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Janome 2212 Review (2023 update)
Editor’s note: This review was originally written in 2014. We have revised and updated this post in 2023. Sears stopped selling Kenmore in 2012, but Janome took over the 385 line and made them under the Janome brand from then on. We have curated a list of devices by Janome that are most similar to Kenmore machines, which includes the Janome Sewist 721, and Janome MOD-15. All of these are the bestselling basic beginner-friendly sewing machines.
Janome is known for its long history of user-friendly sewing machines and sergers. This fact was reiterated when I reviewed the Janome 2212 at Stuart Sew and Vac. This basic mechanical sewing machine is a great option for anyone who is just learning how to sew, regardless of age. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants a basic sewing machine, no matter how long they’ve been sewing.
Overview of Janome 2212 Sewing Machine
The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine offers a seamless entry into the world of stitching for beginners. Boasting 12 built-in stitches and a four-step buttonhole, this mechanical marvel prioritizes simplicity. Its dial pattern selection and adjustable stitch width and length guarantee a user-friendly experience. Whether you're a novice exploring the art of sewing or a seasoned enthusiast, the Janome 2212's light-weight design and versatile features, such as the free arm and drop feed, make it an ideal companion for a range of projects. With manual tension control and straightforward functionality, it caters to the practical needs of those taking their first stitches.
- User-friendly
- Easy to set up
- Best customer service
- Professionals might want to look for a machine with more advanced features
Janome 2212 Features
You can tell by just looking at it that the Janome 2212 is a sewing machine that any beginner would be comfortable with. The lime green motif, large stitch selection and length and width adjustment dials just say ‘great learning tool’. A front-loading bobbin, drop feed, a needle plate with seam guides etched on both sides of the needle, and an on-board accessory case that removes to reveal a convenient free arm are also included. The Janome 2212 also has a large reverse stitch button, a front loading bobbin and a bright light to illuminate your work.
The Janome 2212 features include:
- 12 utility stitches
- 1 four step buttonhole
- Free arm
- Drop feed
- Manual tension adjustment
- On board accessories storage compartment
- Two retractable spool pins
Working on the Janome 2212
- User-friendly
- Easy to set up
- Best customer service
- Professionals might want to look for a machine with more advanced features
Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers / cotton-linen-wool | Leather / sueded |
| Fine fabrics / silk-satin-taffeta/velvet | Fur |
| Knits | Reptile skin |
| Synthetic fabrics / blends – rayon – polyester | Canvas / Twill |
| Upholstery | Plastic / Rubber |
| Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Accessories
- 4 Snap on presser feet
- Multi-purpose foot
- Zipper foot
- Sliding buttonhole foot
- Blind Hem foot
- Extra bobbins (3)
- Small screwdriver
- Seam Ripper
- Set of spare Needles
- Owner’s manual
Maintenance
| Activities | After each use | Monthly | Annually | 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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Summary: Janome 2212
The Janome name and reputation for having a high standard of workmanship comes through loud and clear here. The quality of the stitches is very, very good. I sampled nearly every stitch option and each and every one came out beautifully. In all honestly, I didn’t expect anything less from a Janome. If the results had been different in any way at all, I would have been totally amazed.
My only dissatisfaction with the Janome 2212 was the noise level and the fact that in order to access the drop feed feature, you must not only remove the accessories case, but open the bobbin door as well.
I sincerely hope that eventually sewing machine manufacturers will recognize that placing the drop feed in such an inaccessible place is counterproductive to efficient sewing when you are working on a project that involves attaching buttons, freehand sewing, or darning tasks. I have yet to talk with anyone who sews and is happy with having the drop feed control placed anywhere that requires stopping to pretty much dismantle the sewing machine just to engage and disengage this feature.
The closest I have come is one person said “I don’t use it that often”. I don’t think that’s a good enough answer to explain why the drop feed control is in such an inconvenient place. Aside from these small problems, I feel pretty good about recommending the Janome 2212 to sewers of all ages and skill levels.
This is a very good machine for someone who is learning to sew—even very young children. Beginners of all ages will get a solid foundation in the fundamentals of sewing machine operation and sewing in general.
There are some who believe learning to sew on a computerized machine is beneficial. I believe, however, that without a solid foundation in basic sewing machine construction and operation, many students will not have a true appreciation of sewing machines and how they function. People who have been sewing for a very long time and prefer a basic mechanical sewing machine will be very happy with the Janome 2212 because of its workmanship and the quality of the stitches.
Like all basic mechanical sewing machines, the Janome 2212 is inexpensive and therefore easy for almost anyone to buy. No doubt, there are lots of sewing machines on the market that offer many more stitch options and features, but for those who simply want a reliable sewing machine that can handle basic clothing construction, making accessories and working on home décor projects like accents for the bedroom, curtains, pillow covers and other decorative pieces for the home, the Janome 2212 could very well be just what the doctor ordered.
A parent who wants their child to learn to sew can’t find a more simple, user-friendly sewing machine for their youthful clothing designer or interior decorator. College and high school students will be able to create all the up-to-date clothing trends, and even make some money sewing accessories for their friends. Even with the noise and the misplacement of the drop feed control, the Janome 2212 is an excellent sewing machine and one that will make its users very happy for a long, long time.
Alternatives to Janome 2212 review
The Janome Sewist 721 is a perfect companion for beginners and casual sewists, offering a user-friendly mechanical design. With 19 built-in stitches, including everyday and stretch stitches, as well as a 4-step buttonhole, it caters to a variety of sewing needs. Practical features like Adjustable Foot Pressure, Built-in Needle Threader, and Extra High Foot Lifter for thicker fabrics enhance the sewing experience. The machine's light-weight design facilitates easy transport to classes, and with additional perks like LED lighting and a free arm design, the Sewist 721 makes sewing accessible and enjoyable.
The MOD-15 is yet another Kenmore 385 inspired entry level model that covers all the basics without going into a lot of fancy frills. The model number itself very much makes it clear that it has 15 built-in stitches. There is also a single four-step buttonhole within the stitches. Bobbin replacement is made simple by top drop-in bobbin. It's a good thing Janome gave the bobbin a clear cover so you can see the thread supply. Presser foot changes are simple with a snap-on design. With its free arm, the Janome MOD-15 can stitch sleeves and cuffs. Simply take off the extension table for accessory storage, then stitch sleeves and cuffs with ease. A drop feed lever is available to perform free-motion quilting. But to get to the drop feed lever, you have to take the accessory storage container off.
Being an entry-level mechanical sewing machine, the MOD-15 is uncomplicated. Despite the lack of an automated needle threader, even a novice can easily set up and thread the machine. For a beginner machine, the stitch quality is excellent. Additionally, there are 15 built-in stitches available for you to pick from, giving you a lot of options. There are many attractive stitches available. The winding of bobbins is similarly simple.
These are some easy alternatives to the Janome 2212 sewing machine.
If you are looking for beginner-friendly machines, check out our curated list of the best mechanical sewing machines for beginners. If you’re not a beginner, Best Mechanical Sewing Machines or Best Sewing Machines Under $200 might interest you. In fact, we even curated a list of the Best Sewing Machines Under 0, if you are looking to save a big buck.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Other Mechanical machines you may like
Janome 2222 Review (2023 update)
This is an affordably priced, mechanical sewing machine that’s ideal for beginners. It has 22 stitch options plus one one-step buttonhole, an automatic needle threader and an on board accessories case that when removed, gives you access to a free arm. My only hesitation was that a few of the decorative stitches require a little extra manipulation of the length and width adjustment dials before I was able to get the desired result. All in all, however, this is a very good sewing machine, especially if price is a concern.
Juki HZL 355 ZW-A Review (2023 update)
The Juki HZL 355 ZW-A is lightweight, portable and a great choice for almost anyone who sews. It is an excellent machine for students of all ages and the hard carrying case makes it a wonderful travel companion. My only reservation is the placement of the drop feed control. My pet peeve with any sewing machine is the fact that the work table/accessories case must be removed in order to get to the drop feed control. Perhaps one of these days, sewing machine manufacturers will figure out that the drop feed control should be as easy to get to as the on board needle threader or thread cutter.
Singer 4452 Review
Start making projects on the Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine…
Janome Hello Kitty 15822 Review (2023 Update)
If there is a very young sewer in your life, you might be interested in taking a very close look at the Hello Kitty 15822 from Janome. This electronic sewing machine is loaded with kid friendly features like large, easy to understand and use dials and an automatic needle threader and a free arm. I got my first sewing machine when I was eight and never stopped sewing. There are a lot of sewing machines out there that are designed for children. Unfortunately, many of them are mere toys that do not produce good quality stitches and are difficult to use. It’s easy to start a love affair with sewing when a youngster starts out on a good sewing machine, and the Hello Kitty 15822 fills the bill.
Janome Magnolia 7330 Review (2023 Update)
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Kenmore 158.1340 Review(2023 Update)
In case you didn’t already know it, sewing machines are my passion. I love sewing machines of all kinds and cannot resist the temptation to sit down and see how well they work. That’s the reason I have this website. Deep down inside, I’m one of those old school home sewers who prefers a good sturdy mechanical sewing machine over one with all the bells and whistles, and vintage sewing machines are my absolute favorites. When I reviewed the Kenmore 158.1340, I fell in love all over again. This machine was so great I offered to buy it from its owner. She refused to sell it to me, but implied that she just might leave it to me in her will.
Janome 2212 Review
Summary
This basic mechanical sewing machine has 14 utility stitch options and is a great choice for sewers of all ages and skill levels. It’s a wonderful learning tool for beginners of all ages, especially children. The large easy to use dials and uncomplicated threading system are not only ideal for beginners, but the superior stitch quality and solid workmanship make this a perfect sewing machine for intermediate and advanced home sewers as well.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
HELP!!
Okay. I have read your review of the MyStyle 100, which I have tried. I thought that this Janome 2212 was a similar machine, but maybe not! I was told by a sewing machine shop that the MyStyle has more metal parts. According to the reviews, it also can sew through heavier fabrics (ie canvas/twill), which is important to me. The button reverse on the MyStyle is a very, very large turn off for me (almost a deal breaker!) In the twice I’ve now demoed it in store, I have felt great strain in my wrist from it (I have carpal tunnel) and I really don’t like the idea of having to take breaks from projects… I do enough of that already!
Is there a Janome that you know of or have tried, which may be identical in quality and workability to the MyStyle, but has a lever instead of the button? I am trying to do research, was leaning towards getting the 2212, but after seeing your review and that it won’t go through canvas or multiple layers, I’m bummed! I feel like I’m back to square one!!
Any advice or knowledge you can share would be great. I feel like a headless chicken…
Thank you so much for this review. It helped me take the plunge and purchase the 2212. I’m waiting for its arrival now!
I, too, just purchase one as a back up to my computer sewing machine. Plus, because of its portability I can travel with it. Thanks for the review.
hi! I purchased the 2212 too as I have never been up close even, to a sewing machine and hoping combined with classes and you tube videos I can learn and use this machine which is still costly for me at this time.
I bought it from a Big Box store, Joann Fabric and Craft, thinking that the shop is close to my house and if any questions or issues I can take it there. but I do not know if it is authorized dealer of Janome and if Janome will honor the 25 year warranty after the vendor’s 1 year warranty. Also, Vernelle referred in another review that big box stores including online and Joann have low end machines which are called “throw away” machines by regular and long term seamstresses. If so, being on the cheaper end of the Janome, will i have problems and issues within a year or two and so render it useless pretty quickly?
Thank you!