Review of Janome DC3018 Sewing Machine

The Janome DC3018 is one of Janome's lower end computerized sewing machines. It features 18 stitches, including 3 buttonholes (and a fully automatic buttonhole sensor) and several stretch stitches. Along with the usual straight stitch and zig-zag stitch, it includes a three-step zig-zag stitch, a triple stitch, and a blind hem stitch, making this sewing machine great for sewing on knit fabrics and simple tailoring projects

In addition, the Janome DC3018 sewing machine has an up/down needle position button which allows the user to stop the machine with the needle down or up. Stopping with the needle the down position is convenient for sewing tight corners or projects that require the sewer to ease in fabric for gathering. Stopping with the needle in the up position means that the sewer uses the manual side wheel on the machine less than on a traditional sewing machine.

One of the nicest features of the Janome DC3018 is the speed control slider. The sewer can set the slider on the lowest speed for slow, controlled stitches. This speed control is great for new sewers because there is no way to accidentally go too fast by pressing the foot pedal down too far. More experienced sewers can set the speed control on the fastest setting and still control the stitching speed with the foot pedal.

Another great feature of this machine is the built-in needle threader. Just pull down on the lever, run the thread through the guides, and let go. The needle threader on the Janome DC3018 sewing machine threads the machine for you without having to go through the painstaking process of threading a tiny needle.

If you are new to computerized machines, the computerized stitch selector on the Janome DC3018 may take some getting used to. The first step is to select one of the 18 available stitches by number. Then the sewing machine allows the user to select the stitch width by pressing the width button and the stitch length by pressing the length button. There are no dials to turn on this machine - everything is done by computer.

Finally, the Janome DC3018 includes the Janome SFS (superior feed system). Janome brags that with the SFS you can sew through multiple layers of even the thickest, toughest fabric, and so far the SFS on my Janome DC3018 has lived up to the hype. The sewing machine rarely skips stitches and the fabric feeds through easily without clogging in the bobbin.

The Janome DC3018 is a solid performing computerized sewing machine that is sure to get you through almost any sewing project. While it may have fewer stitches and fancy features than higher priced machine, the Janome DC3018 is a workhorse and well worth the moderate price.