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Janome Skyline S5 Review (2023 update!)
Note from the Editor: This Skyline S5 review was originally written in 2016. We have revised and updated this post in 2022 and added more products in the Janome Skyline series that may interest you.
While visiting Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the Skyline S5 from Janome. This is one of the most user friendly sewing and quilting machines I have seen in a very long time. Not only is it easy to thread, the stitch selection process is ideal and changing the needle plate is possibly the easiest I have ever seen.
Janome Skyline S5: Overview
The Janome Skyline S5 is a top-tier model that combines comfort and convenience, much like the Skyline S3. Janome made this model to improve sewing technology, and it does a great job of doing so with a lot of cutting-edge features. This model, which is feature-rich, also has a number of standard attachments that make stitching even simpler. The screen is easy to see and, with a highly sensitive touch, the illuminated screen makes rapid selections possible.
An auto-declutch bobbin winder is also mounted on top of the machine. A cutter that enables you to swiftly cut the bobbin thread is also included. There are many useful buttons to the left of the device, which will determine how you use the S5.
At A Glance
Some sewing machines just look like they are well built and capable of handling tough jobs. The Skyline S5 from Janome is one of those machines. I can’t pinpoint it, but you just know by its looks that this is a sturdy machine.
It has cool blue accents, an onboard stitch selection guide, an automatic needle threader, and an onboard ruler that gives you measurements in both inches and centimeters. In addition, conveniently situated function buttons allow the user to perform the most essential sewing functions with just a touch of a finger… start/stop; needle up/down; reverse stitch; tie off; and cut.
The large monochrome touch screen shows the number of stitches, an image of the best presser foot to use, and the default settings for stitch length and width. A numerical pad on the column allows you to simply dial up the stitch number easily and quickly. The on board accessories case easily snaps on and off to give you quick access to the free arm. I was very pleased to discover that the drop feed control switch is located on the right side of the machine, beneath the balance wheel.
Features
- 170 utility and decorative stitch options
- 91 needle positions
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Maximum 9mm Stitch Width
- 6 ultra-bright LED lights
- Automatic tension adjustment
- Backlit Digital LCD Screen
- Start/stop button
- Automatic thread cutter
- Reverse button
- Locking stitch button
- Needle up/down
- One-step needle plate converter
- Knee lift
- Free arm
- Drop feed
Working on the Janome Skyline S5
I really like the fact that the drop feed control is easily accessible. Finally, I am beginning to feel like the people who design and manufacture sewing machines are beginning to take note. Rather than hiding the drop feed control, the switch to lower and raise the feed dogs on the Janome Skyline S5 is located on the right hand side of the machine, near the bottom, just a few inches beneath the balance wheel.
If you prefer to use the straight stitch needle plate it only takes one hand to complete the task. Although the needle plate pops up and slides off easily, it is only engaged when you depress the black button and not before, making it impossible for the needle plate to become disengaged while you are working. When you are ready to go back to the standard needle plate, simply pop out the straight stitch plate and reinsert the standard plate. The on board accessories case is not only functional, it is easy to open and close while it is in place, a feature that is not always as user-friendly on some other machines.
This makes changing presser feet and needles far more efficient than having to remove the case or use two hands just to get into the accessory case. In addition to everything else, the bright LED lighting makes working on the Janome Skyline S5 even more comfortable while it also helps reduce eye strain.
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 Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Other Janome Skyline machines
The Skyline S3 is the first of the Skyline series and also the most affordable in the range. Considering how old it is, it is still a power-packed device well known for its seamless operability. The Skyline collection is mid-range and made for daily tasks, home decoration, quilting, bags, patchwork, handicrafts, and more. The S3 is strong enough to handle denim, leather, and fabrics with multiple layers, and it can stitch with great accuracy. The Janome Skyline is a stylish machine with simple lines and a strong, bright white frame that weighs about 30 pounds. It also has a large throat. It is still a small machine, which makes it ideal for workstations with limited space. The LED screen is forward-facing, has a straightforward layout, and is lit brightly enough that you won't have to strain your eyes to see it, even in the dead of night. Also, carefully placed LEDs make sure that your machine is well lit, so you can see even the smallest stitches clearly.
All in all, a sewing machine with a lovely and clever design.
The Skyline S9 is the first machine in its line that can both sew and embroider. This great machine has Wi-Fi, which makes it easy to send embroidery patterns from an iPad or PC straight to the machine. With a maximum embroidery size of 6.7" x 7.9" and stitching rates of 1000 SPM, the Skyline S9 has a wide range of powerful features that make sure all projects look good and are easy to finish. The Skyline S9's LCD color touch screen makes it simple to navigate through these fantastic features.
Accessories
Standard accessories
- 11 Snap on presser feet
- Zigzag foot
- Rolled hem foot
- Zipper foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Blind hemming foot
- Overcast foot
- ¼” seam foot
- Darning foot
- Automatic buttonhole foot
- Even feed foot
- Button sewing foot
- Quilting guide bar
- Buttonhole stabilizer plate
- 5 Bobbins
- 3 Spool pins (1 large, 1 small, 1 special)
- Extra spool pin
- Needle set
- Screwdriver
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- Knee lifter
- Straight stitch needle plate
- Stylus
- Semi-hard fabric cover
- Instructional video DVD
- Owner’s manual
Optional accessories
- Straight stitch foot
- Ruffler
Skyline S5 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 |
Other Skyline S5 alternatives
Non Skyline alternatives that you can choose are the Singer 9960 Sewing and Quilting Machine and the Janome Memory Craft 6650
Versatility, premium features, and precision define the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. The sewing machine scores full marks in terms of 600 built-in stitches, which comprise stretch, decorative, and quilting options to pamper your inner sewer. Then, the device comes ahead with a needle threader and automatic thread cutter to save you time. You will even come across a speed control slider designed for both professionals and beginners. The machine also startles you with 13 fully automatic buttonholes and a wide array of presser feet to boost the value so you can sew diverse projects.
- Various stitching options
- Intuitive, easy-to-read LCD screen
- Allows 850 stitches per minute with a robust motor
- You get an additional table and wide presser feet.
- Heavy structure.
- Limited throat space for massive quilting projects.
Janome Memory Craft 6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine takes the seventh position in the category of the best eight quilting machines. It’s considered a powerhouse since the instrument is packed with versatility and precision, becoming the top quilter and sewer choice. The machine attracts you with its spacious 10’’ throat space, making it perfect for managing bulky quilt projects. After that, you will see that the device carries a robust body with 170 built-in stitches, a superior needle threader for you to resume intricate sewing easily, and includes alphabets to ensure that you are doing it correctly. This specific quilting machine offers you speedy stitching of up to 1000 stitches per minute, promising you an efficient workflow. At the same time, the LCD screen allows easier navigation, simplifying usability.
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Janome Skyline S5 is an excellent sewing and quilting machine for the novice as well as the individual who has been sewing for several decades. I highly recommend this machine for anyone who was at one time an avid home sewer, but put their passion for sewing on hold while raising a family or building a career, and now has the time to once again devote to sewing.
If you are new to sewing and want a machine that has more to offer than a basic sewing machine, the Skyline S5 might just be the machine for you. It is not one that I would recommend for use by young children, not because it is overly complicated, but because I feel there are less costly, more user-friendly machines that are better suited for use by children younger than ten years of age. A child of 10 or 12 would do well on the Janome Skyline S5 because it is so easy to operate. Learning to use this machine is easy. The stitch selection process could only be easier if you could push a button to get the stitch you want.
Anyone who has been sewing consistently for a long time will be pleased with the convenient features and the ease of operation as well. I was particularly impressed with the fact that this machine does not require a lot of time or manipulation to manage its different functions, including changing the settings, stitches, adjusting tension, or raising and lowering the feed dogs.
All in all, the Janome Skyline S5 is a great machine for anyone who likes to sew and is interested in machine quilting, but does not have the luxury of living in a home with enough space to accommodate a large quilting frame, or a long arm quilting machine.
The Skyline S5 is large and sturdy enough to handle those large quilting jobs, but small enough to be stowed away when it is not in use and space is a concern. The Janome Skyline S5 is one of those machines that is a real treat to work on. It is quiet, does not vibrate, has excellent stitch quality and is so user friendly that it is actually time efficient.
This is a major concern for people who have busy lives and still enjoy sewing. When I’m in the sewing room, I want to get as much done in as little time as possible. The Janome Skyline S5 fits the bill for quick, efficient sewing in every way possible. This is why I recommend this sewing and quilting machine for anyone for whom time management is a concern. This machine is uncomplicated yet it has all of the essential features the 21st Century home sewer could want. I believe the Janome Skyline S5 is an excellent choice for home sewers at all skill levels.
Beginners will be happy with it because learning to sew will be a delight. Intermediate and advanced home sewers who are in the market for a new sewing and quilting machine that comes with all the essential features, a large number of stitch choices, and durability will appreciate it because of the careful design features, like putting the drop feed control in a convenient location. Individuals who have put home sewing aside for a career or raising a family will be ecstatic with the ease with which they will be able to get back into the swing of sewing and machine quilting after many years away from sewing.
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 Janome machine reviews you may like
Janome Xpression Review
They say you have an opportunity to learn something every day. Well, I certainly learned a lot when I visited Margate, Florida’s Sunshine Sewing Center and reviewed the single purpose Janome Xpression FM 725. It’s a single function felting machine that allows you to simply let your imagination go to create just about anything you can see in your mind’s eye.
Janome QC 6260 Review
When I reviewed a friend’s Janome QC 6260, it was very easy to see why she refuses to let it out of the house. This machine was purchased in 2006, gets lots and lots of use and it still works as great as it did when she first brought it home and unpacked it.
Janome 1600P-QC Review
When I first saw the Janome 1600P, I thought it was an industrial sewing machine, but I was mistaken. This is a super fast, metal, straight stitch only mechanical sewing machine designed for home use. If you like making leather or suede purses or working with super heavy materials like canvas, this might be the perfect machine for you.
Janome Skyline S5 Review
Summary
The Janome Skyline S5 is an excellent sewing and quilting machine for the novice as well as the individual who has been sewing for several decades. I highly recommend this machine for anyone who was at one time an avid home sewer, but put their passion for sewing on hold while raising a family or building a career, and now has the time to once again devote to sewing.
If you are new to sewing and want a machine that has more to offer than a basic sewing machine, the Skyline S5 might just be the machine for you. It is not one that I would recommend for use by young children, not because it is overly complicated, but because I feel there are less costly, more user-friendly machines that are better suited for use by children younger than ten years of age.
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.
What stitch number do I use to do basting stitch
Hello, Susan –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
To baste on a sewing machine, select the straight stitch option and then adjust the stitch length to the longest setting.
Happy stitching.
Hi I’m having computer problems.
I turn the machine on and off and I am unable to set a MODE I tried the “reset” to factory settings and it still does not let me select a different MODE.
Help.
I am in the market for a sewing machine. I recently visited one of my local Janome dealers in my area, and I must say it is a beautiful machine. My only question to you is that on the fabric selection it seems to only handle light to medium weight materials, denim being the heaviest. Will it not handle upholstery? My other option is that I am also looking at the Juki G210 and the F300 which seems to have to most of the same features, but handle a wider range of materials.
From what I hear, the JUKI is a challenge to get replacement parts for.
Just bought a Janome skyline 6s .Does not seem to handle sewing projects well a all. It constantly gets stuck, I even had problems sewing ap mask. Would not sew over the seams without a problem.Cotton and muslin only! Upholstery, forget it. Totally disappointed,
Been sewing for 60 years! The machine also has all kinds of hidden problems, like winding the bobbin, . Also for garment sewing the stop and go button really is too hard to control. I could go on….. now I am stuck with a machine that is not capable of doing what I want to do ! Oh, the needle threader , if you forget to push needle up buttons, it no-longer works , .looks great, works great if you want to only play with the Stiches!
The Janome website says that this machine has automatic tension, you just have to push the A on the screen and then you have automatic tension or you can choose to manually adjust it ( I guess by taking the A off the screen).
I also read on the Janome Website that this has automatic thread tension AND up above under “Description” it also says automatic tension adjustment…or does that refer to something else? I’m confused by “Con” under the “Review”. Thanks for any clarification on this, 🙂
I am looking for a machine with a variety of monogramme letters not just capitals
Dear Vernelle, thank you so much for all your clear and unbiased machine reviews. I currently have a dear (my first) little Janome DC2050, a very special birthday gift from my sister. Can you please advise what you would suggest is a good Janome machine to be onto after this one? She is very portable, as I take her to sewing lessons without any problem, but was wondering if there is a ‘heavier duty’ Janome, or Pfaff machine after DC2050 and would value your comments/suggestions. Thank you again for your invaluable website.
Hello, Louise –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Janome has been able to retain its status as one of the most reliable sewing machine brands on the market. Since you already have a Janome and are familiar with the Janome basics, I recommend the light weight, user friendly Janome Magnolia 7330 or one of the machines in what I like to call the Janome annual series. The machines have not changed in the last five years or so … just the color https://sewinginsight.com/janome/janome-dc-2012-review/.
Happy stitching.
This machine looks good, but I do a lot of sewing with thick layers on bags and with leather. Will this machine handle both of those?
What is the difference between this and the 6600? My 6600 is a workhorse! I love it! Is it worth the money to upgrade?
Hello, Michele –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
The short answer to your question… While the S5 is a very good machine, I would not upgrade from the 6600.
Having trouble with my Janome skyline s5. My seam is loose on the back. I have it on auto tension and have tried adjusting it.mingot it for Christmas it was working fine and now I can’t get a straight stitch. I have it on mode 1 1st stitch at 4.5 and 2.4. Help!
First my compliments for your excellent reviews! I live in the Netherlands and its very difficult to find good reviews on sewing machines out here.
I’m in the market for buying a new sewing machine. I have two favourites right now: the Husqvarna Viking Opal 690Q and the Janome Skyline S5.
I’m a very experienced sewer, my old machine is a Brother Compal Opus 845, so I’m used to computer based sewing. Wich machine would you advise for me?
Hello, Yvonne –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight and many thanks for the lovely compliments.
In my opinion, the Janome Skyline S5 is an excellent choice. The Husqvarna/Viking Opal is an excellent machine. However, in my opinion, a person who has been working on an older machine for a very long time would be happier and more comfortable with the S5.
Happy stitching.
Hello Vernelle!
I’ve looked at the Janome S5 and S7 along with the Viking Sapphire 930 and 960Q (the 960Q is too expensive for my consideration) and wondered what your suggestion would be between the 3. Of Course the S7 is quite a bit more expensive but I liked the auto walking foot and auto fabric thickness adjustment.
Thank you for your help.
Vernelle’s review is right on the money; I think the S5 (and fancier S7) are like baby sisters to the Janome MC 15000 in many ways only without the embroidery attachment. Both of them have the 9mm stitch width like the ginormous embroidery machines and so many built in decorative, quilting and utility stitches; I bought the S5 this week. I found I could not live without the automatic functions, LED lights, no vibration, and noise level reduction my previous tiny Bernette lacked. The S5 was in my price range, had all the great functions and power that save time, and meets my needs for size, weight, and overall sewing ability.
Hello, I am seriously considering buying this machine, it seems to be highly reviewed and versatile for the many types of sewing that I do. However, I am concerned that you did not rate the machine for use with upholstery or canvas. Would it be able to handle an occasional upholstery or canvas project, or is it not strong enough for these fabrics at all?
I have a janome skyline s5. I am always having problems with the walking foot. The metal plate on the bottom keeps slipping off, causing the needle to push into it and the needle then breaks off. Any suggestions what to do?
D. Humphries I have the same problem. The walking foot is unreliable and a bad design. I have went through 2 not using it much at all. Now I am going to my local dealer to see what my options are.
TL, this exact same thing is happening to me. I used it for the first time on a baby quilt. Everything was going fine & suddenly it went from even stitches to mini stitches. Wondering what your local dealer said your options are. My local dealer is an hour away.
Hello Vernelle!
It’s years I read your reviews, in fact, after reading one of these I’ve decided to buy a Janome DC2160 🙂
Now I am thinking to upgrade.
I live in a country where unfortunately there are just few brands and models available and worst no dealers in my area…so I base my research on internte reviews and so on.I am focused between the Skyline S5 and the MC 6300p.
The “little” DC2160 does the job, I primarily sew edges of thik and bulky materials(woven ,knitted etc.) and quilt and FMQ, but now I am starting to do some garment as skirts and bags and I think I need a sturdier strong machine.
I’m reading from your review the Skyline does not sew multiple layers so you would suggest I go with the 6300p? I do not need fancy stitches but good quality stitches.
Thank you in advance.
Would you recommend this machine for quilting? I read in your review that it does not handle multiple layers of fabric well, which is a concern!
Hello from HOT Sun City Center, Fl,
Am having problem with Even Feed Foot on Janome Skyline S5. It stays stuck in up position and stitch length goes from 3 to clumped. I’ve learned from another site this is common with Skyline S5. Have also noticed lever on E.F.F. turns slightly to the left. Bought the machine in 2014 and can’t recall if lever on E.F.F. was straight or not. E.F.F came with machine. Used it for 1st time recently and it worked well till 2 days ago. Am reluctant to oil it.
Thanks and stay cool,
Memere
The exact same thing is happening to me Therese ~ I was at a loss for words how to describe it but you did perfectly. I have not gone to my local Janome store yet because it is one hour away. Have you rectified it?
I hope I get an answer! I was wondering if there is a list that tells you what each stitch is. I have the book but I really would like a more detailed list.
i Had a memory craft 6000 for 20 years and still have it. I loved it. so I went out and brought a skyline S5. I can not make a good bobbin on it. i took it back where i got it and the lady said use the start button to make a bobbin so I did and it still does not wind a good bobbin . I was using my old Janome
but now its broken. Can anyone tell me or does anyone know what coulod be wrong ? Thank you Linda
Hello Linda,
I bought one of the first Janome Skyline S5s in my area in 2014. It works very well for me. When I had bobbin winding problems, it was usually something I had not done correctly. Every word is important in the manual! It’s frustrating however when that document doesn’t mention an item that would make directions clearer. My one big gripe is the Walking Foot! Mine gave out during its first use. The dealer tried it with no problem. When I sewed with it once more, the lever on the foot caught in the up position again, my original issue with this foot. When reading Skyline S5 comments elsewhere, I’m not the only one with a “sticky” Walking Foot. It’s impossible to reach Janome corporate to resolve this problem. What to do?
What do you mean by “moderation?”
To make a good bobbin, you have to have it on the highest speed and use the start button not the foot peddle. It will stop when full. Make sure the thread is on the machine correctly. I always have to check the DVD to make sure I do it right.
My question relates to how would you judge the overall performance of the Janome Skyline 5 to its cousin, the Elna 680? So far, I’m reading that the Janome is lacking a Low Bobbin Indicator, has an undependable Walking Foot, and isn’t great with thicker fabrics. Of course, the Skyline also has the better price tag but I want to purchase the best overall value between the two. I currently have a much older Bernina 150QE, so am a bit anxious yet excited, about totally switching up brands/machines.
Hi! I see that you do not recommend this machine for heavier fabrics. How about for example sewing canvas bags or things like that, would that be too heavy? I’m mostly sewing garments now (often really fine things, like satin), but I want to sew some weekend bags eventually and home decor things, like sturdy pillows. Would this machine be a poor choice for that?
The darning foot that came with the machine, PD-H, is okay, but I wanted a different type foot for it and my dealer sold me two. One an OB-S, the other does not have a number stamped on it, but was for use with sewing free motion with rulers. Can you tell me if I can use an OB-S on the Skyline S5? I’m having such problems and am so unhappy with the free motion sewing on this machine
I’ve been using this machine for a few years no and could not disagree more with your review. I’ve ready many positive reviews for this machine, so have been trying really hard to learn to like the machine, but in the end I’m really disappointed with it. While it has some fancy bells and whistles, most of them don’t end up being used. And this machine fails miserably at the fundamentals, for example it does not produce consistently even & straight stitches, getting fabric to feed evenly through the machine is a nightmare, especially for lightweight or heavier fabrics such has denim, and the bobbin often doesn’t wind with the proper tension (I’ve wasted so much thread fighting with this).
I’ve been sewing for almost 40 years and have used a number of different machines. Of the ones that I’ve used, this has been the most expensive and the one I have liked the least. I would never recommend it to anyone. I plan to get rid of it and find something I like better.