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Janome 634D Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This post was originally written in 2014, revised and updated in 2023 with more options of serger sewing machines to choose from.
I happened to stumble across a Janome 634D on a recent visit to Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida. The Janome 634D is a 2, 3, 4 thread, 1, 2 needle serger that is designed to perform basic serger tasks only. This basic, no frills serger is, in my opinion a great choice for beginners… people who are new to serging and those who have never even touched a sewing machine.
Janome 634D – Overview
Both beginners and professionals will love this sturdy, basic serger. The structure is strong enough to last for years, and the stitches are always even and smooth. The 634D is a flexible serger, but it is expensive because almost all of its parts can be changed. The Janome MyLock 634D serger includes a narrow hem stitch, a picot edge stitch, a 2-thread rolled hem stitch, 3- or 4-thread overlock stitches, and 3- or 4-thread overedge stitches. Additionally, it has an adjustable differential feed with a ratio range of.05 to 2.25. The advanced lay-in threading technology and detailed color-coded instructions for threading inside the front looper door make threading quick and easy. The Janome MyLock 634D supports 2, 3, and 4-thread overlocking stitches for maximum versatility in creating professional garments.
At A Glance
The Janome 634D has a user friendly lay in threading system, a differential feed, a stitch length adjustment feature and an on board seam guide.
In addition, there is a retractable upper knife, and a switch that allows you to change the machine settings from standard sewing to the rolled hem feature. The telescoping metal wand is used to stabilize the threads and to keep them from getting entangled while the machine is in use.
Inside the looper door are two separate decals that show detailed diagrams of the threading process. There is, however, no on board space for storing essential serging accessories like tweezers, a needle threader or extra needles.
There are, however, two doors that open … the looper door and the door on the left side of the machine, which makes cleaning the Janome 634D easier than ever. In addition to facilitating cleaning away lint, dust and fabric debris, control knobs used to raise and lower the upper knife and to adjust the setting for using the rolled hem feature are inside the door on the left. On front of the machine are two small windows on the right side. The upper window shows the stitch length setting; the other displays the setting of the differential feed.
The dials that actually control the stitch length and the differential feed are located on the right side of the Janome 634D, above the balance wheel and the power switch. The dial at the top controls the stitch length. The lower dial is used to adjust the differential feed.
Beneath each of the lay in tension dials is a display of what the threads are supposed to look like when each of the dials is turned to the proper setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Janome a reliable sewing machine brand?
Ans. Many seasoned crafters and seamstresses use Janome sewing machines because of their reputation for dependability and quality. Janome is a fantastic choice if you’re searching for a high-quality sewing machine.
Q. Which is the best Janome machine for thick textiles?
Ans. The Janome 4120QDC is an excellent sewing machine for the typical home quilter and seamstress. It can frequently handle tougher textiles and yet endure for years because of its durable, heavy-duty aluminum construction and robust, snap-on cover.
Janome 634D – Features
- Lay in threading
- Differential feed
- Adjustable stitch length
- Roll hem setting
- Retractable upper knife
- Snap on presser feet
Working on the Janome 634D
The lay in threading system and easy to follow color coded threading guide inside the looper door simplifies the entire threading process. The Janome 634D has a lever inside the looper door designed to release the lower looper, making threading even easier. When it is time to sew without the upper blade, open the door on the left and push in the upper dial [shown in the red circle in the photo. While pushing in, turn the dial toward you and the blade turns down. When you are ready to sew with the blade again, repeat the process, turning the knob away from you to return the blade to the cutting position. In order to use the rolled hem feature, open the door on the left, push the front and turn it toward you. This action will loosen the red lever and allow you to move it forward to disengage the lower blade. [See the yellow circles in the photo When you are finished with the rolled hem feature, return the red switch to its original position by opening the door on the left and turning the knob back to the original position. During this review, I found that it took a little bit of effort to actually get these dials to turn. Perhaps it was because of the moisturizer I had on my hands at the time. Perhaps it was because I have very little upper body strength due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Perhaps it was because this is a brand spanking new machine and everything is just super tight until it has been is use for a little while. Whatever the reason, turning the dials was challenging. When they did turn, however, the results were impeccable. All of the stitches created on the Janome 634D are well formed, evenly spaced, and secure. To put it bluntly… the stitches are downright pretty.
Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Denim |
Accessories
Standard accessories
- Screwdrivers
- Needle threader
- Tweezers
- Extra needles
- Seam Ripper
Optional accessories
- Snap on presser feet
- Blind Stitch Foot
- Piping Foot
- Taping Foot with Reel
- Beading Attachment
- Cloth Guide
- Gathering Attachment
Alternative to the Janome 634D serger
The Brother 1034D and the Janome CoverPro 900CPX are great alternatives to the Janome 634D and listed below
The Brother 1034D Serger stands out as a high-performance companion for beginner sewing enthusiasts. With a robust metal frame, it effortlessly handles multiple layers of denim and other heavy materials. Offering a 3/4 lay-in thread system and versatile stitch options, including overlock, narrow hem, and more, this serger provides professional finishes. Operating at 1,300 stitches per minute, it ensures efficiency without compromising precision. The F.A.S.T. lower looper threading system simplifies thread changes, while the color-coded guides make threading a breeze. Equipped with three snap-on feet, including standard, gathering, and blind stitch, the 1034D offers versatility and ease of use.
A coverstitch sewing machine with several features that are ideal for at-home sewers is the Janome CoverPro 900CPX. The unusually broad flat bed and free arm capabilities give the machine plenty of room to accommodate projects of any size. One feature of this machine is its unique seam tightening system (STS). In order to provide the user with stronger, tighter, and more flat stitches, the STS works to minimize the amount of slack that is often present in looper threads.
The 900CPX includes a chart for easy reference printed on the front panel of the machine, which is one of its good features and makes choosing your preferred stitch easier. You can discover all of the machine's settings and options right here. There is no need to read the instruction manual because they are clearly labeled.
The Janome 900CPX is unique in that it combines strength with utility. This device is the outcome of creative design that was inspired by a home sewing machine and an industrial-strength cover hem. Despite having the appearance of a typical sewing machine, it performs like a powerful workhorse for cover hems and can help you to an impressive stitch speed.
Janome 634D: Maintenance
| 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 |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Janome 634D serger is ideal for the person who has never used a serger before. Whether you are new to sewing altogether or if you have many years’ experience working on a traditional sewing machine but never attempted to use a serger before, you will be very happy with this machine. It is also an excellent choice for the person who has been using a serger for a long time and wants one just for basic serger tasks like finishing seams, or for sewing athletic wear and knits and delicate fabrics. Because of the blades, I do not recommend this or any serger for use by young children. a child of ten or eleven would be able to learn basic serging techniques on the Janome 634D because it is so easy to operate.
I hesitate to recommend the use of any serger by a younger child, however, because it is too easy for little fingers to get in the way of the blades.
You will not be able to get coverlock stitches or many of the other features available on the top of the line Janome Coverpro 1000 CPX with the Janome 634D, but you will be able to perform all of the basic tasks necessary to create an entire wardrobe of athletic wear or knitwear; finish all of the seams on your tailored slacks, jackets, skirts, and coats; create ruffles; add decorative borders and rolled hems to just about anything and even attach elastic.
The Janome 634D is available only at authorized independent Janome dealers. Anyone who purchases one of these basic sergers is eligible for free classes where they will be able to learn how to do all the tasks described from the pros, and the very reasonable MSRP puts the Janome 634D within reach of practically every budget.
The Janome 634D is also lightweight with a built in carrying handle on the back. It is compact and can be packed up for a trip to the college dorm, sewing class or even to take along as a vacation companion.
If you are shopping for a basic serger for yourself, for the sewing student in your life or for a home sewer with advanced skills who just wants a serger to perform basic tailoring and sewing tasks, make it a point to pay a visit to your local Janome dealer and ask them to explain all of the advantages of owning a Janome 634D home serger.
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 Serger reviews you may like
BabyLock Enlighten Review (2023 update)
The Baby Lock Enlighten is one no ordinary serger. It is a 2/3/4 thread machine that can not only perform all the tasks of a basic serger, it can also render lots of other stitch options as well. When I first saw it, I thought I was looking at a Baby Lock Imagine, but upon closer examination, I discovered some very significant differences. The Enlighten has all the great features of the Imagine plus a few more features that the home sewer who is already an expert when it comes to working with a basic serger is bound to appreciate.
BabyLock Imagine Review (2023 update)
How often do you get to watch a sewing machine store owner uncrate and test a brand new serger? I was lucky enough to witness the whole process when Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics opened up a new Baby Lock Imagine. Watching this third generation serger being put through its paces was really a treat. It is simple enough for a beginner to use, yet it can do so many things, and do them with such precision I have no doubt that a seasoned home sewer would be thrilled to work on it as well.
Janome Coverpro 1000CPX Review (2023 update)
Our only complaint about the Janome Coverpro 1000 CPX specialty machine is that its uses are limited. The exclusive Janome Seam Tightening System ™ assures that every seam made on the Coverpro 1000 CPX is secure. It is so lightweight and easy to move from place to place that we cannot help but wonder how in the world it could possibly perform as well as it does.
Janome 634D Review
Summary
If you are in the market for a basic, no frills serger that has all of the essential features … differential feed, adjustable stitch length, on board seam guide and retractable upper knife… you should make a point of visiting your local Janome dealer and asking for a demonstration of the Janome 634D serger. This is an ideal serger for the beginner who has never touched a serger in their lives as well as the seasoned home sewer who just needs a basic serger for finishing seams. It is solid, quiet and affordable.
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.
