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Janome New Home 2206 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since Janome New Home 2206 is no longer manufactured, we have added some alternatives such as Singer 4432, Singer Making The Cut, Brother XM2701, that are closest to the Janome New Home 2206.
During a visit to Stuart Sew and Vac in Jensen Beach, Florida, I reviewed a Janome/New Home 2206. When I learned to sew, my mother owned a New Home sewing machine from the late 1940s. After I left home, she continued to sew on it for the remainder of her life. I had always known that Janome was the new New Home, had read about the buy out, had read about new sewing machines that actually bear the Janome/New Home label, but this was the first time I actually had an opportunity to review one.
This machine in question is a basic, mechanical sewing machine that lives up to both the New Home and Janome brand names.
Janome New Home 2206 – Product Summary
The Janome New Home 2206 is a basic sewing machine that is perfect for beginners. It has 16 built-in stitches, including a four-step buttonhole, as well as a variety of sewing functions, such as a needle up/down button, a thread cutter, and a reverse stitch. The machine also has a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves, and a drop feed for sewing thick fabrics.
The Janome New Home 2206 is easy to use and has a simple design. It is a good value for the price and is a good choice for sewers who are looking for a basic machine to get started with.
Janome New Home 2206 is no longer in production. We recommend you to try out other alternatives listed in this post.
The first thing I noticed on the Janome 2206 was actually the words ‘New Home’ in smaller letters beneath the word ‘Janome’.
Seeing that familiar name was somehow comforting to me because it took me back to the days of sewing on my mother’s all metal single stitch only sewing machine with the oddly shaped bobbin and casing.
Rather than the old familiar black sewing machine with its heavy wooden case and stationery presser foot, the Janome 2206 has snap on presser feet, a stitch selection dial and a display of all the available stitches. Like my mother’s old New Home, the stitch selections are limited, and the Janome 2206 can’t do nearly as much as the other sewing machines that bear the Janome name. It does, however, have a large reverse stitch button, seam guides etched on both sides of the needle late, a free arm, drop feed and a front loading bobbin.
Janome New Home 2206 – Product Features
- Front loading bobbin
- 6 utility stitches
- 4-step buttonhole
- Free arm
- Folding carry handle
- Maximum speed 860 stitches per minute
- Dial stitch selection
- Manual tension control
- Drop feed dog
- Snap-on presser feet
- On board thread cutter
- Two retractable spool pins
- Incandescent lamp
- Push-pull bobbin winder
What are some alternatives to the Janome New Home 2206?
Mechanical Home Sewing Machines is the most frequently bought category in the sewing marketplace. Most sewing machine brands, if not all, have a line of home sewing machines. Janome alongside other popular sewing machine brands such as Singer, Brother, etc., have some really well-selling home sewing machines that can be alternatives for the Janome New Home 2206.
Experience the power of the Singer Heavy-Duty 4432 sewing machine, designed for lasting durability with its heavy-duty metal frame. This versatile machine offers 110 stitch applications, from basic to decorative, conveniently displayed on the user-friendly Stitch Selector Dial. Benefit from features like automatic one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, and enhanced piercing power for sewing through multiple layers. With a faster motor, it sews up to 1,100 stitches per minute, making it ideal for larger projects. Explore creativity effortlessly with the Singer 4432, equipped with top-notch features for sewing enthusiasts.
The Singer M3330 Making the Cut Sewing Machine, featured on Amazon Prime's MAKING THE CUT, is the machine you might want to add to your sewing room if you're searching for a reasonably priced sewing machine with enough capabilities for beginners who want to learn how to sew and for advanced sewers who want to make a variety of sewing projects. This machine offers 97 stitch applications, adjustable stitch options, a built-in needle threader and a built-in cutter for efficiency, and "Making the Cut" technology for unique designs. Its one-step buttonhole, LED lighting, and durable metal frame make it perfect for quilting, garment making, and DIY projects. The included essentials make it ideal for project kick-starts.
- Offers 97 stitch applications, suitable for various fabrics and sewing projects
- Full metal frame ensures long-lasting performance, providing stability during use
- Built-in needle threader and one-step buttonhole simplify the sewing process
- Long-lasting LED lighting provides bright, cool-to-touch illumination for precise work
- You won't be able to use this basic sewing machine, if you're a top-tier professional, to work on complex sewing jobs
Surprisingly economical, the Brother XM2701 is a mechanical sewing machine that is both intuitive enough for novices to build confidence and skill and versatile enough to tackle more complex projects as the sewer's skills advance. With 27 built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, and a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, it caters to a range of everyday projects. The included accessories and 25-year warranty enhance its value. Surprisingly sophisticated for its price, this machine offers a wealth of features and a lifespan measured in years, while having the benefit of unlimited assistance with Brother's At Your Side support.
- Designed for a broad range of users, including beginners and advanced sewers
- 27 built-in stitches and multiple accessories cater to a variety of sewing projects
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin enhance ease of use
- Backed by a 25-year limited warranty and Brother's At Your Side support for technical assistance
- It offers fewer built-in stitches compared to some other models
- While great for portability, it may vibrate more during heavy-duty sewing tasks
Working on the Janome New Home 2206
When winding the bobbin and threading the Janome/New Home 2206, I was pleased to discover how fast and easy it is; so easy, in fact, that I could see a child as young as six or seven doing it with no difficulty at all. To wind the bobbin, pull the hand wheel out until it snaps and then pop it back into place once the bobbin is wound. Threading the Janome/New Home 2206 is just as simple because of the easy to follow on board threading guide.
Selecting the stitch options is also as easy as pie. My only criticism is that there is no way to adjust the stitch length or width.
Although the stitch selection guide goes from A through G – a total of seven if you transfer the letters to numbers, there are really just six stitch options plus one four step buttonhole. The stitch options are limited to the preset length and width settings built into the machine. Take a close look at the guide and you will see that the letter A is assigned to three straight stitches, each one a different length and in a different needle position and option C is repeated, but with two different length and width settings. Although the stitch options are few and there is no way to control the actual length and width of the stitches, the quality of those stitches cannot be matched. The stitches produced by the Janome 2206 can stand up to the stitches produced by any other sewing machine on the planet and win or at the very least be equal in quality, definition, formation and durability.
What fabrics work with Janome New Home 2206?
| 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 Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) |
What accessories come with the Janome New Home 2206?
- 4 snap on presser feet
- Zipper
- Buttonhole
- Blind hem
- Seam ripper
- Spare needles
- Bobbins (3)
- Screwdriver
- Dust cover (optional)
How to maintain and take care of the Janome New Home 2206?
| 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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Summary: Janome New Home 2206 review
To conclude my review, the Janome/New Home 2206 is what I like to call a ‘bridge’ machine. It is a bridge between the old New Home brand and the new parent company, Janome. For people like me who have fond memories of sewing machines bearing the New Home brand name, just looking at this machine is a confirmation that it is a durable machine with superior workmanship and excellent stitch quality.
Operating it is so easy, I have no doubt any child who is learning to read can learn to operate this machine. Unlike my mother’s New Home, the Janome/New Home has a free arm, a front loading bobbin and instead of the metal cover plate, the drop feed control is located inside the bobbin cover door. In my opinion, this is not conducive to efficient sewing, but we can’t have everything, can we?
The Janome/New Home 2206 is also a great choice for the intermediate home sewer of the person with advanced sewing skills who has no need for lots and lots of decorative stitches or many of the advanced features that are available on electronic and computerized sewing machines.
For example, people who sew primarily home décor items like curtains, pillow covers and slipcovers could very well be extremely happy with this simple, basic mechanical sewing machine. It could also be a viable alternative for anyone who focuses their sewing skills on tailoring projects, simple clothing construction or making simple accessories like belts, scarves, small tote bags or purses.
The Janome/New Home 2206 has been retired. This just means that they are no longer being manufactured. If you are in the market for a basic mechanical sewing machine and have no reservations about purchasing a retired machine on which you can still get a full factory warranty, the Janome/New Home 2206 might be the perfect addition for your own sewing room.
Janome New Home 2206 Review
Summary
The Janome/New Home 2206 is a basic, mechanical sewing machine that is a good value for the price. It is easy to use and operate, making it a good choice for beginners and intermediate sewers. The machine has 12 built-in stitches, including a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and a buttonhole stitch. It also has a reverse stitch button for backstitching. The Janome/New Home 2206 is a durable machine with superior workmanship and excellent stitch quality. It is a good choice for sewers who are looking for a basic machine to get started with or for sewers who want a simple, reliable machine for everyday sewing tasks.
However, it is no longer manufactured. We recommend you to try other alternative products listed in this post.
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For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
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