 DX?

While reviewing the Janome 1110 DX Serger, we figured that it is a little bit hard to find online owing to it being an older model. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.

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What are the features on the Janome 1110 DX?

The standard features included on the Janome 1110 DX serger are all designed to make the sewing and serging experience pleasurable and comfortable while assuring users that they will get excellent results each and every time they sit down to work on this machine.
These features include:

• 2 / 3 / 4 threads
• 1/2 needles
• Use regular type needle
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• 0.5 – 2.25 differential feed ratio
• Front and back needle guard
• Color coded thread guides
• Snap-on presser feet
• Electronic speed control
• Easy to follow upper and lower thread guides
• Feed adjustment dial
• Differential feed adjustment dial
• Cutting width adjustment dial
• Dual feed dogs
• Differential feed
• Adjustable cutting width
• Easily retractable upper knife
• Easy to reach lower looper guides
• Quick change rolled hem
• Solid metal base plate

Working on the Janome 1110 DX Serger

The on board color coded threading and tension setting guides on this Janome serger are quite possibly the most clearly written and diagrammed instructions we have encountered.

The ergonomic design of this serger made threading easier than on many other sergers we have worked on.

We were pleased to discover ample space for manipulating the thread and executing the threading process inside the looper cover.

Performing this task was so easy, it was not really necessary to use the tweezers that were included as one of the many functional accessories.

Like practically every other 2-4 thread/1-2 needle serger on the market, the 1110 DX is capable of rendering the following stitches:

• 3 thread rolled hem
• 2 thread picot hem
• Decorative wide and narrow overedge
• Gathering
• 3 and 4 thread narrow or wide overedge seams
• Lettuce edge

We were pleased to discover that changing from standard stitching to rolled hem settings was as easy as flipping a lever on front of the machine.

Adjusting the different feed is equally as easy. All that is necessary is to turn a dial on the right side of the machine, and the setting appears in a window on the front.

When working on stitch options that did not require the use of the cutting blade, retracting it was as easy as flipping a lever inside the lower looper cover.

In addition, the each of the four tension adjustment dials displays a graphic of what stitches made using the ideal tension setting should look like.

When actually sewing on the 1110 DX serger, we found the machine to be quiet and stable.

This is because the manufacturer not only added a solid metal base to the machine’s bottom, but also included four suction cups to assure that it would not shift or vibrate during operation.

For this review, we sampled a simple two thread/one needle overedge stitch. The results were precise, neat and professional looking.

The foot pedal is large enough to be comfortable for this reviewer who prefers to sew without shoes.

It is soft, cool and comfortable to the sole of a bare foot, and responds with ease to the increase and decrease of pressure as we adjusted the sewing speed, from slow to fast.

Note: This serger is one of the fastest sergers for home use on the market, with a maximum speed of approximately 1,300 stitches per minute.

The owner’s manual, written in three languages – English, Spanish and French – is very helpful in guiding users through determining the settings necessary to perform various functions.

It goes into great narrative detail to describe the steps required to accomplish any task that the Janome 1110 DX serger is capable of performing.

In addition to the narrative instructions, nearly every set of instructions is also accompanied by line drawings that provide visual representations of the steps necessary to accomplish any specific task.

Which fabrics work on the Janome 1110 DX?

Fabrics that work	Fabrics that don’t work
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only)	Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Upholstery

What accessories come with the Janome 1110 DX?

The standard accessories included with the purchase of every Janome 1110 DX serger are guaranteed to give the user everything they need to achieve perfect results:

• Maximum speed: 1,300 stitches per minute
• Tension release device
• Incorporated rolled hem changed over device
• Adjustable foot pedal pressure
• Snap-on presser foot
• Aligned spool spindle stand
• Built in carrying handle
• Built in thread cutter
• Length of presser foot: 1 to 5 mm
• Differential feed ratio: 0.5 to 2.25
• Cutting width: 3.1 – 7.3 mm
• Waste bin
• Tweezers
• Needle threader
• Extra needles
• Thread cone nets (4)
• Screwdrivers (2)
• Spool caps (4)
• Wrench/Spanner
• Oil dispenser
• Lint brush
• Upper knife
• Accessory box
• Foot controller

How to maintain the Janome 1110 DX?

Maintenance activities	After each use	Monthly	Once each year	As needed
Clean race hook and feed dogs	Yes	No	No	No
Wipe head with soft dry cloth	No	No	No	Yes
Wipe head with soft damp cloth	No	No	No	Yes
Lubricate	No	No	No	No
Service by sewing machine repair professional	No	No	Yes	No

Janome 1110 DX Summary

To conclude my review, the Janome 1110 DX serger is a workhorse, well worth the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. We recommend this serger for the sewing room of intermediate and advanced home sewers, as well as the individual who is adept at operating a sewing machine, but is new to serging. The 1110 DX is an excellent machine to use when expanding one’s repertoire of intermediate sewing skills to include the skills that one can develop when using a serger.

This machine is easy to learn to operate, and therefore, ideal for the intermediate sewer. The ergonomic design of the Janome 1110 DX serger makes this machine an excellent addition to any sewing room, especially the sewing room of the person who is challenged by one of the several complaints that sometimes crop up after many years of sewing. The ease in threading, changing settings and sewing on this serger make it an ideal choice for the beginner as well as the expert.

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