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Janome My Style 100 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Janome My Style 100 review was originally written in 2013, and has been revised and modified in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome 2212, Singer 4432, Singer Making The Cut.
Reviewing the Janome My Style 100 was a real treat for this long time home sewer who still has an affinity for mechanical sewing machines. I honestly don’t know why I prefer mechanical machines, but the truth is, I like working on machines that are built to take a heavy pounding – not literally.
In my opinion, a well built mechanical sewing machine seems to be able to better withstand long hours of non-stop sewing far better than some of the machines that come with lots of frills, bells and whistles.
Janome My Style 100 Overview
My Style 100 by Janome is an entry level sewing machine that has been designed with basic features, keeping user convenience in mind. Features include 12 utility and decorative stitches, one 4-step buttonhole, an auto declutch bobbin winder, a free arm, etc. Thread tension needs to be handled manually. This model comes with a sturdy metal frame.
Read the detailed review down below to know more about this product. ‘
While reviewing the features, I found the Janome My Style 100 to be a very basic sewing machine. It has an oversized reverse stitch button on the lower fight side of the front panel. There are two large, easy to read dials at the top.
The dial on the left is the stitch selection dial. The other controls stitch length and width. That dial is also used when selecting certain utility or decorative stitches.
What are some alternatives for the Janome My Style 100?
While reviewing, I found that the Janome My Style 100 lacks a few features that would generally find in modern day household sewing machines. Keeping that in mind, here are some sewing machines that I recommend if you are a beginner or are looking for a good mechanical sewing machine.
The best entry level sewing machine is none other than Janome 2212, offering 12 built-in stitches and a four-step buttonhole. You can easily select patterns you like and adjust your stitch's width and length with its dial pattern selection. Janome 2212 features a lightweight design and versatile features, such as the free arm and drop feed, making it the best sewing machine for beginners.
Read the detailed review of Janome 2212 here.
If you think your sewing is the best, then the Singer Heavy-Duty 4432 deserves a place in your sewing room. The machine steps ahead with its strong metal frame and 110-stitch applications, allowing you to work on multiple projects. Besides, this model’s fast motor surprises you by sewing up to 1,100 stitches per minute. Therefore, you can easily work on larger projects. And make the most out of its one-step buttonhole and needle threader.
- The machine satisfies you with stitches such as utility, decorative, and stretches, offering you the flexibility to complete several projects.
- It consists of an automatic needle threader, a free arm to sew cuff, and an option to adjust stitch length and width.
- This model does not offer you features such as programmable stitches and LCD screens.
- The buttonhole may not provide accurate results like in higher-end models.
Read the detailed review for Singer 4432 here.
If you are tight on budget and the other sewing machine’s prices are scaring you, then Singer Making The Cut is what you need. Whether you are a newbie or a professional sewer, you can easily use the device. Plus, the M333O model amazes you with decorative stretch and basic stitches so you can easily sew sheer, stretch knot, denim, and the list goes on. Then, the machine also opens the ground for adjusting the stitch length and width so you can create your projects in any style you want. What about the stitch applications? The good news is that Singer Making The Cut has 97 different stitch applications. It even consists of a built-in needle threader and a one-step buttonhole to maintain consistency. And did we tell you that M3330 also made it to the popular Making the Cut Show on Amazon?
- The machine has 97 built-in stitches. This includes stretch, heirloom, decorative, and utility stitches. So you can use it for various projects.
- The brand is known for its durability. Hence you will not regret your decision in getting the M3330.
- The machines lack advanced features like an adjustable stitch.
- The model creates too much noise during sewing, so you need to be careful.
What are the features on Janome My Style 100?
Unlike most of the brand new sewing machines that are found on today’s market, the Janome My Sew 100 does not offer a lot of the features many people have become accustomed to.
The features that it does offer, however, are all that many people feel are necessary.
- 12 utility and decorative stitches
- One 4-step buttonhole
- Sturdy metal construction
- Auto-declutch bobbin winder
- Snap on presser feet
- Free arm
- Drop feed dogs
Working on the Janome My Style 100
Winding the bobbin and threading the needle on the Janome My Style 100 are as easy as can be. The auto declutch bobbin winder runs smoothly and the thread is wound tightly with the precision you expect from Janome.
Threading the My Style 100 is as simple as 1-2-3… literally. Each step of the threading process is clearly indicated by raised numbered markings.
There is no automatic threader, but the bright light above the needle makes threading the needle a cinch. The needle plate has seam guides etched on both sides of the needle – another plus.
The bobbin cover is clear, enabling you to determine whether or not you have enough thread on the bobbin to finish a particular task at a glance.
The stitch quality is reminiscent of some vintage sewing machines we have reviewed. The stitches produced by the Janome My Style 100 are tight, well defined and sturdy.
To be honest, this is the first new machine I reviewed in this price range that produced stitches of such superior quality.
Which fabrics go on Janome My Style 100?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery Leather/suede Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) | Fur Reptile skin |
What accessories does the Janome My Style 100 come with?
You won’t get a lot of accessories with the Janome My Style 100, but like the features, many home sewers are completely satisfied with the standard accessories that come with this very basic machine.
- 4 presser feet
- Standard multi-purpose foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
- Blind hem foot
- Extra needles
- 2 spool holders: 1 large and 1 small
- Spool pin felt
- Spool pin
- Lint brush
How to maintain the Janome My Style 100?
| 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 |
Summary: Janome My Style 100 review
If all you are interested in is a basic mechanical sewing machine, I believe the Janome My Style 100 could be the perfect choice for you. If, however, you want a machine with an automatic needle threader, lots of stitch options, automatic tension adjustment, a ton of accessories and many other features available on nearly all of the new computerized sewing machines, this is not the machine for you.
I like the Janome My Style 100 for the fact that it is so simple. With a machine this basic, there are fewer things that can go wrong, meaning fewer trips for service and repair. The stitch quality is excellent and the metal construction makes the Janome My Style 100 sturdy enough to handle those large jobs that lighter weight machines just cannot handle.
Lately, I have been leaning toward moving away from my belief that mechanical sewing machines are best for children to learn on, but not completely. After reviewing, I conclude that the Janome My Style 100 is a great machine for the beginner as well as the seasoned home sewer who prefers a sturdy basic machine that gets the job done with as little fuss as possible.
I am not crazy about the fact that the bobbin cover comes off completely, but as I review more and more new sewing machines, I have come to accept this as something that must be tolerated until manufacturers figure out that it an attached bobbin cover is not only easier for users because they don’t have to worry about losing it, it’s also an efficient time saver for the busy home sewer.
When it comes to care and maintenance, the Janome My Style 100 can’t be beat. The new alloys used to make this and other sewing machines these days make lubricating obsolete. All that is necessary for the user to do is to take the race hook out and use the lint brush to clean the mechanism after each use. Of course, it may be necessary to occasionally wipe the head down with a soft cloth, but that’s it.
For the price you cannot beat the Janome My Style 100 for a reliable, hard working mechanical sewing machine. It’s light enough to easily move about yet strong enough to do whatever you want it to do with ease.
Janome My Style 100 Review
Summary
The Janome My Style 100 is a basic, mechanical sewing machine that is perfect for beginners. It has 12 built-in stitches, including a variety of straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and decorative stitches. It also has a reverse stitch, a needle threader, and an automatic bobbin winder.
The My Style 100 is easy to use and has a great stitch quality. It is also a durable machine that can withstand heavy use. If you are looking for a basic, easy-to-use sewing machine with a variety of stitches, the Janome My Style 100 is a great option.
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Happy Stitching.
Have you by chance tried the Janome Sewist? You have no review for it. I love your reviews- especially the part about what fabrics each machine can sew through. In the machines I’ve looked at and am considering getting, it appears this is the only Janome (at least of those you’ve reviewed) that will sew through twill/canvas? Is there another in the under $350 range , mechanical, with drop-in bobbin and mostly metal parts, that would sew through twill/canvas? Thanks!
Thank you for this excellent review.
This machine does not include foot pressure adjustment. Do you think the lack of this feature could cause difficulties when sewing certain fabrics? If so, could the problem be remedied by using special presser feet — probably different ones for different fabrics?
I don’t know if it’s OK to mention this, but your readers may be interested in knowing that this machine is identical to the Baby Lock “Anna” which I’ve heard Janome makes for Baby Lock. This is information could be useful if either Janome or Baby Lock runs a sale on their respective machines.
Can u move the needle position on the Janome 100
The needle can be moved to the left, but not to the right.
From centre to left only.
Will the needle stop in down position?
Is the My Style 100 discontinued?
What is the price of a new one?
I am trying to get inside my machine, because there is some thread that is causing machine to freeze. My problem – manual says to remove ‘Dials”, but I don’t know how to. Don’t want to break anything. Can you some advise, please? Thank you.
Margaret
Hi,
Thank you very much for responding to my question today. I appreciate the information you gave, but my problem still is … I followed and removed all the screws according to the Service Manual, but was confused by “Remove ….. and Dials”. There don’t appear to be any screws, and I am afraid to force and pull the dials. Thank you again. Margaret
I have my style 100 machine. Am trying to quilt a baby quilt by stitching in the ditch. The pressure foot seems to be putting too much pressure on the layers of fabric because it is stretching the top layer so much when I get to the end it is 2 inches shorter then my back and batting. I see no where to adjust the pressure. Only the thread tension. My other machines always had this function.
I have been lied to. The janome mystyle is not a good machine. It’s not even good for beginners, and really not for those of us who are experts. I was lied to by a store and they said this was a good machine but it’s not. I want to use them for being racist and not selling me a good heavy duty machine that I asked for. I have been sewing for over 20byears and for white women to sell me a beginners machine is a insult.
I have never been so irritated with a machine. I am trying to make masks and every time I turn around the stupid needle keeps unthreading! I’ve checked my book to see if I’m threading it wrong but the pictures in the book do not really show it. I’ve had this machine for years and just had it cleaned before I started mask making. It is taking me so much time!!! I may just dump the machine after I’m done which will be soon!!! IF THE NEEDLE WILL STOP UNTHREADING!!!!!!
My thread does not stand up straight as shown… It lays across the the back top of the machine. Why does it go that way???? It is hard to thread. I’m disgusted with it!
Will the My Style 100 be a good first machine for my 8 year old granddaughter? Can she quilt on it?
I just purchased jJerome 100 and I cannot threat the machine .I bring the threat down and do not know how to bring it up on the left to get the take up lever.I did it once and cannot get it again.
My jenome my style 100 just “stopped” sewing! I cleaned it yesterday. Does it have a belt?
The Janome MyStyle 100 is a computerized sewing machine, and it does not have a belt. However, there are several reasons why your machine might have stopped sewing, even if you just cleaned it. Here are some things to check:
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be best to take your machine to a Janome dealer or repair center for further diagnosis and repair.