Janome 134 RF is not really ideal for beginners. A bit more features would have made it more competitive. Not a big deal as it is discontinued.

Janome 134 RF Main Features

• 12 built-in stitches
• Free arm

Janome 134 RF Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : LOW

134 RF is a pretty old model from Janome. I think it is discontinued. Refurbished machines are still available in U.S. The machine has 12 built-in stitches and a 4-step buttonhole. Beginners won’t be that excited to see a 4-step buttonhole. There is no point in asking Janome to come up with a 1-step buttonhole as the machine is already discontinued. The bobbin is front loading and not drop-in type. This is another feature that won’t appeal to beginners. Janome 134 RF comes with a snap-on presser feet, which makes it very easy to change the feet. Stitch selection is done with the help of dials. The maximum stitch width is 5mm and stitch length is 4mm. The machine can be converted into free arm as well.

Usability

The stitch quality is reasonable for a low cost sewing machine. Some of its features are not really ideal for beginners, which is kind of a disadvantage. It doesn’t feature an automatic needle threader, which is default on all modern sewing machines.

Is It Worth Buying ?

If you can get Janome 134 RF for a really low price, it won’t be a bad idea to buy it. But I am always a bit reluctant to buy refurbished machines as you are not sure what condition it is in. So you are the one to decide.

If you are looking for alternatives, the best one I can suggest is the Brother XL2600I. It is way more advanced in features and the price is very similar to that of the price of refurbished Janome 134 RF. XL2600I is called the King Of Inexpensive sewing machines. It comes with 25 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, 1-step buttonhole, drop-in bobbin etc.